Good-bye Until We Meet Again

For the  last meeting of the 2017-2018 season, members of Delta Pi Delta met at Brio Tuscan Grille in Naples, Florida, on May 12, 2018. Brio offers indoor and outdoor seating, which many people enjoyed on this warm day in May. Our special treat after lunch was the “in-character” performance by Jacquelyn Pierce.

Our distinguished guest speaker, Jacquelyn Pierce, has been a life-long educator who entertains communities throughout the country with her vignettes of famous women. As a portrayer of historic figures, Jackie especially likes to depict well-known women who have overcome great obstacles. At the Delta Pi Delta luncheon, Jackie  portrayed Jacqueline Kennedy and one of her favorites to perform, Mary Todd Lincoln. Jackie spoke in the first person, relating an imaginary conversation between these two women meeting at the Pearly Gates. She used two different-colored fans to indicate in which woman’s voice she was speaking. There are many similarities between these First Ladies: both women were socially prominent, twenty-four-year old women who spoke French fluently; they both married a future President in his thirties; and both were close-by but uninjured when their husbands were assassinated. Interestingly, the coincidences don’t end there, as Jackie informed us. 

Of special interest to Alpha Chis is Jackie’s dedication to the fight against domestic violence. She has served for six years as a Trustee for the Shelter for Abused Women of Collier County and is now on the Board of Directors. Our chapter has visited this shelter and were greatly impressed with its facilities and operation. We also remember the shelter with an annual gift and presents at Christmas time.

Entrance to the mall at Waterside Shops in Naples

Brio Tuscan Grille on the right, with indoor/outdoor seating

Patio dining at Brio

Rosemary, Donna & Nancy, Panhellenic President

Sandi, Recording Secretary

Julie & daughter Whitney

Judy, Esther, Sandi, Shirley & Brenda

Carol, Brenda & Julie

Julie, Whitney & Jackie

Valary & Nancy

Susan, Phyllis, Sue, Ann & Nancy

Carol & Marcia

Darlene, Jane, Rosemary, Carolyn, Linda & Scottie

Pat conducting the meeting

Corresponding Secretary Judy

Esther & Pat after the meeting

Donna & Margi

Strawberry Balsamic Chicken Salad, one of three salad choices.The other two were Pasta Pesto Chicken and Chicken Limone.

The Dolchino Trio--three petite desserts: Key Lime, Caramel Mascarpone Cheesecake and Crème Brulée

Jacquelyn Pierce

Jacquelyn Pierce as Jacqueline Kennedy

Jacquelyn Pierce as Mary Todd Lincoln 

Leaving Brio

Delta Pi Delta Alumnae Chapter celebrates Hera Day, 2018

On March 10, 2018, members of Delta Pi Delta Alumnae Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega  gathered for 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. Ann Farrell was our hostess at Bonita Bay  Club in Bonita Springs, Florida.

The porte-cochère of the Bonita Bay Club

The well-tended flower beds at the entrance to the club

Marjie, new member Jackie, & Valary

Marsha & Brenda

Carol & Mary

Guest Dorothy & America

Proud Minnesotans

Hostess Ann & Mary

Darlene, Jane & Susan

Darlene gave a presentation on the current status of Alpha Chi Omega nationally and outlined long-term goals for the sorority. Alpha Chi is adapting to the changes in demographics of young women attending a university and is defining how our sorority can contribute to the overall goals of  the university.   

Esther & Phyllis

Esther received a gold medallion from the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation for her support of the educational and philanthropic purposes of Alpha Chi Omega. 

New member, Lisa, & Jackie

Carolyn, Rosemary & Sandi

Ronda & Jennee

Debbie, Sue & Zarie

Today was a very special day for Donna. It was the occasion of her ninetieth birthday. She received a very special birthday cake, which was shared with everyone present for dessert.  Some very special family members came to share Donna’s birthday party. The youngest member was great, great niece, Skylar; great niece Karla was there; and niece Colleen was also there. Jennifer is Donna’s granddaughter, and Karen, a lifelong friend of Donna’s,  also came to share in the celebration.

The centerpiece on Donna’s table

Skylar, Karla, Donna & Colleen

Jennifer, Donna’s granddaughter

Donna & her good friend, Karen

Donna’s birthday cake

Cake Boss Robert Meyers & Donna

Donna with her birthday cake

The installation of officers for 2018-2020 took place: Co-Presidents Pat Jolly and Margi Shostedt are continuing in their office for another term; Co-Vice Presidents in charge of Programs are Julie Blanton & Marjie Taggert; Vice President in charge of Membership is Jackie Francis; Corresponding Secretary is Judy Anderson. Mary Bradley, Treasurer, and  Sandi Chetwynd, Recording Secretary, are continuing in the offices they presently hold for 2018.   

Installation of officers

Delta Pi Delta officers

Officers receiving carnation bouquets

In the name of our patron goddess, Hera,  members of the alumnae chapter who have contributed to the welfare of others are honored with a red carnation.  This year, Delta Pi Delta members have amassed over 10,000 volunteer hours. Three members received their fifty-year pins: Marcia Fink, Zarie Jones and Debbie Armitage.  These three members were all initiated together into the Beta Epsilon chapter of Alpha Chi Omega at Michigan State in 1968.

Marcia receiving her 50-year pin from Margi

Zarie receiving her pin

Debbie receiving her pin

Marsha, Zarie & Debbie

The meeting on this day closed with the recitation by members of the “Rededication Bond,” and the “Symphony of Alpha Chi Omega,” as a reminder of the spirit of Alpha Chi Omega and in celebration of forty-four years of sisterhood in Southwest Florida.

Brenda, Susan, Phyllis & America leaving Bonita Bay Club

On their way home after the luncheon