Out and About with Sisters

Mary Peterson (Parsons College), Cindy McParland (University of Wisconsin-Whitewater) and her friend Lynn, and Ann Santos (University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point) and her husband Phil and friend Linda Chiles had a fabulous dinner at the Landmark Restaurant in Mesa before attending "Mark Twain Tonight!" at the Mesa Arts Center. Hal Holbrook's performance was humorous as well as thought-provoking, and it's too bad more alums couldn't be there. But stay tuned for more sisterly outing opportunities throughout the coming months!

So much to celebrate!

We will be passing the candle at the February meeting—once around for pinning, twice for engagement, three for marriage, four for pregnancy, five for grandchildren. Come to the meeting to find out who and what!!

Gina Kruckenberg (Delta Omega, Fort Hays State, Kan.): “At the end of 2009, we found ourselves at the beginning of one of the biggest adventures of our lives. We are starting a new ministry! In May 2009, my husband Brian earned a doctorate of ministry, and the whole family traveled to Minneapolis for his graduation. That was nice, but our 10-year anniversary trip to the Riviera May in October was a tad better. Trips to the Grand Canyon, Denver, and Kansas City also dotted our calendar. ” [In addition, the Kruckenbergs recently moved to a house in Phoenix's Willo district.]

Alicia Nowinsky (Pi Zeta, Arizona State University) reports her wedding plans are going well. “May 1 is just around the corner, and we all are getting really excited!”

Carol Sweeney (Epsilon Phi, University of Detroit): After spending Thanksgiving at home in Michigan, my husband and I headed to South Carolina to run a half marathon with family members on December 12 at beautiful Kiawah Island, near Charleston.

Marilyn Collins (Alpha Alpha, Northwestern): “Over the Christmas holidays, I took a cruise to the Western Caribbean on Holland America's MS Maasdam. Too soon the cruise was over. But there is always next year!”

It's official! Joan Morgan (Beta Sigma, Colorado State) is again Joan Dovilla. She and a friend plan to cruise through the Panama Canal in March.

Ann Santos (Zeta Chi, University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point) stayed home in Litchfield Park for the holidays. Ann will fly to Wisconsin in April for her mother’s 92nd birthday. She and husband Phil will vacation at their timeshares at Lake Tahoe in May and Maui in September.

Deb Willey (Zeta Chi, University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point) has been globetrotting the past few months. “I was lucky to spend the month of December in Hawaii. The Big Island has too much lava rock and dry land. I did get to see lava flow into the ocean. Spent the second half of the month at my cousin’s house on Oahu.”

I had a fantastic holiday…it was extremely busy but great! Mike and I managed to look at quite a few wedding venues. Nothing is confirmed yet. The church we like is the oldest Christian church in Hawaii – built in the 1800s. Royalty used to attend it back when Hawaii had a monarchy. While I was home, I also got my “real” ring!

-Cathy Handen (Gamma Kappa, Kent State University, Ohio) I had a quiet holiday season for the most part, except for the time when I looked out my bedroom window and a coyote was looking back at me!

- Arlis Legler (Zeta Upsilon, Winona State, Minn.) [Arlis lives in the Pebble Creek development in Goodyear.] My family took a weekend cruise to Ensenada, Mexico. My two sons and a daughter-in-law also came. It was the first time in ten years that we all were together.

- Georgia Souris (Nu, Knox college) Madeline is going to bed later, so I have very little time of my own. I’ve been trying to start up my own photography business and we’re also trying to sell our house, so I have to spend a lot of time keeping it picked up and clean just in case. Hope to see everyone at the February meeting.

- Katie McCarthy (Beta Kappa, Iowa State)

Arlis Legler (left, Winona State) and Ann Santos (Univ. Of Wis., Stevens Point) toast their birthdays, which are just 14 days apart. Arlis celebrated in January, and Ann is getting ready for her “big day” in February.

Sister Update...

In an effort to try and encourage other sisters to send in updates I have decided to post up one of my own. I recently went to Vegas with 8 other fabulous ladies for our good friend's bachelorette party. It was definitely a memorable weekend. The shirts you see us wearing in the first picture (they say "Bridesmaid" on the front and "Lesly and Chad" on the back) came in handy getting us free drinks and the chance to shortcut very long lines!

I hope to hear more from all of you very soon!

Erin Xi Lambda, USF

Sister Update...

We celebrated the New Year in Durango, CO with my husband’s family. Paige did her first sled run down Granny & Papa’s hill. She loved it! We will also be welcoming our new daughter, Hailey Samantha, on March 29 at approximately 9am.

2010 is looking to be a wonderful, yet busy, year for the Thurmond family. Happy New Year!

Kristen Thurmond

Delta Chi (pledged 1994)

Wishing everyone a very happy new year!

- Your sisters in Delta Zeta

Happy Holidays!

Sister Update...

True I have been missing from many DZ events as of late, but I have been busy all the same. I have kept up on all the sisterly events through the blog and apologize for my slow-to-post reputation as of late.

I am very proud to share with all of you that as of last weekend I officially graduated from Northern Arizona University with my Masters in Elementary Education. I am excited to move forward and see what the future holds.

The weekend before graduation I also had the chance to go back to San Francisco and visit some of my collegiate DZ sisters. We went shopping, had great dinners and took in a showing of Wicked! It was an amazing show and a memorable trip.

I want to wish everyone a very happy holiday season and a wonderful new year!

Erin, Xi Lambda University of San Francisco

Time for Tea and Togetherness

'The annual “Teddy Bear Tea” was held on December 5th, 2009, at the home of Phoenix alum Dena Cunningham (Glenville State College, W.V.). About 35 alums and guests enjoyed two hours of food and fun. More than 50 bears were collected for local firemen to give to children in crisis.

DZ's Go To the Theater

On November 14, several Phoenix alums enjoyed an evening of sisterhood on a "Girls' Night Out" at the Arizona Broadway Theater in Peoria. A delicious dinner was followed by the musical stylings of the "Swing Sisters," a trio of talented women who performed favorites of the 1960s and 1970s. (From left) Carol Birch (University of Wisconsin, Stout), Jane Prall (Southwestern University, Texas), Randie Boldra (New Mexico), Joan Dovilla (Colorado State), Cindy McParland (University of Wisconsin, Whitewater), Ann Haggerty (Iowa State University), and Ann Santos (University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point). Not shown: Marion Porch, Arlis Legler, and Michelle O'Malley.

Don't forget about the annual Teddy Bear Tea on December 5th. Contact Ann Santos at asndrln@aol.com or check back for more details!

Sister Update... from Ireland!!

I had a wonderful time touring the west coast of Ireland the last two weeks with my travel pals. Each year my girl friends and I do a "all girls" trip. As you may see from the photos, it rained so much I had to seek refuge in a roadside pub. I was almost ready to take a job as bar maid but I didn't think my husband would appreciate a long distance relationship. Ha! From the Ring of Kerry to Donegal Town, we ate, drank, and shopped till we dropped. Great people and an interesting history and culture. I give Ireland a two thumbs up!

-Cindy McParland, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Ice Cream Bar @ Adelphi!

Phoenix alums Pat Wells, Savanna Grow, and Sue Hippe are ready to serve!

Happiness is new members and ice cream!

New Pi Zeta member Kate and Phoenix alums Ann Santos, and Pat Wells chat it up in the Pi Zeta kitchen.

Phoenix alum Sue Hippe (Tau, University of Wisconsin) is surrounded by a quartet of lovely and enthusiastic new Pi Zeta sisters.

Sister Update...

"My husband Shane and I celebrated our 5th Wedding Anniversary with a trip to London, Paris and Brussels in September. It was nice to get away while our daughter spent time with Grandma(-: We saw tons of sights and walked and walked and walked everyday! We were certainly exhausted from our vacation but it was a wonderful memory to have!" -Katie

Founders Day Brunch

Mary Jean Lindgren (Epsilon Epsilon) and Jean Darnell (Kappa) share a table

at the Founders' Day brunch.

Katie McCarthy (Beta Kappa) and Mary Peterson (Delta Nu) enjoy some

sisterhood.

Members of Pi Zeta light candles in honor of Delta Zeta's six founders.

On behalf of Delta Zeta, Phoenix Alumnae President Ann Santos (left, Zeta

Chi) recognizes Carol Stallard Birch (Zeta Beta) for 50 years of membership.

Members of the Phoenix Alumnae Chapter attended a brunch at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix on Sunday, October 18. The Pi Zeta chapter at ASU planned the event as part of their Parents' Day Weekend/DZ Founders Day. In part of the program, the alumnae presented biographical information about Delta Zeta's six founders. The alums also recognized Carol Birch (Zeta Beta, University of Wisconsin­Stout) for 50 years of membership by welcoming her into the Order of the Golden Rose, and added Claudia Edwards Hosking, Martha Kerlin Poe, Beverly Smoker-Wolf, and Goldia Lightfoot Blanding to the Flame Eternal roll.

Walking with Purpose

The sky was blue, the morning was beautiful, the mob of participants was enthusiastic, and the "race" was on in downtown Phoenix on Sunday, October 11. Phoenix Alumnae members (from left) Arlis Legler, Cindy McParland, and Ann Santos carried our pink and green banner in the Komen Phoenix Race for the Cure's 5k walk. Todd McParland assisted in carrying the banner and also took the photos.

Our banner caught the attention of new Pi Zeta recruit Molly Snittjer, who was pumped up about doing the 5k run. (From left) Arlis Legler, Cindy McParland, Molly's mother's friend, Molly, Molly's mom, and Ann Santos. Other Phoenix Alumnae runners were Heather Watkins, Jenn Jaeckels, and Sam Gustafson. Pi Zeta VP of recruitment Jenn Urlaub was also in the 5k run.

Check out what happened in September!

September Smorgasbord!

Saturday, September 19th is our Spectacular Salad Smorgasbord! Join us for some great food and sisterhood bonding! Don't forget about the "vacation auction!" Bring something to auction off from your summer vacation or even your staycation in the valley! See you next Saturday! 

Another Successful ROMP!

The ladies of Pi Zeta were gracious hosts this past week at their annual ROMP. Both mothers and alumnae showed up to lend a helping hand during Perfection Week. Alumnae and moms alike were impressed by the initiates recruiting abilities and were very complimentary. It is a blessing to have such a beautiful working relationship between alumnae and college chapter. As alumnae we should do whatever we can to continue to foster that bond! Pictured above is Phoenix alum Karissa Ma (left) and Pi Zeta junior and Alumnae Relations Chair, Natalie Cordray.

Sister Update...

Here's a picture of Madeline (our little DZ legacy!) and me taken this past Easter. I've been meaning to RSVP to the September meeting. Of COURSE, we'll be out of town (why do we always schedule DZ meetings during my vacations?). My husband and I are taking a trip to London, Paris, & Brussels and leaving Madeline at Grandma's house!!

---Katie McCarthy (Beta Kappa, Iowa State)

We Met at the Mansion!

The Phoenix Alumnae Chapter has had three "Getting to Know You" activities so far this summer. The most recent one took place on August 1, when seven alums met for lunch at the Wrigley Mansion. The conversation was nonstop, on every topic from kids to books to summer travels. The Mansion is gorgeous and has a wonderful panoramic view of Phoenix. Earlier get-togethers took place in the southwest valley and in Scottsdale.

If you have a favorite restaurant or activity you think your DZ sisters would enjoy, get the e-mail list from Ann Santos. It only takes one person to get something going!

Photo ID's:

On stairs, from bottom: Karen Lange, Sue Hippe, Sharon White, Lorna Green, Mary Peterson; standing, Pat Wells and Ann Santos.

ROMP is almost here! The ladies of Pi Zeta would love our support in preparing for Fall Recruitment. ROMP will be held on Wednesday, August 19th at 6pm in the Adelphi 2 Community Room. The ladies are asking that we each bring an appetizer, dessert, salad OR entree for the pre-rush potluck. Please RSVP to the E-vite you received a few weeks back or for more information on how to RSVP contact Ann.