A National Philanthropic sorority focusing on art, literature, music and speech & hearing. | | |
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We’ve reached the end of another year. It’s time to reflect on what you’ve achieved, and what it has meant to you. It’s also a time to consider what you no longer need and declutter your life. Create a plan, you might even establish some healthy habits - it’s worth a try! Show some empathy this season by putting your extra change in that little red bucket outside the store giving to someone else this year and celebrate your journey. Although it’s the end of 2024, I have a feeling 2025 is going to be fantastic if you start out with a positive attitude. | |
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Our Newsletter this month is about literature. According to our pre-convention reports 85 out of 90 chapters supported a literature/literacy project in 2023-2024. That’s fabulous! A quote taken from our 1933 Helicon states, “Members of Psi Iota Xi are realizing more and more the necessity of studying the best literature and intellectually improving ourselves.” I believe that it is our obligation to ensure that we strive to promote literature/literacy programs in our communities when possible.
Why is literature/literacy important? Critical thinking, imagination, and communication, just to name a few. By giving back to your communities through literature and literacy programs you are opening up a world of books and resources to children and adults who may not otherwise have access.
Some wonderful examples of reading programs that our chapters have supported over the past year include summer reading programs, Little Free Libraries, public libraries, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Kate’s Kart, Trail Tales, adult literacy, Bentley’s Buddies, Storywalk, book donations, and several others.
The month of December can evoke a lot of emotions in all of us, and as we near the end of another year it points out the importance of family and friendship. In literature, it frequently serves as motivation for reconnection. As characters navigate the difficulties of their lives, the warmth of family bonds and the support of true friends often emerge as a critical element for healing and redemption.
Here are some examples of literature that took place in December: “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, “Skipping Christmas” by John Grisham, and “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis. These are all classic takes of redemption, love, and human connection.
Find some time to read, to paint or learn a new craft. Sit, and sip a cup of coffee with a friend while listening to some good music. This month becomes a canvas upon which relationships are tested, mended, and celebrated, reminding us that even in the coldest of winters, warmth can be found in the hearts of those we hold dear.
From my family to yours, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!
Loyally,
Mickie Hansen
National President
Upsilon, Greenfield
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Chapter Literacy Projects | |
Iota Chi, LaGrange, KY - Book Vending Machine | |
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At the 2023 National Convention Iota Chi, LaGrange, received the $1,000 Literature/ Literacy Grant for the southern region. As part of the requirements to receive the award they were required to submit a Literature/Literacy Proposal explaining how they planned to use the $1,000 grant in their community.
The Book Vending Machine is a fun new way to promote literacy and is used as a reward incentive program at LaGrange Elementary School. Students can select free books when they accomplish a reading goal or earn a character trait. The school was able to start the program, and Iota Chi was able to support this program by using the Literature/Literacy grant money that they received from Psi Iota Xi to purchase books for the vending machine.
Terri Resler
National Project Chair
Alpha Psi, Washington
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Upsilon, Greenfield, IN - Bentley's Buddies | | |
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Bentley’s Buddies is a 501(c)3 organization in Greenfield that provides free reading assistance to children ages Pre-K through the 8th grade. The Upsilon Chapter supports this worthwhile program because it provides a certified Reading Buddy to children. The animal’s natural behavior will help to put the child at ease and encourages the child to read in a non-judgmental, calm environment. | |
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A Reading Buddy will not tell them they are wrong if they make a mistake, and their buddy may lay right next to the reader and enjoy listening to the story as the child reads which will encourage the child to read so they can share more stories with their Reading Buddy.
For more information about Bentley’s Buddies click on the link www.bentleysbuddies.com.
Mickie Hansen
National President
Upsilon, Greenfield
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Theta Kappa, Edon, OH - Kate's Kart | |
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Through the gifting of new books, Kate's Kart strives to provide a comforting diversion to hospitalized children and their families, and to foster a love of books, and ultimately literacy, by encouraging children to read and parents to read to their children.
While Kate’s life was very short in terms of years, her struggle and impact has positively touched the lives of thousands of hospitalized children in Northeast Indiana, Northwest Ohio and continues to do so through Kate’s Kart, a non-profit started by her family aimed at providing free books to children while they fight their illness while hospitalized. Looking at books was something Kate enjoyed, and something that continues to honor her memory while helping hospitalized children forget about their own struggles in a good book.
You can find Karts in Emergency Rooms as a resource for nurses and hospital staff to give books to kids as they enter the hospital. They have Karts located on Pediatric floors, Pediatric ICUs, and NICUs, where volunteers deliver books to each child and family.
Theta Kappa is one of 5 chapters in the Northeast and East Central districts that support this wonderful organization. Kate’s Kart is now in 25 Hospitals with 42 Karts and since they started in 2008 have handed out 461,942 books. If your chapter is looking for a new Literature project, consider donating to Kate’s Kart.
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If your chapter is interested in establishing a Little Free Library in your community, you can find out how at www.littlefreelibrary.org. | |
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In the 1930s and 1940s, Psi Iota Xi held annual short story contests for high school students. The 1940 winner was Virginia Laurence of Cambridge City, IN for her short story "The Greatest Lady". You can read Virginia's short story, which was published in the 1940 Helicon, by clicking the link below.
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When the Frost is on the Punkin…
Each year, if time allows, National Council invites the Past National Presidents (PNPs) to join them for a time of food and fellowship. This was the case on November 16th when we all came together at the childhood home of James Whitcomb Riley in Greenfield Indiana. It was a beautiful autumn day with no frost in sight! We enjoyed a wonderful lunch graciously provided by members of the Upsilon chapter.
Ann Hannan, Director of the Riley Cheer Guild, was our guest speaker. It was very interesting to hear about the Cheer Guild and all the positivity that surrounds it. Psi Iota Xi supports this amazing project, and as a service project we arrived with loads of school supplies to present to Ann for the Cheer Guild. Donations were also accepted for the Long-Term Project.
After lunch we toured the home and museum where we learned about James’ family and his upbringing. Along with his writing, he was an accomplished musician, playing several kinds of instruments. Did you know he was engaged twice but never married? Many interesting facts were gleaned as we stepped into a life of long ago.
My favorite part of the day was the arrival of everyone. I loved seeing everyone again and at one point, I stood back and watched the smiles on the faces as they saw old friends. To see them reconnect with each other was so special. By the end of the day I’m sure some new friendships were made also! We took lots of pictures, some exchanged contact info and a plan to see one another soon was in the works.
While we missed the company of several, there were 13 PNPs in attendance along with National Council which made for a full house! Some would say there was a little “clukin’ of the hens”.
Brenda Bonner
Past National President
Beta Alpha, Flora
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National President, Mickie Hansen, welcomes Past National Presidents and National Council members to the luncheon hosted by her chapter, Upsilon, Greenfield. | |
After lunch, attendees were given a special tour of the James Whitcomb Riley Museum and his childhood home, both located in Greenfield. | |
Upsilon chapter member Linda Comstock-Teal provided a guided tour and storytelling of the Riley home. | |  |
Phyllis Arthur, another member of Upsilon chapter, served as an additional guide for the tour. | | |
Past National Presidents of Psi Iota Xi in attendance at the combined PNP and National Council luncheon hosted by Upsilon, Greenfield were front row left to right, Sue Simpson, Maureen "Mo" Dix, Barbara Mitchell, Lydia Corbett, and Debbie Stemle. Back row left to right, Brenda Bonner, Kim Crawley, Sandy Johnson, Susie Lewis, Beth Keeney, Deanna Howard, Rhonda McNall-Crisenbery, and Connie McDaniel. | |
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National Council Service Project
for Riley Cheer Guild
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National Council members and Past National Presidents donated hundreds of items to the Riley Cheer Guild at the November luncheon. Items donated were books, backpacks, and school supplies. Ann Hannan, Riley Cheer Guild Director, spoke with the group and discussed how the donated items will help create meaningful experiences for patients and their families while receiving services at Riley Hospital.
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The Helicon, Psi Iota Xi official publication, documents the events of the sorority each year.
Jane Patton (right), National Editor, had the honor of presenting Rhonda McNall-Crisenbery (left), National Advisor, with the 2024 Helicon documenting her year as Psi Iota Xi National President.
View online Helicons here
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Chapter Presidents, look for your chapter's copy of the 2024 Helicon in your mailbox in the coming weeks. | |
Southeast Central District | | |
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WOW! Hard to believe 2024 is coming to an end and I have completed all four of my council visits for the year. Southeast hit the ground running with 100% attendance at National Convention. Each chapter has been working hard to raise money to help build community awareness and support literature, which is our newsletter theme this month.
Beta Sigma, Austin hosted a 4th of July themed party on the night I visited. They make homemade ice cream to sell at the Scott County Fair. They also serve their ice cream to a factory during the hot weather to raise money.
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Zeta Iota, Louisville hosted an open house at their treasurer’s new home. It was a fun time discussing chapter adventures in a home setting.
Beta Phi, Shelbyville served an actual Tea Party at the chapter meeting for my council visit in October. Many of the ladies wore garden party style hats and finger sandwiches were served. It was a fun theme. They also provide books for each baby born at Major Hospital in Shelbyville, as well as all the elementary libraries, and the public library.
Alpha Theta, Charlestown hosted a meal for Mickie Hansen, our National President, and her travel buddy Tracie Belongia. I am so proud of my chapter sisters for the warm welcome given to Mickie.
As this busy time of year falls upon us, please take time for yourself as well. Put yourself first. Do something to boost yourself up. Take a break, everyone deserves some downtime. ESPECIALLY YOU! Relax even a little and you’ll feel brand new. Stop and read a book in a nice little spot that makes you happy. Maybe read a book to a child at your local library.
Winter Council met in Greenfield and had a wonderful literature weekend. We toured the James Whitcomb Riley boyhood home with our sisters.
The Prayer Perfect – James Whitcomb Riley
Dear Lord! kind Lord!
Gracious Lord! I pray
Thou wilt look on all I love,
Tenderly to-day!
Weed their hearts of weariness;
Scatter every care
Down a wake of angel-wings
Winnowing the air.
Bring unto the sorrowing
All release from pain;
Let the lips of laughter
Overflow again;
And with all the needy
O divide, I pray,
This vast treasure of content
That is mine to-day!
This prayer I pray for each of my sisters during the next month.
Loyally,
Carol Good
Southeast District Officer
Alpha Theta, Charlestown
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We have been notified by J. Lewis Small Company, the official jeweler of Psi Iota Xi, that due to increasing cost of gold and other precious metals, they have had to increase their prices. This price increase does affect the cost of membership pins as well as other items they sell to our chapters. An updated order form is available on the Psi Iota Xi website. | |
National Council - We are Here for YOU! | |
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National Council is available to talk with Chapters and members anytime questions or concerns arise. Please don't hesitate to reach out to National Council if they can assist you.
Contact us at: info@psiiotaxi.org
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Theta Zeta Chapter, Fort Recovery, OH, initiated four new members in November. Left to right, Amy Bateman, Sarah Stammen, Emily Reinhard & Heather Addington. | |
Members of Zeta Tau, Milroy, IN, celebrated their 60th anniversary by taking a three-day trip to St. Louis recently. They enjoyed seeing the musical "Neil Diamond, a Beautiful Noise" at the Fabulous Fox Theater as well as thoroughly enjoying spending extended time with each other. | |
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Phi, Huntington, IN, recently purchased two books written by Mel Jones of Huntington. Mrs. Jones taught kindergarten, 1st and 2nd graders for 32 years. Her love for children’s literature is what inspired her to want to be an author and illustrator of children’s books. She enjoys sharing her love of reading with children and introducing them to all the magic that a good book can bring. Kay Stine received the books for the children's area at the Huntington City-Township Public Library.
Pictured above, left to right: Becky Livingston, Kay Stine, and Jennifer Scalf, members of the Phi Chapter and author Mel Jones.
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Author Troy Cummings, best known for his children's book series "Book of Doom", recently visited Blue Ridge Primary School in Frankfort, IN. He spoke to the 3rd to 6th grade classes and each student received one of his books. The author event was sponsored by Beta Tau, Frankfort, IN. Beta Tau also purchased books for the school's book vending machine.
Below left, a representative of the school accepts a check from Beta Tau member, Nancy Brant. Right, a student looks over the book options before selecting his book.
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Iota Sigma, St Joseph, IL, visited Fair Hope Ministries (a children’s ministry) in Danville, Illinois recently. They organized donations and readied stockings for the holiday season. The group was also interviewed by Amanda Brennan of WCIA TV (far left). | |
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Psi Ote sisters from Iota Theta, Armstrong, IL, Iota Sigma, St. Joseph, IL, and Theta Psi, Bethany, IL, met for lunch today at Yoder's Kitchen in Arthur, IL. | |
Theta Kappa, Edon, OH, had a packed house for their annual Bingo fundraiser. | |
Beta Pi, Cambridge City baked almost 5,000 cookies for their Cookie Walk in November. | |
Alpha Rho, Garrett, IN, sold their famous triple dipped apples at the Garrett Bands Craft Bazaar. | |
Zeta Mu, Jasper, IN, unpacked and sorted a pallet of nuts and candy for their annual Terri Lynn Nut sale. | |
Many Chapters Made Cheeseballs | | |
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Iota Lambda, Ferdinand, IN | | |
Fundraiser & Event Invitations | |
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Have you ever wished you could invite all Psi Ote sisters to your chapter's fundraiser or special event?
If you are planning an event or fundraiser (in person or virtual) and would like to share your invitation with Psi Ote Sisters from other chapters, let us know. The newsletter is great way to reach many sisters and hopefully increase your attendance or sales!
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!
Advertising in the newsletter is easy, just email janepatton@psiiotaxi.org and she will do the rest.
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Hotel Information:
Sheraton Indianapolis Hotel at Keystone Crossing
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$159 per night per room - last day to book at this rate is Friday, May 23, 2025
- Rate includes complimentary self-parking in attached hotel parking garage and complimentary guestroom Wifi
Click on the button below to reserve your rooms:
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You can also call the Sheraton Indianapolis for reservations:
- (888) 627-7814
- Ask to make a reservation within the Psi Iota Xi Convention 2025 Group Block
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Convention 2026
Convention 2026 will be hosted by Omega, Lebanon, IN.
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Convention 2027
Convention 2027 will be hosted by Theta Kappa, Edon, OH.
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National President
Mickie Hansen, Upsilon
National Vice President
Taffy Day, Omega
National Secretary
Sandie Carlson, Theta Kappa
National Treasurer
Mona Knight, Iota Theta
National Project Chair
Terri Resler, Alpha Psi
National Advisor
Rhonda McNall-Crisenbery, Theta Theta
National Conductress
Valerie Helms-Mejia, Alpha
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National Editor
Jane Patton, Alpha Omicron
Northeast District Officer
Lauren Huyvaert, Gamma Sigma
Northwest District Officer
Pam Gunterman, Theta Delta
East Central District Officer
Beth Vipond, Gamma Tau
West Central District Officer
Missy Cooper, Gamma Nu
Southeast District Officer
Carol Good, Alpha Theta
Southwest District Officer
Erin Schroering, Iota Lambda
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If you have any questions about this newsletter, the National Website or have an address/phone/email update please contact your National Editor Jane Patton, janepatton@psiiotaxi.org or 812-881-9064 (call/text). | |
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Contact
National Office
3905 Vincennes Road, Suite 303
Indianapolis, IN 46268
317.471.3512
info@psiiotaxi.org
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