November Book Exchange Meeting is a Big Hit!

Our gathering at The Java House on November 10, 2011 was a success!  We had 8 members in attendance, and conducted two business meetings for the price of one. 
       First, the short House Corporation meeting was held to resolve and vote on changes to the By-Laws.  The issues that were approved by a vote of the members attending were 1) increasing the level of expenditure that does not require Board approval, so that maintenance costs can be quickly paid when due, 2) including a "whistle-blower" clause, as recommended by National, and 3) adding a Disclosure clause, regarding possible conflicts of interest, as well, also recommended by National.
      Secondly, we conducted a regular business meeting of the Alumnae Chapter.  We discussed the possibilities for a Career Day, with the active chapter, and it was decided that we will set our sights for next year in the spring of 2013.  We also discussed doing a finals week service project for the live-in members of Sigma.  Sara Hektoen and Sarah Griebahn volunteered to coordinate with the housemother and deliver care packages to the live-ins, while others volunteered to help with the items to be included.
      We finalized our plans for the December meeting, our Annual Christmas Party, which is having a make-over this year.  We will be meeting at The Brick Arch Winery in West Branch, on Sunday, December 11, 2011, from 2-4pm.  Those who will be attending are asked to bring an appetizer to share, and beverages will be provided.  We will also be gathering donations for the Domestic Violence Intervention Project, so please bring a paper product that can be used at the shelter, as well as any hotel soap, shampoo, etc. that you may have collected and are willing to share.
     We concluded by sharing our gathered book selections for some great winter reading:  there were wonderful new novels to explore, some fun light-hearted coffee table books and recipe books were included,  as well as some great mysteries and romance novels.  Everyone agreed it was a swell evening with sisters.  We hope you can all join us for more fun in December!

Great Turnout at Annual House Corporation Meeting

The Annual Meeting of the House Corporation was held on October 10, 2011.  It was great to have so many in attendance and we added the extra bonus of an Alumnae Chapter meeting before the House Corps meeting began.  14 alumnae and 2 collegiate members were in attendance.  We were happy to welcome Kristina Sosa (Bradley University) as our newest alumnae member.

In Alumnae news, we reviewed this year's program, and changed the date of our next meeting to Thursday, November 10, 2011 at 7pm at The Java House located at 713 Mormon Trek Blvd in Iowa City.  We also approved the motion to raise the annual dues for membership to $25.00 to help defray the costs for some of our events and allow us to pursue some philanthropic ventures.  Please send your dues to Elsie Foerstner at 8 Glendale Terrace, Iowa City, IA 52245.  We will be having a membership drive phone-a-thon in November (time to be announced) and we are looking for members to help with a Career Day of workshops for the collegiate members that will be in the spring of 2012.

The report from the House Corporation Board was very encouraging.  Officers were elected:  Leslie Soule has joined the Board for 2012-2013.  The Chapter House has full occupancy and our financial obligations are stabilizing after the construction of the new house.  For more complete information, feel free to email Karen Daubenberger at karenkd5@msn.com.

Sigma Centennial a HUGE Success!!

September 30-October 1, 2011 was a wonderful weekend of celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Sigma Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega.  We had a wonderful reunion of members from every decade since the 1930s and it was an awesome experience to see two 75 year members receive recognition from our National President.

Registration at the Chapter House

The weekend began with registration at the Chapter House.  Many of our sisters had not been back to Iowa City in a long time, and the new house that was built after the tornado was the Main Attraction.  We had over 150 attendees at our Friday night Welcome Back Reception at the Old Capitol.  It was a delightful fall evening in Iowa City, and the setting was perfect for a gathering of old friends.  The IMU caterers and the staff of the Old Capitol made it all a wonderful experience for everyone.

Buffet at the Old Capitol Reception

On Saturday, there was a great turnout at the Chapter house for house tours and campus tours.  We raised over $5000 for the Sigma Rebuilding Fund from the proceeds of our Silent Auction and mostly from donations to our Star Booth.  A really big THANK YOU to everyone who honored their sisters and who helped out Sigma at the same time!

Our 75 Year Members enjoying the Old Capitol

Dee Huber Thayer greets friends at the Banquet

The Celebration Banquet

Friends from the 1960s at the Old Capitol

Some of the men who love Alpha Chis!

            The Celebration Banquet on Saturday night was a lovely way to end a fabulous weekend.  After a wonderful dinner, we were all treated to the musical serenades of the Collegiate Members and everyone joined in with some favorite Alpha Chi songs.  The video presentations were a chance to see our history in pictures and everyone was delighted to have a chance to remember their time on the University of Iowa campus.  Marsha Grady, National President, and Traci Bauer, Sigma Chapter President, addressed the crowd of about 350 people and spoke to all our hearts of Alpha Chi Omega and our traditions, values and responsibilities.  The highlight of the evening were the pin ceremonies for our 50, 60 and 75 year members.  What a delight to have these women with us!  Delores Pechman Wakefield and Dee Huber Thayer were both honored as 75 year members from the 1930s.  We are so glad everyone could join us for this once in a lifetime experience.