Conducting the initiation service was Ceremonials Chairman Lana Massengale. Escorting Mrs. Echols through the ceremony was Donna Patton, and Pam Kerlick escorted Mrs. Polasek, her daughter. A brunch prepared by the Beeville C group followed, along with a time of visiting with the two newest members.
After President Jan Anderson called the business meeting to order, Doris Kuhnert presented a thought about improving your heart through forgiveness and then prayed the five finger prayer. Margie Ann Awalt led the members in the pledge to the American flag.
Denise Martin, program chairman, rang a bell to signal the beginning of a program entitled “Ringing a Bell of Hope,” dealing with the importance of donating blood, organs, tissues and corneas. Pam Kerlick informed members of the dates for blood drives to be held in the month of February in the four towns of Karnes County. Lisa Latcham provided the members with information on legislation regarding organ donation, particularly the Glenda Dawson Donate Life-Texas Registry.
The featured speaker, Julie Philpott, was introduced by Gretchen Dupnik, who has been a platelet donor for the last five years. Ms. Philpott is the development coordinator of tissue services with the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center in San Antonio. She presented a most informative program on the gift of health and life, noting that currently over 100,000 people nationally are awaiting an organ transplant.
In her presentation she covered such topics as what organs can be donated and what tissues can be donated. A striking fact was that one tissue donor can help up to 80 people. Additionally slides were shown how tissue is used and how a cornea transplant provides the gift of sight.
Ms. Philpott also addressed the myths surrounding donation and how someone can support donation by registering online at donatelifetexas.org. She concluded her program with a question and answer time.
In the business portion of the meeting, members voted to increase from $200 to $400 the grant-in-aid the chapter awards to a young woman in college pursuing a degree in education.
Donna Patton, scholarship chairman, reminded members that applications for a state scholarship are due March 1. Lisa Latcham was the recipient of a $1,000 state scholarship and Karen Knowlton a $1,500 scholarship from state last year. Donna also informed members that the area high schools have received information regarding the book grants the chapter awards senior girls.
Sharon Lee, chairman of the Achievement Award Committee, urged members to recognize a Gamma Omicron member by sending in nominations for this award to her committee.
Members with December, January, February and March birthdays were recognized by Betty Thornton, membership chairman. She also presented Monica Blackwell and Lisa Latcham with door prizes.
Jan Anderson reviewed with the members several articles in the state newsletter The Lone Star News, including information about the state convention which will be held in Waco in June. The meeting concluded with the singing of the Delta Kappa Gamma Song.
Post a Comment