Dr. Shirley Lawler Retiring as Vice Chancellor from OTC
Dr. Shirley Lawler is retiring after 15 years with the Ozarks Technical College from the position of Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs on June 30. She will continue to serve as a part-time instructor in OTC's Associate of Arts in Teaching Program, and will remain involved in both the OTC chancellors Leadership Academy program and the Lindenwood University doctoral program offered on the OTC Springfield Campus.
Dr. Lawler is being replaced by Dr. Steven Bishop as OTC's new Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, pending approval at the May meeting of the College's Board of Trustees. Dr. Bishop, who currently serves as the College's dean of Allied Health and interim dean of General Education, will assume the new position on July 1, 2012.
Dr. Lawler is being replaced by Dr. Steven Bishop as OTC's new Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, pending approval at the May meeting of the College's Board of Trustees. Dr. Bishop, who currently serves as the College's dean of Allied Health and interim dean of General Education, will assume the new position on July 1, 2012.
Alpha Gamma Chapter Officers for 2012-2014
Alpha Gamma Chapter held its election of officers for the 2012-2014 biennium on February 4. Chairperson of the Nominations Committee, Sharon Rooney, submitted the members names and helped conduct the election. Members elected to offices are Dr. Kim Finch, President; Velynda Cameron, First Vice-President; Judy Wilson, Second Vice-President; Rita Jackson, Corresponding Secretary; and Bethany Hubbell, Recording Secretary. The newly elected officers were installed into office on March 31 at the chapter's meeting. Both the incoming president, Dr. Kim Finch, and outgoing president, Ginny Baumann, will be honored at the Delta State Convention during the President's Banquet on April 14 in Springfield. Congratulations to all the new officers.
Extension Work in Greene County Impacts at Least 19 of the “Red Flags” Outlined in the Community Focus for 2011
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Velynda Cameron, a 4-H youth specialist with MU Extension, read the recently released “2011 Community Focus” report for Springfield-Greene County and said she was surprised to see how many of the community red flags are addressed directly by MU Extension programs.
“Just going through the book I was highlighting needs saying, ‘Extension does that one’ and ‘Extension does that one’,” said Cameron.
David Burton, civic communication specialist with MU Extension and the county program director for Greene County Extension, says Cameron pointed out at least 19 red flag areas in which Extension is already working. “We have either not made our work clear or we have not done a good job of pointing to our impact in these areas,” said Burton.
However, the ability of MU Extension to have additional impact on some of these red flags depends on whether the office gets proper funding.
“Our nutrition program is strong and actively working with children,” said Burton. “Whether or not we expand educational programs in the other areas depends on our level of county funding and the decisions made by our council.”
The Community Focus can be found online at www.communityfocus.org. It was funded by the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, Springfield-Greene County Library District, Junior League of Springfield, United Way of the Ozarks and the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. The report provides an objective assessment of Springfield and Greene County, and assigns “red flags” and “blue ribbons” to indicators of the community’s health. Areas covered include public order and safety, citizen participation, natural environment, and arts and culture, to name a few.
This year's report notes the following have emerged as red flag themes: insufficient public funding, poverty, economic uncertainty, child Abuse and Neglect.
Based on the “Community Focus 2011” report for Springfield and Greene County, the following “red flag” areas are being impacted by MU Extension programs:
Citizenship: Voter turnout in elections continues to be a concern; Building a sense of community.
Community: Air quality (reduce air pollution); Adequate supplies of safe water; Identification and protection of green/open space for community needs; Preservation of community waterways; Disaster preparedness – community, businesses, faith community and families.
Health – nutrition: Overweight and obese adults; Childhood obesity; and Family wellness.
Seniors: Adults over age 65 represent nearly 15% of Springfield population.
Children/Youth and child care: Increased poverty, higher incidence of child abuse and neglect, and decreased funding for multiple areas related to early childhood - equals less training and support for local childcare providers; Educating youth on dangers of illegal drug use.
Families: Vacancy rates due to foreclosures; Homeless children and adolescents; Shrinking financial resources to address homelessness and housing; High rates of domestic violence
Financial management: 1:2 single mothers in Springfield is living in poverty and nearly 50% of children in the Springfield R-12 school district qualify for free or reduced lunch; and Affordable housing.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Velynda Cameron, a 4-H youth specialist with MU Extension, read the recently released “2011 Community Focus” report for Springfield-Greene County and said she was surprised to see how many of the community red flags are addressed directly by MU Extension programs.
“Just going through the book I was highlighting needs saying, ‘Extension does that one’ and ‘Extension does that one’,” said Cameron.
David Burton, civic communication specialist with MU Extension and the county program director for Greene County Extension, says Cameron pointed out at least 19 red flag areas in which Extension is already working. “We have either not made our work clear or we have not done a good job of pointing to our impact in these areas,” said Burton.
However, the ability of MU Extension to have additional impact on some of these red flags depends on whether the office gets proper funding.
“Our nutrition program is strong and actively working with children,” said Burton. “Whether or not we expand educational programs in the other areas depends on our level of county funding and the decisions made by our council.”
The Community Focus can be found online at www.communityfocus.org. It was funded by the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, Springfield-Greene County Library District, Junior League of Springfield, United Way of the Ozarks and the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. The report provides an objective assessment of Springfield and Greene County, and assigns “red flags” and “blue ribbons” to indicators of the community’s health. Areas covered include public order and safety, citizen participation, natural environment, and arts and culture, to name a few.
This year's report notes the following have emerged as red flag themes: insufficient public funding, poverty, economic uncertainty, child Abuse and Neglect.
Based on the “Community Focus 2011” report for Springfield and Greene County, the following “red flag” areas are being impacted by MU Extension programs:
Citizenship: Voter turnout in elections continues to be a concern; Building a sense of community.
Community: Air quality (reduce air pollution); Adequate supplies of safe water; Identification and protection of green/open space for community needs; Preservation of community waterways; Disaster preparedness – community, businesses, faith community and families.
Health – nutrition: Overweight and obese adults; Childhood obesity; and Family wellness.
Seniors: Adults over age 65 represent nearly 15% of Springfield population.
Children/Youth and child care: Increased poverty, higher incidence of child abuse and neglect, and decreased funding for multiple areas related to early childhood - equals less training and support for local childcare providers; Educating youth on dangers of illegal drug use.
Families: Vacancy rates due to foreclosures; Homeless children and adolescents; Shrinking financial resources to address homelessness and housing; High rates of domestic violence
Financial management: 1:2 single mothers in Springfield is living in poverty and nearly 50% of children in the Springfield R-12 school district qualify for free or reduced lunch; and Affordable housing.
In Loving Memory Ada Carol Mayfield, July 24, 1921 - November 12, 2011
Carol Mayfield was born July 24, 1921 in Merwin, Mo., daughter of Charles Prentice and Dora (Spencer) Nelson. She was the Merwin Valedictorian in 1939. She attended teachers’ college, and Carol was most proud of being a school teacher for more than 30 years in rural schools around the Pleasant Hill and Springfield, Mo., areas. She was united in marriage to Elmer Mayfield, and to this union, one son was born. She had been a member of the Drexel United Methodist Church. Carol was a 53-year member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society, a teachers’ professional organization.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Elmer in December of 1995, and her nine siblings. She is survived by her son: Duane Mayfield of Drexel; as well as a host of other relatives including nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. The visitation and funeral were held on November 16 at the Mullinax Funeral Home and Chapel. Burial services followed in Sharon Cemetery in Drexel. Written messages and memories may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Elmer in December of 1995, and her nine siblings. She is survived by her son: Duane Mayfield of Drexel; as well as a host of other relatives including nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. The visitation and funeral were held on November 16 at the Mullinax Funeral Home and Chapel. Burial services followed in Sharon Cemetery in Drexel. Written messages and memories may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.
In Loving Memory
Betty Ann Gritz, December 9, 1935 - November 11, 2011
Betty Ann (Melendy) Gritz was born in Hennessey, Oklahoma, and was united in marriage to Lairy Gritz on December 30, 1956. She is survived by Lairy; two children, David and wife Ligaya, and Melenda Parrish and husband Tim. Betty is also survived by four grandchildren and three brothers and their spouses sand one sister and spouse. Betty was preceeded in death by her parents and one brother.
Betty was a member of South Haven Baptist Church and spent many hours with children, nursing home and shut-ins ministries. Betty was a member of Alpha Gamma Chapter of The Delta Kappa Kappa Society. She worked as a teacher for many years. Betty was honored with the "Springfield Teacher of the Year Award in 1995-1996. Spending time with her grandchildren was her passion. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., November 18, 2011 in South Haven Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Missouri Veteran's Cemetery, Springfield, Missouri.
Betty Ann (Melendy) Gritz was born in Hennessey, Oklahoma, and was united in marriage to Lairy Gritz on December 30, 1956. She is survived by Lairy; two children, David and wife Ligaya, and Melenda Parrish and husband Tim. Betty is also survived by four grandchildren and three brothers and their spouses sand one sister and spouse. Betty was preceeded in death by her parents and one brother.
Betty was a member of South Haven Baptist Church and spent many hours with children, nursing home and shut-ins ministries. Betty was a member of Alpha Gamma Chapter of The Delta Kappa Kappa Society. She worked as a teacher for many years. Betty was honored with the "Springfield Teacher of the Year Award in 1995-1996. Spending time with her grandchildren was her passion. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., November 18, 2011 in South Haven Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Missouri Veteran's Cemetery, Springfield, Missouri.
The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International Southwest Regional Conference
With her friendly, approachable manner, Dr. Jensi Souders, International President, encouraged members to have more fun and focus on the possibilities of what change can do for the Delta Kappa Gamma organization. Through music, skits and speakers, attendees were inspired with a fun-filled program. Kay Bollom, SW Regional Music Director had members up and moving for breaks during the conference.
Dr. Barbara Baethe, SW Regional Director, planned motivational speakers such as: Carlotta Walls LaNier, author of “ A Mighty Long Way: My Journey to Justice at Little Rock Central High School”; Amy Baldwin of the Achieving the Dream initia- tive and Dr. Janet Williams representing the No Place for Hate initiative. Omega State hosted 23 members of Delta State attending the Southwest Regional Conference in Denver on June 29 – July 2, 2011. Eight guests accompanied the attendees.
Delta State officers attended preconference training sessions. Monday through Wednesday, Bev Teri attended Leadership Development Workshops for 2011-2013 State Presidents. Ginny Baumann attended the workshops for State Executive Secretaries/Treasurers on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Wednesday, Nadine Horner attended workshops for State Program of Work/Educational Excellence while Cay Sergent focused on Membership. Julie Taylor Jones attended the workshop for webmasters while Sue Groves and Faye Peters reflected on the Strategic Action Plan (SAP).
At the First General Session/Opening Night, Sue Groves and Bev Teri carried in the Delta State Banner. Darlene Helman sang her new composition, “Our Vision, Our Design”. Colo-rado Night inspired memberts with student performances depicting the varied cultures represented in the state of Colorado.
Thursday night, 31 Delta State attendees gathered at Pasquini’s Restaurant for an Italian buffet. Cay Sergent’s daughter, Kristal, made the arrangements. After the dinner, Delta State members practiced the skit, the Invitation to Branson, for the SW Regional in 2013.
Carol Wiedmier presented a workshop Friday entitled Preserving Memories while other members attended convention workshops. The Birthday Luncheon included a fashion show by Coldwater Creek with the ladies from Colorado as models. Several enjoyed Night on the Town activities on Friday night.
At the All States Breakfast on Saturday, Darlene provided the Inspirational Thoughts, Terre McPheeters sang “I Love the Rose”, and the Delta State attendees invited everyone to Branson in 2013. Matching light blue t-shirts were worn with a bluebird sitting on a dogwood branch and DKG in red letters. The back of the shirt read: Are You Coming? SW Regional Branson 2013. We invited the audience with a DKG song and spelled out B R A N S O N commenting on the sights and fun of Branson.
Saturday night, Sue Groves and Bev Teri walked into the banquet as Linda Eller and Phyllis Hickey presented the incoming and outgoing state presidents. Kay Bollom, SW Regional Music Representative, entertained us with music including “Concerto for Knives, Forks, Spoons, and One Soup Ladle”. Dr. Andrea Morris, New York, provided an inspring piano concert. Terre McPheeters, SW Regional Accompanist, sang “This is Where I Belong” at the President’s Banquet. Then we held hands and sang the “Delta Kappa Gamma Song” as the conference came to an end.
Dr. Barbara Baethe, SW Regional Director, planned motivational speakers such as: Carlotta Walls LaNier, author of “ A Mighty Long Way: My Journey to Justice at Little Rock Central High School”; Amy Baldwin of the Achieving the Dream initia- tive and Dr. Janet Williams representing the No Place for Hate initiative. Omega State hosted 23 members of Delta State attending the Southwest Regional Conference in Denver on June 29 – July 2, 2011. Eight guests accompanied the attendees.
Delta State officers attended preconference training sessions. Monday through Wednesday, Bev Teri attended Leadership Development Workshops for 2011-2013 State Presidents. Ginny Baumann attended the workshops for State Executive Secretaries/Treasurers on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Wednesday, Nadine Horner attended workshops for State Program of Work/Educational Excellence while Cay Sergent focused on Membership. Julie Taylor Jones attended the workshop for webmasters while Sue Groves and Faye Peters reflected on the Strategic Action Plan (SAP).
At the First General Session/Opening Night, Sue Groves and Bev Teri carried in the Delta State Banner. Darlene Helman sang her new composition, “Our Vision, Our Design”. Colo-rado Night inspired memberts with student performances depicting the varied cultures represented in the state of Colorado.
Thursday night, 31 Delta State attendees gathered at Pasquini’s Restaurant for an Italian buffet. Cay Sergent’s daughter, Kristal, made the arrangements. After the dinner, Delta State members practiced the skit, the Invitation to Branson, for the SW Regional in 2013.
Carol Wiedmier presented a workshop Friday entitled Preserving Memories while other members attended convention workshops. The Birthday Luncheon included a fashion show by Coldwater Creek with the ladies from Colorado as models. Several enjoyed Night on the Town activities on Friday night.
At the All States Breakfast on Saturday, Darlene provided the Inspirational Thoughts, Terre McPheeters sang “I Love the Rose”, and the Delta State attendees invited everyone to Branson in 2013. Matching light blue t-shirts were worn with a bluebird sitting on a dogwood branch and DKG in red letters. The back of the shirt read: Are You Coming? SW Regional Branson 2013. We invited the audience with a DKG song and spelled out B R A N S O N commenting on the sights and fun of Branson.
Saturday night, Sue Groves and Bev Teri walked into the banquet as Linda Eller and Phyllis Hickey presented the incoming and outgoing state presidents. Kay Bollom, SW Regional Music Representative, entertained us with music including “Concerto for Knives, Forks, Spoons, and One Soup Ladle”. Dr. Andrea Morris, New York, provided an inspring piano concert. Terre McPheeters, SW Regional Accompanist, sang “This is Where I Belong” at the President’s Banquet. Then we held hands and sang the “Delta Kappa Gamma Song” as the conference came to an end.
Visit the International website www.dkg.org
Visit the Delta State website for the Deltagrams newsletter and other news. www.deltakappagamma.org/MO
Six Alpha Gamma Members Help Lead Delta State
Julie Taylor Jones was selected to serve as the Delta State Web Editor starting July 1. Following web editor training in Denver at the SW Regional Conference, Julie re-published the Delta State website according to International guidelines. Her contact email address is deltastateweb@gmail.com if you want information published on the website.
Paula Henbest will serve as the Southwest Leadership Development Area Coordinator for the new biennium. She has requested assistance from Nadine Horner and Sue Groves for an undetermined length of time this year while she helps Sharon Hardecke with medical appointments. The Southwest Leadership Development Workshops will be held on Saturday, June 9, 2012 in Springfield.
Sharon Hardecke will serve a second biennium as chair of the Scholarship Committee. Sharon and her committee made several recommendations for revisions of the current policies and practices of awarding scholarships and grants-in-aid. The committee will submit the proposed revisions by December to meet the deadline for changes to Bylaws and Standing Rules. Scholarship information is posted on the state's website.
Connie Frantsen will lead the state's efforts in the Schools for Africa Project. She has also been named Delta State's Representative to the United States Forum. Connie will have a share of the program at the meeting on February 4, 2012.
Kristen Hudson will serve as the Delta State Convention Coordinator on April 13-15, 2012 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Springfield. She attended one meeting in July with hotel staff and State President, Bev Teri, Executive Secretary/Treasurer, Ginny Baumann, and State Program Chair, Nadine Horner. Alpha Gamma Chapter has volunteered to provide refreshments for the President's Reception on Saturday night after the banquet.
Ginny Baumann was re-employed for another year to serve as Delta State's Executive Secretary/Treasurer. She began serving in July of 2004. She attended training for two days in Denver at the SW Regional Conference prior to the start of the conference. Her email address is DeltaMoSecTreasurer@gmail.com if you need to contact her.
Paula Henbest will serve as the Southwest Leadership Development Area Coordinator for the new biennium. She has requested assistance from Nadine Horner and Sue Groves for an undetermined length of time this year while she helps Sharon Hardecke with medical appointments. The Southwest Leadership Development Workshops will be held on Saturday, June 9, 2012 in Springfield.
Sharon Hardecke will serve a second biennium as chair of the Scholarship Committee. Sharon and her committee made several recommendations for revisions of the current policies and practices of awarding scholarships and grants-in-aid. The committee will submit the proposed revisions by December to meet the deadline for changes to Bylaws and Standing Rules. Scholarship information is posted on the state's website.
Connie Frantsen will lead the state's efforts in the Schools for Africa Project. She has also been named Delta State's Representative to the United States Forum. Connie will have a share of the program at the meeting on February 4, 2012.
Kristen Hudson will serve as the Delta State Convention Coordinator on April 13-15, 2012 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Springfield. She attended one meeting in July with hotel staff and State President, Bev Teri, Executive Secretary/Treasurer, Ginny Baumann, and State Program Chair, Nadine Horner. Alpha Gamma Chapter has volunteered to provide refreshments for the President's Reception on Saturday night after the banquet.
Ginny Baumann was re-employed for another year to serve as Delta State's Executive Secretary/Treasurer. She began serving in July of 2004. She attended training for two days in Denver at the SW Regional Conference prior to the start of the conference. Her email address is DeltaMoSecTreasurer@gmail.com if you need to contact her.
