2022 Kappa Spotlight Members
Henrietta Hamilton, Xi Chapter, Nu State/CA
As treasurer, Henrietta Hamilton is a strong member of Xi Chapter as well as President of Nu State/ CA, and the Registrar of the National Kappa Kappa Iota Convention 2022. In her spare time, she volunteers at the Mission Inn in Riverside, CA as a docent, and was selected to receive a pin honoring her service as one that is always ready to help. She brings the smile of happiness to each of the meetings, and is always willing to help when called upon. Henrietta retired from 16 years as a Librarian in San Jacinto and then another seven years at Vista Heights Middle school in Moreno Valley, teaching Mathematics. Over the years, whenever anyone asks Henrietta to help, she agrees and gives her all. She also takes classes at Riverside City College in jewelry and Taiichi. You may be wearing a piece of jewelry that she made and donated for our sale at the Centennial Convention. Be sure to introduce yourself to her at the Palm Springs Convention.
Henrietta Hamilton, Xi Chapter, Nu State/CA
Anne Davis, Alpha Gamma Chapter, Theta State/AL
Kappas around the world are known as caring people, and Anne Davis in Alabama is a shining example of such a person. Anne, who has been a Kappa for over 20 years, is the chair of a group known as Kidz Eatz. As Alpha Gamma Chapter was seeking to find a project to benefit their area, they contacted the guidance counselors in 4 schools asking about the needs of their students. The chapter learned of about 100 elementary students who were in need of meals to get them through the weekend. The chapter had about $510 in their account and decided to spend $500 of that to purchase items that would provide those 100 children with low sugar meals, fruit and snacks that they would receive every Friday. Along with these meals is always a note that says, “God loves you, and so do we.” In addition to the food packs, Anne and other Alpha Kappa members took on a project of purchasing 85 pairs of shoes for some of these students. Included with the shoes are socks, a Bible Story coloring book and new crayons. Anne stated, “We just have to let these children know that someone loves them”. Fortunately their chapter is now receiving assistance from some local churches in funding and locations to gather as they pack up the packages of weekend blessings. On their Facebook page you will find this scripture, “Matthew 25:40 Truly I say unto you, as you did it to one of the least of these, you did it unto me”.
Anne Davis, Alpha Gamma Chapter, Theta State/AL
Joan Moore, Omicron Chapter, Rho State/NC
Joan has been a Kappa member for 14 years. She has been the Kappa member that you wouldn’t know her name. You wouldn’t stand up and applaud when she entered the room. Joan works behind the scenes and helps make Kappa Kappa Iota successful. She expects no recognition and frankly would like to keep her good works quiet.
Joan retired from teaching after 30 years of service in the North Carolina school system. She was an art teacher and an elementary teacher. She is a member of Omicron Chapter and Rho State/NC. Joan has put her talent of being an art teacher to use for Omicron and Rho. She has designed and produced scrap books for two state presidents and one national president. She is the photographer for the local and state chapter. She decorates the meeting area for different Kappa gatherings. Joan is the empathy person for Omicron. She designs and creates her own cards that she mails to fellow Kappa sisters with words of encouragement or congratulations. Joan is on numerous committees and has cheerfully accepted any challenges that they may have. Joan assumes most of the expense that they produce on her own and does not ask for reimbursement.
We all have Joan Moores in our chapters. We should stand up and applaud them and remember if we didn’t have these unsung heroes, we would no longer have the great organization that we know as Kappa Kappa Iota.
Joan Moore, Omicron Chapter, Rho State/NC
Nancy Johnson, Xi Chapter, Iota State/NE
Nancy is one in a million. She was National President 2006-2007. She served as Laurie Konrad’s Parliamentarian 2015-2016. She has served on just about every national committee and chaired many of them. She volunteers at her church, serves as an officer in many of her community organizations and even volunteers at the Omaha Orpheum theater and the Holland Center.
She stepped up to be Convention Chair at this late date when we needed someone that not only understood the process but also the timeline, and the need to organize the upcoming convention activities. She demonstrates the Ideals of Kappa with quiet accuracy. She said “yes” to the need because she is a beautiful “purple” through and through.
Nancy Johnson, Xi Chapter, Iota State/NE
Janice Luce & Cathe Kehe, Gamma Beta Chapter, Alpha State/OK
Cathe and Janice stepped up to volunteer in the Headquarters office to answer phones and be a presence at the Kappa House while Executive Director Teri Poreda recovered from back surgery, chemo and radiation. These two ladies have also done this in the past for our former Executive Director Marilyn Bridges. They also work around the House as needed. We appreciate their sacrifices and willingness to serve!
-
- Janice Luce, Gamma Beta Chapter, Alpha State/OK
-
- Cathe Kehe, Gamma Beta Chapter, Alpha State/OK
Jane Otradovec, Lambda Chapter, Zeta State/MO
Jane Otradovec is one of the long-serving Kappas and continues to be active as a co-chair of the Ad Hoc Headquarters Enhancement Committee. She is a Past State President of Ohio State, and a strong supporter of her local chapter, as well. She often comes to Tulsa to help with the inventory of our antiquities, and whatever she can do to assist. This year she made the trip to report to the NEC the variety of ways that her Committee had recommended for approval. Over the years, she has been found in the Kappa kitchen, helping to prepare food, or offering to put together booklets if needed. Her history with Kappa is long, but her memory is clear.
Jane Otradovec, Lambda Chapter, Zeta/MO
Tina Konrad Oliver, Webmaster for Kappa Kappa Iota
Christina (Tina) Konrad Oliver is starting her second full year as the Webmaster of Kappa Kappa Iota’s site. Tina is a full-time Web page Designer and Media Consultant who works from home while caring for her 4-1/2 year old daughter, Cassidy.
When Kappa put out a request for someone who could be an editor for the national website, Tina entered a bid. Her bid was far below what she makes at her regular job because she believed in supporting the organization. The reason for that is she is the daughter of PNP Laurie Konrad.
Tina is never too busy to take comments, suggestions and requests for the website, which she designed two years ago. She looks forward to continuing to work with Kappa Kappa Iota.
Renee Spencer, Mu Chapter, Eta State/LA
Renee Spencer is currently serving as Secretary/Philanthropic/Public Relations chair for the state. Renee was awarded a $200 Classroom Grant at the Eta State Convention in West Monroe, LA, April 8-9, 2022. She will use this money to purchase classroom supplies that allow her to provide hands-on learning opportunities for her students at Martial Billeaud Elementary School.
Renee has been a member of Mu Chapter for fourteen (14) years and has served as Mu Chapter’s treasurer, secretary, and president. This year, Renee has volunteered to serve as the Registrar for the 2023 National Kappa Kappa Iota Convention that will be held in Baton Rouge, LA, at the Embassy Suites, June 26-30, 2023.
Renee is married to Tom Spencer and they have a son, Ben. Ben is married to Jennifer and they have two daughters. Renee and Tom are very active in the community. They volunteer with the United Way of Acadiana and Second Harvest Food Bank. She walks with Mu’s Kappa Chicks every year in our local Alzheimer’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Ben and she love to travel the United States to visit our National Parks.
Renee Spencer, Mu Chapter/Eta State/LA
2021 Kappa Spotlight Members
Chris Hockert, Gamma Chapter, Psi State/TN
2019-2020 National President Chris Hockert has ‘Reached for the Stars’ during National President Brenda Morrison’s 2020-2021 presidency and has definitely made a difference for Kappa Kappa Iota. Several projects that Chris has been involved with include; Kappa’s Five Year Strategic Plan, Kappa’s Grant Writing Committee, and the National Emergency Catastrophic Plan Protocol. Chris is also a whiz at looking over the monthly financials!
Chris Hockert, Gamma Chapter, Psi State/TN
Diane Cox, Iota State/NE and Helen Silversmith, Beta State/NM
Diane and Helen have been very busy sewing – masks! They both share patterns with each other; adult size and child size. Both ladies have made and given away over 8,000 masks to EMTs, Law Enforcement, Elderly, Kappa Friends, and many others.
-
- Diane Cox, Iota State/NE
-
- Helen Silversmith, Beta State/NM
Debbie Witt, Nu Chapter, Epsilon State/AR
Mary Lou Hughes, Alpha/Beta Pi Chapters, Eta State/LA
Melinda Sams, Tau Chapter, Lambda State/GA
Kat Rhoads, Zeta Eta Chapter, Alpha State/OK
Kat volunteers to help the Executive Director with basic and special tasks (such as preparation for Convention). She works hard, and Kat is always ready to lend a hand if needed.
-
- Kat Rhoads, Zeta Eta Chapter, Alpha State/OK
Marilyn Bridges, Zeta Eta Chapter, Alpha State/OK
We are extremely fortunate to have had an employee of Marilyn Bridges’ caliber to work at Kappa Kappa Iota National Headquarters. She was the Executive Director for ten years until 7/31/2021, when she retired and moved to Florida with her husband to be near her daughter and granddaughter. Her strengths lay in her positive communications with others and her willingness to assist with any task she was asked to undertake, often multitasking amongst many interruptions. She was the perfect person to make that “first impression” of Kappa Kappa Iota, as she was usually the first contact made when communicating with Headquarters.
Marilyn Bridges, Zeta Eta Chapter, Alpha State/OK
Carolyn McElveen, Iota Chapter, Eta State LA
Carolyn is very active in her church and community, but she is known by her Kappa sisters as the
go-to lady to get things done! Carolyn is a Sunday School teacher for the Circle of Joy class at First Baptist Church in Franklinton. She is the photographer for the church’s Vacation Bible School. Also, she serves on a Sunday night supper team. Carolyn is chairperson for the Mile Branch Spelling Bee for fifth and sixth grade students at the Washington Parish Fair Association. She is currently the secretary of the Washington Parish Retired Teachers, and a member of the Louisiana Retired Teachers’ Association. Also, she is the president of Beta Rho Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma. She has served as State President of Kappa Kappa Iota – Eta State Louisiana, a State and National photographer and also is still serving as a substitute teacher in the Washington Parish School System.
Carolyn McElveen, Iota Chapter, Eta State/LA
Judith Goodin, Epsilon Beta Chapter, Alpha State OK
Judy has retired after teaching 37 years in the OKC Public Schools. Judy knows how to coupon, and she uses her knowledge to get extra items to give to those who are without. She belongs to a Facebook group, “Down on Your Luck” where she finds people in need and coordinates donations, or provides the items that people are needing. She has made her garage the place where she organizes and dispenses the donations to others.
Judy and her daughters help the homeless through donations to “SISU–a Homeless TeenShelter” and “the Church Under the Bridge”. She crochets hats and scarves to help keep the homeless warm. Her Epsilon Beta sisters have helped her with projects, too. We filled pill bottles with shampoo and donated other items at a meeting for the “Church Under the Bridge.” We collected socks for “Socks of Love” and books for “Little Read Wagon,” and Judy delivered them to those charities. We donated items for Christmas bags for the SISU group. Judy and her chapter sisters have donated to Passageways, as well, which is a shelter for abused women and children for many years.
Judy always has a giving project going. She has helped many organizations and individuals. Other donations of love have been given by Judy to “Jordan’s Crossing,” “Kaleo Foundation,” “Crisis Nursery,” and “Pine Box Around OKC”. Judy has taken on a retirement job of helping others. So, for all of the things she does,we, her Epsilon Beta sisters, hope you will honor Judy for her many philanthropic deeds. Judith (Judy) truly deserves to be highlighted for Making a Difference in the lives of many people.
Judith Goodin, Epsilon Beta, Alpha/OK
Teri Poreda, Zeta Eta, Alpha State Oklahoma
Teri Poreda has had a different kind of teaching career. She taught within the Tulsa Police Department and other law enforcement settings. Once she retired, Teri worked for Tulsa Public Schools in the Police Department.
Teri has served as President and Secretary of her Chapter, Zeta Eta. In addition, she has served as the Tulsa Area Council President. She has also served in all levels of the Alpha State Executive Board, including President. She has volunteered on many committees in the local, council and state level. She has also volunteered at the National Headquarters, assisting former National Director Marilyn Bridges in daily tasks, as well as in preparation for special events, such as National Convention. When she took the job as National Executive Director, she only had a “crash course” in the many duties of her position. Teri has risen to the occasion and is not only learning “on the job,” but performing her duties well.
Sue Hagan, Alpha Chapter/Upsilon State SC
Sue Hagan joined Kappa in 1992. After an invitation by long-time supporter and mentor Pete Johnston to transfer to her chapter, Sue became very active in her State. She served on many committees, worked up to State President and later ran for National Recording Secretary. She was National President during the year 2013-2014. Lately, Sue has been helping out with replacing and updating the computers at Headquarters in Tulsa. She is always willing to go to Tulsa to help.
Sue is extremely tech-savvy, working for her district for many years in that capacity. She is currently her church’s part time secretary, and is involved with Work with Women in Missions. Sue also sings in the choir.
In her community, she is a volunteer with a local food bank called Feed Berkeley. Sue also calls bingo for the Bonneau Civic Club.
Sue’s favorite past time is Traveling. In fact, “Go” is her middle name, according to her family! She is always ready for a trip and a new adventure!
Carolyn Wilkins, Zeta/Alpha Beta; Xi State FL
Carolyn has been a member of Kappa for 18 years. She joined Zeta chapter and later founded Alpha Beta after realizing a need in the community for younger teachers to have a supportive group of educators. Carolyn has been chapter president of both Zeta and Alpha Beta Chapters. She has served as State President of Xi State, as well as State Committee Chair for Philanthropy, Empathy, Scholarship, and History. Carolyn has served on national committees for those same committees.
Several years ago, she prompted the National Executive Board to consider tracking professional development in order to enable us to report on our core mission at national conventions. Through her work with Kappa, Carolyn has helped raise funds (using yard sales, raffles and sold items) for many Kappa programs while also helping to generate funds to support the philanthropic goals in the annual plans. Additionally, she organized a toy drive for local children in foster care for the last 10 years. Recently, Carolyn led Kappa groups, Zeta and Alpha Beta, to join forces and become a sponsor of Girls on the Run of the Treasure Coast.
Carolyn currently serves as Vice President of Xi State and is working on implementing a Five Star Chapter Award. She sees it as a way to motivate chapters to set and reach goals. Through these goals, Carolyn sees opportunities for more engagement.
In her community, Carolyn also is part of her local Woman’s Club, the Daughters of the American Revolution, Girls on the Run Board, and Treasure Coast Blue Star Mothers. She frequently pairs the work of one organization with another to capitalize on the philanthropic goals in common. For the DAR, she partnered with a local Assisted Living Facility to revamp their library using collected donations from the Woman’s Club, DAR and Blue Star Mothers. Carolyn was able to add approximately 500 books to the library and organize it alphabetically.
2020 Kappa Spotlight Members
Linda Reutlinger, Beta Omicron, Alpha State/OK & Kappa Guy Danny Reutlinger
Betty Craig, Zeta Eta, Alpha State/OK
Linda is serving as Chair on the National Building and Grounds Committee. Both Linda and her Kappa Guy, Danny, have worked non-stop on the grounds and it is really paying off! The Kappa Grounds are thriving and look beautiful! This husband and wife team were born with “green thumbs”!
Betty Craig is pictured below with Linda Reutlinger helping to host a State Presidents’ Dinner on the Kappa Grounds. Betty is a Master Gardener and enjoys getting “down and dirty”. She is a young 85…swims and goes to yoga class everyday!
-
- Linda Reutlinger, Beta Omicron, Alpha State/OK and Kappa Guy Danny Reutlinger
-
- Betty Craig pictured with Linda Reutlinger
-
- Betty Craig, Zeta Eta, Alpha State/OK
Cathe Kehe, Gamma Beta Chapter, Alpha State/OK
Cathe Kehe is a very creative Kappa and super hard worker! She is a regular fixture at the Kappa House…always willing to serve in any capacity…as a Butterfly Hostess for a State Presidents’ Dinner at Kappa Headquarters (pictured below), always singing in the Kappa Choir, and serving everywhere needed! She is currently serving on the Centennial Convention Committee – approaching June 2021!
-
- Cathe Kehe, Gamma Beta Chapter, Alpha State/OK
-
- Cathe Kehe, Gamma Beta Chapter, Alpha State/OK
Ann Burnette, Alpha Chapter, Upsilon State/NC
Peggy Earl, Rho State, Omicron Chapter.