Beverly Townsend's Biennium in Photos
Baltimore Maryland N.E. Regional Conference 2015
HOMECOMING 2015
Pictured Left (From left to right): Beverly Townsend, Althea Caesar, Robyn Bunch, Maria Tucci, Erika Sebaldt, Mildred Burns, Rena Entus and Cathy Bannan Sidorenko are all smiles at the 2015 Homecoming! Pictured Right: Cathy Bannan Sidorenko and Terry Saba
October 2015 Meeting: Susan Pinker
Susan Pinker, Developmental Psychologist and author of "The Village Effect" spoke to Gamma members on the importance of Face to Face contact and how it leads to a happier life.
SUSAN PINKER is a developmental psychologist, journalist and author whose first book, The Sexual Paradox, won the American Psychological Association’s most prestigious literary prize, the William James Book Award, and was published in 17 countries. A national columnist, lecturer and broadcaster whose work has garnered many writing awards, Pinker’s ideas have been featured in the New York Times, the Times, the Guardian, the Economist, the Atlantic, Financial Times, Der Spiegel, and O, The Oprah Magazine, among other publications. She lives in Montreal.
November 2015 Meeting: Panel discussion on Early Career Educators
December 2015 Meeting: Shara Rosen
Tara Wheeler (pictured on the left) is a member of the Educational Excellence Committee. Tara hosted the December meeting. She is seen with our guest speaker, Shara Rosen, Senior Consultant at Strat Com.
Ms Rosen volunteers in Senegal. Young women cannot attend school during their menstrual cycles because they cannot afford sanitary napkins. Shara came up with the idea of reusable, washable napkins made of sturdy cotton and absorbable materials. Something so seemingly simple changes female lives. Girls can now attend school and not fall behind in their studies. Shara also helps set up mobile maternity clinics. Google Shara Rosen for more information on Sénégal Santé Mobile. Donations are always appreciated.
Ms Rosen volunteers in Senegal. Young women cannot attend school during their menstrual cycles because they cannot afford sanitary napkins. Shara came up with the idea of reusable, washable napkins made of sturdy cotton and absorbable materials. Something so seemingly simple changes female lives. Girls can now attend school and not fall behind in their studies. Shara also helps set up mobile maternity clinics. Google Shara Rosen for more information on Sénégal Santé Mobile. Donations are always appreciated.
January Luncheon with Dr. Mildred Burns, Parliamentarian Emeritus
Since we did not have a January meeting for the first time in years, some Gamma Province members decided to warm up the winter by celebrating with Dr. Mildred Burns, our mentor.
Those in attendance were: Mindy Spiegel, Linda Blackwell-Phelan, Beverly Townsend, Anne Marie Gitto Laurin, Erika Sebaldt
Those in attendance were: Mindy Spiegel, Linda Blackwell-Phelan, Beverly Townsend, Anne Marie Gitto Laurin, Erika Sebaldt
February 2016 Meeting: Sylvie Bastien-Doss
Gamma Chapter member, Sylvie Bastien-Doss, presented the following topic: Create the most positive workplace ever in your school, college or university
School administrators, teachers and educational personnel often face overwhelming and challenging interpersonal experiences with colleagues, staff members, or parents. DISC® is a powerful approach which helps educators discover more about themselves, better understand adults they work with, and adapt their communication style to improve their relationships. A life changing session!
Sylvie (left) is seen with Rose Szasz, our resident artist, a talented potter and watercolourist. Sylvie displays Rose's beautifully crafted gold-gilt bowl.
School administrators, teachers and educational personnel often face overwhelming and challenging interpersonal experiences with colleagues, staff members, or parents. DISC® is a powerful approach which helps educators discover more about themselves, better understand adults they work with, and adapt their communication style to improve their relationships. A life changing session!
Sylvie (left) is seen with Rose Szasz, our resident artist, a talented potter and watercolourist. Sylvie displays Rose's beautifully crafted gold-gilt bowl.
Four of our seven applicants for the World Fellowship Scholarship were able to share dinner with our members and listen to our guest speaker, Sylvie Bastien.
From left to right in the photo are: Rebecca Paisley (England), a doctoral student in Earth and Planetary Science researching volcanoes; Yaxi Zhao (China), a Masters student in Educational and Counselling Psychology researching polices to curb student gambling; Barb Angus, Chair of the Scholarship Committee; Kyeo-Re Han (South Korea), a Masters student in Earth and Planetary Science researching the impact of glaciers on land and sea levels; and
Ipek Mehmetoglu (Turkey), a doctoral student in Architecture researching the relationship between early twentieth century art, architecture and the everyday lives and spaces of women.
Two McGill University students were awarded the prestigious World Fellowship Scholarship prize this year: Yaxi Zhao (pictured above) and Shohreh Shaghaghian from Iran who is studying for her Doctorate in electrical engineering, specifically in computer networking.
From left to right in the photo are: Rebecca Paisley (England), a doctoral student in Earth and Planetary Science researching volcanoes; Yaxi Zhao (China), a Masters student in Educational and Counselling Psychology researching polices to curb student gambling; Barb Angus, Chair of the Scholarship Committee; Kyeo-Re Han (South Korea), a Masters student in Earth and Planetary Science researching the impact of glaciers on land and sea levels; and
Ipek Mehmetoglu (Turkey), a doctoral student in Architecture researching the relationship between early twentieth century art, architecture and the everyday lives and spaces of women.
Two McGill University students were awarded the prestigious World Fellowship Scholarship prize this year: Yaxi Zhao (pictured above) and Shohreh Shaghaghian from Iran who is studying for her Doctorate in electrical engineering, specifically in computer networking.
March 2016 Meeting: Linda Bond on
Research on Reading and Spelling Development
About Linda Bond:
"I attended McGill University where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education as an Elementary Generalist.
I started my teaching career at Howard S Billings High School (NFSB), working with students with learning disabilities in Grades 7 and 8. While I enjoyed the experience, I truly wanted to work at the elementary level. I transferred to a special needs class at St. Willibrord, (NFSB) where I spent 6 years teaching in the Senior Learning Center.
During my time in the Learning Centre I enrolled in Graduate studies at Concordia University in the Child Studies Program. My focus was specifically in reading development.
I continue to work with my thesis advisor, Dr. Sandra Martin-Chang, in research on reading and I am a member of the Society for Scientific Research of Reading.
I am currently teaching a grade 1-2 class at Gault Institute in Valleyfield where I recently launched a reading homework program as a means of increasing reading scores amongst our student population. "
Linda spoke to us on the effects of contextual reading and feedback on orthographic development which is the topic for her master's thesis. Her study was based on 25 participants in grade 2 with the mean age of seven. Her conclusion is that students need three areas to improve their reading skills: phonology (sound), orthography (print) and semantics (meaning). A repetition of these three components led to more success in reading skills.
"I attended McGill University where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education as an Elementary Generalist.
I started my teaching career at Howard S Billings High School (NFSB), working with students with learning disabilities in Grades 7 and 8. While I enjoyed the experience, I truly wanted to work at the elementary level. I transferred to a special needs class at St. Willibrord, (NFSB) where I spent 6 years teaching in the Senior Learning Center.
During my time in the Learning Centre I enrolled in Graduate studies at Concordia University in the Child Studies Program. My focus was specifically in reading development.
I continue to work with my thesis advisor, Dr. Sandra Martin-Chang, in research on reading and I am a member of the Society for Scientific Research of Reading.
I am currently teaching a grade 1-2 class at Gault Institute in Valleyfield where I recently launched a reading homework program as a means of increasing reading scores amongst our student population. "
Linda spoke to us on the effects of contextual reading and feedback on orthographic development which is the topic for her master's thesis. Her study was based on 25 participants in grade 2 with the mean age of seven. Her conclusion is that students need three areas to improve their reading skills: phonology (sound), orthography (print) and semantics (meaning). A repetition of these three components led to more success in reading skills.
April Meeting: Evadne Anderson
Evadne Anderson spoke to Gamma Quebec members on Buddhism Meets the Goal of Global Awareness at the Coach House at McGill University.
Prof. Anderson gave a brief history of the branch of Buddhism that she follows, and explained how the daily rituals of this practice enriches her relationships with family, friends and the world.
Prof. Anderson gave a brief history of the branch of Buddhism that she follows, and explained how the daily rituals of this practice enriches her relationships with family, friends and the world.
May Annual General Meeting and Convention 2016
NOTE: A caption will appear when you click on the photos below:
Honouring Adult Education Award Winners:
Marymount AdEd Award: Jennifer Campbell, Amanda Campeau, Tiffany Redding and Laura Tiffany.
DKG 2016 INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION IN NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
Summer in the City
It was a busy summer for many of our members. Click on the photos to hear their stories
HOMECOMING SEPTEMBER 2016
It was a lovely summer evening at Judy Szamosi's home on September 13th. Beverly Townsend conducted the meeting outdoors. We had six new guests attend the meeting, and we initiated a new member, Ardis Root.
October 8, 2016
We celebrated Marianne Davis's 100th Birthday Party!
Marianne is a Founding Member of Gamma Quebec Since 1956
October 17, 2016
We celebrated Dr. Mildred Burns' 95th Birthday
For more information on the plaque presented to Mildred, go to http://thebigbluehug.com/collections/glass-art/Glass-Art
OCTOBER 20th DKG MEETING:
Dr. Sheryl Smith-Gilman
OCTOBER 20, 2016
INITIATION OF CAROLINE DEROME
NOVEMBER 21, 2016 MEETING
Phyllis's Birthday Party at the Homestyle Restaurant
Program Development Committee (PDC) at Work
Pictured above from Left to Right, Standing: Beverly Townsend, President; Frema Engel, Chair of PDC; Barb Angus, Caroline Derome
Sitting, Left to Right: Sylvie Bastien-Doss and Dianea Carroll-Phillips
Members not present: Tara Wheeler and Ardis Root
Sitting, Left to Right: Sylvie Bastien-Doss and Dianea Carroll-Phillips
Members not present: Tara Wheeler and Ardis Root
Toy Tea at Tudor Hall in Ogilvie's
Your Executive Committee at Work and Play
Montreal Council of Women's Woman of the Year Award
December 8, 2016
This year's theme for WOTY was on suicide prevention. This year's award went to Dr. Seguin, a specialist in this field.
Celebration for Marianne Davis's 100th Birthday and
DKG Quebec 60th Anniversary
December 13, 2016
Celebrating our DKG Quebec 60th Anniversary
February 2017 Meeting
The students from Giant Steps, a school for autistic children, made a St. Valentine's Day table cloth decorated with their handprints, hearts and butterflies as well as a poste and red desserts to celebrate the occasion and to show their appreciation for the donation given to them by members of DKG Quebec.
|
Five of the seven students short-listed for nomination to the World Fellowship Award accepted our invitation to join us this evening. They are from left to right: Meghar Kumar from India, Doctorate in Urban Planning, Urban transport needs and priorities and concerns of the urban poor; Mina Anadolu from Turkey, Doctorate in neuroscience, Molecular underpinnings of autism in the developing brain; Gabrielle Bertier, from France, Doctorate in Human Genomics, The use of genomic data for the benefit of patients; Sharleen Gomes from India, Master's in Rehabilitation Science, Orthopedic Physiotherapy to improve the walking mechanism following hip replacement; and Ibukunoluwa Adekoya from Nigeria, Master's in Counselling Psychology, Career development experiences of immigrant women from African countries.
Barb Angus, Chair of the Scholarships Committee, is pictured left of the women, and our President, Beverly Townsend, is on the extreme right. |
March 21, 2017 Meeting: Kate Author
Kate Arthur is from Kid Code Jeunesse, and teaches children to write codes for computer programming as early at 6-7 years old with a program called Scratch Junior. By the time they are 9-11 they are encouraged to create their own apps. It was a very interesting meeting for the more "mature" members, who found it mind-boggling to say the least, and very exciting for the younger generation who grew up with computers as an extension of their fingertips.
Kate pointed out that jobs seekers in the future will need to have an extensive knowledge of programming skills as most of our appliances, cars, and most household items will be run by computers, and their maintenance and repairs will be made by technicians who are savvy in that field. It was an interesting glimpse into the future, and Kate Arthur showed us how to get there.
Kate pointed out that jobs seekers in the future will need to have an extensive knowledge of programming skills as most of our appliances, cars, and most household items will be run by computers, and their maintenance and repairs will be made by technicians who are savvy in that field. It was an interesting glimpse into the future, and Kate Arthur showed us how to get there.
MARCH 2017 : DORIS LECKIE'S 100TH BIRTHDAY PARTY
Beryl Ball, Phyllis Bennett and I had the pleasure of attending the 100th birthday of Doris Leckie on March 26th at St. John the Baptist Church in Pointe Claire. Doris, a longtime member of DKG, moved last year to California to live with her daughter Annie and her family.
For this celebration, the extended family all returned to Quebec to help Doris truly enjoy this memorable event. And what an afternoon it was as Doris greeted over a hundred well-wishers in the church hall! Being a hundred she was honoured to be able to meet and greet everyone as she sat in the Bishop’s tapestry covered chair. I believe this is the first time that it was ever used for such an event! Valerie Delacretaz, Gamma Chapter, DKG Quebec |
|
APRIL 2017
2017 World Fellowship Award Winner Leanne de Kock
A few comments about winning the award:
I am currently in my 4th year of my PhD studies at McGill University and I am approaching the final stages of my research, which is centred on the genetics of a rare, paediatric cancer predisposition syndrome. I feel incredibly honoured to have been selected as a recipient of the DKG World Fellowship and I would like to convey my sincerest appreciation to the Society for their recognition. Winning the fellowship will afford me financial security for the remainder of my PhD as it will subsidise my tuition costs and in so doing, will allow me to focus more fully on my research and the compiling of my thesis. It is a vote of confidence that has given me extra motivation to persevere and work towards achieving my research and career goals. Thank you, DKG Society international and DKG Quebec for the honour!
Best wishes,
Leanne de Kock
I am currently in my 4th year of my PhD studies at McGill University and I am approaching the final stages of my research, which is centred on the genetics of a rare, paediatric cancer predisposition syndrome. I feel incredibly honoured to have been selected as a recipient of the DKG World Fellowship and I would like to convey my sincerest appreciation to the Society for their recognition. Winning the fellowship will afford me financial security for the remainder of my PhD as it will subsidise my tuition costs and in so doing, will allow me to focus more fully on my research and the compiling of my thesis. It is a vote of confidence that has given me extra motivation to persevere and work towards achieving my research and career goals. Thank you, DKG Society international and DKG Quebec for the honour!
Best wishes,
Leanne de Kock
April 19, 2017 McGill University Reward Reception
The McGill University Awards Reception is held annually to recognize the various scholarship and awards winners and their donors in the field of Education. DKG Quebec supports two scholarships: the first is Dr. Mildred Burns Award for excellence in leadership. It is awarded to an outstanding student in leadership studies at the graduate level; the second is the Sarah Paltiel Scholarship given to an outstanding undergraduate student in their first year of study in the field of education. Unfortunately, our Sarah Paltiel award winner, Emily Mennard, was unable to attend. She sent a letter of apology to DKG Quebec with great appreciation for the award. A more eligible version will be included in The Gamma Gamut.
April 24, 2017 Bev Townsend's Last General Meeting
Last night's meeting was my last general meeting of my presidency and it was indeed memorable.
Thanks to the members of the Hospitality Committee - Robyn, Daniella, Maureen & Mona - under the leadership of Hugette Drouin, who successfully catered for 26 attendees although only 20 were expected.
Also, due to the unexpected absence of our scheduled guest speaker, one of our guests, Iris Erdile from Giant Steps "stepped up to the plate" and carried us through some relaxation exercises she uses with her students. She became an effective substitute teacher. Little would she know that this morning, at 8:00 a.m. when I visited Betty Constant's class at Coronation School, the exercises which she taught us were used to prepare the class to begin their day's activities.
We were fortunate to have a 'bevy' of returning guests and members who we have not seen for awhile which made for very warm animated exchanges.
With her initiation last night, we welcome Susan Strunc, a Lindsay Place music teacher, as our newest DKG Quebec member. Also present, were four (4) prospective members whose initiation will take place at the May 6 Convention & AGM.
Thank you to all those who were present
Bev Townsend, President
DKG Quebec
April 24 Initiation of Susan Stunc, our newest member
Susan Stunc, a teacher at Lindsay Place High School, was initiated on April 24th. It is always a moving ceremony, very solemn and poignant Three tall candles represent the three pillars of our society: Friendship, Helpfulness and Loyalty. By lighting the smaller candle from one of the three lit flames, the initiate signifies her willingness to accept DKG values.
MAY 2016
We held our May Convention and Annual General Meeting on May 6th.
Although we got off to a shaky start, due to unexpected rising waters that flooded our original site, Bev Townsend saved the day by finding a last minute replacement site,
It was a fun-filled and very emotional day as we bade a final farewell to Marianne Davis, with her great-nephew, David Morgan, in attendance. We also shed many tears as we listened to Cheli Nighttraveller speak about the aftermath of the Residential Schools across Canada and the lasting devastation that will take many generations to overcome the emotional scars.
It was also a very heart-warming day, as we initiated four new members: Betty and Mimose Constant, Nathalie Malhamé and Tracy Woodward. We also had a warm greeting from our good friend from Germany, Merika Heimbach, who brought us good wishes and a candle of friendship. Merika's good friend, Anne Bailey from Plattsburg, N.Y. was also in attendance with promises to keep a closer cross-border relationship with DKG Quebec.
Evelyn Barron, former International DKG President (2000-2002), brought us tidings from DKG International in Austin, Texas, and congratulations on our 60th anniversary.
We had a number of good friends join us including Elena Mirga, former President (1999-2001) and members of the staff from Coronation School, and other institutions, including Sir Wilfred Laurier School Board and McGill University (see photos below for details).
Vicky Vriniotis and I did our best to capture the day in photos. We hope you enjoy!
- Anne Marie Gitto Laurin, Webmaster
Although we got off to a shaky start, due to unexpected rising waters that flooded our original site, Bev Townsend saved the day by finding a last minute replacement site,
It was a fun-filled and very emotional day as we bade a final farewell to Marianne Davis, with her great-nephew, David Morgan, in attendance. We also shed many tears as we listened to Cheli Nighttraveller speak about the aftermath of the Residential Schools across Canada and the lasting devastation that will take many generations to overcome the emotional scars.
It was also a very heart-warming day, as we initiated four new members: Betty and Mimose Constant, Nathalie Malhamé and Tracy Woodward. We also had a warm greeting from our good friend from Germany, Merika Heimbach, who brought us good wishes and a candle of friendship. Merika's good friend, Anne Bailey from Plattsburg, N.Y. was also in attendance with promises to keep a closer cross-border relationship with DKG Quebec.
Evelyn Barron, former International DKG President (2000-2002), brought us tidings from DKG International in Austin, Texas, and congratulations on our 60th anniversary.
We had a number of good friends join us including Elena Mirga, former President (1999-2001) and members of the staff from Coronation School, and other institutions, including Sir Wilfred Laurier School Board and McGill University (see photos below for details).
Vicky Vriniotis and I did our best to capture the day in photos. We hope you enjoy!
- Anne Marie Gitto Laurin, Webmaster
May 7, 2017 Evelyn Barron Takes A Tour of Montreal
PDC (Program Development Community) at Work and Play
It looks like all play, but the PDC, made up of veteran members and new members, is a dynamic, industrious group, working toward bringing fresh ideas to market the DKG brand to attract educational professionals at all levels, while maintaining our traditions. Any member of DKG Quebec, with or without guests, is welcome to join us at our next meeting in September. Details to follow.