On October 27, 1951, the Franklin County Sigma Chapter was charted. Two of the founders, Agnes (Shipman) Robertson, President, and Marie Neal, Executive Secretary, conducted the Pledge and Initiation Ceremonies held at the Ottawa North American Hotel for the first Sigma Alpha Delta Kappa members. Thirteen Sigma charter members elected and installed the following chapter officers: Lois Adriance, president; Mary Cashman, vice president; Ruth Kinkaid, recording secretary; Maxine Willhite, corresponding secretary; June Pringle, treasurer; Helen Quantic, keeper of archives; Dorothy Harrison, sergeant-at-arms; and Mary Lawrence and Rachel Corbett, chaplains.
The first Sigma chapter meeting was held on November 9, 1951, at the home of charter member, Ruth Kinkaid. In the early years Sigma members met in private homes, but as Sigma evolved members began meeting in local restaurants, places of interest, and other public places for our business meetings, programs and to strengthen our fellowship and educational endeavors.
Sigma Chapter members have supported many altruistic projects endorsed by ADK International and our own community. Over the years, we have donated locally items and money to Hope House, a non-denominational, faith-based organization which provide food and personal items to families in need. A "Change-for Change" box continues to be provided Sigma sisters each meeting to support one of the following: Ottawa Life Care Center, Franklin County Cancer Foundation, or American Heart Association.
Sigma members also send annual Valentines and have made personal care packages for the Veterans at the Colmery-O'Neil VA in Topeka, Kansas. Other projects included donations of dog and cat food and animal toys to Ottawa Prairie Paws Animal Shelter, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, and support The Longest Day, an Alzheimer's project. Sigma members have also provided Back-to-School book bags, supplies, treats for teachers in our local schools; helped stock Blessing Boxes with food items and snacks in Ottawa and surrounding communities.
One Sigma member, Gerry Getty, had a dream of hosting a Franklin County Children's Literature Festival for local elementary students. Authors, illustrators, children's music composers are invited to Ottawa University to talk with students about their books. With the generous help of many volunteers and sponsors, Gerry's dream became a reality. Sigma chapter annually holds a "No-Bake" bake sale to raise funds to help support this altruistic project. The Literature Festival has continued for many years.
Many speakers, programs and outings have enriched Sigma chapter meetings.
The first Sigma chapter meeting was held on November 9, 1951, at the home of charter member, Ruth Kinkaid. In the early years Sigma members met in private homes, but as Sigma evolved members began meeting in local restaurants, places of interest, and other public places for our business meetings, programs and to strengthen our fellowship and educational endeavors.
Sigma Chapter members have supported many altruistic projects endorsed by ADK International and our own community. Over the years, we have donated locally items and money to Hope House, a non-denominational, faith-based organization which provide food and personal items to families in need. A "Change-for Change" box continues to be provided Sigma sisters each meeting to support one of the following: Ottawa Life Care Center, Franklin County Cancer Foundation, or American Heart Association.
Sigma members also send annual Valentines and have made personal care packages for the Veterans at the Colmery-O'Neil VA in Topeka, Kansas. Other projects included donations of dog and cat food and animal toys to Ottawa Prairie Paws Animal Shelter, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, and support The Longest Day, an Alzheimer's project. Sigma members have also provided Back-to-School book bags, supplies, treats for teachers in our local schools; helped stock Blessing Boxes with food items and snacks in Ottawa and surrounding communities.
One Sigma member, Gerry Getty, had a dream of hosting a Franklin County Children's Literature Festival for local elementary students. Authors, illustrators, children's music composers are invited to Ottawa University to talk with students about their books. With the generous help of many volunteers and sponsors, Gerry's dream became a reality. Sigma chapter annually holds a "No-Bake" bake sale to raise funds to help support this altruistic project. The Literature Festival has continued for many years.
Many speakers, programs and outings have enriched Sigma chapter meetings.