On March 11, 2017, members of Delta Pi Delta Alumnae Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity celebrated Hera Day, a special day for Alpha Chis because it celebrates the altruistic tradition that has guided its members ever since the founding of the sorority in 1885. Shirley Blake was our hostess at Worthington Country Club in Bonita Springs, Florida.
Our presenter for the day was Linda Oberhaus, Executive Director of the Naples Shelter for Abused Women and Children. Alpha Chi Omega has long committed itself to addressing domestic violence, and collegiate and alumnae chapters across the country work closely with local shelters to combat the issue. Today, members brought clothing items for children and pet items for animals at the shelter. While the Naples center provides a safe haven for abused individuals, its long-term goal is to empower victims of abuse by providing them with comprehensive services to assure their success when they leave the shelter. There is no charge to clients nor is there a time limit on how long they can stay. Presently, the agency faces an ever-increasing demand for its services.
In the name of our patron goddess, Hera, members of the alumnae chapter who have contributed to the welfare or happiness of others are honored with a red carnation. This year, Delta Pi Delta members have amassed over 6,000 volunteer hours. Also honored were three members who received their 50-year pins: Ann Farrell, new member Marjie Taggart and Mary Swan. Birthday girls, Donna and Margi received their carnation nosegays. The installation of two officers took place: Vice President in charge of Membership, Julie Blanton, and Recording Secretary, Sandi Chetwynd.
The meeting on this special day closed with the recitation by all members of the “Rededication Bond,” as a reminder of the spirit of Alpha Chi Omega and in celebration of many years of sisterhood in Southwest Florida.
The porte-cochère at Worthington Country Club in Bonita Springs, Florida
Magenta bougainvilleas in bloom at the entry to Worthington
Ann, Marjie & Valary on the way in to the luncheon
A table of Alpha Chis--Julie, Ann, Valary, Marjie, Mary, Carol and guest speaker Linda Oberhous
Margi, Phyllis & Carol
Judy & Marcia
Ann & Shirley
Mary Lou, Rosemary, Carolyn & Nancy
Brenda & Linda
A table of Alpha Chis--Margi, Diane, Mary, Phyllis, Carol, Shirley, Judy & Sandi
Carol, Phyllis, Ann, Marjie & Valary
Mary Lou in beautiful springtime colors
Diane & Mary, frequent visitor and new member
Marjie, a new member who was an AX at Northwestern, Mary & Carol
Rosemary & Becky
A table of Alpha Chis--Mary Lou, Rosemary, Carolyn, Nancy, Marcia, Brenda & Jane
Sandi & Margi
Fran & Jane
Brenda & Julie
Fran & Jane
Brenda & Julie
Teddy, Rosemary, Amy & guest Maureen
Darlene & Sasha
A table of Alpha Chis--Teddy, Maureen, Donna, Amy, Fran, Darlene & Sasha
Linda Oberhous, Executive Director of the Naples Shelter for Abused Women and Children
Linda, assuring us that domestic abuse is pervasive, even though we may not be aware that it is going on in our own communities
Donna and carnations for Birthday Girls--herself & Margi
Awarding of fifty-year pins
Ann, Marjie & Mary received their fifty-year pins
Julie and Sandi were installed as officers for 2017-2019
We bid a sad farewell to Sasha, who will be relocating to another state. We will miss you!
Fran & Darlene on their way home from the luncheon
