Epsilon Chapter
Willoughby Gap - looking East with Mt. Pisgah and
Mt. Hor, Westmore,Vermont. A great land mark
representing the Northeast Kingdom.Picture
taken by Tim Kirchoff, son of Joan Kirchoff
of Epsilon Chapter.
Epsilon Chapter
Founded September 17, 1964.
First business meeting was held in Derby
on September 17, 1964 at home of
Mildred Hay and Cecile Hay.
Charter Members:
Jessie Beaton, Ruby Blaine, Marion Briggs, Esther Stitham, Evelyn Chadwick, Eleanor Hall,
Irene Dudley, Madeline Gray, Esther Hamilton, Cecile Hay, Doris MeLeod, Madeline Russell,
Dorothy Somerville, Eva Warner, Ruth Whitecomb, May Willard
Founded September 17, 1964.
First business meeting was held in Derby
on September 17, 1964 at home of
Mildred Hay and Cecile Hay.
Charter Members:
Jessie Beaton, Ruby Blaine, Marion Briggs, Esther Stitham, Evelyn Chadwick, Eleanor Hall,
Irene Dudley, Madeline Gray, Esther Hamilton, Cecile Hay, Doris MeLeod, Madeline Russell,
Dorothy Somerville, Eva Warner, Ruth Whitecomb, May Willard
Epsilon Chapter Officers 2022-2024
President: Michelle Gilman 3264 Gilman Road, Lyndon Center, VT 05850 [email protected] 802-626-5389
First Vice President: Deanna Wesley P.O. Box 114 Lyndon Center, VT 05850 [email protected] 802- 626-3670
Second Vice President:
Recording Secretary: Helene Gallagher 3219 Sugarhouse Road, West Burke, VT 05871 631-485-7835
Corresponding Secretary: Jeanne Laughton 65 Skyline Dr. Apt #1, Lyndonville, VT 05851 [email protected] 802-626-9447
Treasurer: Jo Ann Clark 1780 County Hill Road, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 802-748-5638 [email protected]
Parliamentarian: Tracie Surridge P.O. Box 62, West burke, VT 05871 [email protected] 802-467-9823
Epsilon Committee Chairs 2022-2024
Communications & Marketing MaryAnn Riggie 52 Clough Rd Newark, VT 05871 802-723-5924 [email protected] Budget & Finance JoAnn Clark 1780 County Hill Rd St Johnsbury, VT 05819 802-748-6546 [email protected] Chapter Fundraising Mamie Cleveland Chapter History Lorna Johnson 208 Maxfield Point Newport Center, VT 05857 802-673-8262 [email protected] Membership Joan Kirkoff 40 Dolly’s Rd Lyndonville, VT 05851 802-626-9053 [email protected] Nominations Sally Fraise 124 Stagecoach Drive Newport, VT 05855 802-334-6431 [email protected] Rules Jo Ann Clark 1780 County Hill Rd St Johnsbury, VT 05819 802-748-6546 [email protected] |
Educational Excellence
Deanna Wesley Fine Arts Music Teresa Vasko 58 Fairview Lane Lyndonville, VT 05851 802-626-9570 [email protected] Scholarship Judy Sherburne 126 Hurlbutt Hill Lane Waterford, VT 05819 802-748-8663 [email protected] World Fellowship MaryAnn Riggie 52 Clough Rd Newark, VT 05871 802-723-5924 [email protected] Achievement Award Tech Assistant Nancy James PO Box 1387 Lyndonville, VT 05851 802-626-3317 802-467-1188 [email protected] |
Epsilon Chapter Meetings 2023-2024
Epsilon Chapter schedule for chapter meetings for 2023-2024 are as follows:
September 5, 2023
Lyndon Baptist Church
Vail Road Lyndon Center,
Upward Bound Presentation
October 5, 2023
Island Pond Congregational Church
Island Pond, VT
Making Serendipity Jars
November 1, 2023
Lake Region High School
Orleans, VT
Adrienne D'Olimpio Spanish Class Presentation
December 9, 2023
Joan Kirchoff's Home
Winter Get-Together
Making Winter Hats for Schools
April 16, 2024
United Church of Newport
Newport, VT
Panel of Educational Specialists working in the NEK
May, 2024
St. Johnsbury Area
Donna Heath & Craig Brown
Waterford Historical Society Presentation
June 17, 2024
Lyndon Outing Club
Lily Pond Road, Lyndon
Terry Thompson DKG NH State President
Vermont Geology Presentation
September 5, 2023
Lyndon Baptist Church
Vail Road Lyndon Center,
Upward Bound Presentation
October 5, 2023
Island Pond Congregational Church
Island Pond, VT
Making Serendipity Jars
November 1, 2023
Lake Region High School
Orleans, VT
Adrienne D'Olimpio Spanish Class Presentation
December 9, 2023
Joan Kirchoff's Home
Winter Get-Together
Making Winter Hats for Schools
April 16, 2024
United Church of Newport
Newport, VT
Panel of Educational Specialists working in the NEK
May, 2024
St. Johnsbury Area
Donna Heath & Craig Brown
Waterford Historical Society Presentation
June 17, 2024
Lyndon Outing Club
Lily Pond Road, Lyndon
Terry Thompson DKG NH State President
Vermont Geology Presentation
EPSILON Report-Joan Kirchoff
April 4, 2024
Chapter’s Winter gathering was at Joan Kirchoff house. The members had a Sewing Bee that was a time of camaraderie, sewing hats, and communal activity toward a common goal. Over 50 winter hats were made and distributed to over ten schools in the Northeast Kingdom. Many sisters had so much fun they continued to meet and sew days after the meeting ended. Also, retired teachers meet at various homes to play board games and keep less active members engaged socially. Also, the first Vp created a pamphlet which was past out in all schools in Chapter’s region. April meeting will be a panel of specialist working in Northeast Kingdom.
April 4, 2024
Chapter’s Winter gathering was at Joan Kirchoff house. The members had a Sewing Bee that was a time of camaraderie, sewing hats, and communal activity toward a common goal. Over 50 winter hats were made and distributed to over ten schools in the Northeast Kingdom. Many sisters had so much fun they continued to meet and sew days after the meeting ended. Also, retired teachers meet at various homes to play board games and keep less active members engaged socially. Also, the first Vp created a pamphlet which was past out in all schools in Chapter’s region. April meeting will be a panel of specialist working in Northeast Kingdom.
Deanna Wesley, Epsilon Chapter EEC Chair submitted this report below:
Epsilon Chapter worked together to make these 50 colorful hats for the Winter Warmth program.
Epsilon Chapter Sisters met at Joan Kirchoff’s home on Saturday, December 9th for our annual Christmas Brunch. After enjoying delicious pot luck dishes, we worked together and constructed polar fleece hats to distribute to children in our North East Kingdom schools.
Epsilon Chapter -DKG Vermont State Spring Convention- April 30, 2023
For the EEC "Winter Warmth Project", Epsilon Chapter Sisters collected numerous hats, neck-warmers, mittens, boots and socks . The items have been distributed to students in schools throughout the North East Kingdom. Pictured is the school nurse at the Jay Westfield School gratefully accepting items from an Epsilon Chapter Sister.
Vermont Broadcast Associates (VBA) owner and general manager, Bruce James accepted food donations from Epsilon Chapter Sisters on December 10th at the annual VBA Food Drive. The food collected was weighed and distributed to local food shelves in the North East Kingdom. Epsilon Chapter's donation tipped the scales over the 15,00 pound mark!
Epsilon Chapter Report -April 2022
- Epsilon chapter usually meets 6 times annually – 3 times in late summer/fall and 3 times in spring
- This year after a summer planning meeting we met 3 times in the fall
- This spring we have had the first of our 3 scheduled meetings. We met at a local church on 4-12-22 and enjoyed an informative and thought provoking program presented by local author Beth Kanell. Beth writes historical fiction and she very graciously shared copies of her book The Secret Room with us.
- This winter we worked on the Winter Warmth Initiative and got winter items to children and families in both the north and south areas of our chapter region.
- We are continuing with the Encouraging Educators/card making initiative. At our most recent meeting Epsilon sisters, in addition to EEC committee members, volunteered to bring encouraging cards and bookmarks to educators in local schools this spring.
- Upcoming meetings will include inducting 1 or 2 new members
I am grateful for the caring and supportive group of DKG sisters in our Epsilon chapter. Sandy Blodgett
Epsilon's EEC Winter Warmth Project ...
The first photo shows Epsilon's Winter Warmth Project items from Epsilon Sisters in the southern NEK region. An equal amount of donations will be distributed in the Northern region of the NEK by Lorna Johnson. The collections include monetary contributions, along with hats, mittens and scarves.
The second photo shows a donation of ski outfits from my neighbors. They are both retired teachers and are excited about our Winter Warmth Project.
As you can see, the Epsilon donations are “Kitty approved”
The first photo shows Epsilon's Winter Warmth Project items from Epsilon Sisters in the southern NEK region. An equal amount of donations will be distributed in the Northern region of the NEK by Lorna Johnson. The collections include monetary contributions, along with hats, mittens and scarves.
The second photo shows a donation of ski outfits from my neighbors. They are both retired teachers and are excited about our Winter Warmth Project.
As you can see, the Epsilon donations are “Kitty approved”
Epsilon Chapter DKG VT President’s Report Feb. 2022
Sandy Blodgett
• Epsilon’s Sept. ’21 meeting was at the home of Judy Sheburne – our planned location was unable to host us this year – we enjoyed a lively Founder’s Day bingo game and we had an out of state DKG sister attend as well as a potential new member
• Oct. ’21 meeting was in Lyndon and Carol Barbagallo presented a program on “chapter health and well being”
• Handmade cards created by members were sent/given by DKG members to individual educators
• Life saver candies and encouraging posters with member notes and signatures were distributed to approx. 20 area schools
• Dec. get-together sadly did not happen this year – perhaps next year
• A few Epsilon sisters braved cold winter conditions to bring Winter Warmth items and/or donations to a Sat. AM drop-off at NVU (Northern VT University) – items will be distributed in early 2022
• Upcoming plans include continuation of Encouraging words/handmade cards/candies distribution to educators as well as continuation of Winter Warmth initiative
• And hopefully in person meetings this spring!
• Sadly we lost 2 DKG sisters in recent months.
Mary Mallon passed away on Dec. 4, 2021
Jeanne Moffatt Williams passed away on Jan. 4, 2022
Both are remembered for their dedication and kindness. Both had profound impact on many children and families in our area.
Sandy Blodgett
• Epsilon’s Sept. ’21 meeting was at the home of Judy Sheburne – our planned location was unable to host us this year – we enjoyed a lively Founder’s Day bingo game and we had an out of state DKG sister attend as well as a potential new member
• Oct. ’21 meeting was in Lyndon and Carol Barbagallo presented a program on “chapter health and well being”
• Handmade cards created by members were sent/given by DKG members to individual educators
• Life saver candies and encouraging posters with member notes and signatures were distributed to approx. 20 area schools
• Dec. get-together sadly did not happen this year – perhaps next year
• A few Epsilon sisters braved cold winter conditions to bring Winter Warmth items and/or donations to a Sat. AM drop-off at NVU (Northern VT University) – items will be distributed in early 2022
• Upcoming plans include continuation of Encouraging words/handmade cards/candies distribution to educators as well as continuation of Winter Warmth initiative
• And hopefully in person meetings this spring!
• Sadly we lost 2 DKG sisters in recent months.
Mary Mallon passed away on Dec. 4, 2021
Jeanne Moffatt Williams passed away on Jan. 4, 2022
Both are remembered for their dedication and kindness. Both had profound impact on many children and families in our area.
Epsilon News Fall Report 2021
The 2020-2021 year for Epsilon was definitely a challenge. We planned 4 meetings rather than the usual 6 and we ended up having 3 in person meetings and 1 virtual meeting. The virtual spring convention, hosted by Epsilon, was held on May 1, 2021. We finished up the year putting ads in 2 local newspapers acknowledging the heroic efforts of school staffs this past school year.
The 2021-2022 year for Epsilon started with a July planning meeting at president Sandy Blodgett’s home in Waterford. We planned for 6 in person (and Zoom whenever possible) meetings with the option of doing exclusively Zoom if necessary.
Our August ’21 meeting was held at Lyndon Outing Club. We reviewed our annual booklets and decided to continue our efforts supporting and encouraging local educators – this year with handmade cards. We also are continuing our support of the local H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everyday”) initiative. After a last minute location change the Sept.’21 meeting was held at the home of Judy Sherburne in Waterford. After a “Founder’s Day Bingo” game, planning and work continued with our handmade card initiative. It was noted that the Oct. arts retreat will include basket making led by Epsilon sisters Judy Sherburne and Jo Ann Clark. The Oct.’21 meeting will be at the Lyndon Center Baptist Church and state president Carol Barbagallo is scheduled to be with us. We are hopeful we will be able to have an in person December get-together to work on “First Year Teacher Awards”– if not perhaps we will meet virtually.
The April ’22 meeting is scheduled to be at the Lyndon Center Baptist Church and Beth Kanell, local author of young adult historical fiction, will be with us. The May ’22 meeting will be at the United Church of Newport and we are hopeful to have an induction ceremony for new members. The last meeting of the year will be at the Barton United Church and we plan to spend time reflecting and reviewing the year’s meetings, initiatives and projects.
Respectfully,
Sandy Blodgett Epsilon President
The 2020-2021 year for Epsilon was definitely a challenge. We planned 4 meetings rather than the usual 6 and we ended up having 3 in person meetings and 1 virtual meeting. The virtual spring convention, hosted by Epsilon, was held on May 1, 2021. We finished up the year putting ads in 2 local newspapers acknowledging the heroic efforts of school staffs this past school year.
The 2021-2022 year for Epsilon started with a July planning meeting at president Sandy Blodgett’s home in Waterford. We planned for 6 in person (and Zoom whenever possible) meetings with the option of doing exclusively Zoom if necessary.
Our August ’21 meeting was held at Lyndon Outing Club. We reviewed our annual booklets and decided to continue our efforts supporting and encouraging local educators – this year with handmade cards. We also are continuing our support of the local H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everyday”) initiative. After a last minute location change the Sept.’21 meeting was held at the home of Judy Sherburne in Waterford. After a “Founder’s Day Bingo” game, planning and work continued with our handmade card initiative. It was noted that the Oct. arts retreat will include basket making led by Epsilon sisters Judy Sherburne and Jo Ann Clark. The Oct.’21 meeting will be at the Lyndon Center Baptist Church and state president Carol Barbagallo is scheduled to be with us. We are hopeful we will be able to have an in person December get-together to work on “First Year Teacher Awards”– if not perhaps we will meet virtually.
The April ’22 meeting is scheduled to be at the Lyndon Center Baptist Church and Beth Kanell, local author of young adult historical fiction, will be with us. The May ’22 meeting will be at the United Church of Newport and we are hopeful to have an induction ceremony for new members. The last meeting of the year will be at the Barton United Church and we plan to spend time reflecting and reviewing the year’s meetings, initiatives and projects.
Respectfully,
Sandy Blodgett Epsilon President
Epsilon News
MaryAnn Riggie, 2nd Vice President of DKGVT,
posted this special Apple
at the Newark Town Clerk Office
to thank Newark's teachers, staff and administrators
for their dedication to their students during this pandemic.
MaryAnn Riggie, 2nd Vice President of DKGVT,
posted this special Apple
at the Newark Town Clerk Office
to thank Newark's teachers, staff and administrators
for their dedication to their students during this pandemic.
Last updated 4/05/2024