WELCOME TO THE CLUB — Members of the Fidelis Gamma Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa’s International Honorary Organization for Women Educators welcomed new member Patty Ferris and new transfer member Yvonne Santin during their Nov. 7 meeting. Those taking part in the welcome and induction ceremony included, from left, Ruth Fuller, Elaine McClung, Ferris, Crystal Baranowski, Donna Durkin, Santin and President Susan Cullinan. -- Contributed

WEIRTON — Members of the Fidelis Gamma Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa’s International Honorary Organization for Women Educators met at Weirton’s Eat ‘n Park on Nov. 7, with President Susan Cullinan presiding over the 13 members and four guests in attendance, including, Patty Ferris, Wendy Speer, Sandra Swift and Yvonne Santin.

Chaplain Elaine McClung said a prayer over the country, read the thought of the day entitled “Hope,” and said grace prior to the meeting’s meal.

Recording Secretary Margaret Polk read the October minutes and presented a summation of the OVDC Founders Day luncheon. Treasurer Carolyn Allison provided the financial report, with an ending balance of $2,312 and scholarship savings of $4,504.

Allison accepted dues for 2025.

Shirley Washam, chairman of the Alpha Delta Kappa Month committee, reported five books were delivered to Hancock Primary Schools. She noted two signs acknowledging the chapter have been displayed.

An altruistic report form was circulated for October, with committee representatives reporting there were 320 hours of service, Monetary donations given in the name of Alpha Delta Kappa amounted to $4,933, officials commented, adding non-monetary donations given amounted to $3,438.

Co-Courtesy Chairman Ruth Fuller welcomed Yvonne Santin, a sister of Pi Chapter in Wood County who now resides in Weirton. Santin chose to transfer to the Fidelis Gamma chapter, Fuller commented.

Fraternity Education Chairman Janet Benzo provided an update regarding Sandi Anderson, who is doing well following a neck surgery.

Publicity Chairman Nancy Conley is collecting donations of coloring books, crayons and colored pencils to give to those in the Weirton Medical Center pediatrics unit for Thanksgiving.

Celebrating 25 years of membership in Alpha Delta Kappa are Bonnie Queses and Nancy Conley.

Allison made a motion that $50 be given to CHANGE Inc., a local women’s crisis center, along with a $50 donation to Alpha Delta Kappa International for disaster relief. The motion passed.

Officials stated the annual Tri-Chapter Christmas brunch will be held Dec. 14 at Froehlich’s Classic Corner. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. The cost will be $28, payable to West Virginia Alpha Tau. A short December meeting will follow the brunch.

Wreaths Across America is welcoming all donations for those who would like to place wreaths at national Cemeteries, it was noted. Donations begin at $17.

Membership conducted an initiation ceremony for Ferris. Santin was welcomed into Fidelis Gamma with a reading of “Heart to Heart,” by Past State President Crystal Baranowski.

Hostesses recognized were Cullinan and Baranowski.

Door prizes were awarded to Snyder, Santin, Shirley Washam and Allison.

Baranowski was thanked for the Chrismystery boxes.