DZ Runs a 5K!

This past Sunday Carol Sweeney took part in Mobile Alabama's 21st Annual Mardi Gras 5K Run. Carol took 2nd place in her age group, 65-69, with a time of 37:59 for 3.1 miles! As Carol said, "Not bad for an older 'young' DZ!" Not bad, not bad at all Carol! You made your sisters proud!

Turtle Power!

Phoenix alums Millie Homan, Randie Boldra, Lee Ann Witt, Ann Santos, Deb Willey, and Gina Kruckenberg and several of our Pi Zeta sisters joined forces on February 26th to create "turtle pillows" for the Painted Turtle Camp, a California site for children with special needs. Pi Zeta provided a sub-sandwich lunch before we all got to work. Lee Ann, Randie, and Ann ran their sewing machines, while the Pi Zeta girls cut out "parts" and pressed them, and Millie, Gina, and Deb did an expert job of pinning! After figuring out some shortcuts, we finished 13 of the 26 in two hours: a successful joint philanthropy project the campers will really love.

Millie Homan displays a finished "turtle pillow," while Lee Ann Witt and Randie Boldra try to figure out a better and easier way to do it!

A weary group of pillow-makers shows off the finished product. Pillows not completed were taken home to sew another day. They will be stuffed at the camp. What a great joint effort by Phoenix alums and Pi Zeta girls!

Happy Valentines Day

Want to enjoy a couple of hours on a philanthropy project with our Pi Zeta sisters? On Saturday, February 26th, from noon until about 3pm, we're joining together to make "turtle" pillows for the Painted Turtle Camp, in California. The camp's staff sends one home with each camper, so they need a steady supply! We will meet at Adelphi, so contact Ann Santos ASAP if you need a temporary parking permit, can bring/use a portable sewing machine, and/or want to help but don't sew. This will be a fun time for alums and Pi Zetas to get to know each other! We'd like a good turnout, so hope to see YOU... So far, a van is coming from Glendale Community College area, and cars from the southwest Valley as well as 3rd Ave & McDowell.

A Soup-er Time!

Phoenix alums from all over the Valley gathered in Litchfield Park on January 22nd for a fundraiser lunch. Cars from Sun City West, Sun City, Surprise, Glendale, Phoenix, Goodyear and Fountain Hills lined streets near Ann Santos' home. We collected dozens of cans of soup and other items for a local food bank, as well as $$ donations for our chapter's philanthropy fund. After testing three kinds of soups, we tickled our palates with a pink-and-green ice cream pie, just perfect for a Delta Zeta function! Them some of the alums assembled Valentines for the Pi Zetas, while the rest of the group created chocolate kiss Valentine mice for themselves. A new face was Debbie Siebels, who lives on the east side and has been here for about four years but hadn't attended any alum activities. We hope to see her often in the future!

The next alum meeting is Saturday, February 19th. Mark your calendar so you don't forget the Hearts and Roses luncheon/meeting. Try to wear something red in recognition of Heart Health Month! Details will be out soon.

Take a walk with me...

I am developing a nutrition program here in Belize. We will start with presenting this to the schools and the parents. Today I walked to the grocery store to get prices for a cost analysis I will be handing out. Take the walk with me.

I started at the outdoor market. The cook at Cornerstone needed some vegetables for the feeding program, so I rode in the small, rickety pickup down the steep hill from Cornerstone to the main part of town where they have a space designated for outdoor market stalls. A few stay open all week. On Saturday there are masses of stalls open. Right now there are about six stalls selling fresh vegetables- a limited selection. Cornerstone has an account with one of the stalls so I sat with them and got prices for carrots, green bell peppers, cabbage, onions, cucumbers, bananas, pineapples, radishes, eggplant and tomatoes. All except the cabbage and fruit are quite sad looking. Belizeans do not eat many vegetables.

I took off from the market to walk to a grocery store. It rained last night, so there are many puddles to navigate. The roads are poor so cars veer to avoid the pot holes. I tread carefully on the side of the road. There is plenty of room. As I pass people they are friendly, they smile and say hello. Many are walking as that is their only transport. There are several cars but not as many as there could be with the population of San Ignacio being the second highest in Belize. I pass a bakery with the fresh smell of sweet bread wafting in the air. I resist. I am determined to lose weight, thus the walk.

I cross the low wood bridge that spans the Macal River. The water is low but clear. The breeze is cool and I am receptive as the walk is making me very warm. It is humid and hot. I stop on the bridge to catch the breeze. Some kids are sitting on a tree branch over the water as they dangle their feet in the coolness. I want to join them but I continue my walk up a slight hill, past the car repair shop and the outdoor BBQ grill right on the roadside- the smell of chicken cooking hits me. I pass a small hut that is the tortilla 'factory.' The window and door are open, I can feel the heat coming out. They have a simple and effective operation. I decide to buy a half pound, and they come to me hot off the press. They are running the rounds of dough through a big piece of equipment that looks like an old wringer washing machine. Steam is rising from it so that is what must also cook the tortillas. That and a table complete the 'factory.' I pass many businesses that look like shacks and old buildings. Dogs bark at me as I pass some of the establishments and houses. Dogs barking could be the theme song and choir of San Ignacio. I didn't mention that when I crossed over the bridge I was now in Santa Elena. This is the bridge that gets covered when the river rises in the rainy season.

Then traffic alternates crossing the steel bridge down the river, at the other end of town- it was built much higher.

The grocery store is a simple affair and one of the largest here. A cement building with rows of shelving. Against one wall is the refrigeration and freezers. The frozen items are meats. I walk all of the aisles as I am looking for nutritious items. I find peanuts, sardines, V8 juice, and Special K bars (the bars may be too expensive for some of the families here). There are cans of vegetables- peas and carrots, corn and tomatoes. They are dusty that I can tell they don't turn over fast. Large sacks of white rice, beans and sugar are available.

On my way home a horse and rider pass me. They are not frequent but you do see the horses tied to the roadside when you leave town- natural lawn mowers.

I get a phone call from Sheree. (Cornerstone has a cell phone for volunteers to use, we pay to put time on the phone). She wants to take Rita and I to lunch and I am all up for that. I wait where I am, downtown San Igancio, for her to pick me up. We go up the hill to Cahal Pech and enjoy the view and each other's company. What a treat!

Signing off from Belize. All is well. Love, Deb Willey

Some sisterly advice...

I encourage you to see the musical "Respect," now playing at the Herberger in downtown Phoenix. What a great two hours of memorable music, and a terrific review of women's advancement from the "I have to do anything to keep my man happy, because he's my life" thought to today's "I'm independent, I love myself, and I can do just about anything!" The four singers are incredible, and the backup band is amazing. You'll really enjoy yourself! -- Ann Santos

Soup it up!

Mark your new 2011 calendar for the next Phoenix DZ Alumnae activity: a "soup kitchen" on Saturday, January 22nd. Ann Santos is hosting this event, which will benefit our chapter's philanthropy fund as well as local food bank. Guests are welcome!

Bring a can (or more) of any kind of soup. And, for a $5 donation (proceeds for the alum chapter's philanthropy efforts), you will enjoy a choice of three different soups, crackers/breads and cheese, beverages and a delectable Delta Zeta dessert! When we've finished eating, we'll have a fun "mystery" activity!!

Hope you can join the fun on Saturday, January 22nd, at 11:30am in Litchfield Park. Carpools will be set up as needed. Please RSVP to Ann by January 15th.

Wishing you a year of health, happiness, love and prosperity. May you make this year the year you allow yourself to stress less and stop and smell the roses.

Wishing everyone joy, peace and love this holiday season.

Celebrating 65 Years of Pink and Green

Jo Manson receiving her award for 65 beautiful years in Delta Zeta.

Special Delivery!

Take a look at this year's Pi Zeta Final's Survival Kits! Thank you to everyone who contributed and a special thanks to Deb for collecting the items and organizing the delivery for another successful year.

Annual Holiday Tea 2010

You Just Never Know...

On November 24, my husband and I flew from Phoenix to Wisconsin to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with my family. As we waited our turn to leave the plane in Milwaukee, I noticed an attractive young lady standing near her seat a few rows ahead of us. Then her black shoulder bag caught my eye, because it had shiny gemstones spelling out "Delta Zeta." I quite loudly exclaimed, "Delta Zeta??" When she looked my way and said yes, I gave her a thumbs-up and said, "Me too!" I asked what chapter she was in and she said she had just been initiated two weeks ago at ASU. She seemed surprised when I knew it was Pi Zeta. I asked if she had attended the ice-cream social the Phoenix alums had hosted a few weeks ago, but she had to miss it due to an evening class. I told her I was sure we'd see her at a future event. Just goes to show we should proudly wear something that proclaims our sorority because we never know when or where you'll run into a "sister!" I'm just sorry I didn't learn this new DZ's name.

Ann Santos

DZ Sister Passes Away

Frances Kush, 80, wife of longtime Arizona State University football coach, Frank Kush, died November 21 in Tempe. She had been hospitalized for several months due to lupus, then was in rehab as the result of a fall. She was born in Indiana and met Frank at Michigan State University where he was an All-American guard on the football team. Kush was ASU's head football coach from 1958-1979. Fran was initiated into the Beta Rho Chapter of Delta Zeta at Michigan State. According to Phoenix alum Joan Dovilla, Fran was active in the alum chapter in the 1950's and 1960's. The Kushes were married for 57 years and have three sons, all of whom live in the Valley.

Sister of the Week

Lorna Green

Lorna (Enokian) Green was born in Chicago. She earned a B.S. in psychology a little farther south at the University of Illinois–Urbana campus, where she was initiated into the Alpha Beta Chapter of Delta Zeta. Lorna had course work at Southern Illinois University for teacher certification. She moved to the Valley about 25 years ago, got a master’s degree in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University, and is now principal at Roadrunner, a public school that is part of the Paradise Valley Unified School District. Its K–12 students have serious emotional issues.

She and husband Jerry have two children, daughter Jodi who lives and works on the East Coast, and son Jeremy who was recently married in a fabulous wedding in Seattle!

When she’s not spending 12/6 at Roadrunner, Lorna enjoys reading when she has time, going to plays, and cheering at Diamondbacks and Cardinals games. Oh yes—after being Phoenix Alumnae Chapter president for a record nine years, she took a brief hiatus and now has served as treasurer for several years. She says she enjoys visiting with other alums. But, what you may not know, is that Lorna is, in her own words, “an addict” of The Young and the Restless soap on TV! It’s okay, though, as long as she’s a DZ “addict” as well.

Can't wait to hear...

Barbara Gallaher is spending two months in South Africa with family members. 
She plans to attend our February meeting and tell us all about her trip! 

Sister of the Week

Ann Haggerty

Ann (Fowler) Haggerty may live in Surprise, Ariz., but it is no surprise that she has a pink-and-green Delta Zeta heart! Although she was born in Dyersburg, Tenn., she was initiated into the Beta Kappa Chapter at Iowa State University, where she earned a B.S. in Home Economics.. (That’s why she’s so great at organizing our annual Taco Salad Buffet for the Pi Zetas!) She has also worked in real estate and as practice manager for Arizona Audiology & Hearing. But, she’s now retired and loving it! You might catch her at home, if she’s not traveling with her husband Dennis to visit children and grandchildren, or working at various events at their church in Surprise. Ann says she enjoys being an alum, because it’s “a fun group of gals.” Whether she’s supervising food in the kitchen or helping make things for our Pi Zeta sisters or sorting toiletries for the Sojourner Center or “building a bear” at a Build-a-Bear Workshop, you’ll find Ann at the heart of the Phoenix Alumnae Chapter. (Don’t know when she has time to enjoy her chicken-theme kitchen!) Thanks, Ann, for all you do for our group!

The Adorable Thurmond Legacies

At all times, but especially Thanksgiving, Kristen (Delta Chi, Cal State-Chico) and Brian are thankful for their girls. Paige Aubrey Thurmond is a big girl now at 27 months, and her baby sister, Hailey Samantha, is 7 months old. Both these charmers aren’t quite sure what the holiday is all about yet, but they’re all set to enjoy it!

A Sister Weds!

Phoenix alum Cathy Handen (Gamma Kappa, Kent State University) is now Cathy Sewell! She married Mike on September 26th in Oahu, Hawaii. Congratulations and best wishes to them both!

Sister of the Week

Sharon Voeller

Sharon Voeller was initiated into the Theta Pi chapter of Delta Zeta in 1977. She was born in Texas but has lived in the Valley of the Sun for more than 25 years. Sharon earned a B.A. in biology from Minot State University, Minot, N.D., but she worked in the banking and finance field. She and her husband have a daughter and grandchild #1!

Sharon enjoys being a DZ alum because of “the ability to meet women from various walks of life and to be involved in meaningful activities.” As such, she has hosted one of our salad potlucks, a couple of work sessions, and this year has offered her home for our holiday Teddy Bear Tea.

Reading, yoga, and scrapbooking are among her hobbies when she isn’t babysitting that new grandchild! Sharon created an awesome copy of the Phoenix Alumnae Chapter’s first scrapbook, in order to preserve the original one.

“I have five sisters (no brothers), and although we are separated geographically, we have remained close over the years; lots of phone calls, e-mails, and visits,” she says. Sharon has also remained close to her Phoenix alum sisters by participating in the chapter’s events when she can. We’re always glad to see her!

Sisters Committed to Service

An ongoing philanthropy project of the Phoenix Alumnae Chapter is collection of travel-size toiletries for residents of the Sojourner Center for abused women and their children. This year, our project had a twist: We also gathered new and gently used handbags to put the toiletries in! The Center recently moved into a new facility with 29 apartments, so they also requested bed pillows, towels, etc. On November 6th, alums gathered at the home of Gina Kruckenberg to sort the toiletries and fill the handbags. We then delivered them to the new Sojourner Center. Its Resource Center is huge, clean, and awesome! Staff readily assisted us in unloading all the goodies.

A light lunch on Gina’s patio fueled the workers before tackling the project. From left, Randie Boldra’s granddaughter JC, Ann Haggerty, Mary Pat Pepping, Randie, and Gina.

Deb Willey, Mary Pat Pepping, Gina Kruckenberg, and Ann Haggerty sort the toiletries into piles of shampoos, conditioners, lotions, etc.

Randie Boldra and JC check the handbags to make sure they are useable and empty.

Ann Santos, JC, and Deb Willey fill handbags with toiletry items.

Some of the filled handbags and the reward of a job well done! What didn’t fit into the purses was put into containers and given to the Center. Seated, Deb Willey, Randie Boldra, Mary Pat Pepping. Standing: Ann Haggerty, Gina Kruckenberg, Ann Santos.

Where will you be on December 4th?

Mrs. Santa Claus is a-comin’ to town...because she plans to attend the Phoenix Alumnae Chapter’s second annual “Teddy Bear Tea” on Saturday, December 4th! We’ll once again feast on festive tea fare, and have a fun time!

Activities include a couple of special recognitions, an optional ornament exchange, and maybe even a chance to purchase a gift or two for the holidays. You can also drop off your teddy bear(s) and pick up your new alum chapter directory.

Hostess Sharon Voeller is decking her halls in anticipation of a great turnout! She’ll welcome you to her home (which has no steps!) near 75th Avenue and Greenway, in Peoria, and will have the welcome mat out from 2:00 to 4:00 PM on the 4th.

So, invite your favorite female relatives and/or friends, and let us know you’re coming by December 1st. “Mrs. Claus” will be delighted to see you!

Sister of the Week

Joan Daniels Dovilla is one of the mainstays of our alum group. She initiated into Delta Zeta on February 12, 1951, in the Beta Sigma Chapter, at Colorado State University. She has been a dues-paying member of the Phoenix Alumnae Chapter since 1953 and was president in 1958-1959. She also was president of the Phoenix Panhellenic Association in 1956-1957. Along with Phoenix alums Jane Prall, Marion Porch, Reba Eldredge and Lorry Walsh, Joan was installed as a member of the Order of the Golden Rose in June 2000 at Delta Zeta national convention in recognition of their 50 years of membership.

Joan worked as a dietician for the Department of Veteran Affairs for many years. Since retiring, she has been a world traveler, taking numerous long and short cruises to interesting destinations. She now lives in Litchfield Park in the west valley.

Thank you Joan for your long dedication to our sorority!