New Year with a New Resolution

I am planning to start the new year with a new resolution that centers around Ohio State Organization (OSO)-Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG). What is the meaning of resolution? A resolution is an idea, promise, or philosophy for something you desire. A resolution is intertwined with goals. The resolution is the overarching theme, and the goals are the activities that fall within the theme. Without goals, resolutions often go unmet. We all have likely experienced setting a resolution, only to have it fall flat. It is only natural to pay more attention to what is directly in front of us. Therefore, if you set specific goals with timelines, it will help keep the goals at the forefront of your mind. Accomplishing the goals will usually result in the resolution becoming a reality.

My specific resolution is to focus on building leadership capacity of OSO-

DKG. There are two major goals that I have identified:

Goal One. Design strategies and processes to get more members engaged at the chapter level by collaborating with interested parties.

Goal Two: Design strategies and processes to get chapter leadership more engaged at the state level.

What could be your own resolution as it applies to OSO-DKG? Maybe it is to define how the organization is relevant to you. Maybe it is to more clearly establish connections with OSO and DKG. Or, consider exploring the rich heritage of both OSO and DKG to gain a deeper appreciation of the powerful women that came before us.

Whatever your resolution is, don’t forget to celebrate successes, milestones, and accomplishments along the way. Sometimes we get so focused on making a big transformation that we forget to notice the incremental progress we are making along the way. Strive to develop a mindset that will foster positive energy. May your resolution result in a vibrant journey.

Energetically,

Dr. Molly Helmlinger, Beta Kappa

OSO First Vice President

Condolences

Ohio State Organization would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to OSO State President Melodie McGee and her mother, Barbara Cleveland, Gamma Nu, on the passing of Deacon Franklin C. Cleveland on November 30, 2024, beloved father and husband.

Pi Chapter hosted the Dayton Coordinating Council meeting in November.  Guests included: Linda Harrison, Pi Chapter President; Jane Keiffer, Director of the Artemis House Domestic Violence Resource Center, Speaker; Melodee McGee, OSO President; Jane Cook, Beta Psi Chapter President; and Kelly Haws, Delta Kappa Chapter Vice-President.

Gamma Lambda Chapter and Phi Chapter met in at Burntwood Tavern in Cuyahoga Falls. Our speaker was Nancy Frecka, author of God Says, You Can Trust Me. Her topic was Miracles in My Life! Her message uplifted our spirits giving us a lot of food for thought.

Beta Eta and Beta Zeta Chapters celebrated their 85th birthday in November with OSO President Melodie McGee attending their birthday celebration. OSO President McGee shared with the group exciting, upcoming state events. Beta Eta presented her with a ceramic mug filled with red roses created by Mary Recker of Beta Eta.

Chi Chapter celebrated 85 years at the November meeting. Members learned the history of the group, celebrated accomplishments and recognized members as they were named by the number of years since they were inducted. All of the women who have served as president were recognized, and those present came forward. This picture is the past presidents and current president who were present for the meeting celebrating 85 years of Chi.  Left to right: Gerry Frechtling, Marilyn McKnight, Sue Kinch, Kathy Kessler, Sydney Baker, Joan Avery, Sue Samoviski, and current President Rita Francis.

Psi Chapter honored six members who have 50 plus years of membership and service to DKG. Each honoree was presented with a personalized vase and corsage. Honorees include Mary Harley, 50 years; Carol Austin, 52 years; Jane Bartlett, 59 years; Mary Louise Snyder, 72 years; Betty Rippey, 51 years; and chapter president Rev. Erica Harley. Not pictured is Barbara Heidelbach, 54 years. As part of the ceremony a biography was read that included their contributions and service to the organization as well as their careers in education. Each honoree then told stories of their educational experiences and fond memories of their time in the organization.

Delta Mu Chapter held its annual Holiday gift basket silent auction with half of the proceeds going to Choices for Domestic Violence and half toward supporting youth.

Beta Chi Chapter of hosted a Christmas party for its members as well as members of Alpha Omega Chapter. Pictured are the members of the Christmas Committee, Wendy Spoerr, Joyce Faiver, Juanita Barber, and Carlie Powell. 

Scam Alert

OSO members must be on the watch for scams via emails, texts or phone messages. Scams are typically from fake emails or phone numbers that have access to officers, treasurers, and committee chairwomen’s contact information which may be listed on OSO's website or chapter website.

If any OSO member receives a request for money or gift cards from an either Melodie McGee, OSO State President or Diana Haskell, OSO State Treasurer, it is a scam. The message will often say they need to talk but then states they are in a meeting and unable to talk but want you to send money or purchase gift cards. DO NOT under any circumstance respond to these emails, texts or phone messages.

To stop a scam email, click on the dots at the top right of the email to block the person.  This will bring up the email address being used.  Block and report this email address.   A similar process of tapping on the phone number and selecting Info will access the Block Caller option number of someone pretending to be an OSO officer.

Michele Koenig, Gamma Chapter

2025 OSO State Convention Registrar

Gamma Iota Chapter took a tour of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank and Community Resource Center after hearing an excellent presentation at the October meeting from Michelle Park, Donor Relations and Development Officer of the Organization. Members pictured are Diane Howard, Nancy Kurnat, Jan Milazzotto, Debbie Cerepak, Donna Valtman, Jen Stokes, Cindy Vehovec, Becky Dingeldein, Bonnie Lillibridge, Pat White, and Ellen Dolence.

Gamma Chapter hosted Linda Luft Jones from Damsel in Defense. Their mission is to equip, empower and educate women to protect themselves and their families. Linda shared that one in three women are victims of domestic violence, one in four women are assaulted on college campuses, and a child is abducted every forty seconds. Linda passed along many helpful suggestions and tips for women to remain safe in their homes, while in their cars, and in public spaces.