Eta Zeta Press

Texas State Organization

The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International

Volume 51, Issue 2

Five Star Award Newsletter

DKG Vision Statement: Leading Women Educators Impacting Education Worldwide

Eta Zeta, Chapter 174, Dallas, Dallas County, Area 9

Delta Kappa Gamma promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and

October 2014

excellence in education.

Aundrea Wright Young, Editor

aundrea_wright@sbcglobal.net

Education: The Good, Bad,

and Confusing

Sandys Stylus
Autumn is awesome!
Everything is turning red and gold.
The air is filled with the scent of
warm vanilla. Pumpkins are
everywhere. Autumn is also a time
for warm experiences with our
families, society sisters, and good
friends. The Area 9 Fall Workshop
provided such an experience.
The Area 9 Fall Workshop participation of Eta
Zeta members was phenomenal. We had 20 members
registered and 13 in attendance. I extend my sincere
gratitude to those who attended and made sure that all
the critical workshops were covered. They are: Cynthia
DeVies, Joanne Szalay, Melanie Moseley, Seretha
Merchant, Mary Bixler, Evelyn Hamiton, Norma
Matthews, Beverly Leonard, Sharon Kraus, Leigh
Taylor, Mary Claire Welch, Yvonne Manual, and
yours truly, Sandra Foster Brown. Kudos to Melanie
Moseley, Sharon Kraus, and Mary Claire Welch for
serving as presenters. Thanks to Joanne Szalay and
Seretha Merchant who spent a lot of time and effort
hoping for rain while selling umbrellas. In the opening
session, Mary Claire Welch made us proud as she
introduced the guests. Sharon Kraus did a great job
keeping Missy ASTEF well fed!
Hold Harmless should never be far from our
minds as we engage in society work. It is imperative
that all Eta Zeta members understand the copyright
requirements. Please read the article by Diane Moose
that can be found on the Alpha State Websites front
page, What Every Discerning DKG Editor and
Webmaster Needs to Know.
Researchers found that nearly half of new
teachers leave the job within the first five years. Lets do
our part in alleviating this serious problem. Use your EZ
Mentoring Mint as a resource. Remember, a little
support goes a long way.

Presenter: James Ragland, Columnist

Dallas Morning News
Date: October 27, 2014
Time: 5:00 p.m. Eat & Socialize
6:00 p.m. Meeting
Location: Highland Park Cafeteria
1200 N. Buckner
Dallas, Texas 75218
Inspiration/Meditation: Arlene Delgado
Hostesses: Elia Pardo, Marca Lee Bircher,
Yvonne Manuel, Bradley Sue Howell
Facilitators: Joanne Szalay, Chelsea McNair,
Mary Bixler

Eta Zeta Press wants to know.We are looking

forward to hearing from you!
Contact: Aundrea Wright Young,
Communications Chair
By Mail: 4625 Hazelhurst Lane
Dallas, Texas 75227
By Email: aundrea_wright@sbcglobal.net
By Phone: 214-577-3179 mobile
214-275-6368 home
Please submit information for publication by 11/10 /14
for the upcoming issue.
1

We were reminded at our leadership workshop that A

strong mentoring program is the single best way to
influence new educators and also to recognize
possible new members for the Society. Thank you
for your efforts in supporting early-career educators.
Our EZ committees are on the move. The
Membership Committee and the Communications and
Publicity Committee met in September. The Fundraising
Committee has plans for a meeting next week. Leading
Ladies (Chairs), be sure that all committee members are
involved in your committee activities. Dont hesitate to
delegate. Every meeting does not have to be a face-toface meeting. A teleconference is an excellent option!
The Program Committee promises another
exciting program on October 27, 2014 at the Highland
Park Cafeteria at 6:00pm. Speaker, James Ragland, a
writer for the Dallas Morning News, will provide
current information on educational issues. Dont miss a
great opportunity to ask questions and give your valued
input. Come early to enjoy eating and socializing with
our members and our guests from 5:00pm until
6:00pm. Please wear pink.
EZ members, please accept this gentle reminder
to get your dues paid in full by October 23, 2014 so that
you will be included in the Chapter Yearbook. We are
incomplete without you!

Eta Zeta Chapter Programs

for
2014-2015
Expand the Vision:
Educate, Inspire, Encourage
Monday
August 18

Monday
September 23

Monday
October 27

Monday
November 24

Monday
January 26

A sister by heart,

Sandy

Monday
February 23

Eta Zeta Chapter President

Monday
March 23

Saturday
April

Who Wants School Supplies?

Monday
May 18

Please bring your loose leaf

notebook paper, #2 pencils, black or
blue ink, bottled glue, construction
paper, scissors, pink or white
erasers, crayons, markers,
highlighters, and more.

June 24-27
2015

Program : Welcome to a New Year of Eta Zeta in DKG!

Time: 6:00 PM Eat, Socialize, Meeting
Locat ion : St. Luke United Methodist Church
5710 R.L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas, Texas 75223
Hostesses : Executive Board & Beverly Leonard, Seretha
Merchant, Jean Stoner, Carol Lipton
Program : Shelter from the Storm: A Human Rights
Initiative
Time : 5:00 PM Eat and Socialize 6:00 PM -Meeting
Locat ion : Highland Park Cafeteria
1200 N. Buckner Blvd., Dallas, Texas 75218
Hostesses : Diana Gonzalez, Sandra Woodruff, Mary Bixler,
Maria Viera Williams

Program : Education: The Good, the Bad & the Confusing

Time : 5:00 PM Eat and Socialize 6:00 PM- Meeting
Location : Highland Park Cafeteria
1200 N. Buckner Blvd., Dallas, Texas 75218
Hostesses : Elia Pardo, Marca Lee Bircher, Yvonne
Manuel, Bradley Sue Howell
Program : Honor and Welcome Eta Zeta Members!
Time : 5:00 PM Eat and Socialize 6:00- Meeting
Locat ion : Casa Cavazos
5409 N. Jim Miller Road, Ste. 239 Dallas, Texas 75227
Hostesses : Cynthia DeVies, Heather Hawthorne, Melanie
Moseley, Aundrea Young
Program : Stand Up and Speak! Do You Dare?
Time : 5:00 PM Eat and Socialize 6:00 PM -Meeting
Location : Highland Park Cafeteria
1200 N. Buckner Blvd. , Dallas, Texas 75218
Hostesses : Lisa Bagley, Arlene Delgado, Debbie Duke,
Kendra Perkins
Program : Whats in Your Bag? Got DKG?
Time : 5:00 PM Eat and Socialize 6:00- Meeting
Locat ion : Highland Park Cafeteria
1200 N. Buckner Blvd. Dallas, Texas 75218
Hostesses : Johnnie Cunningham, Charlenta Govan,
Kathryn Hons, LaTonya Hadnot
Program : Young Artists Making a Kinder World
Time : 5:00 PM Eat and Socialize 6:00- Meeting
Location : Highland Park Cafeteria
1200 N. Buckner Blvd., Dallas, Texas 75218
Hostesses : Elizabeth Johnson, Kalva Scott, Jane Walker,
Tobizena Williams, Mary Claire Welch

Dallas County Coordinating

Council Luncheon

Program : Happy Birthday and Founders Day!

Time : 5:00 PM Eat,and Socialize 6:00- Meeting
Location: On the Border
3130 Knox Street, Dallas, Texas 75205
Hostesses : Patricia Webb, Chelsea McNair, Norma
Matthews, Barbara Stoddard

86th Texas State Organization

Convention
Grand Hyatt, San Antonio, Texas

Everything that helps wear away age-old prejudices contributes to

Bring your school supplies to our October Chapter

the advancement of women and of humanity. Annie Webb Blanton

meeting at Highland Park Cafeteria

(Quote found at http://www.utexas.edu/gtw/blanton.php)

Eta Zeta Birthday

Wishes

Think Pink
October is Breast Cancer
Awareness Month
By: Aundrea Wright Young

October Birthday
Wishes
Toya Thompson
Evelyn Hamilton
Jean Stoner
Norma Matthews

October 1
October 21
October 21
October 26

Did you know that

Breast Cancer is the
second leading cause of death among women.
What is Breast Cancer? Breast Cancer is a disease in
which cancer cells form in the tissues of the breast.
The damaged cells can invade surrounding tissue,
but, early detection and treatment can prolong the
life of individuals.
Facts About Breast Cancer in the US
1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with
Breast cancer in their lifetime
Breast Cancer is the most commonly
diagnosed cancer in women
Each year, it is estimated that over
220,000 women in the US will be
diagnosed with breast cancer and
more than 40,000 will die
An estimated 2,150 men will be
diagnosed with breast cancer and
approximately 410 will die
Breast Cancer Facts located at
http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org

Eta Zeta Chapter Dues Time

Who to Pay: Leigh Taylor, Treasurer

When to Pay:
Dues in the amount of $100 must be paid at the
October 27 meeting. The deadline for the full
amount was Thursday, October 23, 2014.

Ways to Pay:
Dues may be paid in person at the October 27
meeting or mailed to Leigh Taylor, Treasurer, at
3121Cross Timbers Lane, Garland, Texas 75044.

By: Aundrea Wright Young

Important Dates to
Remember
October 23

Dues payment to chapter

treasurer

November 1

Early Bird Yearbook submission

The Eta Zeta members have spoken and Missy

ASTEF has joined the chapter to provide monetary
funds to ASTEF (Alpha State Texas Educational
Foundation). Missy ASTEF was born with service in
mind to render aid to those who need it. Missy ASTEF
currently has $44.00 that she is holding for this
endeavor.

International Cornetet Award for

Professional Development
Seminar Application

Look into your handbag, tote, or wallet to feed

Missy ASTEF at our next chapter meeting.

Mini-Grant Application (State

Scholarship)

Eta Zeta Chapter is moving in the right

direction as we raise funds for our Alpha State Texas
Educational Foundation.

ASTEF is calling!
3

He reported that 17% of the children are currently

represented by attorney and 76% of the children are
not represented. At the time of his presentation, 35%
were ordered deported and 40% had cases still
pending.

Holston Brings Message of

The Human Rights Initiative, Inc.
By

According to Mr. Holston, children who have

been abused, abandoned, or neglected by one or both
parents may qualify for Special Immigrant Juvenile
Status. Those children qualifying for this status can
apply to become a legal permanent resident, and
later, apply to become a U.S. citizen.

Mary Claire Welch

William (Bill) O. Holston, the Executive

Director of Human Rights Initiative of North Texas,
Inc., was our guest speaker at the September Eta Zeta
Chapter meeting. Mr. Holstons presentation, Shelter
from the Storm: A Human Rights Initiative,
provided facts about current immigration issues and an
explanation regarding how people from other countries
qualify for legal asylum in the United States.
Eta Zeta member, Norma Matthews and her
husband Bill Matthews have worked with Mr. Holston
for many years through their involvement with the
Dallas United Nations Chapter. Norma introduced Mr.
Holston as an attorney with a special passion for aiding
vulnerable people seeking refuge in the United States.
She shared that Bill Holston has been providing legal
representation on a pro bono basis for people seeking
political and religious asylum through the Immigration
Court since 1987. While Bill Holston did not begin his
career with the intention of becoming a human rights
attorney, he shared how human rights became his area
of expertise and commitment. Serving applicants from
eighteen countries with legal representation for the past
eleven years. Mr. Holston views his work as a
privilege not a good deed.
There were some interesting facts Mr. Holston
shared about the recent influx of alien children our
country has experienced. He told the group that of the
57,000 unaccompanied alien children who have recently
entered the United States almost 85% are being reunited
with a parent or caregiver already living in the country.
When the child is reunified with the family or caregiver,
the childs immigration case is moved to their local
immigration court where a hearing date to begin
deportation proceedings is established. In relation to the
local Dallas immigration court, 619 of 668 were
released from the Department of Health/ORR detention.
Of note was the fact that many of the children entering
the US were from El Salvador, Guatemala, or Honduras.

Mr. Holston referred to the nexus of wellfounded reasons for the need for asylum. If someone
has experienced persecution in the past or has a wellfounded fear that they will be persecuted upon return
to their home, they may have one of the two
qualifications for seeking asylum. The other
qualification for applying for asylum is having
experienced persecution due to one of five things. If
persecution is related to race, religion, nationality,
membership in a particular social group, or holding
an adverse political opinion, asylum may be an
option when combined with the first reason. Mr.
Holston indicated that asylum takes a two year
procedure to establish eligibility.
We appreciate Mr. Holston graciously
bringing use information about the needs of refugees
and immigrants in our community. We appreciate
Mr. Holstons update on what is happening in Dallas.
It was very informative to hear how the Human
Rights Initiative, Inc. is serving our community and
the world.

Human Rights Initiative of North Texas,

Inc. is an organization promoting
international human rights through local
service to refugees and immigrants who
have suffered human rights abuses.
For more information visit:
http://www.hrionline.org/

Area 9
Workshop
Where Learning was Fun
and Fun was Learning
By Evelyn Hamilton
Saturday, September 20, 2014 was a wonderful
day for me. I was excited about attending the Area 9
Workshop. I rode to the workshop with President
Sandra Foster Brown and Seretha Merchant. We had
fun chatting as we drove to Plano High School. Once we
arrived, I enjoyed the fellowship with my Eta Zeta
sisters in attendance. It was great to talk to some of the
chapter presidents that served with during the 2012-2014
biennium. It was also great to see friends from other
chapters. The continental breakfast was delicious.
Michelle Grandinetti, Area 9 Coordinator,
presided over the opening session. She welcomed us
with enthusiasm. Our own Mary Claire Welch
introduced the guests. TSO President Nancy Newton
gave greetings from Texas State Organization.
Eta Zeta Chapter members were proud of
presenters Sharon Kraus, Mary Claire Welch and
Melanie Moseley. Sharon is the TSO Music Committee
Chair and presented a session entitled Music Using the
Arts in Programs. Mary Claire is on the TSO
Leadership Seminar Committee and she presented the
Leadership Seminar session. Melanie is on the TSO
Technology Committee and she presented the
Technology session. Thanks to each presenter.
The first session that I attended was entitled
Membership Empower from Within. The second
session was Communication and Publicity. Both
sessions were insightful. Pertinent information was
discussed and important handouts were given to all in
attendance. Following the sessions, I knew that Eta Zeta
was still on the right track. We have already had a
Membership Committee meeting and a Communications
and Publicity Committee meeting. I shared my learnings
with both committees.
Attending the Area 9 Workshop for the first
time were Beverly Leonard and Seretha Merchant. I
asked both members how they felt about the workshop.
Beverly said, I enjoyed being in the midst of women
educators. It motivated me to continue to do my best to
inspire other educators.

Eta Zeta President Sandra Foster Brown and

1st Vice President Mary Bixler display the
Annie Board.

Eta Zeta President

Sandra Foster
Brown and Texas
State Organization
President Nancy
Newton take a
photo opportunity.

DKG Regional Workshop

From left to right: Evelyn Hamilton, Cynthia DeVies, Mary
Bixler, Yvonne Manuel, Sandra Foster Brown, Sharon Kraus,
Janet Burgess, Eta Eta Chapter, as Dr. Annie Webb Blanton,
Beverly Leonard, Mary Claire Welch, Leigh Taylor, Joanne
Szalay, Seretha Merchant, Not Pictured: Norma Matthews and
Melanie Moseley.

the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority (a cultural and social

organization for women), Lecture Luncheon Dallas,
Duncanville Womens Club, and Oak Cliff Womens
Club.

Eta Zeta Spotlight

Sandra McMillan

By Mary Claire Welch

Sandra just completed two terms on the

International Board of Mu Phi Epsilon as the 2nd Vice
President- Collegiate Advisor (2008-2014). Sandra has
served Mu Phi Epsilon in many capacities. At the
collegiate level, she was warden and corresponding
secretary. In alumni chapters, she held offices of
Treasurer, Recording Secretary, Vice President,
President, Friendship Corner chairman, and Service
Chairman.

Sandra Chaney McMillen chose a profession in

education because it was just what you did and I never
thought of doing anything else. Her mother was an
educator in the Plainview schools and Sandra joined the
ranks of educators because it assured young women a
reliable profession. Sandra combined her love of music
with the environment of education to fill her life with
accomplishments. Sandra Chaney McMillen is a native of
Plainview, Texas where she studied voice, piano, organ,
violin, viola saxophone, and flute. Throughout high
school and college, she was a member of the choir, the
band and orchestra, and participated in opera workshops
and music.
Sandra holds degrees of Bachelor of Music
Education from West Texas State University, Canyon,
Texas and a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and
Pedagogy from the University of Texas/Arlington. She has
also accumulated more than 500 hours of post-graduate
courses and workshops.
Sandra maintained a private voice studio for 36
years in Texas, Kentucky, and Alabama. She also has 39
years of experience teaching in public schools including
high school choir, junior high school choir, middle school
choir, intermediate school choir and music, and primary
and preschool music. She has also been director of
childrens choirs at churches in Canyon and Dallas, Texas.
Sandra retired from teaching in 2005.
Sandra McMillen has been a member of Eta Zeta
Chapter since 1994. Sandras mother, while not a member,
always thought being a Delta Kappa Gamma member was
an honor. Sharon Kraus and Cynthia DeVies brought her
into our chapter. Sandra has shared her talents by serving as
Membership Chair, Yearbook Chair, and as a member of
numerous committees. She is currently serving as our Cora
McFarland Scholarship representative on the Dallas County
Coordinating Council.
Sandra enjoys being active in organizations. It is no
surprise that she is active in the National Association of
Teachers Singing, the Texas Music Educators Association,
the Texas Choral Directors Association, Alpha Chi
(scholastic), Pi Mu Epsilon (math), Tau Beta (band), and

Sandra is married to Philip McMillen. Philips

military career provided many educational experiences
as she joined him for many years while he was stationed
in various locations. Sandras husband, Philip, served in
the military as a helicopter pilot. He served in many
locations in the U.S. as well as completing a tour of duty
in Vietnam. Sandra and Philip chose to make the
Dallas/Fort Worth area a home base when their sons,
John and James, were growing up. Philip and Sandra are
now enjoying watching Cody, age 20 years; Brittany,
age 15 years, Jamie, age 6 years; and Haley, age 2 years,
grow up close by.
We are so happy to have Sandra McMillen as
one of our members. She is very knowledgeable and
always willing to help others. We appreciate that she has
shared her talents and enthusiasm to make Eta Zeta
Chapter what it is today.
********************************************

From Your AC
Dear Area 9,
Ok, so where do I begin to say thank-you? With the multitude of
people who fed, facilitated, registered, arranged, hosted, treasured, presented,
entertained, inspired, and assisted in a multitude of capacities? Or the creators
of the name tags, the favors, the signs, the programs, the slide show/music,
and the decorations? Or that group of vasegals who filled in wherever and
whenever. The list of individuals and chapters that helped organize and
present our workshop is very long.
And then you, the 200 participants who attended the workshop.
How do I begin to show my appreciation to you for being there to learn about
your organization? How much newsletter space do I have?
Well, let me begin with thank-you. Thank-you, thank-you, thankyou. I am most grateful. Let me end with you are the best.

Michelle Grandinetti, Area 9 Coordinator

6

Delta Kappa Gamma

Eta Zeta Chapter
Monday September 22, 2014

The meeting was called to order at 6:01 p.m. by President Sandra Foster Brown.
Mary Bixler, the Program Chairman, introduced the program, Shelter from the Storm
Norma Matthews introduced the speaker, William O. Holston, the Executive Director of the
Human Rights Initiative of North Texas, Inc. Mr. Holston is a Dallas attorney who since 1987 has
provided pro bono legal representation for people from 20 countries. Norma stated that he is a
passionate man for a cause.
The Human Rights Initiative (HRI) is a nonprofit organization that provides free legal and social
services to indigent immigrant women and children living in North Texas. Mr. Holston
emphasized that when people are seeking asylum must qualify on the basis of race, religion,
nationality, political activism, or a social group category. Special immigrant juvenile status (SIJS)
applies to children who crossed the border with no parent. About 1,000 children currently in
this area are now in immigration court.
People who are seeking asylum can receive no government assistance during this process.
Therefore, the need is great. Eta Zeta members were given an address if they wished to donate
to HRI.
Mary Bixler presented a certificate of appreciation to Mr. Holston.

Norma Matthews introduced Bill Matthews, and Nelda Reid. Nelda is retired from Memorial
High School in Garland, and is a prospective DKG member.

Mary Bixler then reminded us that in October our speaker will be James Ragland, the Dallas
Morning News columnist. He will be speaking on current educational issues.

The musical interlude was led by Sharon Kraus. We sang God Bless America.
7

The business meeting was called to order at 6:45 p.m. by President Sandra Foster Brown. The
agenda was approved.

The inspiration was presented by First Vice President Mary Bixler. It was titled Facts About
Life. The basic thought was We are responsible for who we become.

The minutes from the August 18 meeting were approved as written.

There was no new correspondence.

The treasurers report was approved as read. The checking account balance as of August 31
was $2290.64 and the savings account balance was $1202.64.

Mary Bixler reported on Educational Excellence. She discussed the service project, Schools for
Africa (a UNICEF project.) $50.00 was collected for Schools for Africa. Norma Matthews
reported that last year DKG International contributed $273,000 to Schools for Africa.

Mary Bixler then discussed the SEE Program. (Supporting Early Career Educators) She
distributed a reporting form.

Seretha Merchant reported that 3 umbrellas were sold at the Area 9 workshop. 3 more were
sold at the meeting. The Fundraising Committee will soon hold a phone conference.

Yvonne Manuel presented a report from the Research Committee titled Refugees in Texas.
Copies of this report were provided.

Joanne Szalay reported on amenities. This included birthdays and other celebrations.

Ida Durham announced a Membership Committee meeting for this Wednesday, September 24.
She said that we need ways to retain old members and to recruit new members. She asked us
to go to the DKG website, print out the biographical form, fill it out, and bring it to the October
meeting. This form is listed under Membership Committee on the TSO website.

Sandra McMillen reminded us that there are many available scholarships. These are Dallas
County scholarships, state scholarships, and national scholarships.
Leigh Taylor passed out small information cards about our Eta Zeta website. She also explained
how we were to set up an information text with Melanie Moseley by texting 682-518-2305 at
ETAZ.

Sharon Kraus reported that our ASTEF piggy, Missy ASTEF already contains $44.00, $7.00
from our August meeting, and $37.00 collected at the Area 9 workshop. Sharon also told us
that Sandra McMillen provided a song for the TSO Necrology Service titled Shes My Sister.

Sandra Foster Brown concluded the meeting by reminding us once again about not printing or
copying copyrighted material of any sort without permission. She also reminded us that dues
are due by October 31.
The meeting concluded with the singing of the Delta Kappa Gamma song.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:39 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Joanne Szalay
Acting Secretary