2023-2024 Meeting Schedule

Zoom Meetings will be conducted simultaneously to accommodate all of our members and guests

Saturday, October 7, 2023

• Bandana’s Bar-B-Q, Carbondale

• 11:00 a.m. Lunch.  Order from Menu.

·      Program:  Marie Samuel, Alpha Kappa Chapter Member, has done art pieces with the following themes in mind:  Need for Pollinators, Environment (clean water, air, soil), Health, Conservation, Multicultural, Nature and Artist Tributes.  She will bring an art piece she has done for each theme and talk about them.

·      Hostesses:  Barbara Mau (Contact—618-529-1725), Lynn H. Love, Mary Helen Yeck, Darlene M. Shannon

Thursday, November 2, 2023

• West Frankfort Area Historical Museum, 200 East St. Louis Street, West Frankfort

• 5:00 p.m. Dinner ($15--meat, salad, two vegetables, dessert), Program, Business Meeting

• Program:  Tour of the West Frankfort Area Historical Museum

• Hostesses:  Sylvia Tharp (Contact--618-932-6189), Regina Sanders, Allis Hays, Donna M. Humphrey

Saturday, December 2, 2023

• Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1201 North Fair Street, Marion

• 1:30 p.m. Tea, Program, Business Meeting

• Program:  Tom Logan, Marion Medical Mission

• Hostesses:  Frances Pierce (Contact--618-889-7880), Lynn H. Love, Linda Walker, Susan Powless, Mary Helen Yeck

Thursday, February 1, 2024

• Zoom Meeting

• 4:30 p.m. Program, Business Meeting

• Program:  “Entering the Public School Superintendency” by Kimberly D. Matthews, Superintendent/Principal at Summerville Grade School District    #79 (pre K-8th grade), Mt. Vernon, Illinois, Past Co-President of Alpha Kappa Chapter

• Activities:  

Alpha Kappa Chapter Birthday—80 years.

Election of 2024-2026 Alpha Kappa Officers.

• Hostess:  Gail Shanks (Contact--618-751-1658)

Saturday, March 2, 2024

• Giant City State Park Lodge & Restaurant, 460 Giant City Lodge Road, Makanda

• 11:30 a.m. Lunch, Program, Business Meeting

• Program:  “All About Kindergarten” by Marilyn Sanders, Alpha Kappa Chapter Member who taught kindergarten for 50 years and recently authored a book, Ready for Kindergarten, and by Steve Richardson, Marilyn’s brother from Dallas, Texas, who is a free-lance writer and book author and has been executive director of the Football Writers Association  of America since 1996.

• Activities:  

Plan to attend the Virtual DKG Illinois State Organization Convention, April 19-21.

Executive Board Meeting.

• Hostesses:  Barbara Mau (Contact 618-529-1725) Darlene M. Shannon, Ann L. Warner, Francesca Burkett

Saturday, April 13, 2024

• Beta Delta Chapter Hosting Joint Meeting with Alpha Kappa Chapter  

• Chester Eagles Club, 402 Hacker Street, Chester

• 11:00 a.m. Welcome, Buffet Luncheon and Dessert (Approximately $16), Program, Song, Group Picture, Split into Chapters for Business Meetings

• Program:  Delta Kappa Gamma Illinois State Organization President Linda Adcock, Naperville.  “New Day, New Opportunities” is her state theme.

• Activity:  Pay dues in April or May.  Dues deadline is June 30.

• Hostess:  Gail Shanks (Contact--618-751-1658)

Thursday, May 2, 2024

• Jackson County Extension Office, 402 Ava Road, Murphysboro

• 4:30 p.m. Dinner, Program, Business Meeting.  

• Program:  DKG Illinois State Organization Convention Report, Honor Retirees, Celebration of Life (Memorial Ceremony), Installation of Alpha Kappa Chapter Officers for 2024-2026

• Activities:  Pay dues in April or May.  Dues deadline is June 30.Approve Budget.

• Hostesses:  Brenda Kay Jones (Contact--618-687-1378), Kendra Evans, Dianna S. Freebern, Gwen Roberts, Catherine P. Ziegler.

Thursday, September 5, 2024

• Alongi’s Italian Restaurant, DuQuoin

• 5:30 p.m. Dinner, Business Meeting, Program 

• Program:  “Preparing Alpha Kappa Chapter’s Program of Work for 2024-2025.”  Alpha Kappa Chapter committees plan projects and activities for the year.

• Activity:  Executive Board Meeting.

• Hostesses:  Ann Schwengel (Contact—618-357-1827), Cheryn Ruth Sutton, Donna Clendenin, Janet Baldwin

Saturday, October 5, 2024

• Bandana’s Bar-B-Q, Carbondale

• 11:00 a.m. Lunch--Order from Menu, Business Meeting, Program

• Program:  “Stamp Camp” by Phyllis Duncan, friend of Alpha Kappa Chapter member Kristi Pierce.  Cards will be made.  Fun!  Fun!  There will be a small cost for materials.

• Hostesses:  Darlene M. Shannon (Contact—618-549-1998), Barbara Mau, Suzanne Corzine, Linda E. North

Saturday, October 1, 2022

Bandana’s Bar-B-Q, Carbondale, 11:00 a.m. Lunch (Order from Menu)

Program:  “Journey with Josh” by Michelle Thomas, Physical Education Teacher at Vienna High School.  Former Carbondale Community High School Teacher of the Year, PE department chair, and coach.

Activities:  

Malawi Project:  Collect member donations for Marion Medical Mission.  

Women’s Center Projects:  Chapter Literacy--bring money donation or books for children/teens.  Baby Items--bring money donation or diapers, wipes, bibs, etc.  

School Supplies for County Classroom Christmas Project:  Bring facial tissues, #2 regular pencils, crayons, glue sticks, hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, or donate funds to purchase items.  

Saturday, November 5, 2022

• Church of Christ Fellowship Hall, 3100 South Park Avenue, Herrin

• 1:30 p.m.  Tea.

• Program:  "Filling Your Cup" by Betsy McKinney, 7th grade social studies teacher at Carterville Junior High School and a certified yoga instructor.

·      Hostesses:  Kimberly D. Matthews (Contact--618-521-5820), Marianella “Bibi” Eaton, Marie Samuel

Saturday, December 4, 2022

• Simply David’s Bakery & Catering, 113 South Russell Street, Marion

• 11:00 a.m. Lunch.  When calling your town/county chair to make your reservation, please indicate whether you wish to eat the Poppyseed Chicken Bake with a side of green beans and a homemade roll or wish to have the Entrée Salad.  Drinks, cupcakes, and cookies will also be available for purchase.  Estimating the minimum cost to be $15.

• Program:  “Founders Day Program”--Gail Shanks, Alpha Kappa Chapter Co-President

• Activity:  Christmas Gift Exchange:  Bring a wrapped $10 gift.  (Real gift, not a white elephant gift!)

• Hostesses:  Gail Shanks (Contact--618-751-1658), Laurie Ann Chapman (Chair of “Teachers Supporting Teachers” Baskets), Lynn H. Love, Frances Pierce

Thursday, February 2, 2023

• Zoom Business Meeting

• 4:30 p.m.

• Activity:  Alpha Kappa Chapter Birthday—79 years

Thursday, March 2, 2023

• Giant City State Park Lodge & Restaurant, Makanda

• 4:30 p.m. Business Meeting; 5-5:30 p.m. Program; 5:30 p.m. Dinner

·      Program:  “Getting to Know Francesca Burkett,” by Francesca Burkett.  She is an Alpha Kappa Chapter Collegiate Member and the 2022 recipient of the Alpha Kappa Chapter Dr. Vera Peacock Grant-in-Aid as well as the DKG Illinois State Organization Grant-in Aid.  Francesca attends SIU Carbondale.

·      Activities: 

ü  Plan to attend DKG Illinois State Organization Convention, April 23-25, DoubleTree by Hilton, Oakbrook, Illinois

ü  Executive Board Meeting

• Hostesses:  Darlene M. Shannon (Contact--618-549-1998), Marilyn Sanders, Suzanne Corzine, Bonnie Heidinger

Saturday, April 1, 2023

Alpha Kappa Chapter Hosting Joint Meeting with Beta Delta Chapter.  Daughters and granddaughters are also invited to attend.

• Grecian Steak and Seafood House, Pinckneyville

• 11:00 a.m. Lunch

·      Program:  “Generational Changes for Women in Leadership Roles” by Sheila Simon, Former Lt. Governor of Illinois

·      Activity:  Pay dues in April or May.  Dues deadline is June 30.

·      Hostesses:  Lynn H. Love (618-922-3152), Donna Clendenin, Jennifer Diane Bunton--Favors, Cheryn Ruth Sutton

Saturday, May 6, 2023

• Sunny Street Cafe, Carbondale

• 11:00 a.m. Lunch.  Order from menu.

·      Program:  DKG Illinois State Organization Convention Report, Honor Retirees, Celebration of Life (Memorial Ceremony)

·      Activities: 

ü  Pay dues in April or May.  Dues deadline is June 30.

ü  Approve Budget.

·      Hostesses:  Catherine P. Ziegler (Contact—618-815-878-7052), Barbara Mau, Linda North, Ann Warner

Thursday, September 7, 2023

• Alongi’s Italian Restaurant, DuQuoin

·      5:30 p.m. Dinner

·      Programs: 

ü  “Getting to Know You” by Kimberly D. Matthews and Jennifer Diane Bunton, Alpha Kappa Chapter Members

ü  “Preparing Alpha Kappa Chapter’s Program of Work for 2023-2024.”  Alpha Kappa Chapter committees plan projects and activities for the year.

·      Activity:  Executive Board Meeting.

·      Hostesses:  Ann Schwengel (Contact—618-357-1827), Brenda Kay Jones, Kendra Evans, Gwen Roberts  

Saturday, October 7, 2023

• Bandana’s Bar-B-Q, Carbondale

• 11:00 a.m. Lunch.  Order from Menu.

·      Program:  Marie Samuel, Alpha Kappa Chapter Member, has done art pieces with the following themes in mind:  Need for Pollinators, Environment (clean water, air, soil), Health, Conservation, Multicultural, Nature and Artist Tributes.  She will bring an art piece she has done for each theme and talk about them.

·      Hostesses:  Barbara Mau (Contact—618-529-1725), Lynn H. Love, Mary Helen Yeck, Darlene M. Shannon

Saturday, October 2, 2021

Zoom meeting starting at 10:30 am. This decision was reached because conditions involving covid in Southern Illinois really haven't improved since our last meeting.  We will always error on the side of caution.  We are hopeful that Cheryl Graff, Regional Superintendent of ROE #30, will be able to do her presentation of "Services offered at Regional Superintendent's office for Teachers."

Thursday, November 4, 2021

Jackson County Extension Office, 5:30 p.m.  Crock-Pot Potluck--Sign up for food items at October meeting.

Program:  “White Elephant Auction” and “Silent Auction.”  BRING one or more new or slightly used treasures that are wrapped for the “White Elephant Auction.”  Also, bring unwrapped items for the “Silent Auction.”  Suggestions for “Silent Auction”:  Christmas items, baked items, handmade items, etc.  Proceeds to benefit scholarship opportunities.

Malawi Project:  Marion Medical Mission now works in Malawi, Tanzania and Zambia.  Shallow wells for clean water are built with chapter and individual contributions. The cost of a well is $450. 

Women’s Center Project:  money will be used for books for children/teens and for baby items.  

School Supplies for County Classroom Christmas Project:  money will be used to buy supplies for the baskets to be delivered to the elementary public schools in three counties.

Saturday, December 4, 2021

Marion Junior High School, 10:00 a.m.  Order pizza to be delivered to meeting location.  $10 a person.  Any extra funds will go to Dr. Vera L. Peacock Grant-in-Aid fund.

Program:  “Founders Day Program”--Lynn H. Love, Alpha Kappa Chapter Co-President

Activity:  “County Classroom Christmas Project” for elementary public schools in Alexander, Pulaski, and Union Counties.  

Saturday, February 5, 2022

Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Marion, 1:30 p.m. Tea

Program: “History of Penny Rug Techniques from the Early 1900’s”--Marie Samuel, Retired Carterville Junior High and High School Art Teacher.  She is also an environmentalist, a poet, and a Delta Kappa Gamma member.

Activities:  Alpha Kappa Chapter Birthday—78 years 

Election of 2022-2024 Alpha Kappa Chapter Officers

Thursday, March 3, 2022

Giant City State Park Lodge & Restaurant, Makanda, 5:30 p.m. Dinner

Program:  “Living Hope High School, Bungoma, Kenya”--Ann Warner, Alpha Kappa Chapter Member.  Ann has sponsored a child and has been to the school.

Saturday, April 2, 2022

Beta Delta Chapter Hosting Joint Meeting with Alpha Kappa Chapter, Scuttle Inn, Percy,10:00 a.m. Brunch

Program:  Beth Bell, the daughter of long-time Beta Delta member Mary Ann Stumpea, will do the program.  As of September 1, it will be a book review.  She lives in Dyersberg, TN, and recently retired from being a speaker/presenter at the TN Extension Service.  More details to come.

Activities:  Malawi Project:  Collect member donations for Marion Medical Mission.  

Pay dues in April or May.  Dues deadline is June 30.

Saturday, May 7, 2022

Reids’ Harvest House, Chester, 11:00 a.m. Buffet Lunch

Program:  DKG Illinois State Organization Convention Report, Honor Retirees, Celebration of Life (Memorial Ceremony), Installation of Alpha Kappa Chapter Officers for 2022-2024 

Activities:  

Malawi Project:  Collect member donations for Marion Medical Mission.  

Pay dues in April or May.  Dues deadline is June 30.

Approve Budget

Thursday, September 8, 2022

Country Cupboard, Carterville, IL 5:30 p.m. Dinner 

Programs:  “Getting to Know You” by Mary Helen Yeck, Laurie Ann Chapman, & Gail Shanks, Alpha Kappa Chapter Members

“Preparing Alpha Kappa Chapter’s Program of Work for 2022-2023.”  Chapter committees meet to plan projects and activities.

Activities:  

Malawi Project:  Collect member donations for Marion Medical Mission.  

Women’s Center Projects:  Chapter Literacy--bring money donation or books for children/teens.  Baby Items--bring money donation or diapers, wipes, bibs, etc.  

School Supplies for County Classroom Christmas Project:  Bring facial tissues, #2 regular pencils, crayons, glue sticks, hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, or donate funds to purchase items.  

Executive Board Meeting.

Saturday, October 1, 2022

Bandana’s Bar-B-Q, Carbondale, 11:00 a.m. Lunch (Order from Menu)

Program:  “Journey with Josh” by Michelle Thomas, Physical Education Teacher at Vienna High School.  Former Carbondale Community High School Teacher of the Year, PE department chair, and coach.

Activities:  

Malawi Project:  Collect member donations for Marion Medical Mission.  

Women’s Center Projects:  Chapter Literacy--bring money donation or books for children/teens.  Baby Items--bring money donation or diapers, wipes, bibs, etc.  

School Supplies for County Classroom Christmas Project:  Bring facial tissues, #2 regular pencils, crayons, glue sticks, hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, or donate funds to purchase items.