Spring 2015 LAAAC Newsletter

Alpha Gamma Delta joins the American Diabetes Association

in the Movement to Stop Diabetes

On Feb. 11, 2015, the American Diabetes Association and Alpha Gamma Delta announced a new relationship created to help educate and raise awareness of diabetes through our collegiate and alumnae membership. "Education is critical for the prevention of type 2 diabetes and avoiding the complications that can result from poor management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and (cont. page 5)

A PUBLICATION OF

THE LOS ANGELES

AREA ALUMNAE

CHAPTER OF

ALPHA GAMMA

DELTA

Spring 2015 Volume 46, Issue 1

Inside this issue:

President’s Letter 2

Calendar 3

Rosevines 4

Ballot for 2015-

2016 Officers

6

IRD RSVP Form 7

Support Fee

Information

8

Delta Alpha — University of Southern California

Delta Epsilon —University of California, Los Angeles

LAAAC Editor: Marijayne Wallace Stegman

Saturday, April 11,

11 am Registration & Alumni Social

12pm Luncheon & Program

Long Beach Hilton: 701 West Ocean Blvd,

Long Beach, CA 90831

Send in News,

Chapter Grand,

Change of

Address

Pay Dues Onine

with Credit

Card

Hello Sisters,

Fall 2014 proved to be very busy for the Los Angeles Area Alumnae

Chapter as we provided support to both Delta Alpha and Delta

Epsilon during their first formal Fall recruitments since the re-

colonizations. We are very proud of how well both chapters repre-

sented Alpha Gamma Delta and thrilled with the wonderful colle-

giate women who have joined our chapters. The alumnae also sup-

ported and attended Presents at both chapters, helped each chapter

celebrate initiation of the Fall pledge classes, and attended the

respective Feast of Roses. To say the least, Fall flew by.

The holiday season meant it was time for our annual Gingerbread

Tea which was held this year at the home of Eileen Lyon. We

honored 50-year member Charla Hindley Tindall. She shared an

inspiring story about how Alpha Gam played an important part in

her development during college, during law school and in her pro-

fessional pursuits. Proceeds from the Tea went to the Alpha Gamma

Delta Foundation endowed Southern California Alumnae Scholarship

which benefits our collegians.

We started 2015 off with two fun events. The first event was a trip

to the Getty Center where we were joined by some of our collegi-

ans. Our next event was “Drink, Laugh, Love” Wine Tasting at the

home of Leeza Hoyt with wine presented by OneHope, which .

OneHope has donated 15% from the sale of their (continued pg 7)

President’s Letter

Page 2 Squirrel Scribbles

From the Foundation Financial Assistance for Alumnae

Did you know the Foundation provides scholarships for

alumnae returning to school or attending work-related seminars? Here’s some information about how to apply.

Are you planning to attend graduate school full-time in the 2015-16 academic year? Or are you planning to

attend a career-related workshop or seminar, or will you be going back to school part-time? If you an-

swered “yes” to any of these questions you may qualify for one of two Foundation programs and receive

financial assistance for your education!

Full-time graduate students can apply for a Foundation Scholarship! The Scholarship application can be

previewed, started and revisited multiple times and is due by March 4. Part-time students or sisters plan-

ning to attend a career-related workshop or seminar can apply for a Continuing Education Grant. CE

Grant applications do not have a deadline and are accepted year-round. Not sure if your upcoming semi-

nar qualifies? Contact Karen Frye Knotts, Communications & Programs Manager, at 317.663.4242 or

[email protected].

Visit www.alphagammadeltafoundation.org for more information and applications.

LAAAC Officers

President Melanie Sharon O’Donnell

[email protected] (760) 602-0944

VP, Membership Teresa Kaczorowski Green

Vice President, Operations Patty Bogaty Schned

Treasurer Susan Vessels

Recording Secretary Janie White Cushing

Corresponding Secretary Giselle Rocha Milatovic

Permanent Secretary –DA Diana Agajanian

Permanent Secretary –DE Melanie Sharon O'Donnell

Editor Marijayne Wallace Stegman

Philanthropy Dr. Jacqueline Yudkin

LA Panhellenic Delegate (open)

South Bay Area Chair Madeline Molis

Glendale/Pasadena/ Kathleen Schulte Waller

Burbank Area Chair

Inland Empire Area Chair Janie White Cushing

San Fernando Valley Patty Bogaty Schned

Area Chair

Other Alumnae Officers

House Association (DE) Eileen Lyon

LA Junior Circle, President Laura Garrigan Gordon

OC Junior Circle President Chelsea Gregory

OC Alumnae Chapter Beth Harnett

President

Page 3 Volume 46, Issue 1

Date/Time Event Location

2/28/15

1-3 pm

Squirrel Sing and Dessert Reception with Delta Alpha collegiate

chapter—Bring your singing voice and a dessert to share

Delta Alpha Chapter House

3/2 International Badge Day — Wear your badge all day to show your Alpha Gamma

Delta spirit.

Wherever you are!

3/7 11 am Initiation at Delta Epsilon , Feast of Petals to follow at 12:30 Delta Epsilon Chapter House

3/8 12 noon House of Ruth Philanthropy Project — Toiletry bags and Easter baskets for the

women and children at the House of Ruth women’s shelter in the Inland Empire.

Bring small sample-sized toiletries and candy. Lunch provided

Jacqueline Yudkin’s home

8201 Lindley Avenue, Reseada

RSVP at 818-705-4604

3/14 6-9 pm Junior Circle & LAAAC St. Patrick’s Day Texas Hold’em Poker Night Haven't played poker before? Don't worry. For those who want to learn to play

Texas Hold’em poker, there will be a lesson from 6-7 pm given by experienced

poker players. From 7:00–10:00 pm there will be tournament style Texas

Hold’em poker with a $10 buy-in to play. The proceeds from the event will be

divided, with a portion going as cash prizes for the first, second and third place

winners and a portion going to the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation. (The number of cash prizes may vary depending on the number of players.) Snacks & Dinner

(corned beef & cabbage) will be provided, but you are welcome to bring poker

snacks and your own beverage of choice.

Laura Gordon's home

1607 Glendon Ave #4, Los Angeles

RSVP to Laura at 310-600-1559 or

[email protected]

3/15, noon Delta Alpha Annual Luncheon and Open House, RSVP at

https://alumagdla.wufoo.com/forms/delta-alpha-annual-luncheon-house-tour/

Delta Alpha Chapter House

4/11, 11 am International Reunion Day 2015 “Strength in Sisterhood” Long Beach Hilton

4/19 Day at Disneyland with Southern California Collegians (tentative) Disneyland, meeting place TBD

TBD Initiation at Delta Alpha Delta Alpha Chapter House

TBD Senior Rededication at Delta Alpha Delta Alpha Chapter House

5/17 11 am Officer Installation

Senior Rededication at Delta Epsilon

Delta Epsilon Chapter House

For more information, please visit www.laaacalphagam.com/calendar.html

Delta Alpha House — 729 W. 28th Street, Los Angeles Delta Epsilon House — 624 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles

Silent auction winners of paintings

by DE Annemarie Blount Thomas

MaryRuth Hardestry Schreier, Di Agajanian,

and Lori Cavanaugh Schreier at the Getty

Vicki Darling Schmidt and her son delivering

books collected to LA Children’s Hospital

CHAPTER GRAND

Patricia Ann Lambert Abbey (DE), Initiated 10/26/1956, entered Chapter Grand 8/20/14

Patricia died tragically in a car accident where it is believed that she lost consciousness as the result of a dia-

betic setback. Patricia graduated from UCLA in 1959 with a degree in Education. Patricia married her hus-

band, Norman, in Basel, Switzerland in 1961 and also lived in Paris where her first child, Karen, was born.

Norman and Patricia returned to California and Patricia was a teacher in Los Angeles. After returning to

Los Angeles, she gave birth to 2 boys and became an active PTA member, the Thursday Club, and became a

voting poll worker, which she did for 20 years. She became an avid bridge player and eventually acquired the

Regency Bridge Club of Glendale in 1986, which eventually became a chapter of the American Contract

Bridge League. She and her husband, Norman, loved to travel. They visited over 50 countries on five conti-

nents!

Patricia Ann Wright McDonald (DA), Initiated 5/10/1951; entered Chapter Grand 2/2/2015

Patti was an honored recipient of the USC Widney Alumni House Award. She served as President of the

Trojan Guild of Los Angeles 1980-1981, Trojan League of South Bay 2000-2002 and the South Bay Alumna

Panhellenic Association. She was a member and/or served on the boards of USC Town and Gown of USC,

Alumnae Coordinating Council, Association of Trojan League, Cardinal and Gold, Alpha Gamma Delta So-

rority, USC University Hospital Guild and the Keck School of Medicine. Patti also worked at the USC

Alumni House and USC’s Office of Oceanographic Associates in Development. A central theme in Patti’s life

was giving back to her community. She was involved with Little Company of Mary Hospital – Mary Potter

and Company, San Pedro Peninsula Cancer Guild, Sandpipers, Manhattan Beach Fine Arts, and PTA - Man-

hattan Beach Schools. Upon moving to the desert, she continued her local involvement through the

Coachella Valley Alumnae Panhellenic, Trojan League Associates of the Desert and Muses. Donations in her

name are being accepted at Trojan Guild of Los Angeles attn: Jolene Irwin 15152 Mayberry Circle Westmin-

ster, CA, 92683.

Past Grand Council Member and Foundation Trustee Enters Chapter Grand

International Council announced that Marie Locker Hill-Chapiesky, Gamma Beta-Florida State Universi-

ty, entered Chapter Grand on December 25, 2014, at the age of 79. Marie served as the Grand Secretary-

Treasurer on International Council from 1979-1987 and as Treasurer of the Alpha Gamma Delta Founda-

tion from 1990-1996. She wore the Circle of Epsilon Pi. Sympathy cards may be mailed to Alpha Gamma

Delta International Headquarters at 8710 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46260 to be collected and for-

warded to the family.

NEWS

Living with a chronic debilitating disease can be devastating. For the author

Willis Merriman, father of Delta Alpha Lynette Merriman, it is more of a

thoughtful adventure. Merriman, an octogenarian has been living with amyo-

trophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) for over 20 years. Through the process of diag-

nosis, to life adjustments, to learning to be a kid again, this book reads more

like a thoughtful and at times entertaining journey about life. Through per-

sonal reflection, wisdom, positivity and humor Merriman provides a guide for

living with a chronic disease, growing old, and the importance of altering per-

spective and appreciating what "is." This guide would benefit those who are

living with a chronic disease as well as their family members and caregivers, and basically anyone

Rosevines

Page 4 Squirrel Scribbles

we are thrilled to have Alpha Gamma Delta on board to help us further our mission in stopping this deadly dis-ease," said Suzanne C. Berry, MBA, CAE, Interim Chief Executive Officer, American Diabetes Association. "By providing members with opportunities for community service related to diabetes awareness and education, this alliance will help us achieve these goals by expanding our reach and impact." To help build awareness, Alpha Gamma Delta members will join in community service efforts by volunteering with local Association offices and will work to educate and raise awareness of diabetes on college campuses and in their communities via online and offline publications. "Alpha Gamma Delta is proud and delighted to join with the American Diabetes Association in a new relation-ship to leverage our combined resources to make a greater impact in our communities through education and service," said Rie Hoehner, International President, Alpha Gamma Delta Fraternity. "By contributing to our world's work in this important area, our sisterhood will make a significant impact in raising awareness about diabetes in the many lives affected by this disease every day."

Here in the Los Angeles Area, we will be looking for new ways that we can partner with the American Diabetes Association, not just to raise money, but also to get involved in community events and volunteer our time, skills, and knowledge. Look for information coming soon on ways you can involved with these activities.

Page 5 Volume 46, Issue 1

AGD joins the American Diabetes Association in the Movement to Stop Diabetes

Did you know March 24 kicks off the American Diabetes Association Alert Day

campaign?

This special day is intended to serve as a diabetes "wake-up call." The American Diabetes

Association encourages everyone to take the Diabetes Risk Test on March 24 (through

April 21) to find out whether you have or are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Share

the test with your families, friends, and communities!

who is willing to learn about the circle of life through a realistic and humorous lens. The book is

available on Amazon. All proceeds are being donated to ALS by the author.

Karen Crouse (DA) has announced she is writing a book about Norwich, Vermont, the biggest

Olympic small town. It will be coming a bookstore

near you in 2017.

Again this year, several Alpha Gams are on the

planning committee for the USC Women’s Confer-

ence to be held on March 5, 2015. Alpha Gams on

the committee include Melody Nishida (DA) (far

left second row), Kathleen Burns Campos (DA)

(not in picture), Jane George Erlbaum (DE)(not

in picture), and Christine Marie Ofiesh (DA)(red

jacket second row).

Page 6 Squirrel Scribbles

Page 7 Volume 46, Issue 1

is enclosed.

President’s Letter (continued) wine to the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation endowed Southern California Alumnae Scholarship. A portion of the event

proceeds will also go to Foundation for the endowed scholarship. International Reunion Day with the theme “Strength In Sisterhood” is planned for

April 11, 2015. We hope you can join us at the Long Beach Hilton to visit with other alumnae, meet new alumnae members, and mingle with our

collegians.

Don’t forget to check out our Facebook page for events, photos, and to catch up on the latest Alpha Gam news. Feel free to contact any of the Los

Angeles Area Alumnae Chapter officers with any questions that you may have. We look forward to seeing you at one of the upcoming events.

Loyally,

Melanie Sharon O’Donnell, President, Los Angeles Area Alumnae Chapter

San Gabriel Valley Alumnae Panhellenic

11th Annual Awards for Scholars Luncheon The annual benefit luncheon raises money for scholar-

ships to selected outstanding local high school women

who will be attending college in the fall of 2015. Fea-

tured speaker will be Sara "Sue" Hodson, Curator of

literary manuscripts for the Huntington Library in

Pasadena. Date of the banquet is Monday, March 9,

2015, 11:30 am, at the Santa Anita Golf Course - Sun-

set Room, Arcadia, California. Last year, Janie

White Cushing, Di Agajanian and friends enjoyed

this benefit luncheon. Alpha Gam will be donating one

of the many opportunity drawing baskets. Di is trying

to get an Alpha Gam and friends table together again.

Please contact Di (mobile 562.260.0543) by March 1st

to RSVP. Tickets are $45 each. For any other ques-

tions, feel free to contact her.

Congratulations to Cindy Hill (DA) who was

awarded the Arc with Diamond at this past

summer’s Convention. She received the honor at

the December Gingerbread Tea.

Have You Paid Your Alumnae Dues? Alumnae Dues are paid to International and are different

than the support fee paid to the LAAAC.

Your Alumnae Dues payment of $40 supports many Fra-

ternity initiatives from collegiate chapter development and

extension opportunities to volunteer training and alumnae

programming. Your contribution makes a huge impact

providing the Fraternity with the sustainability to extend

our reach and the means to exceed our Purpose!

Please pay your 2014-2015 Alumnae Dues today!

http://www.alphagammadelta.org/alphagams/alumnae/alumnaedues

Do you have a change in name, address, or marital status? Please notify IHQ with the information:

Alpha Gamma Delta International Headquarters

8710 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260

Phone: (317) 663-4200 Fax: (317) 663-4210

www.alphagammadelta.org [email protected] If you’d like you can submit your address change to us locally and we will forward it to International. Send

your address change to the Permanent Secretary, Treasurer, or Editor. You can also submit it via the Contact

Us form on the website, www.laaacalphagam.com.

Los Angeles Area Alumnae Chapter Support Fees

Membership in the Los Angeles Area Alumnae

Chapter is kept current by paying the annual sup-

port fee. Your annual contribution is the engine

that keeps Alpha Gamma Delta alumnae activities

and our support of the collegiate chapters possible

here in Los Angeles. This newsletter is one benefit

of your support.

Send your check along your name, address,

chapter and email address to Susan Vessels,

288 Pleasant Street, Pasadena, CA 91101

Annual Support Fee $30

Convention Fee $ _______

(goes towards sending LAAAC President to Convention)

Other Contribution $ _______

Marijayne Stegman 244 N. Ivy Avenue

Monrovia, CA 91016 [email protected]

LOS ANGELES AREA

ALUMNAE CHAPTER OF

ALPHA GAMMA DELTA

Pay your support fee online via credit card http://www.laaacalphagam.com/pay-your-laaac

-support-fees.html

Or have you recently moved to a new city and want to reconnect professionally with

your Alpha Gamma Delta sisters? There's a great networking opportunity available for

you with the Alpha Gamma Delta International Fraternity LinkedIn community! The

community is used to post job opportunities, networking events, requests for infor-

mation, professional articles and discussions and has contacts for those who have recent-

ly moved to a new area. There are also updates from International Headquarters on

alumnae news and events. It's a great way to grow your professional network and recon-

nect with your sisters. So, if you're looking for a professional edge, request to join!

Questions? Contact Renae Haynes Espey, Alumnae Development Specialist, at

[email protected] or send her a LinkedIn message. Join us on LinkedIn now!