the theta kite...over 30 attended denver area thetas attended our annual membership open house on...
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The Theta Kite The Denver Alumnae Chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta www.denver.kappaalphatheta.org 4th Quarter 2015
Denver Alumnae Chapter Newsletter President’s Message
Loyally in Theta,
Jane Siekmeier
Gamma Upsilon/Miami University
President, Denver Alumnae Chapter
[email protected], (303) 850-9369
In this Issue:
President’s Message, 1
Founders Day, 2
Membership, 3-4
Member Book Ad Info, 5
News, 6-8
Philanthropy, 10-11
Courtesy Committee, 11
Pansy Bouquets, 12
The Theta Kite
The Theta Kite is published quarterly by the Denver Alumnae
Chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta.
Visit our website! www.denver.kappaalphatheta.org
National Website:
www.kappaalphatheta.org
President: Jane Siekmeier
Theta Kite Editor:
Antonette DeLauro Smith [email protected]
Dear Denver Alumnae Chapter Members:
Thank you for keeping your promise to honor Theta for a lifetime!
The 2016 membership drive is in full swing. Hopefully you received your membership renewal packet in the mail and have returned it to Susan Secrest. The membership form is also available online at www.denver.kappalphatheta.org, and all membership renewals received by December 21 will be included in our 2016 Member Book.
Also, mark your calendar and join us for Founders Day on Saturday, January 23 at The Wellshire Inn. You still have time to nominate a Woman of the Year and an Inspirational Theta for 2015. See details on page 2.
Our dynamic chapter continues to promote community service and scholarships. On October 24, we participated in the International Day of Service by volunteering at the Food Bank of Rockies. We also raised funds to support local and national scholarship funds through the “Make It, Bake It, Sew It, Grow It” live auction fundraiser on November 5. And we have had a lot of fun events this fall, including a
great evening at LowDown where we did a beer tasting, fun!
Best wishes for a happy holiday!
Events
Nominate: The DAC will also announce the 2015 winners of the Woman-of-the-Year and Inspirational Theta awards at Founders Day.
Nominations for Inspirational Theta emailed to Shannon Chandler Gross [email protected] Nominations for Woman of the Year emailed to Allison Radcliffe [email protected]
Bring: We will be collecting items for the Newborns in Need program at Denver Health. They need:
• Disposable diapers (size NB, 1 or 2)
• Baby wash, shampoo, lotion
• Baby wipes
• Blankets
• Books
• Infant toys
• Strollers
• Burp Cloths and Bibs
• Cribs and crib sheets
• Newborn socks and booties
• Clothing- Onesies, sleepers, outfits (Sizes NB to 3 months)
• Nursing supplies (pads, cream, etc.)
• Convertible car seats
Share: We will be inviting attendees to make a donation to the Friendship Fund. This annual collection helps fund this wonderful program where Thetas help Thetas. Enjoy: A delicious brunch will be provided. Join us as we gather to celebrate 146 years of Theta sisterhood on Founders Day this January.
Kappa Alpha Theta Denver Alumnae Chapter
146th Founders Day Celebration
Saturday, January 23, 2016 The Wellshire Inn
Ladies: we are using Eventbrite to share event invitations and collect RSVPs. Please respond using the Eventbrite
invitation so we have a proper count for events.
Join your Theta sisters for a morning filled with timeless traditions as we enjoy brunch, celebrate our four founders, and recognize this year’s Inspirational Theta, Woman-of-the-Year, and Denver area Thetas who have reached 25, 50 and 75 years of membership..
Saturday, January 23, 2016 9:00 social 9:30-11:30 Please note new location: Wellshire Event Center 3333 S. Colorado Blvd, Denver 80222 Members $28 Non Members $35
RSVP: • An invitation was included in your 2016 Membership
Renewal package. • You can also RSVP via the Eventbrite invitation in your
email • Or contact Val Lunka , [email protected],
303.757.3891
Mark Your Calendar: Casa for CASA is Friday, April 15 at Casa Bonita
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Membership
It’s Membership Renewal
Time
Susan Secrest, VP Membership
You are cordially invited to join or renew your
membership in the Denver Alumnae Chapter of Kappa
Alpha Theta.
Our membership year begins January 1. Now is the time
to complete your membership form and send it in with
your check or credit card payment.
Our chapter offers two basic dues levels, Regular ($55)
and Twin Star ($89). Both include KAT national per capita
dues and local dues which help sustain chapter activities
and programs including supporting 3 college chapters in
Colorado.
Twin Star level, which cost a little more, makes it
possible for us to extend a discount to newcomers, free
dues to recent grads, and provides financial assistance to
sisters in need.
Thetas who pay 2016 membership dues by December
21, 2015 are listed in the next year’s annual Member
Book, which is distributed at Founders Day each January
or mailed to new members throughout the year.
Pay your Denver Alumnae Chapter Kappa Alpha Theta
membership dues
(Membership form follows)
By mail: Attn: Susan Secrest
650 North Emerson Street, Denver, CO 80218
Or Electronic: Pay Online at https://www.kappaalphatheta.org Scan and email form to [email protected]
Have questions or ideas to share? Contact Susan Secrest,
VP Membership at [email protected] or 303.862.4977
So many reasons to join. So many friendships to enjoy. Please join us. Attend Theta programs and events to interact socially
and expand your horizons intellectually or
professionally. Some of the 2015 events included:
Casa for CASA, Bite and Brews, Theta Day of Service,
and the Annual Holiday Party. Check it out at
www.Denver.KappaAlphaTheta.org.
Expand your network with access to our Annual
Member Book. Last year we had over 240 members!
Grow your leadership skills by volunteering as a
board member, committee chair, Special Interest
Group leader, or to help a local college chapter.
And connect with new opportunities. Got a special
passion or do you want to explore something new?
Take advantage of one of the many Special Interest
Groups.
You won’t want to miss a bit of all the Theta action
going on this year, so please renew your
membership right away!
Submit Membership form by Dec. 21, 2015 to get into the 2016 Member Book
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2016 MEMBERSHIP FORM, Denver Alumnae Chapter
COMPLETE AND RETURN WITH PAYMENT TO: Susan Secrest, VP Membership, 650 Emerson Street, Denver, CO 80218
OR, PAY ONLINE AND EMAIL THIS FORM TO: [email protected]
MEMBERSHIP YEAR: JANUARY 1, 2016 TO DECEMBER 31, 2016
Non-members registering in 2015 receive complimentary membership for remainder of 2015.
Payment must be received by Dec. 15, 2015 to be listed in the 2016 Directory.
PERSONAL INFORMATION Please print
First Name: Street: Middle Name: City:
Maiden Name: State: Last Name: Zip: Birthdate: Home Phone:
College Chapter: Cell Phone: College Name: Email: Initiation Year: Spouse Name:
Graduation Year:
MEMBERSHIP LEVEL Check one
All membership levels include $30 national dues.
$55 Regular $89 Twin Star $25* Life Loyal Regular*
$59* Life Loyal Twin Star*
$30 New to Area — moved to Denver within past 12 months; local dues are complimentary
$0 Recent Grad — graduated from college within past 12 months; all dues are complimentary
*Life Loyal membership, which costs $299, must be purchased separately from www.ThetaLifeLoyal.org.
PAYMENT INFORMATION Make check payable to Kappa Alpha Theta
Check enclosed for $____________ (dues only) Check enclosed for $____________ DUES + $25 for AD IN DIRECTORY (please enclose business card)
Paid online at www.KappaAlphaTheta.org (there is a $1.50 processing fee)
THETA INTERESTS Select all that apply
Your name and contact information will be forwarded to the appropriate Chapter leader.
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS COMMITTEES OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
Book Club Communications Become a chapter officer
Bridge Club Founders Day Become a college chapter advisor
Golf Club Fraternity Host an Event in my home
Hiking Club Membership Present/coordinate a Theta program
Kites & Kids Nominating Carpool to a Theta event
Lunch Bunch: All Metro Philanthropy I can drive I need a ride
Lunch Bunch: Downtown Social Events Provide a meal to a Theta in need
Lunch Bunch: DTC Write a Theta reference
Nite Kites
Supper Club
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Ads available in the 2016 Member Book
OPTIONS:
Business card ad: $25
½ Page ad: $50
2-Page center spread: $200
Inside front cover: $100
Inside back cover: $100
The 2016 Member Book is printed on an 8.5 x 11 sheet.
Details about ad sizes available from Antonette Smith,
[email protected] or 303.709.4818
Sample Business card ads:
You can support your Denver Alumnae Chapter of
Kappa Alpha Theta and promote your business,
nonprofit or other effort by advertising in the 2016
Member Book.
This annual resource and directory is widely used by
dues paying, active members of our alumnae chapter.
New this year, we are offering larger more-prominent
ads, including the 2-page center spread and the inside
front and back covers. These are premier ad spaces
that we hope you will consider.
The Member Book is a great resource for Denver
Alumnae Chapter members. More that just a directory
the book contains information about:
• Executive Board and Committee Chairs • Area Alumnae and College Chapters
Alumnae District Director College District Director Local College Chapter Presidents Beta Gamma (Colorado State University) Beta Iota (University of Colorado) Beta Omega (Colorado College)
• Philanthropy • Special Interest Groups • Social Events • And the Denver Alumnae Member list
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News
Fall Social Event We enjoyed an outstanding fall Social event on September 30 -- a food & beer pairing LowDown Brewery in Denver.
Jenny Hoch, Susan Secrest and Adrienne Babb
Jenny and Doug Hoch, Jill Pedicord Peterson, Barb and Mike Gasper, and Kate and Tyler Gearhart
Kate Gearhart, Adrienne Babb and Sam Tanenholtz
Thank you to everyone who turned out for these wonderful Denver Alumnae Chapter events this fall
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News, cont.
National Day of Service Food Bank of the Rockies
Hats off to the wonderful Thetas who participated in this year’s National Day of Service on Saturday, October 24. First we met for brunch at Jane Siekmeier's home. We discussed Theta's Life Loyal membership, played a Theta trivia game and awarded prizes to four winners! We then drove to the Food Bank of the Rockies where we donated our time and energy to make a positive difference in the lives of hungry children, families and seniors. We served in the Reclamation area where we inspected, cleaned, sorted, weighed and boxed items received through food drives and grocery rescue before they're distributed to clients via the Food Bank of the Rockies' member agencies.
Back row: Leslie Nissen, Ariel Lawrence, Gail Karsian, Barbara Gunther, Jill Colbeck, Martha Doughtie, Lindsay Carter Front row: Lauren Benke, Elizabeth Metz, Jenny Hock, Jane Siekmeier, Betty Dysart and Samantha Tannenholz
Denver Alumnae Chapter Membership Open House Over 30 attended Denver area Thetas attended our annual Membership Open House on Thursday, October 8. 18 new prospective members attended, including a mixture of past members and women who were new to the area. A few were recent graduates. One Theta had not even moved here yet, she was here for training for her new job, but she is anxious to join our Chapter. 5 brand new members have joined for 2016. A few returned to Jane's house the next week for the brunch and carpool to the Theta Day of Service at Food Bank of the Rockies. Jane served pizza, salad, dessert and refreshments. Most of the time was spend socializing, there was no formal program beyond a welcome. It was a lovely evening and a terrific opportunity for prospective 2016 Denver Alumnae Chapter Members to meet and greet current active members and learn more about our nationally recognized chapter.
The Red Wagon Ball The Denver Alumnae Chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta contributed a large basket for the October 19th Annual Red Wagon Ball, a fund raiser for Advocates for Children 30th Anniversary at the Hyatt DTC.
Filled with Colorado-theme items, our basket sold for $200 – a gift for CASA from our chapter!
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Celebrating Theta Connections By Shera Eddy A little more than a year ago, three members of the Beta Kappa/Drake member class of 1957 decided to continue our tradition of getting together in a special place to celebrate our sisterhood. Way back in 2004, we had our first gathering in Denver with only six people attending. Next, we went to the Seattle/Portland area with seven members attending, then to Des Moines with eight members, then to Kansas City with 14 attendees, and this year in May in Charleston, S.C., with spouses, we had 17 Thetas getting together for a fabulous vacation and a time for Theta bonding. Each time we meet, we seem to jump right in to celebrate our gathering. In Kansas City at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the docent we happened to get was a Theta! She gave us a really special tour of the museum because we were Theta sisters. Recently in Charleston, one of our sisters invited us to her historic home for a tour. After that, she had friends who owned an art gallery in Charleston, and they invited us to their gallery for an evening of viewing their art and sharing a glass of wine. The artist who owned the gallery gave each of us one of his reproductions as a gift.
News, cont
Make It, Bake It, Sew It, Grow It!
Betty Dysart, Kendy Cusick Rindone, and Jill Byrne bid during the auction.
Jenny Hock and Edie Bell model the pansy and autumn-themed aprons Edie made for the event.
Our annual Make it, Bake it, Sew it, Grow it fund raising auction was big fun. Many thanks to Jenny Hock for hosting in her lovely home and serving as our outstanding auctioneer. This event supports the Pansy and Scholarship Funds for our Denver Alumnae Chapter members.
In Charleston, we did many other fun things together: visited a plantation, took a scenic boat ride around the harbor, had many delicious meals, rode Pedicabs, took a walking tour of the city, and just had time to chat and catch up from 50+ years! As an added bonus to our trip, I touched base with a Theta who I’d known from years past that lives in the Charleston area now. We met and visited Savannah and the surrounding areas. What a great time we had! So, if you haven’t gotten together with the women of your chapter, try it out. You will be surprised how we Thetas connect with one another, no matter where we are!
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Special Interest Groups
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Ladies, when you make plans to attend a DAC Theta program, consider carpooling. It will make the event that much more fun and give you a chance to catch up with dear friends.
In September, the group read My Brilliant Friend, by Elena Ferrante, at Kathleen Markey’s over looking Denver from her 36th floor apartment.
Then, in October, the club enjoyed I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban, Malala Yousafzai. Many thanks to Lauren Benson for hosting our get together.
Book Club
Members, it is a great time to join the DAC Book Club special interest group. Non-members, what better reason to join? Look at this lineup through June 2016. January: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
February: The Martian by Andy Weir
March: Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End* (nonfiction) by Atul Gawande
Me Before You* (fiction) by Jojo Moyes
April: Orphan Train by Christina Baker Klein
May: People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
June: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern --- DAC Book Club Co-Chairs Sam Tanenholtz & Leslie Franklin [email protected]
Bridge Club -- The Bridge Club is set up in flights,
but meets in foursomes each month for bridge and
dessert. Games are informal and are scheduled at the
convenience of the foursome. The players take turns
hosting. In May, an annual luncheon for the entire
group is held with awards for the top scorers in each
flight.
Fran Williams [email protected]
Hiking Club -- The Hiking Group meets most Fridays
to walk city bike paths, hike hills, climb 14ers, and
enjoy wildflowers and waterfalls. Come enjoy the
company of your Theta friends, nature and after-hike
treats (such as ice cream stops on hot days)!
Lunch Bunch
Anyone interested in a casual lunch is invited to join
the Lunch Bunch! There are three lunch bunch groups:
All Metro, Downtown, and Denver Tech Center so you
will be sure to find a time and place that works for your
schedule.
Cynthia Skari [email protected]
DTC Lunch Bunch
Leslie Nissen [email protected]
Downtown Lunch Bunch --
Leslie Franklin [email protected]
Nite Kites -- Join young alumnae for cocktails and
conversation! Connect with us on Facebook: KAO
Denver Alumnae Chapter - Young Alums
Jill Byrne [email protected]
Supper Club – Supper Club is a great way to try new
restaurants from “hot spots” to Denver landmarks. The
restaurant theme is determined at the beginning of the
year. The Supper Club meets one time a month and
most gatherings are on weeknights, with location at
restaurants across the metro area.
Karen Olson [email protected]
Special Interest
Groups are exclusively for
dues-paying members, an extra
“perk” for DAC membership.
Contact the SIG chair directly or
contact Sheri DeCoste, Vice
President of Special Interests, at
We look forward to seeing you
at one of our Special Interest
Groups!
Adrienne Babb, VP Fraternity Panhellenic delegate: Leigh Plue Panhellenic delegate: Martha Doughtie College Liaison: Kathleen Markey (Beta Iota) College Liaison: Open (Beta Omega) College Liaison: Ashley Nelson (Beta Gamma) Archivist: Open
Philanthropy
College Liaison, Beta Omega (Open):
The chapter held their annual Soup’s Up event on Saturday October 3. This is a gathering where the Colorado Springs Alumnae make soup and bring it to the house and spend time with the Beta Omega actives.
Their annual Theta Thanksgiving was Saturday, November 7 from 3-5 pm at the Beta Omega House in Colorado Springs. Adrienne put together a carpool of Denver alumnae to attend. The Theta House provided the turkey and drinks, the actives brought dessert, and alums brought side dishes.
. College Liaison, Beta Gamma, Ashley Nelson:
Following the largest number of women to go through recruitment in CSU history, the chapter is excited to welcome 75 new members.
On Sunday, September 13, the chapter held its 1st Annual Kicks for CASA and raised $2091 for CASA of Larimer County.
For Theta’s National Day of Service, the Beta Gamma women volunteered in Denver on Sunday, October 4 at the Hot Chocolate 5K/15K run at Civic Center Park. Half of the women were at the finish line to congratulate the runners and provide them with Gatorade and water,
College Liaison, Beta Iota, Kathleen Markey:
CU Parent's weekend was October 2-4 and Beta Iota hosted a Saturday afternoon barbecue at the chapter house. The chapter participated in Buffathon, the CU Panhellenic event that benefits children though a day-long fundraiser dance marathon.
Inspiration week began with big/little reveal at the Denver Zoo. The week was filled with activities with new members including a night where the DAC sent representatives to speak to the girls before they went through initiation.
“It was an amazing experience that I would gladly do again. It was wonderful getting to meet some of the girls only a few days before they went through initiation. But we also were able to meet active members of Beta Iota and encourage them to join alum chapters when they graduate.”
Sunday, October 18 was a beautiful day for the beautiful ritual of Initiation of new members. After the ritual concluded the chapter's newest members were greeted with flowers, songs and a catered lunch for the entire chapter and Initiation guests.
The following week, the chapter participated in a Theta Foundation letter writing campaign to Beta Iota alumnae.
On Saturday October 24, Beta Iota participated in a Day of Service. Members worked in teams to write Thanksgiving letters for Voices for Children, Boulder CASA.
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Members also assembled "care packages" full of toothbrushes, toiletries, etc. for the Boulder homeless shelter, cleaned up a creek for the city in the afternoon, and assembled and decorated boxes for Operation Christmas Child.
The link to the Beta Omega Networking Survey was sent out on October 14. If you completed the survey, thank you for helping Beta Omega build their networking database
while the other half worked the hot chocolate tent where the runners were provided with treats and hot chocolate following their run. The run benefited Ronald McDonald House Charities.
These include Newborns in Need, a project of the Denver Health Center which provides layettes for all babies born at that hospital, approximately 3200 babies a year (an average of 10 babies a day). Many of these babies are born to families who subsist at or below the poverty level. Any baby item (but especially diapers in size 1 or 2) are needed. This year a “sleep sack” which takes the place of blankets in a baby’s crib has been added to the layette. Denver Health is also supporting a program to aid 600 recently arrived refugees (many from Syria). At least 250 of this number are children, and warm clothing for ages 6 through 12 are particularly appreciated.
Another philanthropy supported by Denver Panhellenic is collecting school supplies for students at the Bansbach Academy at the Denver Children’s Home. Notebook paper (but not spiral-bound notebooks), pens and pencils, electric pencil sharpeners, markers, pocket folders, puzzle books, encouraging posters, and arts and crafts supplies are among the items needed.
Thinking of You… Congratulations to Shannon Chandler Gross and husband John on the birth of their baby boy Holden Joseph Gross in September
Get well card to Kendy Cusick -Rindone for recent surgery.
Congratulations to Jenny Koch on her new job with United Health as a healthcare management consultant
Congratulations to Katie Wilkins and husband Dave on their new adventure with Platform T, a business selling tea infused with liquor, food, and more: 682 S. Colorado Blvd and 95 Lincoln Street.
Congratulations to Ardie Boswell for walking the red carpet at the Red Wagon Ball for CASA being the first volunteer for CASA in Arapahoe country and working with them for 30 years.
Speedy recovery to Jan Goodwin
Contact Gail Karsian 303-771--4677 or [email protected] if you need a note written for a birth, marriage, someone in the hospital or sick at home, surgery, a death, or someone who has received an award.
Courtesy Committee
Philanthropy, cont.
As well as supporting our local and national philanthropy CASA, our Denver Alumnae Chapter also helps support philanthropies sponsored by the Denver Panhellenic Council.
Attendees at the Holiday party on December 3rd were asked to bring contributions to the Newborns in Need program and those attending Founders Day (January 23) will focus on school supplies for Denver Children’s Home. You may also bring contributions to any Theta function and the hostess will contact our Panhellenic delegates who will see that they are delivered.
For more information about our Philanthropy efforts, contact Adrienne Babb or Martha Doughtie
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Pansy Bouquets
…to Jane Siekmeier for hosting brunch before our National Day of
Service on Saturday, October 31.
…to Susan Secrest and Sarah Hittner for their amazing working
transitioning us to the Officer Portal
…to Adrienne Babb for bringing our three Colorado Theta chapters
(Boulder, Fort Collins and Colorado Springs) close with the DAC
Thetas. Your caring about our fraternity is inspiring.
…to Sarah Hittner for making the financials understandable for
those of us who are easily confused.
… to Lauri Nitz for your excellent notes that help us track our
progress, and for your graceful transition to a new approach.
…to Jenny Hock for sharing her beautiful home with us for Make it,
Bake it, Grow it, Sew it, and serving as our auctioneer.
…to Adrienne Babb for stepping into the Social Committee role this
fall.
… to Barbie Riehl for hosting our wonderful Holiday Party.
Stay connected to Kappa Alpha Theta and strengthen its future. www.ThetaLifeLoyal.org
Who We Are Founded in 1870 at Indiana Asbury (now DePauw University) in
Greencastle, Ind., Kappa Alpha Theta is the first Greek-letter
Fraternity known among women. In creating Kappa Alpha Theta,
our founders were leading the way for women’s groups and for
women in higher education. Our members are women of all ages:
women who attended college in nearly every US state and
Canadian province, women who live all over the world, and women
with varied professions, faiths, and ethnic backgrounds.
Mission Statement
Yesterday, today, and tomorrow, Kappa
Alpha Theta exists to nurture each member
throughout her college and alumnae
experience and to offer a lifelong
opportunity for social, intellectual, and moral
growth as she meets the higher and broader
demands of mature life.
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