President's Message...
Greetings from Ann:
September has been a beautiful month with the fall
colors slowly beginning to reveal themselves. As educators, it is the
month that we, and our students, settle into the routine of the
classroom. It truly is a busy time of year.
Our September 4 start-up meeting was held at Bear Creek Winery in far south Fargo. Rod Ballenger, proprietor and vintner, shared his story of the Bear Creek Winery and his knowledge about wine. They make and sell their wines on-site and allowed us to sample a variety of wines. It was a nice way to reconnect as a Chapter and to learn about this hidden treasure in Fargo.
On Sept. 11, Beta Chapter volunteers assembled during the waning hours of the YWCA’s Chocolate Fantasy and Chili, too fundraiser, to assist with breakdown and cleanup. Past president, Ginger Dietz, organized the crew and within an hour after closing, the crew had finished. Each volunteer left with a box full of chocolate treats to enjoy.
On September 20 Alpha Omicron State held an Executive Board meeting in Mandan. At this meeting, we gained program ideas and learned about changes and directives coming from the state and international levels. The membership explosion’s goal for eight new members per chapter continues. Each chapter has been instructed to review its Standing Rules (formerly known as Bylaws) to make certain they comply with International requirements. Please consider volunteering to assist in this effort. The changes are due to the review committee on February 1, 2009.
This past summer the delegates at the International Convention in Chicago approved a $20 per year increase in membership dues. Rising costs of running the International organization convinced the delegates that the increase was justified. This means that our Chapter dues have risen to $70 per member for this year. I apologize for not being able to share this news with you earlier and welcome any questions and discussion.
At our October meeting, Cheryl Bergian will share her experiences with the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition and her candidacy for North Dakota Public Service Commissioner. We will also initiate and welcome two new members into our chapter and have a short business meeting.
In November, Epsilon Chapter of Moorhead has invited Beta Chapter to a joint-chapter meeting. The dinner meeting will be held on Nov. 13 at 5:30 at the Minnesota State Community and Technical College, Moorhead. Ms. Marty Hoffman, director of the Barry Foundation, will speak on PAY (Philanthropy and Youth).
I look forward to seeing you all at our October meeting!
Our September 4 start-up meeting was held at Bear Creek Winery in far south Fargo. Rod Ballenger, proprietor and vintner, shared his story of the Bear Creek Winery and his knowledge about wine. They make and sell their wines on-site and allowed us to sample a variety of wines. It was a nice way to reconnect as a Chapter and to learn about this hidden treasure in Fargo.
On Sept. 11, Beta Chapter volunteers assembled during the waning hours of the YWCA’s Chocolate Fantasy and Chili, too fundraiser, to assist with breakdown and cleanup. Past president, Ginger Dietz, organized the crew and within an hour after closing, the crew had finished. Each volunteer left with a box full of chocolate treats to enjoy.
On September 20 Alpha Omicron State held an Executive Board meeting in Mandan. At this meeting, we gained program ideas and learned about changes and directives coming from the state and international levels. The membership explosion’s goal for eight new members per chapter continues. Each chapter has been instructed to review its Standing Rules (formerly known as Bylaws) to make certain they comply with International requirements. Please consider volunteering to assist in this effort. The changes are due to the review committee on February 1, 2009.
This past summer the delegates at the International Convention in Chicago approved a $20 per year increase in membership dues. Rising costs of running the International organization convinced the delegates that the increase was justified. This means that our Chapter dues have risen to $70 per member for this year. I apologize for not being able to share this news with you earlier and welcome any questions and discussion.
At our October meeting, Cheryl Bergian will share her experiences with the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition and her candidacy for North Dakota Public Service Commissioner. We will also initiate and welcome two new members into our chapter and have a short business meeting.
In November, Epsilon Chapter of Moorhead has invited Beta Chapter to a joint-chapter meeting. The dinner meeting will be held on Nov. 13 at 5:30 at the Minnesota State Community and Technical College, Moorhead. Ms. Marty Hoffman, director of the Barry Foundation, will speak on PAY (Philanthropy and Youth).
I look forward to seeing you all at our October meeting!
Ann W. Braaten
8/56/2008
