Head of the Class

For the 23rd year, the Phoenix Alumnae Chapter presented a scholarship to a graduating senior of the Phoenix Day School for the Deaf. This year, the award was renamed the Phoenix Delta Zeta Alumnae/Claudia J. Hosking Scholarship, honoring our chapter's long-time Philanthropy chair, who passed away on May 17th as the result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident in April. Class valedictorian Michael Lewis is the 2009 recipient. He has been accepted at Arizona State University. The ceremony took place on May 20th, with Pat Wells, Mary Chandler, Lorna Green, Mary Peterson, Ann Santos, and Carol Birch (and son) representing the alums. Claudia's daughters Allison and Wendy and grandsons also attended.

Photo Caption: On behalf of the Phoenix Alumnae Chapter, Lorna Green (Alpha Beta) and Pat Wells (Gamma Lambda) present a scholarship to Phoenix Day School for the Deaf graduate Michael Lewis.

End of the Year Fiesta!

On May 16th, alumnae gathered at Aunt Chilada's for the year's final meeting. We enjoyed socializing, eating, and laughing together. Officers installed were Ann Santos (Zeta Chi), president; Mary Pat Pepping (Theta Rho), vice president; Pat Wells (Gamma Lambda), recording secretary; Lorna Green (Alpha Beta), treasurer; Karen Lange (Delta Mu), corresponding secretary; Arlis Legler (Zeta Upsilon), Panhellenic delegate; Sue Pickles (Gamma Lambda), Panhellenic alternate; and Erin Maher (Xi Lambda), Lamp editor/blog coordinator. Susan Norman (Zeta) performed the installation, based on each officer as an ingredient that together make a superior batch of cookies (i.e., our alum chapter)!

Photo Captions:

1. Susan Norman samples the wonderful Mexican-food buffet at Aunt Chilada's.

2. Officers installed at the May 16 meeting are (from left) Arlis Legler; Katie McCarthy (Beta Kappa), standing in for Erin Maher; Karen Lange, Mary Chandler (hidden, standing in for Pat Wells); Sue Pickles; Mary Pat Pepping; Sue Norman, installer; Lorna Green; and Ann Santos.

3. President Ann Santos presents an appreciation gift to Sue Pickles, the chapter's dedicated Panhellenic delegate for the past several years.

4. A special proclamation honors June Walthers (right), a frequent guest at alum meetings.

5. Annette Hebert (Iota Upsilon) signs a "prayer quilt" for Claudia Hosking, who unfortunately passed away on May 17th.

 

When: Tuesday June 23rd @ 6pm

What: Tacos and Tequila with your DZ sisters  ($1 tacos on Tuesdays)

Where: Cien Agave  (In Old Town Scottsdale) 

Why: To Socialize and Have Fun

 
RSVP:  Please email me at kara.kissell@gmail.com and let me know if you're able to come so we can let Cien Agave know. Its also best to bring cash with a large group so the bill is easier :) Hope to see you all there!

DZ Love,

Kara Kissell (Pi Zeta, '08)

Happy Memorial Day!

Have a safe and wonderful weekend. Make time to enjoy your family, friends and of course great food!

The Phoenix chapter concluded its year with a luncheon meeting and officer installation on May 16th. Plans are already underway for special social activities during the summer!

Picture Captions:

(1) At the Phoenix Alumnae Chapter's annual taco-salad buffet for their Pi Zeta sisters at Arizona State University, three of this year's graduates show off their "diploma bear" invitations to the alums' Seniors Recognition Luncheon.

(2) Pi Zeta senior Morgan Wolters (left) and Joan Daniels Morgan (Beta Sigma) focus on the program at the Phoenix Alumnae Chapter's Seniors Recognition Luncheon. The alumnae honored 29 graduates this year.

Sister Update...

     I have been busy, busy and MIA from DZ events as of late, but I am still around and trying my best to get through the semester. In the short time since I joined the alumnae chapter my life/schedule has changed so much, so quickly! I know I will look back on this time and be amazed by the experience I have gained, but from day to day it has often felt like I am barely keeping my head above water. Things will have slowed down (partly by choice and partly because some things will have ended) by next Fall and I plan to be around a lot more.

     I haven't been setting a very good example by not posting my own sister update soo... here it is! I figured I could at least share with everyone some of the things, rather people :), who have been keeping me very busy! The first picture is of my first grade class and the second is my Daisy Girl Scout troop.

Erin Maher (Xi Lambda, University of San Francisco)

The official Cinco de Mayo celebrations are over, but the Phoenix Alumnae Chapter continues with an end-of-year "Fiesta" on May 16th. We're meeting at Aunt Chilada's, at the Point Squaw Peak, for lunch at Noon. Registration is at 11:30. The cost is $20, and the catering staff is creating a buffet just for us! Please RSVP to Ann Asndrln@aol.com by Monday, May 11th.

Don't forget to bring your sample-size toiletries for the Sojourner Center, as well as any items you wish to contribute to the Support Our Troops Project (suggestions include crackers, breakfast/cereal bars, dried fruit, packaged chocolate chip cookies, microwave popcorn, trail mix, canned tuna, unshelled peanuts, hard candy, men's and women's razor packs, shaving cream, deodorant, foot powder, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, Q-tips, mouthwash, CDs, greeting cards, books, and magazines).

On May 4, several Phoenix Delta Zeta alumnae attended the annual Phoenix Panhellenic Association (PPA) Awards Banquet and Officer Installation. The event also recognizes PPA Woman of the Year (WOY) nominees submitted by the member alumnae chapters as well as its scholarship recipients. Thanks to all the Greek women and their families and friends who worked at the FBR Open, PPA received $42,500 for their volunteer hours and was able to award 29 scholarships. Taylor Roegnik, from Pi Zeta, was one of the recipients. Mary Pat Pepping was the Phoenix DZ Alumnae Chapter's WOY nominee, and although someone else was selected WOY, Mary Pat definitely gets our vote!

Photo captions

First Picture:

Proud dad Tom was on hand when Taylor Roegnik (Pi Zeta) accepted a Phoenix Panhellenic Association scholarship.

Second Picture:

(From left) Phoenix DZ alums Pat Wells (Gamma Lambda) and Ann Santos (Zeta Chi) cheer Woman of the Year nominee Mary Pat Pepping (Theta Rho) at the Phoenix Panhellenic Association Awards Banquet. Pat is a past PPA president. Not shown, Phoenix DZ Alum PPA delegate Sue Pickles.

Ann Santos

Looks like I am the filling in this "Sweeney sandwich." The three of us recently met at Mimi's Cafe when Carol A. Sweeney (left, Epsilon Phi)) visited from her home in Northfield, Mich. A former part-year Arizona resident, she is the Phoenix alum chapter's Web coordinator. Carol A. brought to lunch her sister-in-law, Carol J. Sweeney, who lives in Buckeye, Ariz. We had a great time recalling sorority days and laughing at the hilarious stories Carol J. shared about working at the Jobing.com arena and University of Phoenix Stadium.

Senior Luncheon

The annual Senior Recognition Luncheon was held this past weekend. "Snoop Kitty and the Rosettes" led seniors and alums in a rap version of "Dream Girls of Delta Zeta." "Snoop Kitty" was Ann Santos and the "Rosettes" who helped keep the beat were alum Alicia Nowinsky and Pi Zeta senior Shannon Kane.

Taco Night

On March 23rd our chapter hosted the annual Taco Night for our Pi Zeta sisters. The buffet table was colorful, the food delicious and of course the sisters fabulous! Thanks to all the alumnae who came to help set up and socialize with the initiates. Pictured above: Susan Warner, Gina Kruckenburg and daughter and Mary Pat Pepping. 

News from Ann...

Here I am at the Las Vegas Gun Club, where my husband Phil competed in a trapshoot on March 6-8, 2009. Although I didn't participate in this event, I did take a few shots using his shotgun. I began trapshooting in 1997, when actor Robert Stack, an Olympic champion shot, gave me a wonderful shooting lesson. I met Phil at a shoot in California. Although I "retired" from the sport a couple years ago due to an injury, I do own two Beretta shotguns, and I may ease back into it one of these days. By traveling to various shoots, we have made many friends around the country. 

Ann Santos (Zeta Chi)

It's Time for a "Fling!"

The annual Pi Zeta Senior Recognition Luncheon, also known as the "Spring Fling," is coming up very soon! The luncheon will take place on April 18 at noon at Sam's Cafe in the Biltmore Fashion Park, 26th Street & Camelback. Cost: $20. We want a good showing of alums to meet and mingle with the seniors and let them know how special they are and what a great thing the next level (alumnae) of sorority life is! Contact ASNDRLN@aol.com by April 6th to make reservations.  

Beans, Guacamole, Lettuce, Ole!

Our annual Taco-Salad Buffet is quickly approaching! On March 23rd we will be hosting a buffet for the ladies of Pi Zeta. We are still in need of food donations including: cookies, bars, ice, guacamole, tortilla chips, sourcream, ground beef, taco seasoning, salsa and shredded lettuce. We are also desperately needing a few fabulous alumni to staff the event! Email Ann Santos, Asndrln@aol.com, if you are interested in donating or helping on the day of! Gracias!!

History or Memories in the Making!

Our brand new Historian, Susan Warner (Theta Kappa, U of New Orleans), would like to chronicle your experiences and memories in a formal way for our chapter! She would love for you to send via email or snail mail your pictures and memories from your time as a Phoenix Alumnae. She is happy to scan your pictures and return them to you if necessary.

Contact Susan Warner with any questions...

warner_susan@hotmail.com

Under 30 Crowd

St. Patrick's Day is quickly approaching! How does a green appetizer and beverage get together sound? Is anyone interested in hosting such an event? Perhaps on Saturday, March 14. Please call or email Kristen Thurmond if you are interested in attending or hosting! Thanks!

Chandler/Gilbert Alums

Mark your calendars for May 2 for a get together at Kristen's mother's house in Ocotillo to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. It will be an afternoon filled with Mexican style snacks and beverages pool side! More infor to come with address, time and what you can bring. Please stay tuned! If anyone in other Valley areas is interested in hosting the same event at your own house, please email or call Kristen Thurmond. Thanks!

Phoenix DZ alums Ann Santos (Zeta Chi, University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point), Arlis Legler (Zeta Upsilon, Winona State), and Mary Georgeson (Zeta Upsilon) load games and books for delivery to the new Cancer Treatment Centers of America facility in Goodyear, Arizona. 

On February 14, Phoenix DZ alums celebrated Valentine's Day and Arizona Statehood Day. They wore red in observance of Women's Heart Health Month. Collections of personal items for Support Our Troops and games and books for the Valley's new Cancer Treatment Centers of America facility also took place. 

From Carol...

Last February 7 I took part in Pensacola's 10th annual Double Bridge Run. This run crosses 2 bridges as runners leave mainland Pensacola, crossing the Pensacola Bay Bridge (3 miles long), running across Gulf Breeze, and then over the Bob Sikes Bridge. The race finished at Pensacola Beach, right where Hemingway's Grille is located. I did the second bridge event (5K) instead of the whole 9.3 miles!! Had a good time too- 36:48- a good time for me considering asthma and 8 heart stents! Weather was PERFECT! 

Carol Sweeney

From Kimberly...

My boyfriend Dave and I spent two weeks trekking around Argentina in January 2009. We started in Buenos Aires and the flew to Patagonia where we visited San Carlos de Bariloche, El Calafate and Ushuaia. In San Carlos de Bariloche, we went white water rafting on the Argentina/Chile border, ate lots of amazing steak and drank tons of fabulous red Malbec, a regional wine from Mendoza, Argentina. In El Calafate, we spent the day trekking on the Perito Moreno glacier, which was absolutely amazing- by far the coolest nature experience I've had to date. And in Ushuaia, billed as the Southernmost city in the world, we went hiking and canoeing in the national park and visited a penguin rookery where we walked amongst hundreds of Magellenic penguins. After out 9 days in Patagonia, we were back up to Buenos Aires for the remainder of our trip and we saw all the major sites there- Recoleta Cemetery, La Boca, Puerto Madero, Cafe Tortoni and Avenido 9 de Julio. 

Our two weeks in Argentina were amazing- the food was exceptional and the people were incredibly friendly. We can't wait to go back! 

Kimberly Sambrook

It's been a crazy year! I had to miss the September meeting because I was out of town for my husband's sister's wedding, then we were in Italy for the October meeting and out of town for my birthday the weekend of the Christmas Tea. Now, believe it or not I will be missing the February meeting as my husband and I will be moving to Hawaii on the 11th. We're going to be relocating there for a couple years as he will be managing a couple of military construction projects in Oahu. The move has all come about very quickly within the last two weeks. His company asked him to transfer and we couldn't pass up such a fantastic opportunity. As of now I have no idea what I will be doing once we get there. I'm definitely taking a month or so off to get us settled and enjoy some much needed R&R. I'll keep you posted as things progress.

Abbey Price (Xi Omega, Purdue)

I am so thrilled that we finally have a new grand-baby. David Ryan Spencer was born on Sunday, February 1st at 12:22 PM. He was born at home with a midwife in attendance and I was privileged to be there. It was amazing! I am a full supporter of home births now in the right circumstances and with the right midwife.  

Sue Rowse

Chapter Updates...

Two Phoenix DZ alums were Valentines babies. Do you know who they are? Check your new directory to find out!

Don't have a directory? Come to the February 14th meeting to pick one up! The latest newsletter will also be available. We're celebrating Women's Heart Health Month, so wear something red in support. It's a luncheon at noon in the McCormick Ranch area. Only $10 for a great lunch, door prizes, guest speaker and lots of sisterhood. What a bargain! Contact dzphxalumpres@aol.com for details or reservations by February 9th.

The Pi Zetas at ASU will enjoy sweet treats courtesy of their Phoenix alumnae sisters. Valentine wishes were attached to bags of Famous Amos cookies. Who doesn't like chocolate chip cookies??

We'll need some volunteers to help with our third annual taco-salad buffet for the Pi Zetas. It is tentatively scheduled for March 23rd at the Pi Zeta chapter room, Adelphi Commons, ASU. Contact Ann Santos, phxdzalumpres@aol.com

Happy Groundhog's Day!

He came, saw his shadow and off he went! It looks like 6 more weeks of Winter... not that it really affects us here in 80 degree (in January) Arizona! :) 

It's Cookie Time!

It is a new year and the sweet smell of cookies, Girl Scout cookies to be exact, is in the air! As a new leader of a wonderful troop of kindergarten Daisies I find myself back in the cookie business I loved when I was a child. If any of you are interested in purchasing cookies this year please consider buying from the troop of a fellow sister! I am on the west side making it easier for me to delivery or meet up with other west-siders however I am not opposed to selling to

 sisters in the east valley. Cookies are $4.00 a box with $.75 of the cost going directly to the troop. There are several cookie varieties to choose from including:

1. Lemon Chalet: vanilla sandwich with lemon creme filling 
2. Trefoils: simple and satisfying shortbread cookie
3. Do-Si-Dos: oatmeal cookie with creamy peanut butter filling
4. Samoas: vanilla cookie, covered with carmel, rolled in toasted coconut and striped with chocolate
5. Dulce De Leche: inspired by Latin American dessert with carmel chips and stripes
6. Sugar Free Chocolate Chips: classic chocolate chip
7. Tagalongs: cookie topped with peanut butter and covered in chocolate
8. Thin Mints: thin wafer covered with chocolate

Please contact me if you have any questions or would like to order!

Erin Maher (emaher1@cox.net)