July 1, 2011

July 1

Before I start today’s report, I want to make a correction to the entry posted yesterday. Typical computer—cut off part of what I had written. Once Matt and I picked up Tisha from Ontario Airport, we headed east on Interstate 10. When we came to a town named Goodyear, both my car and Matthew demanded food. We fed them both, then on to Tuscon.

I also forgot to include in last night’s posting that there was a surprise tribute for Judy Hare Thorne, Angelos editor who is retiring from her position after 28 years. She will be missed by everyone.

Harriet and I were up nice and early this morning. At 7 am more than half the convention attendees were dressed in green Confidence Coalition T-shirts. We all met outside, grabbed bottled water and then began a 1 mile walk in support of the KD Foundation. Harriet and I were walking with Dr. Kristy Weber a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Research Section who arrived from Baltimore last night so she can thank Kappa Delta for our continuous support. Dr. Weber is also a past recipient of the KD Orthopaedic award to assist her studies in researching cancer invading the bones as a result of breast or kidney cancer.

The Foundation Breakfast was chaired by Lil Leslie, KD Foundation President. Each of the KD partnership organizations was recognized and everyone was informed of all of our contributions. From only Crippled Children’s Hospital and the Orthopedic research grants when I first joined KD, to our current numerous philanthropies, we are well recognized throughout the country. Foundation also presented the Undergraduate and Graduate scholarships during the breakfast. This year over $27,000 in scholarships were presented.

Lunch was a celebration of KD for Life. New members were inducted into the Nautilus Circle for 25 years of KD membership, White Rose Circle for 50 years of KD Membership and the Emerald Circle for 60 years of membership. As they introduced each group they had pictures of the hairstyles and dress styles in those days. There was  a lot of laughing among everyone.

The Order of the Pearl members were announced. These are women who were honored for their community service. Thirteen ladies were inducted.

The final business meeting of this convention included the announcement that Allison Jakes Argersinger has been elected National Vice-President, Membership. Following the close of the meeting Allison was installed along with Tricia Ruma Spence who was installed as National Vice-President, Alumnae.

This evening we had a “fun night” dinner outside. We had a wonderful southwest buffet. As the sun went down, you could see a HUGE KD illuminated on the mountainside. Following dinner was a fireworks show on par with the show my daughter and I saw when we went to the Boston Pops for the fourth of July 15 years ago. Those who wanted to see a movie, The Blindside is being shown since Leigh Anne Tuohy will be signing her book and will also be on the Women of Achievement panel tomorrow.

Going to be early since Harriet has to be up at the crack of dawn tomorrow to head back to Portland to celebrate her grandson’s third birthday.