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!

Super Sister!

At our Founder's Day brunch on October 25, Barbara Nicholson Gallaher was inducted into the Order of the Pearl for 65 years of membership in Delta Zeta. Barbara was initiated into the Alpha Epsilon chapter at Oklahoma State University in 1945. A long-time member of this alum chapter, she lives in the 35th Ave/Thunderbird area. Congratulations Barbara and we wish you many, many more years of DZ sisterhood! Thanks for being such a wonderful example of what it means to be a Delta Zeta.

Wanted! Bears... fluffy and ready to be cuddled!

As of October 27th, our furry family now numbers 14! Last year we donated 70+, so we have a ways to go. If you can’t attend the Teddy Bear Tea on December 4th, make arrangements to deliver your bear(s) or have them picked up at a mutual exchange point! These are for the Phoenix Panhellenic Association’s charity project, donating the bears for local firefighters to give to children in emergency situations such as fires, car accidents, etc. Delta Zeta alumnae contributed the most bears last year; let’s set a new record in 2010!

Hands Free?

Phoenix alums are needed to help sort toiletries and stuff them into handbags for the Sojourner Center! If you're free for a couple of hours on Saturday, November 6th, come on over for lunch at 11:30 at Gina Kruckenberg's before we start to work. RSVP to Ann Santos by November 3rd.

Get Ready for Tea and Teddies!

December isn't far away, and these furry friends are impatiently waiting the "Teddy Bear Tea" on December 4th. You still have time to add to this friendly family! Bring your bear(s) to the tea so we can donate them to firefighters and shelters.

Pi Zeta Ice Cream Social

The Phoenix Alumnae Chapter hosted an ice-cream social for Pi Zeta's new members on October 25th. The chapter patio was decorated festively for Halloween, and the girls and alums enjoyed their sundaes there.

(From left) Deb Willey, Ann Haggerty, Mary Pat Pepping, Nicole Spurling, Ann Santos and Gina Kruckenberg are ready to scoop! Not shown is photographer Faith Kruckenberg, who also helped by passing out the Halloween treat bags.

The beautiful patio at Adelphi

Faith passing out the treat bags.

Ice cream, ice cream... we all scream for ice cream!