Kappa Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International met September 19, 2024, for the first meeting of the 2024-2026 biennium, at Central City Public Library, Central City, Nebraska. Activities began at 1:15 p.m. with the day’s program. President Jackie Mason introduced guest Mary Jo Gallion, a staff member at Merrick Medical Physical Therapy facility. A certified Tai Chi instructor, Mary Jo demonstrated the eight CDC approved moves used to help improve balance and coordination. She provided handouts, spoke of the benefits of regular participation, and told of the program provided regularly at Central City’s Good Life Center. Then she invited Kappa members to do warm up exercises with her, emphasizing the ease of movement. Finally, she welcomed questions about Tai Chi and allowed Kappa members who’ve taken instruction from her previously to join in a final demonstration.
The program being completed, the regular meeting began. President Mason called all to order and led the reading of the Collect. Minutes from the June 2024 meeting were read and approved. Then Treasurer Dianne Vorderstrasse gave the current financial report. This too was approved as read, and discussion turned to updates on member cares and concerns. Greeting cards were prepared for those Sisters who’ve had medical issues or suffered loss, and members were informed of the recent passing of longtime Kappa member, Pluma Jo Peterson of Genoa. Pluma will be remembered fondly by all who knew her and included in the State Convention memorial service in May.
Ongoing business returned to the summer discussion of Kappa’s usual January meeting time. It was suggested maybe a better option could be used because of frequent inclement weather issues during January. The Executive Committee discussed it and decided to hold the meeting in April 2025 instead. If this works well and is preferred by the group, the change will continue in future years. Regular meeting times will remain on the third Thursday of each scheduled month, for a total of six meetings per year. Other topics included checking on Kappa’s Little Free Libraries that are located in several area communities and continue to provide their service. Finally, DKG memberships are down at all levels, and discussion continues in that regard. All are encouraged to generate new ideas for increase as able.
New business included President Mason reporting on ZOOM meetings about numerous pertinent topics that are being held quarterly with chapter presidents and conducted by State President Lauren Walker. Mason attended the first meeting and will continue to do so. One major topic discussed at that time was information about the Society’s new International Project. The former one, Schools for Africa, is sun-downing after two years and is being replaced by UNICEF. Chapters will be given support opportunities during the new biennium.
Finally, with no further needed discussion, the meeting adjourned and members enjoyed refreshments, while meeting as committee/work groups for program and hosting decisions.
The next meeting will be at 9:30 a.m. in Palmer, Ne on October 17,2024. Members should bring all needed supplies for work on Kappa’s Holiday Greetings for Veterans Project.