New Jersey News
THE NEW JERSEY STATE ORG. - DELTA KAPPA GAMMA SOCIETY INTL.
Winter/Spring 2023
FROM THE DESK OF Dr. Nora Pollard, DKGNJ PRESIDENT
As the second year of my biennium as DKGNJ President reaches its midpoint, I am excited to say that DKGNJ Convention 2023 will once again be an in-person event. The behind-the-scenes work has been ongoing with our Convention Chair Carol Schwartz, Convention Facility Coordinator Sue Davis; and Convention Registrar Jan Paxton hard at work preparing for us to all arrive at the Doubletree Hotel and Conference Center on Friday, March 24th to enjoy a weekend of fellowship, learning, and, of course, to do the business of the society. From the convention surveys that were emailed to all members last year, we learned that the primary reason our members attend the convention is for camaraderie and fellowship. To allow more time for fellowship, the executive committee has decided not to invite a keynote speaker or a guest from International Headquarters. These omissions to the program will provide ample time for old friendships to be renewed and for new friendships to blossom.
First Vice President Irene Maskaly and the Program Planning Committee have created a program that proves to be interesting and informative. From book discussions to wellness and stress reduction to scrapbooking and music, there will be opportunities for all members to learn something new. The details about the workshops can be found in this newsletter. Be sure to register early as some of the sessions will have limited seating. Speaking of music, the chorus under the direction of Dr. Diana Dohrmann will once again perform during the Saturday evening banquet. Hearing the sweet sounds of music from our multi-talented members will be a welcome addition to the convention this year.
Four important parts of society business will take place at the DKGNJ state convention this year. First, we will meet and induct new members into the society on Saturday. Attending the convention will give you the opportunity to meet and greet the newcomers. We will also honor our members who have passed away since our last convention during the Celebration of Life on Sunday morning. At the business meeting on Saturday morning, we will hear the slate of officers for the 2023-2025 biennium; voting will take place at that time. Finally, at the banquet on Saturday evening, we will induct the new officers.
Summer will arrive quickly after our state convention in March, and we don’t want to forget about the international conferences in July. Conferences this summer will be in Arizona, Michigan, and Finland. Corresponding Secretary Gail Starr will be researching locations for a Jersey Girls dinner in Arizona and Michigan. If you plan to attend one of those conferences, please let Gail know for a preliminary head count (this will not be an obligation to attend but the information will help her in researching places and prices). Attending an international conference in Finland could also be an exciting way to visit another country. For more information about any of the conferences, visit the DKG International website.
Wishing everyone a healthy year and looking forward to seeing many of you in March!
2023 Convention Offerings
Irene Maskaly, First Vice President, Program Planning/EEC
The Program Planning Committee selected an outstanding variety of workshop presentations for the 2023 DKGNJ Convention that includes something for everyone. While there are two book discussion workshops being offered, we ask that you only register for one so that more members can be accommodated. The earlier you register, the better chance you have of getting your first choice for workshops. Please be sure to take the time to complete the workshop evaluations that will be available online. The information you provided in previous years was instrumental in helping us plan this year’s convention. We thank you in advance for all your suggestions and recommendations.
Saturday Morning 10:30 – 11:45
Preserving Memories Through Scrapbooking
Presenter: Christine Musick (Nu)
Workshop Description: Starting in the United Kingdom in the 19th century, scrapbooking is a method of preserving, presenting, and arranging personal and family history in the form of a book, box, or card. Typical memorabilia include photographs, printed media, and artwork, often decorated and frequently contain extensive journal entries or written descriptions.
Participants will learn current techniques and strategies for scrapbooking and should be prepared to create a double-page layout bringing 9 - 12 photos.
Tape runners and personal paper cutters would be helpful, but not necessary to bring.
This workshop is limited to 24 participants.
Target Audience: All
Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle. A book club discussion aimed at professional women Presenters: Lisa Hirkaler, NBCT, and Peggy Stewart, NBCT, NJ Teacher of the Year (Epsilon)
Workshop Description: Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle (Ballantine, 2019), is a book by Emily and Amelia Nagoski, two young professional sisters with advanced degrees in the arts and sciences. This session will encourage active engagement by participants in a safe comfortable environment. Members will discuss the book, guided by the PDF questions offered by the authors, and share our findings. Burnout examines issues that relate to our existence as professional women, feminist stances, stress in the workplace, sleep, the impact of being a woman on teaching, and men in the workplace. The goal of this book talk is to share resources the book offers for reducing stress, but also to draw on the collective intelligence of the assembled women. These NY Times award-winning authors are witty, and engaging, and offer scientific data to aid in alleviating stress or burnout. They are candid and fresh as self-help authors. However, this book offers several key tips to help with Burnout for women in the workplace, and combined with the experience of our participants, can be materially helpful.
Target Audience: All
A History of Women in America
Presenter: Deborah Hoeflinger (Alpha)
Workshop Description: In this workshop participants will explore how women’s roles have changed throughout our history, starting with the colonial period and reaching to the present day.
Target audience: All
Education in Perú - My Experience, Takeaways, and Advice
Presenter: Jillian Bandel (Epsilon)
Workshop Description: At this workshop, the presenter will share her experience teaching English in a remote town an hour outside the main city of Cusco, Peru. The aim of this presentation is to bring to light the extreme inequities in the Peruvian school system - such as the lack of support for students with special needs/IEPs/504s, a lack of resources, and the inconsistent education that students receive - while bringing to the table a capacity lens. The presenter focuses on how we can be better global educators, how to help developing countries without diminishing them, and what strong and beautiful communities come from their situations.
In this presentation, Ms. Bandel will discuss what a white savior complex is, how English is a colonizing language and the harm/benefits that it can do to these remote communities, and how we in the United States need to advocate for ‘‘translanguaging’’ in the classrooms and demolish the “English only” idea mindsets. Ms. Bandel states, “My goal is not just to share my students’ stories, but to change people’s perspectives on language education as a whole.” Target Audience: All
Book Discussion: The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes Discussion Leader: Sharon Gardner (Iota) Workshop Description: Open Discussion Format: Set in a small Kentucky town in Depression-era America, the novel details the lives of five women who become traveling librarians, delivering books to the people of Kentucky. The story follows Alice Wright, a British
woman, who moves after marrying the Kentucky native Bennett Van Cleve. The Giver of Stars is a lesson in valuing our connection with others and finding love in the most unexpected of places. Based on the real-life stories of the WPA Packhorse Librarians. Target Audience: All
Saturday Afternoon 2:30-3:45
Restoring Balance: Utilizing Nature’s Medicine (Plants, Herbs, and Essential Oils) to Support Your Health
Presenter: Dr. Pamela Albert Devine (Mu) Workshop Description: With the trials, shocks, and challenges each of us faces in our everyday lives, mental/emotional and physical blockages and misalignments arise in our lives. This combined with the hectic pace of life serves to pull us further, and further from our own natural state of balance. Most of us long for a connection, to nature, to others, and most especially to our own, true and deepest understanding of ourselves. This is why cultivating our connection to plants and nature is so important.
The plant-human connection helps keep us grounded, balanced, and in touch with our true selves and creates an environment for healing to take place. To receive the benefits of this workshop one does not need to be knowledgeable about plants or nature. Coming with an open mind and a desire to connect more fully with oneself is all that is necessary.
Participants will have an opportunity to add things to their “Nature Toolbox” using plants, herbs, and essential oils from both their gardens and form the forest. Inspired by nature, guided by science, and sprinkled with some DIY “tricks,” participants will reconnect with nature and most importantly find alternatives to traditional medicines.
Target Audience: All
Meet, Greet and Share Presenter: Laura Perrius (Alpha)
Workshop Description: This interactive workshop will provide an opportunity for active and retired teachers to share their favorite learning activities, demonstrating strategies that succeed in achieving learning that’s fun and memorable. I plan to implement this using personal strategies that have worked successfully in the classroom. Target Audience: All
Appalachian Music - Dulcimers, Psalteries, and more! Presenter: Joy Allen (Epsilon)
Workshop Description: Learn more about Appalachian folk music and its roots, the instruments used, the people of the mountains, and how songs were handed down from generation to generation. See how a “retirement hobby” can open up a whole new world! Listen to performances on various dulcimers, psalteries, and ban-jammers, and maybe even sing along to a few old-time, foot-stomping mountain tunes! Target Audience: All
Maintaining the History of Your Chapter Presenter: Puddy Flynn and PJ Madreperl (Mu)
Workshop Description: Each DKG Chapter in New Jersey has been in existence for decades. During that time, the Chapter has accumulated a wide range of information. These include business records, presentations, scrapbooks, photographs, awards, and a whole host of other materials. What do we save? How long do we save it? Do we need help storing those materials? How do we keep track of the history of our membership? We will discuss appropriate record keeping including what records each Chapter needs to have in its files and how many years they are required to keep these records. We’ll talk about the items specific to the Chapter – presentations, brochures, scrapbooks, photos, framed materials, etc. Does sentiment prevent us from consolidating? As state Historians, we have seen how many chapters have questions about the best way to preserve their chapter’s history. This workshop will provide a template for new chapter historians to begin the process and share examples of innovative methods used by other chapters for accomplishing this task. Target Audience: All
Book Discussion: The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel Presenter: Wilhemina Bryant (Lambda)
Workshop Description: Open Discussion Format: Inspired by true stories from WWII, a young Jewish woman who flees Paris with her mother after the arrest of her father finds herself committing to a forgery ring whose primary goal is to create documents that will help hundreds of Jewish children flee the Nazis.
Target Audience: All
Meet The Proposed Officers for DKGNJ 2023-2025
The Nominations Committee is excited to present the following slate of nominees.
Nominee for President
Irene Maskaly (Iota) has been nominated for the position of president of DGKNJ. Since her initiation in 2010, Maskaly has served DKG on many levels. On the state level, she currently serves as the first vice president and has also served as the second vice president, corresponding secretary, chair of the EEC committee, and co-chair of Rules and Bylaws. Within Iota chapter, Maskaly has served as President, Treasurer, and on various committees. Internationally, she has served on the Arts and Humanities Jury and is currently the chair of that committee.
Maskaly was an instructor of the visual arts at Sterling High School in Somerdale for 33 years where she was Educator of the Year in 2003. She served as a docent at Rockwood Museum in Wilmington, DE, and was also the admissions manager for Hussain College upon retiring from teaching in 2016. Maskaly wrote: “The challenges set before us these past few years have strengthened our resolve to move this society forward using technology in creative ways that we never could have imagined a few years ago. Every new challenge gives one the opportunity to grow, learn, share, and inspire others with our newfound success. The women of DKG International have raised the bar for future inductees with their creative techniques to learn, connect and communicate our mission: To promote the professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education. Moving forward, I feel our goal as society leaders are to identify and support our member's wants and needs in and out of the workplace as well as creatively think of ways to retain and gain new members.”
Nominee for First Vice President
Cathy Fortunato (Lambda) is the nominee for the position of first vice president. Within the Lambda chapter, Fortunato has served as president, recording, and corresponding secretary, and on a variety of committees. On a state level, she is currently a co-chair of the Rules and Bylaws Committee.
Cathy retired after teaching math for 36 years at Somerset County Vocational and Technical High School, having been recognized as Teacher of the Year. Within her community, she is a member of her church rosary alter society ministry and served as the secretary and committee chairperson for Scouting for Food for the Cub and Boy Scouts of America.
Cathy shared that during her tenure as Lambda Chapter President, she “was able to work with remarkable and visionary women educators. With strategic goals set, it was an enjoyable and exceptional biennium. Organization and clear communication set the foundations for success. Maintaining a listening ear set the achievement of goals. We forged ahead with creating a new chapter website, awarding new female educators with financial help, adding a new position of a fundraiser chairmanship to support service projects designed to financially help an educator in Africa as well as a community food pantry, coordinating opportunities to attend varied educational programs with guest speakers, and offering social events. The keyword aforementioned is “we.” The sisters in the chapter were the keys to success. My sisters amaze me. As a leader, you can see the whole picture and facilitate your sisters’ contributions. I want to continue to connect with our sisters on the state level and accomplish new goals in line with the state leadership team.
Nominee for Second Vice-President
Diane Roberts (Omicron) is DKGNJ’s nominee for the office of second vice president. She currently serves as our DKGNJ Yearbook/Directory Chair. Within her chapter, she served two consecutive biennia as chapter president, served as their newsletter editor, and has served on the finance, nominations, communications, and yearbook committees. She has received recognition and numerous awards, including the Rose and Key award from her chapter, and the NEWEST Honors Teacher Award, and was a finalist in the Keep America Beautiful, Inc. contest for recycling. Roberts was a journalism and Spanish major, obtaining certificates as an elementary teacher and a teacher of Spanish. Additionally, she is the pianist and trumpeter at her church and is a member of the Riddlesbrood Touring Theater Troupe.
In her application, she wrote “The confidence placed in me, and the encouragement to step into my past 4-year position as Omicron’s Chapter President has aided my growth in leadership. I leap-frogged into this position without having served in any other Omicron Officer position. I learned a lot and was able to steer our chapter through some very tense times. I was very active in seeking out new members for our chapter through personal invitations and mailing approximately 42 invitation letters to teachers of the year. Not all these efforts bore fruit, but I believe we need to attract new key women educators to keep DKG alive.
Further encouragement from within my chapter and elsewhere has prompted me to consider serving at the state level. This opportunity to serve as 2nd vice president would allow me to network with many wonderful women educators and to help generate ideas and actions to serve current members and hopefully grow the DKGNJ organization so that it remains strong into future years.”
Nominee Recording Secretary
The DKGNJ nominee for recording secretary is Chris Musick (Nu). On a state level, Chris is currently the State Motivator and a tri-chair of the Induction Committee. Additionally, she served as SAP co-chair, put together an amazing President’s book during COVID, and is a proofreader for the minutes of the state meetings. Within her chapter, Musick has served as president, first vice-president, second vice-president, parliamentarian, and on a variety of committees including SAP, rules and by-laws, and yearbook. She is certified in both mathematics and special education and is currently a math teacher at Shawnee High School in Medford, where she served as department coordinator. Additionally, she is an adjunct professor at Camden County Community College. She has received the Rose Award from Nu Chapter and was named Sylvan Learning Center Educational Director of the Year.
In her application, she stated “I am interested in applying for a position in the state organization of Delta Kappa Gamma because I feel strongly that those who can serve should serve. I enjoy positions of leadership and have shown my ability to lead on the chapter level as Chapter President as well as serving as 1st VP, 2nd VP, and chairperson on numerous committees. I have served on various committees at the state level including proofreading state minutes, induction and co-chairing the President’s record book. I believe I have and will continue to make a difference. “
Nominee for Corresponding Secretary
Luella Vengenock (Beta) is the nominee for the position of DKGNJ's corresponding secretary. On a state level, she is a co-chair of the Special Awards committee. Within her chapter, Vengenock has served as president, first vice-president, and second vice-president, and has served on the membership and awards committees. Vengenock has attended state, regional, and international DKG conventions. She was a teacher in Alloway Township School District for 35 years where she was a Teacher of the Year, was a two-time finalist for the Presidential Award in Math and Science, and received the Audrey Brainard Science Award.
In her application, Vengenock wrote “I would be honored to serve on the Executive Committee of DKGNJ. I have been a member of the Beta Chapter for 17 years. As soon as I was initiated, I jumped right in to do whatever was needed in my chapter. In her 4th year in I was 1st VP and by my 5th year, I was President. I served for 2 terms as President because I needed time to implement new programs into our chapter. I stepped down as President but stepped into 1st VP, a position I have held for 7+ years. I am also the Awards Chair and Membership Chair. I have presented many programs in my chapter, at our state convention, and even at our Regional Convention in Vermont. I have attended every State Convention since I was inducted and have attended International Conventions in Nashville and New Orleans. I feel very strongly about the purposes of our DKGNJ. I think I would be a positive asset to the DKGNJ Executive Committee.”
Nominee for Nominations Chair
The DKGNJ nominee for nominations chair is Mary Lou LeCompte (Lambda). On a state level, she was Installation Chair for six years and is currently keeping the state president’s book. Within her chapter, LeCompte has served as president, membership chair, and nominations/installation chair. She is a retired elementary and basic skills teacher from Woodbridge Township School District where she taught for 36 years. She has served as VP for the Woodbridge Township Retired Educators and membership chair. LeCompte has driven all over the country traveling to the state, regional, and international conventions and conferences of Delta Kappa Gamma.
In her application, LeCompte wrote “I have been a member of DKG for 40 years. Within my chapter, I have held the positions of president, membership, and nominations chair in addition to serving on various state committees. Having attended many regional and international conventions, I feel I know many DKGNJ members which would enable me to connect with members as nominations chair. I would be honored to hold this position.”
Convention 2023 Information!
DKGNJ Convention 2023 – March 24-26, 2023
Everything you need to know is on the DKGNJ website at https://www.dkgnj.org/nj-state-convention.html.
Please do not register by mail if it is at all possible for you to be registered online.
You MUST use the DKG Hilton link on the convention website or call the Somerset doubletree directly at 732.469.2600 ( mention DKG) to get the free breakfast included in your room rate. If you use 1 800 Hilton or the Hilton website you will not get free breakfast nor will your room count in our Quota. Make your reservation no later than March 3rd, 2023, and ask for the reservations in the Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG) 2023 room block to ensure attaining the group rate.
First, check out the meal offerings. Please check the menus carefully. If you have an allergy or a special need that is not met by one of the menu items (there are vegan and gluten-free options for all of the meals), please detail your need on your registration.
Gluten-free and diabetic desserts are available but must be requested on your registration form. They will be the chef's choice at the convention. All costs are inclusive of tax and service charges. Please remember that the price includes the banquet service and the tip you would normally leave, as well as the use of the ballroom.
Friday • Ice-cream Social - In Ballroom West, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm (no charge)
Ice Cream Sunday Bar
Vanilla, Chocolate
Sugar- Free Ice-cream
Vanilla
Toppings
Warm Fudge, Caramel Sauce, Whipped Cream, Chopped Walnuts, Chocolate
Chips, Sprinkles, Bananas, Strawberry Toppings, and Cherries
Milk & Cookies
Assorted Deluxe Cookies
Including Sugar-Free & Gluten Free
Our Famous DoubleTree Cookie.
Coffee Station
Whole and Skim Milk
Seattle’s Best Coffee and a Selection of Tazo Teas
Saturday Birthday Luncheon – Noon in the ballroom ($46, presenters and inductees, no charge)
Main Course Salad
Field Greens, Cucumbers,
Cherry Tomatoes, Sliced Almonds, Gruyere
Cheese, Strawberries.
Choice of Thin Sliced Chicken Breast or Tofu.
Raspberry Vinaigrette, Creamy Ranch & Oil & Vinegar on the side.
Rolls.
Dessert: Chocolate cake & Gluten Free & Sugar-Free options upon request.
Fruit cup.
Saturday Awards Banquet ($66 for everyone)
Salad: Mixed Greens with Citrus Dressing & Oil & Vinegar on the side.
Rolls.
Main Course:
Protein Choices:
Salmon with a Dill Sauce on the side
Grilled Portobello Sauce on the side (VEGAN)
Vegetable Strudel (VEGETARIAN)
Served with baked potatoes with sour cream & butter on the side.
Chef Choice vegetables.
Dessert: Cheesecake with Strawberry sauce on the side
Gluten-Free Cheesecake & Sugar-Free Chocolate Dessert options upon request
Now check the workshops (detailed descriptions are on the website and in the newsletter):
Saturday Morning 10:30 – 11:45
Preserving Memories Through Scrapbooking (limited to 24 participants)
Presenter: Christine Musick (Nu)
Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle. A book club discussion aimed at professional women Presenters: Lisa Hirkaler, NBCT, and Peggy Stewart, NBCT, NJ Teacher of the Year (Epsilon)
A History of Women in America
Presenter: Deborah Hoeflinger (Alpha)
Education in Perú - My Experience, Takeaways, and Advice
Presenter: Jillian Bandel (Epsilon)
Book Discussion: The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes Discussion Leader: Sharon Gardner (Iota)
Saturday Afternoon 2:30-3:45
Restoring Balance: Utilizing Nature’s Medicine (Plants, Herbs, and Essential Oils) to Support Your Health
Presenter: Dr. Pamela Albert Devine (Mu)
Meet, Greet, and Share
Presenter: Laura Perrius (Alpha)Appalachian Music - Dulcimers, Psalteries, and more! Presenter: Joy Allen (Epsilon)
Maintaining the History of Your Chapter
Presenter: Puddy Flynn and PJ Madreperl (Mu)Book Discussion: The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel
Presenter: Wilhemina Bryant (Lambda)
Fill out your registration form or have a friend do it for you.
Registration for all attending convention:
Register with DKGNJ to participate in the convention.
Online - fill out the Google form and then come back to this web page https://www.dkgnj.org/dkgnj-convention-payment.html to make your payment or snail mail your check (see below).
Snail mail - Print out and fill out the attached form. Please use this option only for someone who is unable to register or be registered online.
Note: If you can't attend the convention but want to come just for the Induction or the Celebration of Life (one of these), use the Special Insurance Registration https://forms.gle/eQW4KBu1C5uWCJPv5
Payment :
The registration fee for DKGNJ Convention 2022 is $60.00, $70 for commuters, and late registrations (after March 3 will be $10 more). Special Insurance registration is $10.
Payment Instructions
Mail a check- You need to pay $60 ($70 for commuters) for registration (yes, everyone!) and then whatever meals you choose (luncheon $46, banquet $66. Add the $60 (or $70) and write a check. Make checks payable to DKGNJ Convention and mail to Jan Paxton, 11 Fine Road, High Bridge, NJ 08829. Don't use the buttons on the website if you are paying by check.
Please calculate the amount for your check!. Do not use the amount on the online payment button! ($60+46 + 66 =$172)
OR
Pay online - https://www.dkgnj.org/dkgnj-convention-payment.html
The credit card fees will be added into the price.
Confirmation:
Online registration - Fill out the whole form, all the way to the end and hit "Submit". A "Thank you" page appears: "your information has been recorded"
If not, go back, complete the entire form, and hit the "submit" button again! You will receive a copy of your form in your email (check your spam folder)
After payment is recorded, an email will be sent by registrar Jan Paxton confirming payment.
If you never get any confirmation of any kind from Jan Paxton, you are not registered! If you think you registered, please contact Jan at alphazetastate@dkgnj.org or 201-851-1428 sooner rather than later to make sure that you are registered!
Deadlines:
Registration and payment must be received by March 03, 2023. If your registration is late, there will be a $10 late fee, workshops may be full, there can be no refunds, and you may not be seated with your chapter or even able to register for a meal (the hotel has a firm final meal count of March 10). If you register online, a check for payment may arrive to Jan later than March 3 with no penalty. If you register by snail mail, the postmark must be March 3 or earlier or you are Late!
News from the Finance Committee
At the January 7th State Zoom Meeting, the Executive Board voted to adopt the budget for 2023-24...yes...next year’s budget! Committee Chairs should be aware of the line-item amount that is associated with their respective committees. This document can be viewed and printed from the link below.
Also, there is a link to the newest Designated Fund Sheet. As I stated in my report at the Zoom meeting, a discrepancy was found with the balances previously reported at the September 2022 meeting. Those balances have since been corrected and are now in line with the total in the Savings Account.
As always, if you should have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to call or email me.
Gail Griffin
Finance Committee Chair
2021-23
Special Awards & Honors
Dedicated Service Award
As you all know by now Roxanne Adinalfi from Sigma Chapter was the
winner of the 2022 Dedicated Service Award. Roxanne has been a
dedicated educator for so many years as well as a member of her chapter
and the state in many positions. She has been spreading her enthusiasm and
collaboration in many areas. We were so happy to have her attend the convention
and receive this well-deserved award. Congratulations Roxanne!!!
FYI!
DKG is accepting ads for the 2023 summer conferences. State organizations, chapters, members, vendors, and more are invited to place an ad in the conference program book of your choice. Submission details are included on the DKG Ad Form Linked below.
Detroit, Michigan - July 11-16, 2023
Phoenix, Arizona - July 18-22, 2023
Tampere, Finland - July 26-29, 2023
Ad Deadline: April 15, 2023
Connect With Me!
My email is below.
Email: liebermandkg@gmail.com
Twitter: @HeatherLieberm2