Psi Iota Xi

March

2024

Newsletter

A Message from National President

Rhonda McNall-Crisenbery

Is Your Brain on Music?

For almost 40 years, March has been designated as Music month in our schools; sponsored by the National Association for Music Education. 

Think about how many times you hear music throughout the day? On your car radio, while shopping, church bells on Sunday and small towns during the holiday season resounding the songs of “Silent Night” or “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”. 

I work in an elementary school and the children are always excited as they exit music class; humming, singing, dancing, snapping their fingers, etc. I enjoy listening to music… driving down the highway in the summer with the windows down, hair blowing and the music blaring or just sitting on my back porch listening the singing birds and the chattering squirrels… this is a huge stress release for me.

Researchers have found music can:

·      Reduce seizures

·      Help Parkinson’s patients

·      Help the elderly with dementia by listening to music from the past.

·      Boost your immune system

·      Assist children with CP and/or Autism to improve their expressive and receptive communication skills and organize their gait.

·      Assist in repairing brain damage

·      Evoke memories

·      Fire up the cerebellum, motor cortex, sensory cortex and visual cortex.

DID YOU KNOW?

·      According to National Geographic, a 40,000-year-old vulture-bone flute is the world’s oldest musical instrument.

·      The trombone was invented in the 15th century.

·      The xylophone comes from Southeast Asia.

·      The ear only has 3,500 inner hair cells, compared to the more than 100 million photoreceptors found in the eye. Yet the brain is extraordinarily adaptable to music.

·      There are 8 notes in music.

·      Classical music is the best stimulator for the brain

·      Around the 16─18 weeks of pregnancy, the little one hears its very first sound.

Music is universal no matter the genre and can, as mentioned above, have so many positive influences in our lives. Dr. Ibrahim H. Baltagi (lecturer at the Lebanese American University) noted, “My advice is to start music with your children as early as possible.”

Music immediately puts a smile on your face, your foot tapping or the body swaying to the beat. May we as Psi Otes give the gift of music to our communities, families, children and infants.

Information Source:

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/keep-your-brain-young-with-music

https://www.ucf.edu/pegasus/

https://facts.net/music-facts/

Hilton Fort Wayne at the Grand Wayne Convention Center, is open for all to make reservations for the 2024 National Convention, hosted by the Theta Theta chapter.

Hilton Fort Wayne

1020 South Calhoun Street

Fort Wayne, IN 46802

260-420-1100



If telephoning, please request the Psi Iota Xi block.

(click the link)

Hilton Grand Wayne Hotel

With the cold temperatures, snow and ice it is hard to conceive National Convention will be here in approx. 3 months. Plans are transpiring for Friday and our Saturday evening Hippie Party. Theta Theta is busy preparing, but we need your assistance. Please consider the following:

·      Pages and Timekeepers

·      Raffle basket donations

·      Come and have FUN FUN FUN!!

Please contact Rhonda McNall-Crisenbery at rhondamcnallcrisenbery@psiiotaxi.org if your chapter will be donating a raffle item/basket or would like to contribute your time as pages or timekeepers. 

Thank You!

Indiana Association of Psi Iota Xi

The Indiana State meeting is just around the corner, April 13, 2024, in Crawfordsville, Indiana. Chapter Presidents… you should have received the information via email. If you have not, please be sure to check your Spam mail or contact Jennifer Hunter at Jennifer82429@hotmail.com

State Meeting Deadlines:

·     March 12 – Registration & Welcome Party activities

·     March 12 – Sales Room

·     March 12 – Hotel reservation

National Council Information

·     Spring mailing – This was send out via US Postal Service. Chapter presidents, please look for this in your postal box. There is vital information regarding proposed Bylaws, Project Proposals, etc. in the envelope.

·     Psi Otes of the Year - The district officers also sent this via email on February 22^nd. If you did not receive your email please contact Valerie Helms-Mejia, National Conductress, at https://valeriehelmsmejia@psiiotaxi.org

·     Button Awards – This was also emailed with the Psi Otes of the Year (POOTY) information. If you have questions or need more information please contact Jane Patton, Senior District Officer, at https://janepatton@psiiotaxi.org

Theta Theta National Convention Information

·     The 2024 National Convention packets were also send out via US Postal Service. Chapter presidents please look for this in your post box.

·     Past National Presidents, you will also receive your packet via postal service.

 Registration Form/Payment Due May 15, 2024 to

                                                             Connie Frederick

Memorial Service Form               Due May 15, 2024 to

                                                             Theresa Brady

Sales Room                                 Due May 15, 2024 to

                                                             Claudia Rhineholz

National Memorial Donation       Due May 31, 2024 to

                                                             Sara Overway, PNP

Raffle Items                                Due May 31, 2024 to

                                                             Dee Burkhalter

It is almost that time of year when chapters are thinking about distributing their project funds. We sincerely hope that includes the Long Term Project, Hear Indiana.

As a reminder all LTP donations should be forwarded to:

Mona Knight

Psi Iota Xi - Project Chair

24484 N 500 East Rd

Armstrong, IL 61812

Thank You! 

National Council

For more than a decade, Psi Iota Xi District Officers have been honoring chapters by presenting awards at National Convention. In recent years, these much sought-after awards have been in the form of a button, hence the name, Button Award.

We want to hear about the amazing things your chapter accomplished THIS YEAR. You are encouraged to submit achievements you have not previously submitted. Your accomplishments don't have to be monetary but impactful. We also ask that you only highlight one accomplishment for each question.

It is the responsibility of the President to make sure their chapter submits a form; however, she may designate another chapter member to complete the submission. 

This year we are using an online submission form. By clicking the link below or scanning the QR code with your phone or tablet, you will automatically be taken to the Button Award submission form. Once you have completed the form, just hit submit and you are finished.

The deadline for Button Award submissions is May 10, 2024.

Link to online form: https://forms.office.com/r/7C9nXPzdjA

Greetings,



Most of us have experienced our real first blast of spring air by now and we can’t help but begin to plan. We plan for gardens, vacations, staycations, family time, date nights - the list is endless. To say the least we are inspired.

As you are inspired by the breath of spring and anticipation of the seasons to come, I ask that you include in those many plans a Psi Ote plan. Plan to celebrate with your Psi Ote sisters in your own chapter and with the whole Psi Ote Sisterhood.

This is the time of year we take stock of our Psi Ote accomplishments as we prepare to complete our PCRs and begin assembling our thoughts for our annual Helicon article. This is also the time when many chapters determine who will attend our National Convention. As your chapter makes plans this year, think about making National Conventions a “sistercation” for your chapter. A time to relax, share good times and be inspired by the work we do together that impacts so many.

I will close with a simple poem I wrote awhile back inspired by the spring of the year.

Fresh Air

Breathe deep and your step lightens,

you shed the sluggish cloak of winter.

Sweet spring has arrived with

Daffodils and the Easter Bunny.

Earth is reborn and we are energized

by the first breath of spring.

Reawaked, we are inspired by its beauty

to begin again.

-mpg

Pam Gunterman, NWDO

Theta Delta, Bremen, Indiana

Hello Sisters,

It has been a while since you’ve heard from me. I hope that everyone is doing well. 

I was scrolling through the internet looking for some motivational quotes for work one day. I came across one that is really sticking with me. Ctrl + Alt + Del. Take control, alter your mentality and delete negativity. This is the first step to rebooting yourself.

Control is a hard thing to give up. We all need some form of control within our lives, but finding the right level is the hard part. Taking control of ourselves might come in the form of taking a step back to determine if the actions taken were the right ones. Are those actions the best for the situation or just the easiest way to handle it? Sometimes the easy way isn’t always best.

Alter your mentality. If we want to be successful we have to let go of things that happened in the past, but focus on the present and future.

Deleting negativity. Look at the past bad incidents or people that have caused them and do your best to delete them. We must forgive, forget and move on.

Since coming across this quote, I’ve been doing a lot of work on myself and have shared this with many others. I’m hoping that it might help you as well.

The Indiana State meeting is fast approaching and April 13^th will be here before we know it.

• Hotel: If you have not already made your hotel reservations, please do so quickly; they are filling up fast. 

• Registration packets: were emailed out to each Chapter President by myself and by the District Officers. There were some issues with email addresses being returned as non-deliverable. Please contact me ASAP if you have not received the State meeting information.

jennifer82429@hotmail.com

• Sales Room update: Those members that are only coming to the meeting for sales room and would like to have lunch, please put names on the registration packet and include $20 for those individuals. They do not need to pay the full registration price unless they are wanting a non-delegate folder. 

I’m looking forward to seeing everyone in Crawfordsville on April 13^th.

Jennifer Hunter

Indiana State President

Gamma Xi, Crawfordsville, IN

(click the link below)

2024 Indiana State Meeting Registration Form

State Meeting Sales Room Form

Piecing PIX Together

Saturday, April 13, 2024

Crawfordsville, Indiana

Alpha Iota, Richmond, IN, new member Cathy Horton (center).

Iota Chi, LaGrange, KY new members Miranda and Tammy

Beta Phi, Shelbyville, IN welcomes new member, Carla.

If you have a chapter fundraiser or something special to share about your chapter or a Psi Ote, please go to the Psi Iota Xi~Group Facebook page to post. Link below:

Psi Iota Xi~Group | Facebook

This is one of two Facebook pages, the other is more project and news related at the National level. We are working to get it revamped. More to come on it.

Alpha Omega, North Vernon, IN

See's Candies Fundraiser (link)

Theta Delta, Bremen, IN

Members of the Emerald Alliance (BHS Band) got to experience the Symphony, some for the first time, on Saturday, February 10th when they attended a South Bend Symphony Orchestra concert. The tickets for this event were provided by the Theta Delta Chapter of Psi Iota Xi via the national Psi Iota Xi through the Elsie I. Sweeney Endowment.

Eta Delta, Carmel, IN

Beta Alpha, Flora, IN

One School, One Book - Books are here, Beta Alpha Chapter purchased a book for every student and staff member at Carroll Elementary again this year!



Alpha Iota, Richmond, IN

Galentine gathering at The Cordial Cork

Kappa, Kokomo, IN

The sisters of Kappa Chapter in Kokomo will be holding their annual Luncheon/Silent Auction on May 4, 2024. Those attending will enjoy a light lunch and a, sometimes competitive, silent auction that features a variety of items that bidders will enjoy. Combine the lunch, auction and the wonderful fellowship and you have an activity that people anticipate each year. Cost is $20.

Though the mood is light, the motive is more serious. This is the main fundraiser for the Kappa Chapter. The success of this activity helps us to continue to provide scholarships to deserving students and to operate a summer speech clinic for students in the Kokomo/Howard County area that need a little extra help. 



We would like to invite everyone to join us for a good time and for a good cause. The event will be held at the Christ Lutheran Church, 3401 S. Dixon Road in Kokomo. Lunch will be served at 11:30 but the auction items will be available for review and bids at 10:00.  

Grab a friend (or friends) and join us. We promise you an enjoyable event that we hope you will make an annual activity. For additional information or tickets, contact Jolene Smith (765-438-3237) or Holly Seamon (765-437-4004). Reservations should be made by April 26, 2024.

Chi, Brookston, IN

Chi President Rita Clark (Past Indiana President) and Member Nancy Sullivan delivering a check for the $1,000 literacy grant we received from the 2023 National Convention to Frontier School Corporation Superintendent Dan Sichting. The funds are to be used to purchase the Accelerated Reader program and other literacy programs that were in jeopardy with budget issues.

Patricia Kinsey

GARRETT - Patricia Yvonne (Souder) Kinsey, age 91, of Garrett, Indiana, went to be with her heavenly Lord on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, at Parkview DeKalb Hospital, Auburn, Indiana.

Patricia was born on Nov. 25, 1932, in Butler, Indiana, to Ralph and Sarah Mildred (Bryant) Souder.

Patricia was self-employed in advertising and was a member of Garrett United Methodist Church, Psi Iota Xi Sorority, American Legion Auxiliary, Garrett Chamber of Commerce, Garrett Historical Society, a former member of the Fort Wayne Advertising Association, Lay speaker in the United Methodist Church, United Methodist Foundation Board, Board of Directors of Oakwood Spiritual Life Center in Syracuse, Indiana, and Friends of Lincoln and the Civil War Round Table, Fort. Wayne, Indiana. She was a volunteer at the Community Food Pantry and the Judith A. Morrill Recreation Center.

Pat once wrote, "My life was first with God and then family and friends." Her children would go farther saying that just after "family and friends" came her dedication to Garrett, with its history and proud heritage as a perfect small town in which to raise her family.

She involved herself with every activity she could at Garrett Methodist Church and Garrett High School, with her enthusiasm for life and upbeat "let's do it!" attitude being the contagious spark that often got things done.

Most everyone Patricia met felt her love and sincerity for their well-being. During a time working at the high school, with four of her kids there at the same time, even the other students began calling her "Mom."

During her business career with her own advertising agency, she was embraced by organizations that included the Indiana Dairy Farmers and many Indiana companies. Her 30-plus years helping build the annual Fort Wayne Farm Show, prompted a profile article in local papers calling her The Farm Show Lady.

Later in life, she continued volunteer work at every level. Finally, at age 87, the food pantry told her that they didn't want her risking a fall any longer as she was still delivering food to the elderly, many of which were younger than she.

Patricia is survived by her three sons and two daughters, Bradley (Christine) Kinsey, of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, Stanley (Lori) Kinsey, of College Grove, Tennessee, Daniel (Mary) Kinsey, of Wheaton, Illinois, Pamela (Greg) Lungmus, of Northfield, Illinois, and Kelly (Chuck) McPheeters, of Nashville, Indiana; plus 16 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Linda Souder.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Mildred Souder; brother, Bill Souder; and sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Kenny Jennings.

Services were held at noon, on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024, at Garrett United Methodist Church, with Pastor Chris Nelson and the Rev. Dale Mendenhall officiating.



Burial will take place at a later date at Butler Cemetery, Butler, Indiana.

Memorials are to Garrett United Methodist Church or Crossroad at Zion Church (Troy Township).

Nancy Cross

Nancy L. Moody Cross passed away on Jan. 29, 2024, at her daughter's home in Florida. 

She was born on Feb. 22, 1932, to D. Wayne Sutton and Madeline R. (Clark) Sutton.

She grew up in Angola, Indiana, and graduated from Angola High School in 1950. She went on to graduate from International Business College in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and returned to Angola to work at Crone's Dairy. 

She married Orville Moody on March 15, 1953. They moved to Fort Wayne, where she worked for Weatherhead Company.

In 1970, they moved back to Angola, where they purchased Munn's Bookstore, later known as Moody's Office Supplies. 

She was preceded in death by her husband in 1989. 

In 1999, she married Paul Cross. They purchased Mr. Storage and she continued to manage this business after Mr. Cross' death in 2001. 

She was an active member of Presbyterian Chapel of the Lakes Church, Psi Iota Xi Sorority, and Steuben County Business and Professional Women. 

Nancy is survived by two daughters, Barbara (Robert) Jesse, of Princeton, Illinois, and Diane (Michael) Darragh, of Saint Johns, Florida; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Janyce Wilson; one brother-in-law, Bruce Moody; two nieces; one nephew; and numerous cousins. 

She loved working in her yard, planting flowers, and had the gift of hospitality. She so enjoyed hosting family dinners and singing at local nursing homes with a group of church ladies.

A memorial service has been planned for May 25, 2024, at Weicht Funeral Home in Angola Indiana.

The service will be at 11 a.m., with visitation from 10-11 a.m., prior to the service. 

Memorials may be directed to Presbyterian Chapel of the Lakes, 2955 W. Orland Road, Angola, IN 46703, ProMedica Hospice, 8130 Baymeadows Way West #201, Jacksonville, FL 32256 or Community Hospice and Palliative Care, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.weichtfh.com.

Local arrangements handled by Weicht Funeral Home, Angola, Indiana.

Convention 2024 will be hosted by Theta Theta, Fort Wayne, in Fort Wayne, IN, June 22-23, 2024.

Hilton Fort Wayne

1020 South Calhoun Street

Fort Wayne, IN 46802

260-420-1100

If telephoning, request the PSI IOTA XI block.

(click the link)

Hilton Grand Wayne Hotel

Convention 2025 will be hosted by Upsilon, Greenfield, in Indianapolis, IN

Convention 2026 will be hosted by Omega, Lebanon, IN

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National Office

3905 Vincennes Road, Suite 303

Indianapolis, IN 46268

317.471.3512

info@psiiotaxi.org