MEETING MOMENTS — The Alpha Mu chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma meeting in March included a celebration of the chapter’s 80 years. Honoring chapter and national founders and chapter presidents in a scripted ceremony, Carolyn Kibble, left, Founder’s Day chair, presented Barbara Pritts, president, with a book/gift. -- Contributed

HARLEM SPRINGS — The Alpha Mu Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma celebrated its 80th anniversary with a Founder’s Day program at the March 9 meeting and salad luncheon held at Harlem Springs United Methodist Church,

President Barbara Pritts opened the meeting with a summary of the start of the eight-decades-old chapter and recognized its founders.

Ann Wiley, second vice president, reported 30 were in attendance.

As part of the Founder’s Day program, Carolyn Kibble read Elton Trueblood’s “Commitment,” and Edwina McElwain began with the presentation of the 12 international founders, followed by Bernice Francis, who read the history of the 16 state founders. Diane McElwain read the history of the 16 Alpha Mu local founders, five of them from Steubenville, three from Carrollton, two each from Toronto and Mingo Junction, and one each from Brilliant, Adena and Amsterdam.

“Alpha Mu Today,” led by Kibble, recognized the president and past presidents with books, candy and decorative costume necklaces. Each officer was recognized by lighting a candle, and all past and present committee chairs and members, which included all in the room, lit candles.

Donna Iachini, membership and necrology chair, presented the names of three individuals, their accomplishments and sponsor names to the membership for consideration for approval as new members. Approved as new members to be initiated into DKG were:

¯ Belinda Kay Mack, nominated by Rose Seck. Mack holds a bachelor’s of arts degree and is certified in French and elementary education. She is a 23-year educator in the Carrollton District and is active in extra-curricular activities such as the Caring-Helping-Sharing Club. She was named 2000 Ashland Oil Teacher of the Year; received the 2016 Carrollton High School Community Service Award; and was named 2018 Teacher of the Year, Stark County ESC. She also is involved at the Church of Christ as chair of the outreach committee and as leader of its Vacation Bible School and junior church.

¯ Sally Jo George, nominated by Donna McCasland. A retired educator of 33 years, George did many seasonal activities in grades one through 12. She holds a bachelor’s of science degree in music education and received the 2015 Karaffa Award from Toronto City Schools for excellence in teaching. She was the assistant band director and the choir director, grades six through eight and nine through 12. Her church involvement includes VBS, Children’s Adventure Club and the church choir. She teaches private piano and voice lessons.

¯ Mikayla Tice, nominated by Julie Blanton. A two-year teacher at Stanton Elementary School, Edison Local District, Tice was the 2018 recipient of the Alpha Mu scholarship grant. She received her bachelor’s of arts degree in elementary education with a minor in special education from Franciscan University of Steubenville in 2017. An intervention specialist in grades two through four, she was to receive her master’s degree in March. At Richmond United Methodist Church, she helps with its Kids for Christ outreach.

Also In celebration of the chapter’s anniversary, Gina Judy gave wooden plate pin-holders carved by her husband and assembled by her. Forty-nine holders were made and distributed to members. Officers and committee heads received a holder with a white background under the red ribbon.

Dani Carroll played music at the end of the meeting, and noted March is Music in Schools Month and Youth Art Month.

Under scholarship and world fellowship, Julie Blanton noted applications for the club scholarship will be due by April 30 and presented at the May meeting.

Darlene Smith, personal growth and services, did a “Stuff the Bus” to benefit the Cancer Dietary Initiative, collecting more than $100.

Barb Losey, hospitality, did a reading by Ken Tate titled “Schoolrooms and Schoolyards” and engaged members in a game with prizes.

A necrology service was held in memory of Margery Gregg and Cicely Worthington. Memories were shared by Jan Primack, Darlene Smith, Cindy Harrah, Ann Wiley and Karen Goddard.

The meeting also included a report by Pritts on the upcoming convention with additional reports given by Treasurer Mary Barnes, Rose Seck and Joyce Ferguson, first vice president.