|
A National Philanthropic organization focusing
on art, literature, music and speech & hearing.
| | |
Greetings for the Season, Sisters!
I have amazing news to tell you! You have already contributed slightly more than $5,000 to our long-term project since the convention. As a result, our remaining balance is now $17,500. Well done!
People reflect on their life and their blessings throughout the holidays. This may inspire a desire to give back to others. A thoughtful option to give back is to recommend that a donation be given to the Psi Iota Xi LTP in place of gifts. If you desire to encourage those wanting to give you gifts you can phrase the request by stating that you have what you need and would be appreciative of a contribution to a cause you care about.
Instead of sending a present to a friend or relative who has everything, think about making a donation to the Psi Iota Xi LTP in their name and letting them know about it, maybe with a card that says it was made in their honor.
We would like to express our gratitude to the chapters that are holding special fundraisers for the LTP. We have heard that some of you are engaging in meeting activities to generate money for the LTP. You don't have to wait until April to send us your donations; you may do so at any time. Let's work hard to raise an additional $5,000 in the coming months. Just to remind you, donations made by December 31st are tax deductible.
| | |
LTP donations can be mailed to:
Valerie Helms-Mejia, National Project Chair
3905 Vincennes Rd Suite 305
Indianapolis, IN 46268
Loyally,
Mickie Hansen
National Advisor
Upsilon, Greenfield, IN
| | | |
The Practice of Gift Giving
Gift giving is a tradition that spans cultures and generations, symbolizing appreciation, love, and respect. People exchange gifts during holidays, special occasions, or even as spontaneous gestures to strengthen relationships and convey meaningful sentiments. The act itself can range from simple tokens to elaborate presents and often reflects the giver's thoughtfulness and understanding of the recipient's preferences.
Chapters support their communities through volunteer work, hosting art and music events, and donating books. This year, National Council and PNPs collected music supplies for the Riley Cheer Guild’s Music Therapy Program and presented them at the Winter Council Meeting. Below is an example of how Alpha Theta Charlestown has given back to their community.
“Charlestown Ensembles is extremely thankful to have received a $1,000 grant from Psi Iota Xi to be used for a children's summer musical theater camp. Ensembles is partnering with the city of Charlestown's Parks and Recreation Department to provide several music and art opportunities each summer for our children.
This particular camp will run June 8-12 and will be a fun Pirate theme. The local Arts and Enrichment building will be transformed into a pirate ship, and the students will get the opportunity to perform "Pirates- the Musical".
We appreciate the support and encouragement we receive from Psi Iota Xi to continue to offer excellent arts opportunities for our community”.
A gift doesn’t have to be money—it can be your time. This season, support those in need by reading to kids, visiting nursing homes, volunteering at food pantries, ringing the Salvation Army bell, delivering meals, or checking on elderly neighbors. As our closing verse say’s “Give cheer to those less fortunate about you”. Which all adds up to Service Hours for your Chapter.
Loyally,
Carol Good
Southeast District Officer
Alpha Theta, Charlestown, IN
| | National Council and PNP's Gather and Support the Riley Cheer Guild Music Therapy Program | | |
Each year, National Council invites the Past National Presidents (PNPs) to join them for a get together in November. This year, on November 15th we gathered at the National Office for lunch which was provided by National Council members.
Ann Hannan, Director of the Riley Cheer Guild and Lauren Servos, Manager of Creative Arts Therapies, were our guest speakers. We were also joined by Becky Meyer, Riley Cheer Guild Board member and our Psi Ote sister from the Zeta Epsilon Chapter in Bargersville.
After lunch, attendees were treated to an interactive presentation about Riley’s Music Therapy Program with special emphasis on the Music Studio, which is one of our own National Projects.
Thanks to the generosity of Riley donors and support from the Riley Cheer Guild, Riley patients receive music therapy as a vital service at no charge. Research shows the value of music therapy for helping people who are hospitalized feel better, heal faster and go home sooner. Riley patients rely on donor funding to access this treatment, both to fund the staffing costs and to give access to high-quality recording equipment and musical instruments. We, at Psi Iota Xi, provided funds initially at the National Convention in 2023 with additional funds provided in 2024 and 2025. A mobile recording studio was gifted to the Riley Cheer Guild music therapy team and has given Riley patients the opportunity to write and record their own songs, create their own music videos, and share their creations with their families, fellow patients, and care teams. Funds have also supported the creation of legacy recordings that include the sounds of the heart beats of patients that passed away at Riley. Their families now have the ability to listen to their child’s heartbeat and the songs they wrote to help them feel connected with them even after their child has died.
We also participated in our annual Riley Project. Each year, we bring items to the gathering to share with the Riley Cheer Guild. In the past, we have provided school supplies, infant blankets, and other items needed in a hospital where children may spend extended amounts of time. This year, we gifted Riley with items related to the Music Therapy Program, such as small musical instruments and accessories.
We, on National Council feel blessed to be able to support such a worthwhile program!
Taffy Day
National President
Omega, Lebanon, IN
| | |
I had the privilege of presenting the 2025 Helicon to Mickie Hansen, National Advisor, during the recent gathering of National Council and Past National Presidents. The Helicon serves as the official annual history of our organization, and it is the privilege of the National Editor to deliver the first copy of this publication to the Advisor, commemorating her tenure as National President.
Jane Patton
National Editor
Alpha Omicron, Vincennes, IN
| | |
Each chapter will be receiving their copy of the 2025 Helicon either via mail or hand delivery by a National Council member or Past National President.
You can view the full color version of the Helicon on the Psi Iota Xi website.
Online Helicons
Want to purchase a copy of the Helicon as a souvenir of an amazing year and National Convention? A limited number of black & white copies are available for purchase. Click the link below:
Helicons for Sale
| | |
Theta Psi, Bethany, IL
Celebrates 50 Years of Service
| | |
On a cold and blustery day in November, West Central District Officer, Pam Karle and I set off for Bethany, IL. It was time for us to celebrate Theta Psi Chapter’s 50th Anniversary with the sisters of Bethany, IL and their guests!
We were welcomed with open arms, in the warm Bethany library. It was so nice to see sisters we have known for a while and new sisters in their chapter.
Their scrapbooks were so fun to go through. Remembering past members, discussing a night of karaoke, and seeing the newspaper articles honoring Past National President Delores Heckerson, were just some of the stories that were heard.
Pam was introduced to “Bessie Bingo”, an annual tradition for the Theta Psi sisters. Bessie is a cow that selects a winner from a grid of numbers that patrons have purchased. The selection process has been known to be smelly but entertaining, to say the least.
Sue Yarnell, a charter member, was honored by her sisters for her continued support and enthusiasm for Psi Iota Xi. It was wonderful afternoon, filled with love and laughter.
Congratulations Theta Psi on 50 years of service to your community!
Respectfully,
Mona Knight
National Treasurer
Iota Theta, Armstrong, IL
| | |
Connections From Convention, Part 1
Most of our chapters are up to our earrings in Operation Cheeseball, holiday fairs, and our upcoming December celebrations—I can’t wait to see your pictures on your chapter pages and in Sister Chat—but we will soon be halfway to our June convention in Indianapolis. I don’t care if your chapter is large or small, city or suburban or rural—I love meeting your delegates and learning how you serve your communities. And I especially love being part of connecting women with chapters across the national area. Networking is not just for professional advancement—it’s also essential for the overall growth of our sorority. For the next few issues, I am sharing stories of convention meetups that grew our sisterhood.
At my first convention as West Central DO, PNP Beth Keeney approached me at the welcome party to introduce me to Mandi from her chapter—Beta Tau—Frankfort. I knew Mandi via email as she was their chapter treasurer at the time and we had worked through PCR questions long distance, but this was our first face to face meeting. Mandi asked me if I would reach out to her best friend Kerry, who lives in Brownsburg (only a mile or so from me, as it turns out) and sponsor her for membership. That autumn, Kerry and I met for lunch. Mandi drove to “The Burg” the next spring for Kerry’s pledge ceremony. At the end of her first full year in Gamma Nu, Kerry became our corresponding secretary. She is a hard worker who has embraced Operation Cheeseball and our projects and business like she was a legacy who grew up around our sorority.
At Kerry’s first convention last June, the four of us—Beth, Mandi, Kerry, and I—were all together for the first time. On Saturday evening, before it was time to dance the night away, we posed for this picture. We just might make getting a group photo a convention tradition.
But you don’t have to wait for June to make a referral to another chapter. It is always recruiting season in Psi Iota Xi! (Unlike cheeseball season, agreed?)
While you are thinking about new members for your own chapter, please think about your far flung beloved family and friends who could benefit from sorority involvement.
If you have a friend who has relocated or will be moving to a town with a chapter nearby, please contact your DO and let her know. If your friend is in your district, your DO will help get you connected with the chapter. If your friend is not located in your district, your DO will help you get connected to the DO in the appropriate district.
It is an honor to serve as your National Conductress. Have a wonderful holiday season!
Missy Cooper
National Conductress
Gamma Nu, Brownsburg, IN
| | National Council - We are here to assist YOU! | | |
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
| | | |
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 Zeffy and 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.
| | |
Alpha Xi, Logansport, IN, has their Christmas book “THE CHRISTMAS BELLS” for sale. This makes a wonderful Christmas gift. It is available on Amazon for $10. There is also a Kindle version. We have six tote bags for sale at $25 each. Bright and colorful. Contact Alpha Xi Chapter at gsshaffer@hotmail.com to purchase.
Thank you,
Sandra Shaffer,
President Alpha Xi Chapter
Logansport, IN
| | THETA BETA, PAOLI, IN held their annual Spook Parade and Costume Contest. | | |
ALPHA RHO, GARRETT, IN - Members supported the Garrett Show Choir by attending the Garrett Show Choir Gala.
The book theme of their November meeting was the Dr. Seuss classic "Green Eggs and Ham". This meeting doubled as their annual Christmas family fundraiser night complete with a white elephant gift exchange. Alpha Rho sisters raised $510 for their Christmas family to combine with our budgeted amount to give our chosen family a wonderful Christmas.
| | THETA KAPPA, EDON, OH had a wonderful turn out at their annual Bingo Fundraiser. | | |
BETA PSI, DELPHI, IN held a painting class taught by member Sherri Cripe with funds raised going to the Marcella VanSickle Art Fund.
They also spent a blustery autumn day hosting a Bingo fundraiser with plants being the prizes.
| | IOTA CHI, LAGRANGE, KY - Southeast District Officer Carol Good shared insight and encouragement with the sisters of Iota Chi during their November meeting. | | ALPHA OMEGA, NORTH VERNON, IN - Members Nancy Burke, Deanna Eaton Howard, and Carol Ramey (Julie Eberts Ramey, not pictured) provide dinner at Wayside Inn in North Vernon. This is a new project for Alpha Omega chapter with members teaming up to provide dinner once per month. | | ETA OMICRON, KALAMAZOO, MI Sisters made a holiday donation of non-perishable food and household items to the Portage Community Center. The boxes are full of cereal! | | ALPHA OMICRON, VINCENNES, IN - Alpha Omicron elves brought the joy of giving to the November meeting by shopping for and wrapping Christmas gifts for children from the Salvation Army’s Holiday Assistance program. | | GAMMA XI, CRAWFORDSVILLE, IN - Members supported local art at a pop-up art show at the Table Spoon. | | |
ALPHA, MUNCIE, IN held a pitch-in dinner at their November meeting. Alpha sisters donated food items to the Muncie Mission.
Psi Iota Xi Alpha chapter celebrated their 4th annual Friendsgiving at Tonne Winery recently. The event grows each year, and the group enjoyed spending time with our each other and their guests.
| | |
Sheraton Indianapolis Hotel at Keystone Crossing Convention Hotel Information:
- $169 per night per room
- Last day to book at this rate is Friday, May 22, 2026
- Rate includes complimentary self-parking in attached hotel parking garage and complimentary guestroom Wi-Fi
- You can call the Sheraton Indianapolis for reservations: (888) 627-7814
- Ask to make a reservation within the Psi Iota Xi Convention 2026 Group Room Block
- Click on the button below to reserve your rooms online:
| |
National Convention 2027
Theta Kappa, Edon, OH, will host the 2027 National Convention at the Grand Wayne Convention Center in Fort Wayne, IN.
National Convention 2028
Iota Theta, Armstrong, IL, will host the 2028 National Convention.
| | |
National President
Taffy Day, Omega
National Vice President
Sandie Carlson, Theta Kappa
National Secretary
Terri Resler, Alpha Psi
National Treasurer
Mona Knight, Iota Theta
National Advisor
Mickie Hansen, Upsilon
National Project Chair
Valerie Helms-Mejia, Alpha
National Editor
Jane Patton, Alpha Omicron
| | |
National Conductress
Missy Cooper, Gamma Nu
Northeast District Officer
Lauren Burk, Gamma Sigma
Northwest District Officer
Pam Gunterman, Theta Delta
East Central District Officer
Beth Vipond, Gamma Tau
West Central District Officer
Pam Karle, Gamma Xi
Southeast District Officer
Carol Good, Alpha Theta
Southwest District Officer
Erin Schroering, Iota Lambda
| | 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). | | |
Contact
National Office
3905 Vincennes Road, Suite 303
Indianapolis, IN 46268
317.471.3512
info@psiiotaxi.org
| | | | | |
