Newspaper Articles
Alpha Beta Meeting, March 23, 2024
Alpha Beta Members Enjoy Book Discussion
Alpha Beta Chapter met at the Maple Lawn Social Center in Eureka on March 23. Carol Hughes led the discussion of The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave. All agreed that it was a captivating mystery. Owen smuggles a note to Hannah, his wife of one year, which says, “Protect her”. Despite her confusion and fear, Hannah knows the note refers to his daughter Bailey whose mother died when she was a small child, but Bailey wants nothing to do with her stepmother.
As Hannah keeps calling her husband with no answer, Owen’s boss is arrested, a US Marshal shows up, and federal agents arrive. Then she realizes Owen isn’t who he said he was. Author Dave reveals clues at a brisk pace. Hannah takes Bailey to Austin where together they seek to unravel Owen’s past and begin to realize they need each other. Readers want to keep reading and find out how the mystery involving Owen is going to be solved.
Pres. Marcia Wahls congratulated Sara Kaufman for receiving the 2024 Mary Lou and Keith Hauge Retired Award as IEA Member of the Year for her leadership and service at the IEA Representative Assembly.
Corresponding Secretary Jan Liston reported that many thank you notes have been received from the organizations and endeavors that the chapter supports with contributions.
Louann Harms asked members to distribute applications for the $100 Early Career Teacher grants that are awarded at the May meeting. She also shared that four high school senior women wanting to be teachers have applied for the Alpha Beta Grant of $300, and one has been selected to receive the grant at the May meeting.
The Illinois Women in the Arts Committee is having a virtual, live auction on April 10 from 6:30-8 pm. Alpha Beta is donating three items of varying quantities from the Olive Bin located at College and Towanda in Bloomington-Normal.
The Illinois State Convention via Zoom will take place at different times on April 17, 18, 19, 20, and the morning of April 21. The novel The Last Thing He Told Me will be discussed on the evening of April 19.
Officers who will serve for the 2024-26 biennium are as follows: President – Louann Harms (Fairbury), 1st Co-Vice-Presidents – Marcia Wahls (Chenoa) and Jan Liston (Bloomington), 2nd Vice President – Carol Hughes (Eureka), Recording Secretary – Lou Ann Jacobs (Bloomington), and Treasurer – Janet Kilgus (Fairbury).
The next meeting will be held on May 7 at the Chenoa United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall with dinner at 5:30 pm. Featured will be the recipients of chapter grants, convention reports, and installation of officers.
The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International (DKG) and Illinois State Organization promote professional and personal growth and excellence in education. The Society has chapters in 17 countries and provides grants for educational projects, scholarships, leadership training, mentoring, and global networking opportunities. For more information, visit DKGIL.COM or DKG.ORG.
Photo: Carol Hughes discusses The Last Thing He Told Me with members.
Alpha Beta Chapter met at the Maple Lawn Social Center in Eureka on March 23. Carol Hughes led the discussion of The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave. All agreed that it was a captivating mystery. Owen smuggles a note to Hannah, his wife of one year, which says, “Protect her”. Despite her confusion and fear, Hannah knows the note refers to his daughter Bailey whose mother died when she was a small child, but Bailey wants nothing to do with her stepmother.
As Hannah keeps calling her husband with no answer, Owen’s boss is arrested, a US Marshal shows up, and federal agents arrive. Then she realizes Owen isn’t who he said he was. Author Dave reveals clues at a brisk pace. Hannah takes Bailey to Austin where together they seek to unravel Owen’s past and begin to realize they need each other. Readers want to keep reading and find out how the mystery involving Owen is going to be solved.
Pres. Marcia Wahls congratulated Sara Kaufman for receiving the 2024 Mary Lou and Keith Hauge Retired Award as IEA Member of the Year for her leadership and service at the IEA Representative Assembly.
Corresponding Secretary Jan Liston reported that many thank you notes have been received from the organizations and endeavors that the chapter supports with contributions.
Louann Harms asked members to distribute applications for the $100 Early Career Teacher grants that are awarded at the May meeting. She also shared that four high school senior women wanting to be teachers have applied for the Alpha Beta Grant of $300, and one has been selected to receive the grant at the May meeting.
The Illinois Women in the Arts Committee is having a virtual, live auction on April 10 from 6:30-8 pm. Alpha Beta is donating three items of varying quantities from the Olive Bin located at College and Towanda in Bloomington-Normal.
The Illinois State Convention via Zoom will take place at different times on April 17, 18, 19, 20, and the morning of April 21. The novel The Last Thing He Told Me will be discussed on the evening of April 19.
Officers who will serve for the 2024-26 biennium are as follows: President – Louann Harms (Fairbury), 1st Co-Vice-Presidents – Marcia Wahls (Chenoa) and Jan Liston (Bloomington), 2nd Vice President – Carol Hughes (Eureka), Recording Secretary – Lou Ann Jacobs (Bloomington), and Treasurer – Janet Kilgus (Fairbury).
The next meeting will be held on May 7 at the Chenoa United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall with dinner at 5:30 pm. Featured will be the recipients of chapter grants, convention reports, and installation of officers.
The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International (DKG) and Illinois State Organization promote professional and personal growth and excellence in education. The Society has chapters in 17 countries and provides grants for educational projects, scholarships, leadership training, mentoring, and global networking opportunities. For more information, visit DKGIL.COM or DKG.ORG.
Photo: Carol Hughes discusses The Last Thing He Told Me with members.
Alpha Beta Meeting, February 7, 2024
Alpha Beta Learns the Benefits of Using Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar
by Carol Hughes
On February 9, Alpha Beta Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society met via Zoom. Traci Myers of The Olive Bin who believes in her product did much research and travel before starting the Bin. The different flavors of oil and vinegar are shipped in large containers. When a buyer selects the type of oil and flavor of balsamic vinegar, it can be poured into different sized dark bottles which keep them fresher. Balsamic vinegar comes from grapes mainly grown in Italy.
Healthwise olive oil and balsamic vinegar are healthier than butter and other kinds of oils. Flavored balsamic vinegar is tasty in a glass of water and lessens the consumption of sugar. Extra virgin oil is first cold press, fused olive oil has lemon or orange flavor added on site later, and infused has an added ingredient. The oils can be substituted for other oils and butter. For example, in Ghirardelli brownie mix use lemon and orange olive oil and for popcorn or grilled cheese sandwiches use butter flavored oil.
Cookbooks at the Bin are available. The Olive Bin website (theolivebin.com) provides recipes that are sorted by meals, grilled items, soups, desserts, and drinks. The site has a variety of oils, vinegars, and other ingredients that can be purchased, ordered online, and shipped to the customer. Sets of items are available for gifts. The Olive Bin is located at College and Towanda in Bloomington-Normal and is open from noon to 4:00 pm.
At the business meeting, Louann Harms (Fairbury) announced that Ashlyn Kratochvil, a former recipient of the chapter Collegiate Recruitment Grant, and a student at ISU, has submitted her application for the ILSO (state) Grant-in-Aid.
President Marcia Wahls (Chenoa) reminded members that the DKG Illinois Convention will be held virtually from April 17-21 with a variety of activities to be held each day and evening.
Barb Baumann (Minonk) announced that Women in the Arts will hold a Live Facebook Auction on Wednesday, April 10, from 6:30-8:00 pm. Each chapter is asked to contribute at least one item. Some members volunteered to contribute.
Janet Kilgus (Fairbury) shared that member Sara Kaufman (Eureka) is the 2024 recipient of the IEA Retired Mary Lou and Keith Hauge Award for her outstanding leadership and service to members. She will receive her award at the IEA Representative Assembly in Rosemont in March before all the delegates at an awardee reception.
The next meeting will be on March 23 at the Social Center at Maple Lawn in Eureka. Member Carol Hughes (Eureka) will lead a discussion of The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave.
The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International (DKG) promotes professional and personal growth and excellence in education. The Society has chapters in 17 countries and provides grants for educational projects, scholarships, leadership training, mentoring, and global networking opportunities. For more information, visit www.dkg.org or contact Carol Hughes at [email protected].
Photo: Traci Myers pours a tasting cup of one of her products at The Olive Bin.
by Carol Hughes
On February 9, Alpha Beta Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society met via Zoom. Traci Myers of The Olive Bin who believes in her product did much research and travel before starting the Bin. The different flavors of oil and vinegar are shipped in large containers. When a buyer selects the type of oil and flavor of balsamic vinegar, it can be poured into different sized dark bottles which keep them fresher. Balsamic vinegar comes from grapes mainly grown in Italy.
Healthwise olive oil and balsamic vinegar are healthier than butter and other kinds of oils. Flavored balsamic vinegar is tasty in a glass of water and lessens the consumption of sugar. Extra virgin oil is first cold press, fused olive oil has lemon or orange flavor added on site later, and infused has an added ingredient. The oils can be substituted for other oils and butter. For example, in Ghirardelli brownie mix use lemon and orange olive oil and for popcorn or grilled cheese sandwiches use butter flavored oil.
Cookbooks at the Bin are available. The Olive Bin website (theolivebin.com) provides recipes that are sorted by meals, grilled items, soups, desserts, and drinks. The site has a variety of oils, vinegars, and other ingredients that can be purchased, ordered online, and shipped to the customer. Sets of items are available for gifts. The Olive Bin is located at College and Towanda in Bloomington-Normal and is open from noon to 4:00 pm.
At the business meeting, Louann Harms (Fairbury) announced that Ashlyn Kratochvil, a former recipient of the chapter Collegiate Recruitment Grant, and a student at ISU, has submitted her application for the ILSO (state) Grant-in-Aid.
President Marcia Wahls (Chenoa) reminded members that the DKG Illinois Convention will be held virtually from April 17-21 with a variety of activities to be held each day and evening.
Barb Baumann (Minonk) announced that Women in the Arts will hold a Live Facebook Auction on Wednesday, April 10, from 6:30-8:00 pm. Each chapter is asked to contribute at least one item. Some members volunteered to contribute.
Janet Kilgus (Fairbury) shared that member Sara Kaufman (Eureka) is the 2024 recipient of the IEA Retired Mary Lou and Keith Hauge Award for her outstanding leadership and service to members. She will receive her award at the IEA Representative Assembly in Rosemont in March before all the delegates at an awardee reception.
The next meeting will be on March 23 at the Social Center at Maple Lawn in Eureka. Member Carol Hughes (Eureka) will lead a discussion of The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave.
The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International (DKG) promotes professional and personal growth and excellence in education. The Society has chapters in 17 countries and provides grants for educational projects, scholarships, leadership training, mentoring, and global networking opportunities. For more information, visit www.dkg.org or contact Carol Hughes at [email protected].
Photo: Traci Myers pours a tasting cup of one of her products at The Olive Bin.
Alpha Beta Meeting, November 18, 2023
Chapter Members Tour Matthew T. Scott House in Chenoa
by Carol Hughes
On November 18, Alpha Beta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society toured the Matthew T. Scott House in Chenoa. The guide shared that the home which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places was built in 1855 and the four rooms on the tour that were added in 1863.
Scott was born in Kentucky into a wealthy family who purchased 45,000 acres between 1848 and 1859 mainly in Illinois. Scott began to lay out Chenoa and advertise for farm tenants. He married Julia Green in 1859 and brought her to Chenoa and later Julia’s sister Leticia and mother moved in with them. In 1866 Leticia married Adlai Stevenson I in the Scott house. Later Adlai became Vice-President under Grover Cleveland. Their first son was born in the house.
When Matthew died, Julia took over his land and business. She was very philanthropic raising money for French orphans during World War 1, establishing the Matthew T. Scott Institute in Kentucky to educate needy Appalachian people, and sending tenant farmers to the University of Illinois College of Agriculture.
Adlai Stevenson II’s sister—Elizabeth Stevenson Ives—was a key driver in the purchase and restoration of the Scott house back in the 1980’s. Within the home is some of the original furniture like the Steinway piano dating back to 1860--the only Steinway that old in the US that can still be played. Hanging on a wall in the upstairs bedroom is a framed collection of Leticia’s hair. It was a common practice to collect bits of hair from a loved one over the years and then display it after death. Also upstairs is a room that contains donations from Chenoa’s history. Displayed is a large photo from 1919 of many soldiers, sailors, and marines who fought in World War 1. In the corner is a statue crafted by W. T. Nehr, a local tradesman turned artist who died in 1962.
The business meeting and lunch were at Butler’s Pantry Event Room. Pres. Marcia Wahls (Chenoa) introduced new collegiate member Kailyn Waldemar, a senior at Eureka College, majoring in elementary and special education. Kailyn is doing her 80-hour practicum with 5 students with behavioral problems at Hammitt School in Normal where she will also do her student teaching the second semester.
The chapter is donating to KFACT (Keeping Families and Communities Together) located in Rockford that aids at-risk girls. Last year 100% graduated from high school, 96% pursued post-secondary education, 100 middle school girls received mentoring, and high school girls received mentoring along with career preparation.
The Women in the Arts Committee raises funds to award stipends to college women who are talented in the arts. Their online auction has been more profitable than just having an auction at the state convention.
President Wahls also demonstrated the new procedure for logging into the member portion of the new DKGIL website. The website has applications for foundation grants, a link to creative arts auction, and much more.
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 6, at 6:00 pm via Zoom and features the “Benefits of Using Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar for Health and Taste” with Traci Howe of the Olive Bin.
The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International (DKG) promotes professional and personal growth and excellence in education. The Society has chapters in 17 countries and provides grants for educational projects, scholarships, leadership training, mentoring, and global networking opportunities. For more information, visit www.dkg.org or contact Carol Hughes at [email protected].
Photo: Karen Harms (Fairbury), Janet Kilgus (Fairbury), and Linda Witzig (Roanoke) enjoyed seeing and learning about the Matthew T. Scott house in Chenoa.
by Carol Hughes
On November 18, Alpha Beta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society toured the Matthew T. Scott House in Chenoa. The guide shared that the home which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places was built in 1855 and the four rooms on the tour that were added in 1863.
Scott was born in Kentucky into a wealthy family who purchased 45,000 acres between 1848 and 1859 mainly in Illinois. Scott began to lay out Chenoa and advertise for farm tenants. He married Julia Green in 1859 and brought her to Chenoa and later Julia’s sister Leticia and mother moved in with them. In 1866 Leticia married Adlai Stevenson I in the Scott house. Later Adlai became Vice-President under Grover Cleveland. Their first son was born in the house.
When Matthew died, Julia took over his land and business. She was very philanthropic raising money for French orphans during World War 1, establishing the Matthew T. Scott Institute in Kentucky to educate needy Appalachian people, and sending tenant farmers to the University of Illinois College of Agriculture.
Adlai Stevenson II’s sister—Elizabeth Stevenson Ives—was a key driver in the purchase and restoration of the Scott house back in the 1980’s. Within the home is some of the original furniture like the Steinway piano dating back to 1860--the only Steinway that old in the US that can still be played. Hanging on a wall in the upstairs bedroom is a framed collection of Leticia’s hair. It was a common practice to collect bits of hair from a loved one over the years and then display it after death. Also upstairs is a room that contains donations from Chenoa’s history. Displayed is a large photo from 1919 of many soldiers, sailors, and marines who fought in World War 1. In the corner is a statue crafted by W. T. Nehr, a local tradesman turned artist who died in 1962.
The business meeting and lunch were at Butler’s Pantry Event Room. Pres. Marcia Wahls (Chenoa) introduced new collegiate member Kailyn Waldemar, a senior at Eureka College, majoring in elementary and special education. Kailyn is doing her 80-hour practicum with 5 students with behavioral problems at Hammitt School in Normal where she will also do her student teaching the second semester.
The chapter is donating to KFACT (Keeping Families and Communities Together) located in Rockford that aids at-risk girls. Last year 100% graduated from high school, 96% pursued post-secondary education, 100 middle school girls received mentoring, and high school girls received mentoring along with career preparation.
The Women in the Arts Committee raises funds to award stipends to college women who are talented in the arts. Their online auction has been more profitable than just having an auction at the state convention.
President Wahls also demonstrated the new procedure for logging into the member portion of the new DKGIL website. The website has applications for foundation grants, a link to creative arts auction, and much more.
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 6, at 6:00 pm via Zoom and features the “Benefits of Using Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar for Health and Taste” with Traci Howe of the Olive Bin.
The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International (DKG) promotes professional and personal growth and excellence in education. The Society has chapters in 17 countries and provides grants for educational projects, scholarships, leadership training, mentoring, and global networking opportunities. For more information, visit www.dkg.org or contact Carol Hughes at [email protected].
Photo: Karen Harms (Fairbury), Janet Kilgus (Fairbury), and Linda Witzig (Roanoke) enjoyed seeing and learning about the Matthew T. Scott house in Chenoa.
Alpha Beta Meeting, October 21, 2023
DKG Members Impressed by Services of Center for the Prevention of Abuse
On October 21, Alpha Beta Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society met at the Eureka Christian Church to hear Carol Merna, Chief Executive Officer for the Center for Prevention of Abuse, speak about the agency’s providing elderly and disabled adult protective services along with services for victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual abuse, and sexual assault in Central Illinois. CFPA’s mission is to help all people live free from violence and abuse. A survivor of abuse learns he or she has choices.
The statistics on abuse are numerous and frightening. For example, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been victims of domestic abuse. Out of every 1,000 rapes, 995 perpetrators walk free. Child Protective Services finds evidence of child sexual abuse every 9 minutes. However, CFPA has many services to help those abused and also a prevention education program that reaches 41,000 students in pre-K -12th grade annually.
Merna was instrumental in providing services to combat human trafficking which is the second-highest grossing crime around the world. It occurs when a trafficker uses force, fraud, or coercion to control another person for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts or soliciting labor or services against their will. A minor under the age of 18 engaged in commercial sex, regardless of force, fraud, or coercion, is considered a victim of sex trafficking. One case involved a mother offering her 8-year-old daughter for sexual activities so the mother could buy illicit drugs.
CFPA is the only agency in Illinois that provides its free services under one roof and are kept confidential to all survivors of human trafficking and other abuses. Emergency shelter is available in Peoria and Pekin. To request help locally, call 1-800-559-SAFE (7233) or visit www.centerforpreventionofabuse.org. To report abuse, call 1-888-373-7888.
How can people help? CFPA welcomes volunteers through direct or indirect service. Pantry items, toiletries, shelter restock, monetary donations, support of special events, and spreading the word are appreciated.
At the meeting, Pres. Marcia Wahls (Chenoa) welcomed new collegiate member Kailyn Waldemar from Eureka College who is currently student teaching. Communications/Publicity Chair Carol Hughes (Eureka) thanked members for completing the media permission form.
Educ. Excellence/Professional Affairs Ch. Louann Harms (Fairbury) announced the ILSO DKG Grant-in-Aid is due by Feb. 1. Foundation stipend applications from DKG-Illinois for classroom projects are due by Nov. 1 or May 1 each year.
Barb Baumann (Minonk), Women in Arts Chair, announced the online WIA Auction has begun with a new item every 3 days. Go to Facebook DKG-ILSOWIACAR, click on events to see item, then click on discussion to bid.
Legislative Chair Sara Kaufman (Eureka) discussed a number of educational issues in the legislature such as teacher tenure, smaller amount of funds directed to teacher pensions, and Tier 2 eligibility for Social Security.
The next meeting on November 18 at 9:00 am will be a tour of the Matthew T. Scott Home in Chenoa and a business meeting in the Butler’s Pantry followed by a boxed lunch.
The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International (DKG) promotes professional and personal growth and excellence in education. The Society has chapters in 17 countries and provides grants for educational projects, scholarships, leadership training, mentoring, and global networking opportunities. For more information, visit www.dkg.org or contact Carol Hughes at [email protected].
Photo: Sara Kaufman, speaker Carol Merna, and Kendall Fulop (Germantown Hills), who worked with CFPA, before becoming a teacher, discuss the services of the agency.
On October 21, Alpha Beta Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society met at the Eureka Christian Church to hear Carol Merna, Chief Executive Officer for the Center for Prevention of Abuse, speak about the agency’s providing elderly and disabled adult protective services along with services for victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual abuse, and sexual assault in Central Illinois. CFPA’s mission is to help all people live free from violence and abuse. A survivor of abuse learns he or she has choices.
The statistics on abuse are numerous and frightening. For example, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been victims of domestic abuse. Out of every 1,000 rapes, 995 perpetrators walk free. Child Protective Services finds evidence of child sexual abuse every 9 minutes. However, CFPA has many services to help those abused and also a prevention education program that reaches 41,000 students in pre-K -12th grade annually.
Merna was instrumental in providing services to combat human trafficking which is the second-highest grossing crime around the world. It occurs when a trafficker uses force, fraud, or coercion to control another person for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts or soliciting labor or services against their will. A minor under the age of 18 engaged in commercial sex, regardless of force, fraud, or coercion, is considered a victim of sex trafficking. One case involved a mother offering her 8-year-old daughter for sexual activities so the mother could buy illicit drugs.
CFPA is the only agency in Illinois that provides its free services under one roof and are kept confidential to all survivors of human trafficking and other abuses. Emergency shelter is available in Peoria and Pekin. To request help locally, call 1-800-559-SAFE (7233) or visit www.centerforpreventionofabuse.org. To report abuse, call 1-888-373-7888.
How can people help? CFPA welcomes volunteers through direct or indirect service. Pantry items, toiletries, shelter restock, monetary donations, support of special events, and spreading the word are appreciated.
At the meeting, Pres. Marcia Wahls (Chenoa) welcomed new collegiate member Kailyn Waldemar from Eureka College who is currently student teaching. Communications/Publicity Chair Carol Hughes (Eureka) thanked members for completing the media permission form.
Educ. Excellence/Professional Affairs Ch. Louann Harms (Fairbury) announced the ILSO DKG Grant-in-Aid is due by Feb. 1. Foundation stipend applications from DKG-Illinois for classroom projects are due by Nov. 1 or May 1 each year.
Barb Baumann (Minonk), Women in Arts Chair, announced the online WIA Auction has begun with a new item every 3 days. Go to Facebook DKG-ILSOWIACAR, click on events to see item, then click on discussion to bid.
Legislative Chair Sara Kaufman (Eureka) discussed a number of educational issues in the legislature such as teacher tenure, smaller amount of funds directed to teacher pensions, and Tier 2 eligibility for Social Security.
The next meeting on November 18 at 9:00 am will be a tour of the Matthew T. Scott Home in Chenoa and a business meeting in the Butler’s Pantry followed by a boxed lunch.
The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International (DKG) promotes professional and personal growth and excellence in education. The Society has chapters in 17 countries and provides grants for educational projects, scholarships, leadership training, mentoring, and global networking opportunities. For more information, visit www.dkg.org or contact Carol Hughes at [email protected].
Photo: Sara Kaufman, speaker Carol Merna, and Kendall Fulop (Germantown Hills), who worked with CFPA, before becoming a teacher, discuss the services of the agency.
Alpha Beta Chapter Update Newsletter