The Beta Upsilon Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma International (DKG), a society for women educators from Bertie, Gates, Hertford, Martin, Tyrrell and Washington counties, enjoyed learning how to put a “Spring” in their steps with good nutrition — both for the body and the mind — on April 13, at Chowan University (CU) in Murfreesboro.
With 23 members and one guest in attendance, Chapter President Dr. Phyllis Broughton (Martin) recognized member Dr. Mary Earp (Hertford), faculty member at CU, who presented a timely and educational inspirational message on how to nourish oneself to be happy and healthy.
Earp shared that some ways to nourish oneself are through spending time reading, completing puzzles, meditating, having daily devotion times, fostering family relationships and friendships and by enjoying nature.
Earp encouraged those present to consider what contentment is really about and to lean on God for contentment. She stressed that with inner contentment, one can share the fruit of the Spirit as given in Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Earp referred the group to an article discussing the meaning of content in the online journal Christian Scholars Review entitled “One of the Most Understudied Virtues Is Also One We Desperately Need” by Perry L. Glanzer, April 5, 2024 (https://christianscholars.com/one-of-the-most-understudied-virtues-is-also-one-we-desperately-need/). She challenged listeners to consider whether contentment rests in the ownership of things or whether it has a deeper meaning.
Carol Anne Hankinson (Hertford) shared bookmarks with the group.
Barbara Toti (Hertford) led the group in a membership activity to help members get to know others in the group a little better. Sitting in two rows of chairs facing each other and working in pairs with one row of participants moving every three minutes, members told their across-the-aisle partners about their educational career highlights, special people in their lives and special places where they had traveled or would like to travel.
Sarah Davis (Hertford) introduced April Vaughn, a diabetes nurse care manager in Hertford County, spoke on healthy nutrition. April was especially welcomed by the group as her mother, Brenda Tinkham, is a longtime member of Beta Upsilon.
April provided handouts and tips on reducing risks for chronic diseases; controlling cholesterol; eating less fat; understanding carbohydrates; eating a healthy diet with meal planning, healthy snacking, healthy cooking, adding flavor to low-fat meals; reading food labels; and being aware of serving sizes.
April recommended reading the book The Blue Zone Challenge: A 4-Week Plan for a Longer, Better Life by Dan Buettner (2021) for suggestions on living a healthy lifestyle. She emphasized that nutrition does play a role in having a longer, healthier life.
Mona Boyd (Martin) and Pat Nelson (Martin) presided over the installation of two officers for the 2024-2026 term. Tracey Reason (Martin) was installed as 1st Vice President. Robin Lloyd (Washington) was installed as 2nd Vice President.
Dr. Phyllis Broughton will continue to serve as Beta Upsilon President for 2024-2025. Sarah Davis (Hertford) will continue serving as Recording Secretary and Danyel White (Martin) as Treasurer. Kim Dunlow was appointed Corresponding Secretary.
Mona Boyd recognized members for noteworthy achievements as follows:
Amy Barsanti (Martin) attended the South by Southwest Education Conference in Austin, Texas, and served on a panel about climate change. Amy stated that she “brought the classroom experience” to the conference. Amy had two pictures accepted in the 2024 Spring DKG Arts Gallery. She also served on the State DKG Communications Committee where she helped in reviewing regional chapter newsletters.
Phyllis Broughton also had two pictures accepted in the Spring 2024 DKG Arts Gallery.
Mary Taylor Conner (Martin) headed the Martin County ”I Like Me” Reader Program for kindergarten students. Each child received a book which was read to them by community volunteers.
Mary was awarded a Go Global North Carolina Title I School grant and will have the opportunity to go to South Korea during the summer of 2024.
Amy Barsanti, Mary Taylor Conner, and Tracey Reason participated in the Martin Community Players spring production of “The Wizard of Oz.”
Susan Brown (Gates) was awarded the Nell Rae — Eva White Grant-In-Aid Scholarship. She will be working on a Masters in Library Science degree at East Carolina University.
President Broughton recognized Fannie Howell (Martin) and Leigh Ann Hudson (Martin) for their dedication and hard work in updating the Beta Upsilon yearbook and making it available to members online.
A beautiful quilted table runner created by Lynn Crisp (Martin) and final touches completed by Phyllis Broughton featuring an acorn pattern was purchased by Pat Nelson and Brenda White. Funds will be used for scholarships at state and local levels.
The acorn was selected as the theme because it represents the life of the tree. The runner will be displayed at the DKG state convention and then will be gifted to Lynn’s son-in-law in remembrance of Lynn’s daughter.
Gates/Hertford Beta Upsilon members were thanked for their beautiful “Spring” decorations and great “Nutritious” breakfast foods.
At the late April 2024 DKG State Convention in Durham, two Beta Upsilon members received Region 1 honors as follows:
Golden Key Award: Barbara Harrington (Bertie)
Rising Star Award: Carol Anne Hankinson (Hertford)
Teacher Appreciation Week was observed nationally May 6-10. Beta Upsilon is proud of its current and retired teachers at all levels. Members are encouraged to express “Teacher Appreciation” on a daily basis.
Members are encouraged to complete and submit 2024 Beta Upsilon Excellence Award forms and send them to Mona Boyd.
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