MN Essay_October_ 2017

Issue 3 of 9 October 2017


Minnesota


ESSAY—October 2017











Don’t forget to: President—Sandy Hongerholt


Happy Fall! inspired and bring the ideas think someone would need to
• Contact Alpha Zeta to Or, maybe not. Can you believe you learned back to your chap-
sign up for meals at the 90-degree days we have ters. Membership is very im- see that might make them
want to join us. You just need
Hope 4 Youth had in mid-September? portant and we all need to do to make sure you use
I guess it's nice to prolong the our part if we want ESA to be #MinnesotaESARocks on
• Bring friends to play inevitable as long as possible. around for the next genera- anything you post. I know
Bunco on 10/7 tions. ESA has not had net some of you don't use Face-
Following is a message from growth in the last 10 years. book. If you make sure you
Sandy Alexander, IC President: BUT, Minnesota ESA has had include your (3) initials on
• Bring friends to a As you know the states of Tex- Net Growth. Yea us! your rocks we can pass any
Wine Tasting / Silent as and Florida were hit hard by contact information on to you.
Auction on 10/28 hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Part of our day was spent paint- If this is confusing let me
ing rocks. This has become a
Please keep these ESA Fami- very popular activity. It's a fun know and I will be happy to
• Attend the Member- lies in your thoughts and pray- way to spread kindness and in help you.
ship Meeting on 11/11 ers. I know there are many or- ESA we are going to paint Thank you Sandy Dolence
ganizations that are requesting rocks to let others know who for planning the Family picnic
money to help these victims. we are and, hopefully, we will in September and to the 30
• Make reservations for The ESA Disaster Fund has find a few new members. You members and family that
the annual St. Jude had many requests for assis- take your painted rocks and braved the cool weather. The
Style Show / Silent tance. The IC Executive Board leave them in places for others food was delicious and it was
Auction is asking for your donations to to find. I'm starting a Facebook fun visiting with everyone. My
the fund now so that we can group called store-bought dessert didn't
assist these ESA members in
• Save the date for the need directly. If your state has #MinnesotaESARocks. From even make it to the judging.
MN State Convention a fund raiser or donates, would what I've been told, if you put This month I am looking for-
this name along with the
you please consider sending hashtag on the rock, the person ward to attending MARC in
Inside this issue: your donations in now for some finding the rock should have no Detroit. It sounds like Michi-
gan ESA has a fun time
immediate relief. These dona-
tions are greatly appreciated problem finding us on Face- planned for us. I believe we
book. You could also put the
2nd VP (continued), 2 and just to let you know the website and/or your initials. If have around 9 members
Association of Arts states of Texas and Florida they aren't on Facebook, hope- making the trip from Minne-
have held some special events sota.
Chaplain, ESA Founda- 3 to raise funds also. Please help fully they will know someone Check the calendar for all the
tion, Hope 4 Youth if you can. Thank you. who is. The group will have state and chapter functions
information about ESA along
St. Jude, Miss Tilly 4 Minnesota Leadership is over with the website. Feel free to coming up. I will attend as
Chapter News 5-6 by the time you read this and I post about ESA, what it means many as I can and hope to
hope those in attendance were to you and anything else you see you all at one or more of
Bunco Party 7 these events.
2nd Vice President—Dennis Marler
Wine Tasting/Auction 8
Membership Meeting 9 We are amazing! Minnesota At the St. Jude walk, the regis- smiles). Thank you, ESA
Style Show Sign-Up 10 ESA members, their families tration tables were staffed al- volunteers, walkers and run-
and friends helped make the St. most exclusively by ESA mem- ners, (there may have been
MN ESA Convention 11 Jude Walk/Run to End Child- bers. Well over a thousand runners, but they were long
hood Cancer at U.S. Bank Sta- runners and walkers were pro- gone by the time I finished),
dium and the Hope 4 Youth cessed with only a few grumpy for helping the Kids of St.
Darkest Night of Your Life 4K at faces (on their side of the ta- Jude.
the Bunker Hills Golf Club, bles, not ours – we were all
huge successes. The H4Y Darkest Night 4K

ESSAY—October 2017




2nd Vice President—continued


walk was also wonderful. Al- less on a rainy night. A nice, and Herman. Thank you for sheet explaining the re-
th
pha Zeta received a last- unintended consequence. spending part of your 57 port. Jen has added the
minute request to complete wedding anniversary with us. cover sheet to the Minne-
500 luminaries and place Thank you to everyone who sota website. She has also
them around the course to attended the Minnesota ESA Thank you Birdie, for sharing added the IC judging form
light the way. So, what was State Social Picnic at Bassett your thoughts at the August to our website. It shows
supposed to be a nice, lei- Creek Park. Thirty hardy state meeting, on making a what the judges are look-
surely walk for the AZ mem- northerners braved 50-degree winning chapter educational. ing for in a great chapter
bers turned into a crash-and- temperatures and gusty winds We learned six reports are educational. Please con-
burn crisis. Of course, they to enjoy our “Minnesota sum- needed during the year to sider putting your chap-
came through. Thank you, mer” picnic. We all enjoyed complete the educational ter’s amazing ideas into a
Alpha Zeta. During the walk warm food and great conver- requirement. The completed chapter educational.
when the golf course sprin- sation. Thank you, Sandy D educational must be in paper
klers turned on, the shock of and Gamma Omega, for be- form, in a binder no thicker What a month! We are
being soaked quickly turned ing excellent hosts. And a than two inches, and each amazing!
to thoughts of being home- special thank you to Shirley report must include a cover
Association of Arts—Jackie Swanson


with coasters? I know we are
You are creative. You what to do next, you can going to have a great time
have a creative self listen to your heart and finding our inner artist!
within that wants to let God and the universe
play; wants to be let guide you. REMEMBER THE WAITING
loose, wants to create. LIST: If you are still interested
Set that part of you Creativity is the inherent in the MMC or AGC classes,
free! Let yourself play – nature of the world, the put your names on the waiting
with life, with work, with universe. The universe list.... Life Happens and a
projects. creates. And the universe person who originally signed
needs your help in creat-
Make a list of all the ing. Creating brings you up may not be able to attend!
negative things you into harmony with the uni- These classes are being of-
believe about your cre- verse, God, yourself, and fered for your enjoyment and
ative abilities – what the rhythm of life.” creative pleasure (with the
you think, what you’ve side bonus of supporting one
been told, and what UPDATE on ART SESSIONS! of our state philanthropic pro-
you tell yourself. Then jects). My hope is that those
burn it. Now make a Sat OCT 21 MIXED MEDIA not participating in a class
new list of all the things COLLAGE - FULL realize the universe (and your
that are true, or that Thu NOV 30 ACCORDION Association of the Arts chair ;-
IN Association of the Arts! you believe could be GREETING CARDS - FULL D) needs your help in creating
true or that you want to and that you will continue to
Hard to believe we’re into be true. Let go of all the Sat FEB 10 HAND-FELTED find your Inner Artist using the
October already! This month blocks. Write down that COASTERS – TWO (2) SPOTS means, vehicle, channel,
I’d like to share an excerpt you are creative, that AVAILABLE mode, method, way or form of
from Melody Beattie’s Jour- you can create, and your choice. Keep CALM and
ney to the Heart about that you’re connected Thank you to all who signed up CREATE on!
‘creativity’: to the creative force of for the Mixed Media Collage
“Allow your creativity to the universe. AND Accordion Greeting Cards All proceeds for AA Art
Art Sessions/MACMH Fundrais-
Sessions this year will go
blossom. For too long When you find your ers. These 2 CLASSES are to MACMH, the Minnesota
you have held back. connection to creativity, now FULL! Association for Children’s
For too long you have the entire universe will Mental Health. LET YOUR
limited your natural come alive for you. It TWO SPOTS AVAILABLE. CREATIVITY BLOSSOM
creative leanings and will help you, guide There are still two spots availa- FOR MACMH!
talents. Maybe some- you, and inspire you. ble in the HAND-FELTED
one told you you could- You will find yourself COASTERS class so if you Please RSVP to Jackie
n’t create or being crea- imagining something, have even the slightest inclina- Swanson no later than 1
tive wasn’t worthwhile. then being lead right tion, be adventurous and sign week prior at jacqueof-
Maybe you started tell- down a path that will up! Once you know how to felt, [email protected] or 952-
ing yourself that. help you create it. you can experiment, branch out 220-4836.
When you don’t know and try a larger piece. Why stop
Page 2

Issue 3 of 9



Chaplain—Dorothy Wangen



Greetings - Keep Calm - Stay Memorial Hospital on Saturday today. These little acts of
Healthy - Our thoughts and evening. kindness can cheer
prayers go out to Shirley Nor- someone.
ton's family and her Alpha Thoughts for all of us: Don't
Lambda Chapter on passing wait too long to make amends, Stay Healthy everyone.
September 18, 2017. Also, might be too late, and what a
prayers for Sandy Dolence tragedy to live one's life and
who was admitted to North lose one's soul - make amends

ESA Foundation—Karla Kay Nicklaus


Najaha Musse from Minneap- and I will forward. If you are
olis and Danielle Tran from not a member of the Foun-
Plymouth and the Parr Family dation, now is the time to
Scholarship – Ashley Ra- join – $25.00.
Beginning October 1, 2017, Minnesota residents. Ques- minex from Hammond, IN.
students can begin applying tions call me at 612-724- Thanks for your support of
for the ESA scholarships for 6712. Minnesota will be Just a reminder, annual dues the ESA Foundation and
the 2018-2019 year. Go to awarding two $1000 scholar- are due March 1, 2018. Dues the Minnesota State Foun-
www.epsilonsigmaalpha.org. ships and the Parr Family will may be paid on-line or by dation Scholarship.
award one at $700. mailing in the form with your
Click on scholarships/grants check to ESA Foundation
and select state – Minnesota. Winners of the Minnesota Headquarters, 363 West
The student will view all State Foundation Scholar- Drake Road, Fort Collins CO
scholarships available for ships ($1,000 each) were 80526 or you can send to me


Hope 4 Youth—Alpha Zeta



Meal Service: SURPRISE, SURPRISE, pated in The Darkest Night of phone 651-335-1168 or
Oct 3 will be served by a SURPRISE! I was contacted Your Life 4K - Saturday, Sept email KelLizMNe-
committee of members from by HOPE 4 Youth a little over 23rd at Bunker Hills Golf [email protected] If we have
various chapters.We still have 1 week before their 4K event Club, Coon Rapids. Team more than 6 others wanting
Nov 7, Dec 5, Jan 2, Feb 6, to see what time we were all ESA MN, consisting of 12 to attend, we will draw
and Mar 6 all open. Please showing up to light the path- team members almost names. Country music
keep in mind if your chapter way with the luminaries. To reached their goal of $500 by singer/songwriter Jimmy
isn’t able to provide a meal, say I was SHOCKED by this raising $455. Nice job, team!!! Wayne will be the guest
but you would like to, a com- question is an understate- speaker/performer. He has
mittee of members from other ment! Turns out, when H4Y Upcoming events: an inspiring story to tell as
chapters can come together contacted me months ago Carnival of HOPE Gala - he was a homeless child
to serve. We do not have to with questions regarding how Saturday, Oct 7 at 5:30p So- growing up who aged out of
keep it within a chapter. So we did the luminaries last cial, Dinner 7p - Minneapolis the foster system. Please
far it has worked out well with year, because they “had a Marriott NW, Brooklyn Park. visit JimmyWayne.com for
H4Y being contacted a few group to do them this year” We will be sponsoring a table his story. For more infor-
days before our date to in- meant they had someone to at this event with some of our mation about Carnival 4
quire on the number of youth decorate the bags ONLY. Labcorp/Medtox funds. This is Hope visit
we should plan to serve. I will Yikes!!! Given such short no- a great way to get ESA expo-
also inform the chapters what tice, we managed to pool a sure. I will be attending as the
is being served that week, as group together to get the job State philanthropic chair and
long as others serving meals done. ESA members are Sandy Hongerholt will be join-
provide their information, so awesome! ing me as our State Presi-
that the chapters can try to dent. If anyone wishes to at-
plan something different. Thank you to all who partici- tend, please contact me via HOPE4YouthMN.org/Gala.





Page 3

ESSAY—October 2017



St. Jude—Kelly Check and Betty Robinson



Thank you to those who vol- $7,500.00…we actually to show potential new apolis this event is in
unteered at the St Jude Fall raised $7,535.00. Nice job ESA member the fun that conjunction with the Su-
Festival of Hope on Tuesday, everyone! we have while support per Bowl. Bringing to-
September 19th. The event great causes. gether sports legends,
celebrities and business
 34th Annual St Jude leaders to support St
Style Show - Saturday, Jude and to present the
Pat Summerall Award.
Nov 18 at Sheraton Min-
neapolis West. For more More information to fol-
information see the flyer low, or visit https://
in the October Essay or www.stjude.org/get-
our website at involved/find-an-event/
dinners-and-galas/
www.mnessa.com/events
legends-for-charity-
benefit-dinner.html
 K102 Cares for St
Jude Kids Radio-thon -
December - iHeart Media
Studios - Minneapolis
more information to fol-
low.
 St Jude Memphis
Marathon - Saturday,
Dec 2 - Memphis, TN for
more information visit
https://www.stjude.org/
get-involved/at-play/
raised over $290,000 of Upcoming events: fitness-for-st-jude/
which ESA MN will get credit memphis-marathon.html
for a portion due to members  Bunco for St Jude
volunteering. (hosted by Alpha Zeta) -  St Jude Red Carpet for
Saturday, Oct 7 at 1p-4p Hope - Sunday, Jan 7,
Thank you to those who at- Cedric’s Landing Com- 2018 at 5:30p Social,
tended the St Jude Walk to munity Room 5680 Had- Dinner 7p - The Depot
End Childhood Cancer on ley Ave N, Oakdale. For Minneapolis for more
Saturday, September 23rd. more information see the information visit
The event raised over flyer in the October Es- StJude.org/
$185,000.00 of which ESA say or the MN ESA Face- RedCarpetforHope
MN will get full credit for due book page. This is a
to our involvement. Team fundraiser/friend-raiser.  St Jude Legends for
ESA MN was able to reach This will be fun afternoon Charity - Feb 1, 2018 -
their fundraising goal of and a great opportunity Hyatt Regency - Minne-



I was looking over some old paperwork I have and thought it would be good for a review. How’s our eti-
quette?
The number one thing we should do is put a smile on our face. Number two is to choose our attitude. If you
want happiness, be happy and spread the joy. Be friendly. Be respectful. When asked a question, be gra-
cious and answer in a pleasant manner. This also applies when we talk with another person. How are we
acting – what are new members seeing. Do they want to join or are they becoming turned off?
Listening is important. In chapter meetings – everyone should voice an opinion. How about disagreements
– do you talk it out or shout it out (that’s for your use in your laundry). Can you agree to disagree?
When members are looking for an answer regarding an issue and leave a message on your phone, do you
have the courtesy to return the call.
Emotions are part of communication. When they are blocked, repressed, or misunderstood, they lead to
miscommunication. When they are expressed and understood, they can lead to effective communication.
Encourage one another. Count your blessings every day and thank the Lord for them.
Page 4

Issue 3 of 9






CHAPTER NEWS







Alpha Chi—Kathy Rice


Alpha Chi had their first meet- thropic, Nora Meyers - towels to be given away to Kathy brought up Ways and
ing on Saturday, September Educational, Kathleen Konrad where they are needed the Means projects. We do not do
9th, at the home of Kathleen – Parliamentarian and Cou- most. Gloria did an outstand- craft shows anymore so in
Konrad and, of course, she pon Coordinator, Jo Palmer – ing job putting together the October we will have a bogus
served lots of goodies for us Jonquil, Pat Peterson – So- Philanthropic worksheets in boutique when each of us
to enjoy. Our new officers are cial, Colleen Riley – Commu- file folders for each of us. This donates $25 each to our chap-
Joane Buche – President, nications, Kathy Rice – Essay will be much easier for us to ter treasury.
Sue Todd-Vice President and and Ways and Means. keep track of everything we
Treasurer, Kathy Lamphere – have to report.
Secretary, Phyllis Frascone Phyllis had requested that we
and Gloria Iverson – Philan- bring school supplies and

Alpha Sigma—Birdie Elkofska




Diane and Donald Vanusek to some leg issues, to partici- Birdie Elkofska has loved the 2nd weekend of October.
have been back a week from pate in the Hope for Youth warm ending of summer. But Sure hope Minnesota has a
taking their annual fishing trip and St. Jude walks. I am sure I love it at 80 and then here it lot of attendees. They are
to northern Minnesota. Rainy they were lots of fun. is Sept. 25, and down 20 de- educational and fun. It is nice
and cool, but ok. It was good grees and weather in the to be with a group of likemind-
to be where silence is broken Rose Bitter sure enjoyed the 60's. We take what we get but ed people from ESA who you
by the rustling trees, and state social picnic. It was a I have pulled the sweaters have time and opportunity to
loved the lovely, haunting call blast, and a nice opportunity and sweat shirts out now. get to know and to renew
of the loons on Crooked Lake to visit with friends old and those you have met at past
(Finland, Mn.) as the very new. Thanks to Sandy Do- I have been collecting St. Conferences. This is a big
early dawn is breaking. lence for hosting the event! Jude Style Show and Silent part of ESA.... take it all in.
Beautiful! Been loving the fall We've been steadily working Auction donations. If you
garden produce for suppers. on the St. Jude auction that's have some new or almost Minnesota ESA is sure start-
coming up on Saturday, No- new items that are just sitting ing out with a bang (the Fami-
Shirley Laue says it is hard to vember 18. Hoping to have on a shelf, if you are trying ly Picnic), and then end of this
believe yet another summer is lots of nice items for auction. the thin those type of items month a well-planned out
gone. It was very busy with out of your life........ CALL Leadership. Oh yah, wine
working-more than I wanted. Shirley McGowan got back Birdie (952) 938-3020 and we tasting and a Bunco event are
In between working, mowing from a Lovely 1-week Carni- can arrange a pickup or deliv- coming in also. Please sup-
the lawn more often because val Eastern Caribbean Cruise. ery. Alpha Sigma loves to put port these events and bring
of all the rain, and taking care So Very Happy to have got- together items and we want to guests so Minnesota ESA can
of the gardens, I have been ten back safely before all the thank ALL of YOU who have grow and continue to be the
trying to get my house paint- hurricanes hit. Spent the day contributed to the Silent Auc- great organization we all
ed. I can only do as far up as in Duluth yesterday. Took the tion for the last 34 years. LOVE!
the ladder reaches. We will train from the Depot to Two
rent a 'cherry picker' to do the Harbors and back. A week The MARC Conference in
top. Sorry I was not able, due too early for seeing the color- Dearborn, Michigan is coming
ful fall leaves. up real soon ... always the








Page 5

ESSAY—October 2017



Beta Sigma—Linda Schultz



Be full of bright ideas Then down to business: Mar- As I listened to a listing from
Pulse with excitement cie had a full agenda for us each Beta Sigma Firefly of the
Have a healthy glow for this first meeting. We are organizations and ways he or
Delight in summer evenings going to be a very busy com- she contributes to the well-
Keep a childlike sense of munity of Fireflies this ESA being of our greater world, it
wonder year. was amazing...30+! Experi-
Set a shining example ences!
Lighten up! All of us were pleased to
learn the amount of money Our Fireflies will once again
we held in our treasury and give time and energy, fueled
the things accomplished this by love, to go to Feed My
After calling the Beta Sigma past year. We continue to Starving Children in February.
Saturday September 8th [email protected]; or, call support the MN Love Fund Further information will be
meeting to order at 10:00 me at 612-227-2183. and the IC Disaster Fund forthcoming and if you want to
a.m., the above “call to arms” The meeting was at the Com- each month by our contribu- join us, the website for FMSC
was given to all of us by our munity Room where I current- tions, as well as a successful will register you.
new president, Marcie Haigh. ly reside. It worked out so well offering of raffle items donat-
She asked each of us to tell and was so easily accessible ed by our own Fireflies. In I just realized that I could go
one bright idea or thing which that Beta Sigma may have November, we will participate on for some time about the
“made us glow.” That was future meetings here. once again in the Bake & busy Firefly schedule, but I am
harder than it sounds; but, it Craft Sale at Mary Mother of going to save some things for
was fun to hear how everyone Kay Fogarty brought wonder- the Church, the proceeds of the next EsSAy.
responded. How would you ful offerings of food, juice, which will go to MACMH. Al-
respond? I would love to hear and coffee and as usual so, Jackie Swanson is offer- As I write this, Eileen Spencer
from you with your answer to made us all happy with good ing three art sessions, which and Judy Searles are traveling
such a provocative question. Saturday morning eats. proceeds will go to the same abroad; more to follow about
E-mail me at: organization. that (I am promised).


Gamma Omega—MCMHA Fundraiser


Gamma Omega is hosting Health) on Saturday, No experience required.
an all occasion greeting December 2, 2017 at the Keep for yourself or give as
card stamping event for Hopkins Elks Lodge, 30 8th a gift. Space will be limited.
MACMH (Minnesota Associ- Ave S, Hopkins, MN 55343. Registration information to
ation for Children's Mental Time is 10:00am-2:00pm. follow.

Gamma Zeta—Dorothy Wangen


Gamma Zeta had our monthly be ready to work at 7AM. ley Ball games for her grand- still busy unpacking boxes
meeting on Monday Septem- Some of our members will daughter, Lexi. June has and making Doctor appoint-
ber 11, 2017; all members attend the Leadership Confer- been busy with her grand- ments. Dianne is still enjoying
attended. Diane, Judy, Doro- ence; Judy, June and Dorothy daughters when they come to her quilting and grandchil-
thy and Joyce worked at the will be attending. visit here in Minnesota. Joan dren. Dorothy has just been
St. Jude Walk on Saturday finished all the dresses and busy. Enjoy the fall weather; it
9/23/17. Joyce as a guest. It What else is going on - Judy vests for her son’s wedding will get colder. Have a great
was rise and shine early and has been busy going to Vol- on September 23rd. Mary is fall.














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Minnesota




Epsilon Sigma Alpha (ESA) International is a special organization—
Epsilon Sigma Alpha an organization that is truly defined by the hearts of its members.
363 W. Drake Road
Fort Collins, CO 80526 An international leadership and service organization, ESA is a place
where members develop meaningful friendships, find their passion
Phone: 970-223-2824 for community service, and continue on the path of lifelong learning.
Email:
[email protected]

MISSION STATEMENT:
ESA is Good Friends, Good Works, and Good Times… We create
activities and support causes that let us surround ourselves with
welcoming, positive people who enjoy making a difference and
having fun together.






www.epsilonsigmaalpha.org










MINNESOTA ESSAY
All issues of the ESSAY are published here: http://www.mnesa.com/



The ESSAY is published on a monthly
basis August—May (except December) at
the beginning of each month.
The deadline for submission of articles is
the 25th of each month.

Chapter Presidents, please share the
newsletter with members in your chap-
ter who may not have email.

If you would like to be included on the
email list, please let me know.
Terri Olson
ESSAY Editor
[email protected] “Live by Inspiring Others to Fly”

—Sandy Alexander,
International Council President 2017-2018