After four months of Zoom meetings due to COVID, Alpha Tau met live and virtually, celebrating the 92nd birthday of DKG! It was a blessing to be together again and to celebrate each other— and to include a Founder’s Day tribute to our DKG sisters. “Hats off to the Founders” was the title of the tribute that Bettye Penny shared. The historical information was presented by having different members each read a stanza of a poem, highlighting the founding women of DKG. Bettye also shared historical information about Alpha Tau, our Kaufman County chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma. The Alpha Tau chapter was organized on April 15, 1933, in Terrell. The first president was Mrs. Pearl Larue, and charter members were the following: Mrs. H. C. Akin, Mrs. Ada Lou Adams, Mrs. Emma Lucille Anderson, Cleo Armstrong, Mrs. J. M. Bettis, Mrs. Otis Bryant, Thelma Clarke, Mrs. Charles Choate, Addie Mae Creecy, Ruth Elmore, Minnie Jane Gribble, Mamie Sue Halbrook, Mrs. Annie T. Magee, Pearl Mickie, Mrs. W. H. Petty, Agnes Peyton, Mrs. Clara Richards, Ethel Rives, Inez Strong, Mrs. Ollie Williams, Gladys Wright, and Mrs. E. J. Watson.
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 by President Vivian Themer after a light dinner of sandwiches, chips, and fruit, provided by the Hostess Committee. A birthday cookie was also provided to solidify the birthday celebration! The cookie was baked by C. J. Metz, young entrepreneur of CJ’s Gourmet Cookie Cakes. He is a student of Marnie Cushing and uses the money he earns from his cookie cakes to pay for his FFA projects. The cookie was red velvet, decorated with the DKG rose! It was delicious!
President Vivian Themer welcomed new prospective members, Rachel Calvery and Jo Lynn Maddin.
Marnie Cushing inspired the members by reminding us that our Lord is with us and renewing us daily. She read 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 and Psalm 34:18-19. Her words to us: “Like so many times in the history of our world, we are stuck in a season of ‘Why.’ When there is war, disease, or disaster, we wonder where God is and why He seems to have abandoned us. We are shortsighted in our pain and confusion and cannot see His handiwork in the mess of our lives. But, when I really think about it, there is no real season without struggle. My pastor, who recently died of COVID, once said that we are either about to go into the fire, are in the fire, or have just come out of the fire. That is really how life is. There is always something in our lives that the enemy can use against us to make us question God and His goodness. My challenge to you is to be like Joseph, who knew God’s plan would take him out of the pit and restore him, like David, who survived war and those who would kill him, to become the mighty King of Israel, and like Paul, who though he suffered physical pain and imprisonments, still found the voice to give God the glory in every situation. Cry out to God when you are suffering, but never stop in your praise and worship of His awesome greatness. He is the only one who can see time complete and our tiny spot in it. His plans for you are perfect, and He knows your name!” This was a great message to all of us!
After the inspiration, the pledges to the United States and Texas Flags were led by Ann McDonald.
Next on the agenda were the executive committee reports. First Vice President, Cathy Stewart, reviewed the upcoming program for May, “Popping into Summer!” Members will share favorite books and movies. Second Vice President, Karrie Pharris, recognized April Birthdays, and she held the membership drive drawing for those members that encouraged others to become members of Alpha Tau. The winner received a gift card to Dairy Queen and a cute owl mug! Corresponding Secretary, Suzy McCook, read a sweet “thank you” to Alpha Tau from a member who had broken her leg and has recovered. Jerri Coates, Treasurer, held the annual raffle drawing, which raised $930.00 for our education fund. The winner of the drawing was Janice Dowlearn. Vivian Themer, President, reviewed old business: setting up an Alpha Tau Facebook, State and International Convention information, and Setting goals for 2021/22. Themer also presented new business: members voted to correct/ amend chapter rules; members voted to donate $50.00 to ASTEF and UNICEF; convention registration and advertisement were detailed.
After the historical program presentation, the meeting adjourned with the DKG song, accompanied by Sondra Perry on the piano.
Alpha Tau is the Kaufman County Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at the Kaufman County Library at 5:00. Membership is open to women in the education profession. Our next meeting is May 11th. The Texas State DKG website is dkgtexas. org. This report was made by Vivian Themer.
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