In keeping with the theme of Intergenerational Teachers, the November meeting’s program included a tour of the 1895 one-room West Harmony School House on the property of the McHenry County Historical Society and Museum, in Union. Following the tour, Kathy Betke, first vice-president, talked to members about pickle making that was and still is a part of McHenry County business. She then gave a hands-on demonstration of how to make garlic refrigerator pickles. Each member was able to participate in filling a jar and taking home pickles that could be eaten by Thanksgiving.

Following precise directions as shown in the photo (from left to right) are good students Pat Bloomquist, Sheryl Lampinen, and Melinda Schulz.

Alpha Theta Chapter is committed to outreach this year. At the September 2024 meeting, members brought feminine hygiene products, soaps, and toilet paper for FISH Food Pantry of McHenry, IL. Directors Cindy Chicoine, Sue Kapraun, and Pam Peters were grateful to receive these items from the DKG Alpha Theta Chapter because they are not available to the Pantry through the Northern Illinois Food Bank. In August, FISH served 829 households, a 10% increase over that month last year. A $100 donation was also made from the chapter. This outreach project was spearheaded by Alpha Theta member Deb Leathers. 

Each biennium, Alpha Theta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma presents an Achievement Award to an outstanding member. In June 2024 at Woodstock County Club, the 2024 award was bestowed on Kathy Betke. Betke is energetic and enthusiastic. In her six years as a member, she has chaired the Literacy Committee and will be 1st Vice President this biennium. She applied for and received grant money from DKG Illinois State Foundation for Educational Studies for the Little Free Library project in 2019 and Books and Blankets for Babies in 2023. She continues to organize and volunteer at Bernie’s Book Bank. She has presented workshops at the state convention including Napkin Folding and Making Pie Crusts. In her community she volunteers as a docent at the McHenry County Historical Society. Pictured on the left is Alpha Theta Achievement Award chairperson Melinda Schultz and on the right Kathy Betke.

To recognize April 2023, National Poetry Month, Alpha Theta sisters heard member, Jan Bosman, discuss where, how, and when poetry is introduced and taught in some McHenry County elementary, junior high and secondary schools. Then, on Zoom, members shared poems that they had written, following a template for “Here’s Where I’m From.” Shown above is president, Karen Doran, writing her original poem, which contains the line, I am from the family dining table, from the snap, crackle, pop of my Rice Krispies in the morning to the weekly Sunday dinners after church. Several members provided their poems to the chapter Facebook page and Website.

At our November meeting (2022), we learned interesting information about the Food Shed Co-op in Woodstock. Thank you, Peter and Sue, for sharing your informative presentation with us! Find out more here.

Each year, retired members make creative, fun gifts to give to our active teachers in a show of support.

Nearly 30 members attended a virtual meeting on 3/8/2021. Guest Kelly Kronwall, from NISRA, showed the NISRA mission, explained programs, and shared volunteer opportunities for special needs youth and adults in our area.

Some years ago, Jan created a scrapbook binder with lined pages where stories can be written and pocket pages where recipes and pictures can be stored. At the December DKG meeting, Jan will explain that this binder is not a recipe book until you put your recipes in it. And it is not a memoir or genealogical record until you tell your stories. Eileen Wolf will share how she personalizes the books to give as gifts.

The scrapbooks are available from Jan for $25 each or three or more for $20 apiece.  jebos@comcast.net 

Sisters Kathy Betke and Pam Dean recently volunteered with the Harvard Community Unit School District 50 after school REACH program!  They sponsored a fun cookie decorating program for the students.  Click here and here to see social media posts and pictures from the school district.

Sister Jan B. presented about poetry at one of our chapter meetings.  Below are a couple of her amazing poems!