Volume 98 - Issue 11| May 2026

Cathy Tenney, Editor

Printable Newsletter

A Message from Dr. Molly

Spring Forward with Focus: Strengthening OHSO & DKG Together

Spring doesn’t arrive quietly – it awakens something within us. It stirs energy from stillness, giving us a renewed sense of purpose for what lies ahead. It draws our attention to what truly matters. It reminds us that growth is not accidental – it is intentional and focused. That is exactly where we stand as OHSO and DKG. We are not simply entering Spring. We are stepping into renewed momentum, a shared mission, and collective strength. This is our season to refocus and move forward together, with purpose and clarity. So let’s not drift and wait for change. Let’s SPRING into it with FOCUS.

S – Strengthen Connections

Focus begins and ends with our members. This is our foundation. When we intentionally connect across chapters, roles, and experiences, we build unity. That unity is far greater than the sum of individual efforts. Every conversation, collaboration, and connection anchors, supports, and moves us forward together. Now is the time to reach out, reconnect deeply, and strengthen the relationships that define OHSO and DKG.

P – Pursue Purpose

Focus sharpens purpose. Our purpose is not passive – it is alive and dynamic. It helps us move beyond mere involvement to full investment. Each member brings unique gifts, and when those gifts align with our shared mission, our impact multiplies. Spring challenges us to move beyond routine and engage with intention – to lead, to serve, and to energize in ways that reflect the heart of OHSO and DKG.

R – Rise with Renewal

Focus brings clarity, and clarity brings renewal. Renewal is not about starting over. It invites us to reflect on what needs to be refreshed or reenergized within ourselves and our chapters. It challenges us to move beyond ‘we have always done it this way’ and toward stronger possibilities. When we embrace new ideas and voices, we build momentum that carries us further. Renewal is about rising wiser, stronger, and more aligned with DKG's mission and seven purposes.

I – Ignite Inspiration

Focused energy fuels inspiration. Inspiration is not accidental or something we wait to receive. It is something we choose to create through intentional action. When we show up with enthusiasm and authenticity in our words, actions, and leadership, we ignite a ripple effect. That ripple effect inspires others to engage, grow, and believe in what we are building together. Inspiration energizes us personally and our chapters, OHSO, and DKG.

N – Nurture a Culture of Belonging

Focus reminds us to prioritize what matters most. Our members always come first. A culture of belonging does not happen by chance; it is nurtured through intentional inclusion. Spring calls us to create spaces where every member is seen, heard, supported, and valued. When belonging is nurtured, engagement deepens, and OHSO and DKG become more relevant and stronger.

G – Give with Generosity and Grace

A focused organization gives with purpose. Giving is at the heart of who we are, but in this season, we are called to give with intention. Generosity in OHSO and DKG is more than service – it is the willingness to share our time, talents, encouragement, and leadership to uplift others and strengthen DKG’s mission. Every act of giving, whether seen or unseen, creates a ripple effect. Grace reminds us that how we give matters as much as what we give. Grace calls us to lead with kindness, to support one another with understanding, and to create space for growth. When generosity and grace come together, something powerful happens. Individuals are energized and motivated to give of themselves authentically. That is where true momentum begins.

Spring is more than a change of season. It is a call to move forward with FOCUS. Let’s move forward with intention, strengthen what connects us, and continue building a stronger, more relevant OHSO and DKG together.

Spring is far more than just a changing of seasons; it’s a rebirth of the spirit. – Toni Sorenson

Energetically,

Dr. Molly Helmlinger, Beta Kappa

OHSO State President

GOLD KEY REMINDER FOR CHAPTERS

Time is growing short to gather your chapter information for Gold Key.

Please check the OHSO website for an updated Gold Key Planning Sheet (go to dkgohio.org and pull-down State Info and click on Gold Key). Be sure to use this as a checklist for your chapter to be certain you have completed all the items necessary for the Gold Key.

The two items that were updated were Key Point #2; presidents or their designee will need to attend six of the ten President’s Connection meetings to qualify for that point and Polish Point #2 has been eliminated for this year 2025-2026.

The Gold Key Application will be online beginning May 15, 2026. Some questions will require a short answer so please be prepared with the necessary information. Please remember the online application will close at 11:59p.m. on June 30, 2026.

If you have questions, email them to goldkey@dkgohio.org

Karen Dombrowski, Alpha Nu

OHSO Second Vice President

Gold Key Coordinator

Alpha Mu Chapter recognized members at their April meeting who had perfect attendance for the year with a certificate. Donna Iachini recognized members Janice Pyles and Cheryl Rubish who will be retiring at the end of the school year.

Alpha Lambda Chapter held an extremely fun, creative card-making workshop with Lynda Berman, retired art teacher. She brought a huge collection of beautiful papers and had also pre-made pressed, laminated flowers. She taught them how to tear or cut papers, arrange them with flowers in mosaic collages and glue to the blank cards. Each member left with two or three handmade cards and matching envelopes.

Mattie Cooksey Fair

Pi Chapter

Mary Jane Esselburne

Alpha Delta Chapter

Membership Matters

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” ~ William Rogers

According to studies, it has been shown that a person forms their first impression somewhere between seven seconds and two minutes. This can be a reminder of how important it is to extend a warm welcome to guests and members before and during meetings. A positive first impression can foster feelings of being connected, respected, and protected among all attendees at each meeting.

One way my chapter, Gamma Xi, cultivated this sense of belonging was through the establishment of a Welcome Committee this past year. It is made up of four members who consistently attend meetings. At each meeting, two members proudly display a Welcome ribbon on their name tag as they greet members and guests at the entrance. The committee offers guidance by accompanying visitors, introducing them to other women, making sure they have a place to sit alongside other members, providing information regarding restroom facilities, making sure they have a name tag, and answering questions. Additionally, they may offer help with mobility upon request. These are just a few examples of the ways the Welcome Committee supports our chapter with connecting and maintaining feelings of belonging. It has been a success!

Janice Kehm, Gamma Xi

OHSO Membership Committee

Omicron Chapter

Angie Ashworth

Pamela K. Zoulek

Zeta Chapter

Melissa Aleman

Delta Mu Chapter

Valerie C. Causey

Beth W. Myers

Ann T. Noble

Delta Mu Chapter welcomed two new members: Ann Nobel and Beth Myers.

Membership Data for 2025 - 2026

Based upon data from the DKG Ohio Dues Portal April 6, 2026

Active Paid

Members

Collegiate Paid Members

Reserve Paid Members

Life

Members

Honorary

Members

Ohio Chapters

2077

253

DKG Ohio Financial Update for

July 1, 2025 - March 31, 2026

Statement of Financial Activity

Dues Revenue	$28,715.00
Non-dues Revenue	$ 5,624.00
Investment Revenue	$27,210.00 (unrealized)
Total Revenue	$61,549.00
Operating Expenses	$ 3,955.00
Committee Expenses	$ 2,216.00
Contributions	$ 650.00
Ex Bd Meetings	$ 2,986.00
Member Engagement	$ 508.00
Salaries/Contracts	$ 5,101.00
Total Expenses	$30,122.00
Net Income	$31,427.00

Statement of Financial Position

Checking/Savings	$ 31,980.00
Prepaid Expenses	$ 371.00
Available Fund Reserve*	$ 15,000.00
Investments	$268,203.00
Total Assets	$315,554.00
Credit Card Liabilities	$ 560.00
Total Equity	$314,994.00

*Available Fund Reserve is an Executive Board Directed fund for technology-related upgrades and licenses. Constitution Article IV, Section F, 2, f, (3). p. C-5.

Alpha Nu Chapter awarded seven Veneta Thropp Professional Internship Grants to women from Ohio University Lancaster doing their professional internships this semester.

Alpha Upsilon Chapter hosted Shelly Acker from the I Am Well Foundation in Darke County who spoke about whole person wellness. The Foundation provides comprehensive education, interventions services, holistic service methods, and a self-assessment tool to identify areas where you may need to ask for assistance to achieve and maintain optimal health and wellness.

Beta Rho Chapter heard a wonderful presentation on Mental Health. Nikki Applegate provided great information and talked about being an ADSOEF grant recipient.

Alpha Mu Chapter learned about protecting the rights of residents in long-term care from Becky Foster, Ombudsman for Jefferson County. Pictured are Becky Foster and Sally George.

Inside International

DKG Ohio members are encouraged to participate in the monthly Inside International Meetings via Zoom. Join the meeting for an hour to enjoy a conversation with International leaders and staff. Directors and elected leaders will be available to answer questions and welcome comments. The link to the meetings is available on the DKG International website.

Upcoming Inside International Dates

(Eastern Time)

Tuesday, May 5 @ 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday, June 2 @ 6:30 p.m.

Beta Eta Chapter selected two of their grant recipients to attend one of their meetings to share their experiences. Grant recipient Candance Meyer, second grade teacher at Ottawa Elementary, spoke to members about the positive impact the new STEM equipment has had on her students.

Beta Delta Chapter President, Sharon Scheidegger recently attended the National Legislative Seminar this spring.

Beta Alpha Chapter held a painting party with guest artist Michelle Musser from Season’s Gifts and Home in Pomeroy, Ohio. Each member attending went home with a spring picture they painted.

Gamma Pi Chapter meeting was entitled Succulents and Self-Care with Katie the presenter. She walked the group through selecting and planting a succulent. She also incorporated information on the plants, including care, feeding and watering while walking us through our own self-care regimens. We all walked away learning something about ourselves as well as the plants.

Chapter members show off their new plants following the meeting. Front from left, Holly Buente, JoAnn Vlacancich, Melissa Hackett, Kathy Boyles, Gerogeann Colella, Marian Zickefoose, Margie Rose and Betsey White. In back from left, Barbara Murray, Mary Ellen Wilcox, Susan Harris, Barbara Ade, Melissa Hackett, Laura Sullivan, Sonia Tsvetkoff, Margie DiOrio.

In the middle two pictures Georgeann Colella and Laura Sullivan select their plants and pots for the project. Katie assists Sonia Tsvetkoff and JoAnn Vlacancich in the planting phase of the program. Holly Buente and Mary Ellen Wilcox show off their completed projects in the bottom photo.

Delta Kappa Chapter met at Amber Rose Restaurant for a delicious lunch and activity. Our speaker discussed the importance of journaling and guided us through making our own journals to keep or give as a gift.