August 2022 Psi Iota Xi Newsletter

Inspire - Encourage - Support - GROW

Psi Iota Xi

August

2022

Newsletter

Hello {First Name},

A Message from National President

Maureen "Mo" Dix

Have you ever thought about how a chapter comes up with a theme for their convention? As my co-chairs and I were meeting, nothing seemed to strike me. Every one of us want ours to be special. “Growing with our sisters since 1897” is what it will be. We always hope we can keep growing and share our love and passion with our new sisters. You can’t imagine how many times the tree of life has crossed my path since.

The meaning of the tree of life:

A connection to everything: It symbolizes togetherness and serves as a reminder that you are never alone or isolated.

Ancestry, Family and Fertility:

It reminds us of our connection with our families and how we grow throughout our generations. We find a way to keep growing, through seeds or saplings which signifies vitality.

Growth and Strength:

A tree stands tall and strong. Their roots are as deep as our roots with our sisters are. They weather the tough storms which is why they are symbols of strength. We grow stronger and increase our knowledge and experiences throughout our life.

Individuality:

The tree of life symbolizes one’s individuality as trees are all unique with their branches sprouting at different points and in different directions. It symbolizes a person’s personal growth into a unique human being as different experiences shape them into who they are.

Immortality and Rebirth:

The tree of life is a symbol for rebirth as trees lose their leaves and appear dead in the winter. When spring comes, buds appear and new leaves are formed. This is reminding us of new life and a fresh start. The tree of life is a symbol for peacefulness and relaxation.

Let’s all start new as we begin another year of growing with our sisters.

Pax Vobiscum,

Maureen "Mo" Dix

National President

Zeta Gamma, Fort Branch, IN

District Realignment

District realignment was evaluated by National Council and voted on. Please see the new map of the districts for the new year. Listed below are the chapters that are affected and their new districts.

Beta Gamma, Peru, IN

Beta Delta, Van Wert, OH

Zeta Theta, Niles, MI

Beta Pi, Cambridge City, IN

Alpha Iota, Richmond, IN

Gamma Eta, Knightstown, IN

Iota Upsilon, Virtual

Delta Zeta, Lafayette, IN

Communications..

With postage going up we have decided to be good stewards of our funds this year. I’ll be communicating to you through the newsletter.

Council usually sends out several letters at the beginning of our year. I won’t be sending a president letter. The vice president’s by-law letter and the project letter will be coming by mail. The district officers will send their letters along with the convention synopsis by email.

Please don’t ignore these, as the ones on blue paper should still be read or passed around at your meetings. We’re going to hold off sending the symphony information, the treasurer letter and fee statements until September.

Share the symphony information with your schools. We’re also going to put some of this on the new website. There is usually a lot at the first meeting of the year so we’re trying to space some of this out.

If you have any questions or concerns don’t hesitate to contact any one on National Council. We are here to serve you.

Maureen "Mo" Dix

National President

Zeta Gamma, Fort Branch, IN

Convention 2023

Just to give you a little update on the 2023 convention. We’re trying to plan a fun time in southern Indiana. For those that want to make sure you have a room the link is below. I have mine. Our Saturday evening theme is “Saturday Night Fever”. You might want to get your retro outfit.

www.my-event.hilton.com/evveddt-psi-d78f33db-8b20-4f65-a387-2affc35cebe9/

Website

Have you had a chance to look at the new website yet? A few changes we wanted you to be aware of is there is no longer a member's section to log into.

The only log in will be for chapters to log in to see their chapter email if they have it set up.

You can find it at www.psiiotaxi.org. you can also click on the banner at the top of the newsletter. It will take you there directly.

ISO More Paintings.....

Hello Psi Iota Xi Sisters!

My name is Mona Knight and I am the National Conductress for 2022-2023. I am so excited to serve in this role and I can’t wait to see what this year brings to our organization.

Last year we started highlighting the paintings that were purchased from the Hoosier Art Salon and given to our active chapters. We would like to continue to highlight the paintings again this year.

We highlighted the following chapters and their paintings:

Gamma Zeta – “Bridge Across the Wabash” by D. Omer Seamon was presented to the chapter in 1948.

Zeta Gamma – “1905 Model” by Burling Boaz, Jr was presented to the chapter in 1961.

Zeta Tau – “Little Girls” by Helen Briggs Duckwall was presented to the chapter in 1969.

Omega – “Island Flowers” by Shirley Geier was presented to the chapter in 1971.

Alpha Psi – “Side Tracked” by George Sperl was presented to the chapter in 1971.

Eta Mu – “White Boats” by Floyd D. Hopper was presented to the chapter in 1971.

Theta Kappa – “Indiana Primitive Farm” by Mildred Niesse was presented to the chapter in 1989.

Iota Rho – “Morning Pages” by Susan Mauck was presented to the chapter in 2009.

Iota Sigma – “November Fields” by Ron Burgess was presented to the chapter in 2010.

Please continue to try to locate the painting that was given to your chapter. If you are unsure of when you might have received a painting, we have a list that Sandie Carlson, the 2021-2022 National Conductress, compiled. If no current members can remember where your painting might be, this would be a good time to reach out to past members and ask for their assistance.

When you have located a painting, please take a picture and send to me with the following details: Name of painting, Artist name, current location of painting and any other details you would like to include.

I can’t wait to see what you find!

Loyally,

Mona Knight

National Conductress

MonaKnight@psiiotaxi.org

Northeast District

Hello my dear sisters!

National Convention 2022 is already a month behind us, and the summer continues to fly by! Since not everyone has the opportunity to attend convention, I wanted to take a moment to highlight the chapters from the Northeast District that won People, Purpose, Passion button awards. In a section on the PCR, chapters have an opportunity to describe their achievements over the past year. This allows for chapters who make significant impacts in their communities to be recognized at convention, even though they may not have the biggest dollar amount contributions. This year, the selection was a bit different because we each chose winners from our geographical counterpart’s district, meaning I chose and presented the button awards for the Northwest District, and Northwest District Officer Andrea English chose and presented the awards for the Northeast District. Another change turned the traditional two questions into a three-part series related to the convention theme: Celebrating 125 Years of People, Purpose, and Passion. Reading everyone’s button award answers was inspiring, and I’m sure Andrea had difficulty choosing just three because we know how much you all do for your communities. Here are your 2022 Northeast District winners!

People: How is your chapter serving and helping the people in your community?

Alpha Delta, Decatur, helped a needy family of four at Christmastime that has been living in an RV due to mold issues in their home. They donated a total of $730 dollars in the form of a Costco gift card to assist the family in buying the things they need. Additionally, an annual donation of $100 to the county’s kindergarten classes helps offset the cost for the students to see the Nutcracker production at Adams Central High School each year.

Purpose: Highlight your chapter’s most significant contribution this year to one of our areas: art, music, speech and hearing, and literature.

Theta Theta, Ft. Wayne, made contributions to several Speech and Hearing programs in their community, including Turnstone Center for Disabilities for their speech therapy program; Audio Reading Service which allows people with visual or reading impairments to access their broadcast through Alexa devices and increases access to books and other library materials; Purdue FW Communications Sciences Disorders Department; PFW Augmentative/Alternative Communications Poss-Abilities Camp for individuals 6-23 that use AAC devices to communicate (made possible by the Indiana State Rotating Grant of $1000); and the National Long Term Project at Hear Indiana.

Passion: Describe long-running contribution that your chapter has continued and why it is important to you.

Alpha Rho, Garrett, has remained determined to award a scholarship to a graduating senior, regardless of the funds they have raised that year. The scholarship must go to a student that plans to pursue an education in speech & hearing, art, music, or literature. To quote the chapter’s description, “This contribution remains important to our chapter as it is philanthropic, promotes the areas important to Psi Iota Xi, and will positively impact whatever community the student resides following graduation.”

Thank you for all of your hard work last year. I look forward to growing with you this year!

Jessica Lucas

Northeast District Officer

Eta Omicron, Kalamazoo, MI

Customized Ritual Stole Sale

**UPDATE: National Council has had requests for less than six stoles. If your Chapter doesn’t have six sisters participating in initiation/rituals and you only need four stoles email or message Jane Patton for pricing.

Psi Iota Xi

National Council is taking orders (no money is due at this time) for chapters interested in purchasing a set of six customized ritual stoles. Each set will include:

3 Gold Stoles customized with chapter name and the diamond

Psi Iota Xi emblem

3 Blue Stoles customized with chapter name and the diamond

Psi Iota Xi emblem

The price for the set of six customized, 60-inch stoles is $75. This price includes shipping.

To place an order, please complete the downloadable form and return to Jane Patton via email at janepatton@psiiotaxi.org by October 1, 2022. Stoles will be shipped to chapters in November.

If you have questions, please contact Jane Patton via email at janepatton@psiiotaxi.org

Deadline for orders is October 1, 2022.

Do not send money at this time. You will receive an invoice from National Council when money is due.

Any profits earned will go into the National Council General Fund.

PIX Ritual Stole form

Indiana State Association

Hello sisters,

I cannot believe how fast the summer is going by, it seems like we were just at the National Convention. I have seen most of your chapter’s post on Facebook and it looks like everyone is having a great time at your County Fairs or Festivals.

The Chi Chapter is busy getting great raffle items for next April. Maybe we can post a couple of items for a sneak peek for you.

Again, I look forward to hearing from any chapter that has questions or would like the State Officers to attend a meeting.

I will keep this short this month but would like to share a poem that I feel our sorority is all about.

Sisters,

They laugh a little louder.

They cry a little softer.

They live a little stronger,

because they stand together.

Warmest regards,

Rita Clark

Indiana State President

Chi, Brookston, IN

ritac1963@gmail.com

cell: 765-418-3747

4504 E 1025 S

Brookston, IN 47923

Anchored in Sisterhood

Saturday, April 22, 2023

Lafayette, Indiana

Chapter Happenings

Beta Alpha, Flora; Chi Brookston and Eta Nu Rensselaer are working hard at their fundraisers. Delicious fair cookies!!!

Eta Delta, Carmel board meeting and dinner.

Eta Nu, Rensselaer welcomes three new members.

Eta Iota, Parker City gathering for lunch at the Old Richmond Inn

Gamma Tau, Marion participated in CASA Grant County's annual sand sculpture contest. It was their first time & won the

Golden Pail Award.

Alpha Omicron, Vincennes 2022 ARTVentures camp

Beta Psi, Delphi “Stuff the Bus” school supplies

Iota Chi, Lagrange Krispy Kreme fundraiser

Omega, Lebanon summer gathering

Zeta Mu, Jasper Wine & Art Fair

National Council and Email

National Council is available to talk with Chapters and members if any questions or concerns arise. Please don't hesitate to reach out to National Council if they can assist you.

Fundraiser & Event Invitations

Have you ever wished you could invite all Psi Ote sisters to your chapter's fundraiser or special event? Your chapter Helicon articles detail all the amazing events and fundraising activities you accomplish in your individual chapters and communities. Now we'd like to offer chapters the opportunity to submit invitations to their events and fundraisers via the monthly newsletter by emailing them to terriresler@psiiotaxi.org.

Electronic money transfer apps like Venmo plus virtual platforms like Facebook Live make it possible for even our most distant sisters to participate in another chapter's fundraisers with ease. You can support your sisters across the organization, and you might even get a few ideas for your own chapter!

Fallen Petals

Please send obituaries to terriresler@psiiotaxi.org to be included in the next newsletter and the Helicon.

The members of Eta Lambda, Beech Grove wished to express how Esther, although her family’s write up didn’t include it, gave significant time to Psi Iota Xi and her chapter.

Esther Wells

Indianapolis – Esther Carrie Wells, 83, of Indianapolis, Indiana passed away on May 16, 2022. She was born on July 14, 1938 in Indianapolis. Her parents were the late Marvin and Doris Merrill.

She was a member of St. Johns United Church of Christ.

She was a homemaker and enjoyed crafting, gardening, reading and spending time with her family.

She is survived by her children Carrie Wells Surface and Robert (Sue Stinson) Wells Jr. 5 grandchildren, Katrena (Jim) Surface Hadley, Tom (Jamie) Surface Jr, Amber (Trent) Surface, Julian (Kristi) Ellis and Destiny (Zach) Wells Conner; 15 great grandchildren, Justice, Susan, Jasmine, James, Brent, Logan, Kal, Dominic, Benjamin, Mazoti, Trent, Annalya, Wyatt, Aria and Legend; brother, Jan Harlan. She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband of 66 years, Robert Wells, Sr.; her grandson, Robert Wells III; and great granddaughters Jordan and Heaven.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2022 at 3:00 pm at St. Johns United Church of Christ on US 31, Indianapolis, IN.