Volume 98 - Issue 3| September 2025

Cathy Tenney, Editor

 

Being Open to Opportunities


Opportunities rarely come with a flashing neon sign. Life is full of chances, but we often miss them because we're not paying attention. Being open to opportunities means having a mindset that welcomes new experiences, ideas, and connections. It involves being receptive to both the unexpected and the obvious. By staying curious and open-minded, you allow yourself to see endless opportunities.


Being open requires a mix of flexibility and boldness. Flexibility helps you adjust when a plan goes sideways or when the chosen route takes an unexpected detour. Boldness allows you to step out of your comfort zone, push your boundaries, and explore the unknown. It’s about developing a mindset that embraces possibilities instead of resisting change or sticking to the status quo. Each of these opportunities contributes to your personal growth and resilience. 


The truth is, you can't predict where every opportunity will lead you. However, being open-minded gives you the chance to evaluate each one fairly. Some opportunities may fade away, while others could lead to bigger things. Keep your mind curious and focused because amazing things are just ahead of you. 


There are seven broad categories of opportunities available within the Ohio State Organization (OHSO) of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. The seven are: leadership, connections, membership, activism, communications, financial, and recognition. Click on the link below to discover the opportunities that await you as a valued member.


Opportunities are rarely offered; they're seized. ~ Sheryl Sandberg


Energetically,

Dr. Molly Helmlinger, Beta Kappa

OHSO State President


Opportunities through Ohio State Organization

Eileen McCormack

Psi Chapter


Joyce Atwood

Alpha Gamma Chapter


Cora Coomer

Alpha Gamma Chapter


Kay Wallace

Alpha Gamma Chapter

 

Virginia Ann Huntsman

Alpha Psi Chapter


Karen Beam

Delta Kappa Chapter

Carol Ann Hart

Beta Chi Chapter


Carol Ann Hart's stunning quilts, A Quilting Journey, are on display at the Youngstown Jewish Community Center until Sunday, September 14, 2025. Carol believes she has always been an artist. She has always been creating beauty. She never could have imagined that a quilt sampler class in 1983 would have led her to a love of textiles and design. She believes quilting has always been her destiny, and now it is her passion. Carol is active in two quilting guilds and the American Sewing Guild.

Diana Haskell

Gamma Phi Chapter


Diana Haskell, who serves as the DKG International Finance Chair, delivered a presentation titled Through the Lens of Our Fiduciary Duties at the State Officer Leadership Training in New Orleans.

Nancy Russell

Beta Kappa Chapter


Nancy Russell was awarded Best of Show in the Any Technique - Sewing Machine Quilted for the baby quilt made for Eliza, her soon-to-be great niece, at the Shelby County Fair in the Fine Arts division. The pattern is Trip Around the World.

 

Membership Matters

                   

What is really going on in your chapter?????


Is there a disconnect between members? Is there disengagement? Are there negative influencers?  Now, with the start of a new program year, it is time for a positive look at the opportunities within your chapter, within your community.  Ask your chapter members, where do we want to go? And then establish your key goals!


It is critical that members and potential members have a sense of belonging. They must feel welcomed, valued, accepted, safe, and that they are a part of something meaningful that’s larger than themselves. Let’s make sure that they feel connected to other members, leaders, and the organization; respected by other members, leaders, and the organization; and protected to feel safe to fully express who they are.


We can do it!


Meier Bauer, Gamma Phi

OHSO Membership Chair

OHSO Recording Secretary

 OHSO is Ready for the Challenge - We Can Do It!

Membership Data for 2025 - 2026

Active Paid

Members

Collegiate Paid Members

Reserve Paid Members

Total Paid Members

Ohio Chapters


1,841

4

351

2,196

66

DKG Ohio Financial Update for July 1 - July 31, 2025

Statement of Financial Activity

Revenue

$21,769.00

Expenses

$ 2,805.00

Net Income

$18,964.00

Statement of Financial Position

Checking/Savings

$ 47,142.00

Available Fund Reserve*

$ 15,000.00

Investments

$240,994.00

Total Assets

$303,136.00

Credit Card Liabilities

$ 606.00

Total Equity

$302,530.00

*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. 



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, September 2nd @ 1:30 p.m. hosted by World Fellowship


Tuesday, October 7th @ 6:30 p.m. hosted by Membership & Expansion, topic on Cllegiate Membership


Tuesday, November 4th @ 1:30 p.m. hosted by iMIS Due Structure Task Force

 

Delta Theta Chapter welcomed two members at their July meeting.  Co-President Ellen Anglim presented Carolyn McIntire and Carol Merritt each with a red rose.

Alpha Gamma Chapter

Tara Bushatz

Susan Congrove

Susan Glandon

Hannah Henthorn


Alpha Eta Chapter

Aubree Kushmaul

Kathleen Scaggs

Melissa Ann Young


Alpha Psi Chapter

Jenny Frey


Delta Theta Chapter

Barb Carr Lupton

Delta Kappa Gamma Society International has received notice that the application for consideration by the U.S. Citizens; Stamp Advisory Committee will be reviewed at the beginning of October! Send in your letters before October! Please reach out to your local legislators via email or letter and help DKG get that stamp today!  



Click on the links below for letter templates to your legislators and to the Stamp Advisory Committee.


Letter to Stamp Advisory Committee


Letter to Your Legislators

 

Education Excellence Committee


Welcome back to school season!!  If you are active in the classroom, I send wishes for a fabulous new school year. If you are no longer active in the classroom, please send words of encouragement to a friend who is still in the classroom.  


I am the Education Excellence Chair for Ohio DKG, and I know you have been accustomed to hearing from me during the last two years as the Legislative Liaison. I will still report on legislative news, as well as other news, for our state.  I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to be on the Education Excellence Committee. Please reach out to me via email at eec@dkgohio.org. I look forward to hearing from you!


At the National Conference, the Blanton Stamp Initiative was announced to have a U.S. Commemorative Postage Stamp honoring Dr. Annie Webb Blanton in 2029. This centennial tribute not only marks a milestone in American education but also celebrates Dr. Blanton’s tribute not only marks a milestone in American education but also celebrates Dr. Blanton’s extraordinary achievements as a transformative leader for women and educators across the nation.



I am asking our members to reach out to their state legislators, seeking their support in making the stamp a reality.  Please reach out and lend your support to the Blanton Stamp efforts.  Please refer to The Voice issues from the spring to find your legislators’ information. 


Sharon Scheidegger, Beta Delta

First Vice President

EEC Chair

Legislative Liaison

 

Alpha Theta Chapter announced this year’s scholarship winner is MacKenzie Hartzler.  MacKenzie will be attending Ashland University, majoring in Early Childhood Education. To honor women who have shown evidence and potential for distinctive service in the field of teaching, the Alpha Theta chapter proudly donates a $1,000 scholarship annually.  Pictured are Nolan and Stephanie Hartzler, the Alpha Theta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society scholarship winner MacKenzie Hartzler, and the DKG Alpha Theta Scholarship chair Jane Slater.

Gamma Phi Chapter members had a wonderful time at the Barbie exhibit at the Cincinnati Museum Center! It was fascinating to see how Barbie and fashion influenced one another through the decades.

Important Upcoming Dates to Remember


September 2, 2025

Inside International

1:30 p.m. via Zoom


September 15, 2025

DKG Fall Fine Arts Gallery

Last Day for Submissions


September 17, 2025

Chapter President's Connections

with Dr. Molly Helmlinger

6:30 p.m. via Zoom


September 27, 2025

OHSO Fall Executive Board Meeting

Ohio University- Dublin Integrated Education Center

6805 Bobcat Way

Dublin, OH 43016


October 7, 2025

Inside International

6:30 p.m. via Zoom


October 23, 2025

Chapter President's Connections

with Dr. Molly Helmlinger

6:30 p.m. via Zoom


November 1, 2025

Chapter Yearbooks Are Due

Email it to goldkey@dkgohio.org


November 4, 2025

Inside International

1:30 p.m. via Zoom


November 19, 2025

Chapter President's Connections

with Dr. Molly Helmlinger

6:30 p.m. via Zoom


December 18, 2025

Chapter President's Connections

with Dr. Molly Helmlinger

6:30 p.m. via Zoom

 

Ohio State Organization Related Links

Delta Kappa Gamma promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education.