TENNESSEE OPEN BOOK
Published By:
The Tennessee Council
Epsilon Sigma Alpha International
VOLUME XLIV
MARCH, 2006
ISSUE NO. 3
The “Open Book” is the official publication of the Tennessee Council of Epsilon Sigma Alpha International and is published three times a year: August, December, and March.
PRESIDENT
Brenda West
Another successful state council meeting was held when the members met at Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church in Johnson City on February 11th for the Winter Council meeting, “For Love of Country”. It was well attended (considering the weather conditions) with 35 members and one guest in attendance. Even though our numbers were down, we had a wonderful meeting. We conducted the necessary business as well as offering some workshops and learning opportunities. Elaine Curtis,Alpha Pi, gave us pointers on quilting and Sherry Broom, Gamma Chi, gave a demonstration on how to make meringue swans and nests.
Ellen Cooper and Barbara Henley,Delta Rho members, shared their personal stories.
Our guest speaker was Gayle Pattillo,
System Educator/Coordinator/Pain Resource Nurse with Mountain States Health Alliance and a Certified Laugh Leader. Her personal mission statement is “Live Well,Laugh Often, Love Much”. She concluded her very informative presentation by leading the members in laughing exercises. Each participant received a “Certificate of the Right to Play” and all were reminded that “Laughter is the Best Medicine”.
We have now arrived at the time of year that we turn our attention to filling out report forms and preparing files to pass on to our successor. Please remember that these report forms and details are important whether you are thinking about receiving awards or not. The report forms tell us how we have done, things we need to improve, and assist us with our status as a philanthropic organization. It is particularly important that you send in the State Philanthropic Report to one of the Awards Chairmen, Ann Bradley or Wanda Collins.
I would like to remind you once more about membership. As large as Tennessee is, there are only 12 active chapters across the state. If you or a member of your chapter knows someone in another part of the state who might be interested in ESA, send their name, address, telephone number and email address to Sherry Broom, State Membership Director and/or Mary Catherine Ball, State Membership Co-Director. By compiling a list of possible members in Tennessee, we may have the opportunity to extend ESA to areas which currently do not have chapters. ESA Headquarters is attempting to meet the economic needs of our times by offering membership and new chapter specials. Please take advantage of these while they last.
It hardly seems possible, but the end of our ESA year is fast approaching as we wind down our yearly activities. It is now time to begin thinking about having some fun at our upcoming state convention. Gamma Chi and Delta Rho have some big plans for you in Chattanooga and I hope you plan to be a part of the activities.
We have accomplished much this year, but have you realized your dreams for ESA? Have you pledged a new member or chartered a new chapter? Have you participated in at least one project for St. Jude, collected inkjet cartridges or cell phones for Easter Seals, or donated items for a Hats for Hope or Hope for Heroes project? If so, I congratulate you on a job well done. If not, you still have time, continue to “Believe in the Magic of Your Dreams” and work to achieve your ESA dreams by convention time!
It has indeed been an honor to serve as your Tennessee Council President this year. I hope each of you will join me for our year-end celebration at the 2006 Tennessee State Convention, “Another Day in Paradise”, April 21-23, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Chattanooga. The deadline for registration is March 15th and hotel reservations must be made by March 31st. Plan on a fun and relaxing weekend. SEE YOU THERE!
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT
Sherry Broom
I have taken excerpts from the ESA website and pasted them to the Open Book so that everyone, regardless of internet capability has an opportunity to look at the ways we can grow in membership. For members willing to recruit 10 or a chapter of 10 or more it’s a way to have membership dues paid for life. Even if we didn’t have all these wonderful financial incentives, who do you know and love that you’re not sharing your ESA experience with? You pay your dues showing ESA has value to you. You give your time showing ESA has value to you. You share your talents showing ESA has value to you. Value accumulates and becomes wealth. Share your wealth with those you know in your family, at work, in your church, where you have your hair or nails done, at the ball field, at the grocery or pharmacy, in your doctor’s office or from the dentist’s chair.
There’s a type of ESA membership that’s just right for you!
Traditional Membership
Share in the most traditional form of ESA membership. Since 1929, ESA International's traditional members have used their vast support network of local chapters to excel in community education, service and philanthropy. Their "hands-on" endeavors provide more than 650,000 direct service hours and over $10 million for charitable causes each year.
Collegiate Membership
Develop your resume as you share your interests in service and volunteerism as a part of your college experience. ESA collegiate membership is available on participating campuses across the nation. On college campuses that have not yet colonized an ESA chapter, there are opportunities for interested individuals to assist in the colonization process.
Alumni Membership
Simply retain your collegiate membership by paying individual dues, and you will remain in your current chapter on alumni status. Your alumni status will continue until you find an existing chapter to join, or find a group who wants to charter a new chapter. This membership comes with full transfer privileges to allow for future chapter affiliation or for organizing privileges that allow for the development of a new ESA chapter within the local community.
Life Active Membership
Share a lifetime of ESA membership by making a one-time payment of dues and fees. Then enjoy a full future, filled with no additional assessments of individual national dues.
Senior Life Active Membership
Enjoy the same benefits as a life active membership but receive a discounted rate if you are 65-years-old or older.
Member-at-Large Membership
Share ESA’s benefits and support ESA activities and projects without being a chapter member. This membership is for individuals who are at a distance from a local ESA chapter, or for those whose current time commitments do not permit them to be an active chapter member. Member-at-large status comes with full transfer privileges to allow for future chapter affiliation or for organizing privileges that allow for the development of a new ESA chapter within the local community.
Legacy Membership
This membership is available to close family relatives of existing ESA members, including children, parents, grandchildren, grandparents, etc. It is applicable for those who are able to become chapter members or those who need to begin their ESA experience as a member-at-large.
Élan Membership
Élan stands for Education–Leadership–Affirmation–Networking. This membership is youth driven, providing middle school and high school age members with opportunities to develop personal leadership skills through service-oriented activities. It encourages positive participation and youth are encouraged to participate at the level that of their age and interest. Youth age 12-17 who share Élan’s spirit of enthusiasm for serving others are invited to become Élan members.
DESA Membership
Mothers, aunts, and grandmothers, here's your opportunity to give the rich heritage of an ESA membership to a special friend or younger member of your family. DESA's (Debutante of Epsilon Sigma Alpha) have their ESA membership fee paid in full when they decide to join ESA. Those in active chapters participate in a program designed to provide experience and exposure to the ideals of ESA. They gain valuable time to learn about "caring and sharing" in ESA and receive special attention from a very special person, their DESA sponsor.
Men of ESA
Now your grandsons, nephews, sons, brothers, husbands, and fathers can officially support ESA by becoming a "Man of ESA"! Add the names of your special men to our growing list of "Men of ESA" and watch them smile as they receive their official membership card, certificate, lapel pin and T-shirt.
Special Membership Promotion
Two-for-One
Join at the regular price of $69.00, and your friend can join for free! This two-for-one new member offer applies to new members who join Epsilon Sigma Alpha from now until May 31, 2006. (New members must be from the same chapter, and both applications must be submitted at the same time.)
New Chapters
Epsilon Sigma Alpha’s new chapter special is a great deal!
• Up to 10 new and/or reinstated members can join for a package price of $200.00. (Additional members – up to 19 – would join for just $15.00 each.)
• 20 members or more can join for a package price of $300.00.
For example: if 15 new and/or reinstated members form a new ESA chapter the cost is $200.00 for the first 10 and $75.00 for the other five. That makes the total for the new chapter only $275.00. This special runs from now until May 31, 2006. (All applications must be received at the same time, and it does not include DESA, Élan or Men of ESA chapters.)
Especially for ESA Members
Earn pledges toward the Ambassador Club every time you pledge a new member. ESA’s elite Ambassador Club consists of those members who excel in pledging new members (Legacy pledges do not qualify) during a single membership campaign year. ESA Ambassadors are recognized for having spread the “good will” and high ideals of our organization through membership growth.
The “1st Step” Award - Having sponsored four new members during the current campaign year (June 1, 2005–May 31, 2006), these ESA members/sponsors will receive one years’ dues free and will be awarded a certificate in recognition of their efforts as an ESA Ambassador.
The “2nd Step” Award - Having sponsored eight new members during the current campaign year (June 1, 2005–May 31, 2006), these ESA members/sponsors will receive two years’ dues free and will be awarded an Ambassador lapel pin.
The “Final Step” Award - Having sponsored 10 new members during the current campaign year (June 1, 2005–May 31, 2006), these ESA members/sponsors will receive a Life Active Membership in ESA and will be awarded a Life Active dangle.
SCRAPBOOK EDITOR
Susan Vandeberg
By the time you receive this Open Book, Brenda’s year as state president will almost be over. As state Scrapbook Editor, I would love to have your chapter represented in Brenda’s photo album. The only way I can do that is for you to send me your pictures. Please send photos of your chapter (group picture would be great), events, socials, district and area council activities, and any state meetings/functions. Be sure to label each photo so that I know the names, events, etc. Please send them BY APRIL 1 to 1106 Estate Drive, Johnson City, TN 37604.
IC “NON-VISITING” REPRESENTATIVE
Judy Huntley, IC Treasurer
HELLO, TENNESSEE SISTERS
I really hope you have been thinking about attending the 2006 International Convention in Palm Desert, California, July 23-30, 2006. Your state has a very special butterfly who will be the highlight of this convention. Jamie Atchison, IC Workshop Coordinator, has set up some special workshops for everyone, even if you’re not an officer or chairperson. Starting Tuesday, July 25 will be kick-off with WHAM Day (Work, Happy, and Motivating) and there will be wonderful workshops for everyone to attend. Wednesday will be dedicated to “The Essence of You” certified leadership seminar with exciting topics and speakers. Thursday will be Hope for Heroes Day so wear red, white, and blue to the opening ceremonies as we will be honoring all those that serve our country and protect our freedom. There will also be an inspiring and uplifting Hope for Heroes workshop that afternoon. Friday brings St. Jude Day and Saturday brings the service pin ceremony and installation of Brenda as President. Many more plans are in the works and will be revealed soon…if you always have wanted to attend an IC Convention – make this one your first – I guarantee it won’t be your last!
Spring is fast approaching and we begin to wind down from one year and gear up towards the next. We center our attention on the things that we are truly thankful for when thinking of Easter…family and friends - without their unwavering/unconditional support, our lives would not be the same. The common thread of love and friendship ESA weaves through our lives has left us with an indelible mark, and we shall be forever grateful during this Easter season and always for the bonds of our wonderful sisterhood.
I want you all to know that I will miss attending your state convention this year, but I will be with you in spirit. On behalf of the entire executive board, Judi King will send a message to all of you at your convention as you celebrate a wonderful ESA year of sharing and giving and learning.
This ESA year has brought many challenges. So many of our members have been challenged by nature – who could forget Katrina and Rita? ESA was so proud that we could institute a special Katrina/Rita Disaster Fund for direct donations, increase the regular disaster fund allocation to $5,000, and drastically reduce the paperwork for disaster fund claims. All this happened within the very first week after Katrina hit. We know how much this immediate relief helped. From these efforts, the ESA Care Connection was reborn and was highlighted in the previous Open Book.
Looking forward to “Taking Flight” at IC Convention for my very dear friend…Brenda West.
SENIOR ST. JUDE COORDINATOR
Betty Grooms
My year is coming to an end, without as much money as we need. However, we are very thankful for how hard everyone has worked and all the funds raised. A Dream Home® at $253,155, a radiothon for $67,000, plus all the other important events in which you have been involved. Thank you.
To qualify for a t-shirt and an invitation to the “Dance” at Convention in California, you need to raise $200; so get busy; raise your money, and let’s dance!
Since 1972, ESA has raised a lot of money for St. Jude and helped the cancer research, but we need to work a little harder to find cures. Our Christopher Burress went home to be with the Lord in January, and this gives us an incentive to raise even more money.
We still have some chapters not reporting. Please finish that “booked event” form and mail it!
The happiest people don’t necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. Thank you for letting me serve as St. Jude chair.
FINANCE DIRECTORS
Ann Nelson and Peggy Young
One of the projects for this year is the sale of a Sterling Silver chain and Sterling Silver wrapped Mother of Pearl pendant hand painted in Russia. This is a beautiful piece of jewelry worth in excess of $150. We are selling tickets on this pendant/chain for $5 each or three for $10. It is well worth the chance it costs to buy a ticket. Tickets will be sold at Convention and the winner will be drawn on Saturday night.
We will be having the Chinese Auction this year. We would like to have three or more items for the auction from each chapter. The more we get, the more we can sell and not have to pay a large member finance charge this year. Please let us know what you/your chapter will be bringing for the auction.
If all goes well and we raise $1500 on the pendant and Chinese auction (using 100 members as a base) each member would only have to pay $5.70 to meet the amount budgeted for the State Finance Project. This nominal amount would be a lot less than what we have paid in the past. If we get lucky and raise $2100, there would be no finance fee per member. Please help us work on this and see if we can meet our budgeted amount.
Pam Germain asks that if you already have a name badge holder from a previous convention or one that you purchased and will bring it to convention, just put on the registration “Bringing my name badge holder”. This will help so that we don’t purchase more than we need.
2006-07 TENNESSEE ESA SLATE OF OFFICERS
President Sherry Broom Gamma Chi
First Vice President Mary Catherine Ball Alpha Eta
Second Vice President Tracey Stratton Delta Pi
Recording Secretary Naomi Bowman Alpha Lambda
Corresponding Secretary Frankie McKay Delta Rho
Treasurer Linda Caldwell Delta Rho
Parliamentarian Barbara Henley Delta Rho
ESA FOUNDATION COUNSELOR
Flora Fish
February is probably the busiest month of the year for the ESA Foundation. Not only are membership dues due for renewal by the end of the month, but all ESA Foundation Scholarship applications must be postmarked by February 1st to the State Counselor. The State Counselor must then process each application and forward them by February 20th to the Regional scholarship committee. I processed 56 scholarship applications for Tennessee this year; up from 26 last year.
As of the January 31st ESA Foundation membership list, we have five chapters – Alpha Eta, Alpha Lambda, Alpha Pi, Delta Pi, Gamma Chi – and the Tennessee Council who are current paid members. We also have ten individual paid members as well as some who have paid since the report was issued.
I would encourage each of you to join the ESA Foundation. It is a growing and necessary entity for ESA. Also remember to contribute to the Linda Moore Scholarship fund for a nursing student.
IC/SERC PRESIDENTS’ FUND
Betty Jolly
Thanks to all of the chapters and individuals who have contributed to this special fund. It is great to know that Brenda and Frankie have so much support from their Tennessee sisters. This fund has been established to defray costs of reception/favors when Brenda is installed as IC President in California in 2006 and Frankie finishes her year as SERC President in 2007. There is still time to make a donation, so if you or your chapter has not done so, please do it soon.
YEARBOOK
Phyllis Edwards
YEARBOOK: A reminder to chapter presidents-please be sure to send your new officers, chairmen, committee members, etc., along with an updated list of all your members to me so new directories can be prepared for distribution at Convention. You can update the sheet put in the chapter hand-out files at Winter Council or prepare a completely new list, whichever you prefer. Just get them to me no later than April 1 (sooner if possible).
TENNESSEE TIPS AND TOOLS BOOKS: All officers and chairmen have these books which were prepared at Brenda’s request last year. There is a sheet in the back of the book for any suggestions and changes that should be made in your duties. PLEASE go over the information for your office/appointment and tell me any changes necessary so new sheets can be prepared to go in the book. Send changes to me as soon as possible. Also be sure to bring your book to Convention to turn in on Friday so it can be given to your successor.
ADS FOR PROGRAM BOOK: We do have a few ads for the program book and I have been promised several more. It is certainly not too late to get them to me. I MUST have them no later than April 1 (preferably March 15).
There’s lots of work to be done before convention and I need YOUR help! You can email me at Gmother526@aol.com or mail to 105 Center Springs Drive, Collierville, TN 38017.
IC CONVENTION 2008
Betty Jolly and Barbara DuBois
Summer of 2008 will be here sooner than we realize. Our proposed budget for IC 2008 Convention was approved by the Executive Board at the mid-year meeting in February. We will be “Down Home in Tennessee” for convention week. In keeping with that theme, we need event chairs to let us know at State Convention what you plan for the event theme. Events and chapters responsible are: Welcome party – Alpha Pi and Alpha Lambda; Recognition luncheon -Alpha Beta and Delta Chi; PICPA No-host luncheon – Delta Pi and Alpha Eta; Men’s No-host luncheon – Eta Pi (men of ESA chapter); Invitational luncheon – Alpha Omega and Delta Phi; Banquet – Delta Rho, Gamma Chi, and Gamma Alpha. We are keeping table decorations/favors to a minimum, so keep that in mind during your planning process.
LEADERSHIP/WORKSHOP
Adele Shaw
Many thanks to our sisters who have shared their talents, hobbies, personal stories, expertise and time during our meetings. Everyone has enjoyed the presentations and perhaps even learned a thing or two. Thank you for helping us to “Believe in the Magic of Our Dreams”.
PUBLICITY/PUBLIC RELATIONS
Connie Edwards
At Fall Council meeting, I showed nametags with a magnetic closure that several Chattanooga area members have had made. I checked with the vendor, and here are the prices for them.
1-9 $8.50 each + 9.25% tax
10 or more $7.25 each + 9.25% tax
These nametags feature a jonquil, the member’s name, and the chapter name -- a very professional way to promote ESA.
If you would like to order nametags, please send me a listing of your chapter member names and, of course, the money. Checks should be made payable to Professional Awards. If you get this information to me soon, I’m sure I can have them ready for pick-up at convention.
Media Coverage/Public Awareness Program
Introductory Visit with Station Program Director/Talk Show Host/Newspaper Editor
Acquaint the station or newspaper with ESA and summarize the benefits of ESA membership and the scope of its programs (use your ESA brochure or the FACT SHEET from ESA’s website).
Discuss ESA’s short and long-range plans and goals in your area. Be specific; mention proposed dates, scheduling, ideas for program development, etc. Know what you want to accomplish during the campaign and have some ideas as to how you will accomplish your goals.
Ask the Program Director/Producer/Editor for input regarding your proposed plans, tips to assure media coverage, the best way to contact his station/paper when you have a “story.”
Remember this is a “get acquainted” visit. Your purpose is to introduce yourself and ESA; to establish a rapport with the members of the media you will be working with in the future; to acquaint the media with your future goals and plans; and to gain expertise in utilizing radio, TV or newsprint.
OPEN BOOK EDITOR
Barbara DuBois
The year is at an end and this is the last issue of the Open Book. It has been a learning experience for me. In case you don’t know, my computer literacy is somewhat below par, so each issue has presented new and different obstacles to overcome. Some I have and some I just gave up on. Oh well….! Much love to everyone and a huge thanks to all who promptly sent articles so that the issues could get to the printer “on time”. Also, thanks to Adele Shaw for making the trek to the Chattanooga post office with all the bundles.
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