July 2014 | Vol. 33, Issue 12
Inside this issue:
June Meeting .................................. 1
Meeting Place ................................. 1
Smoke Signals
Co-President’s Letters .................... 2
Chatter ............................................ 3
Area Council News ......................... 3
Al-Lu-We Chapter Meeting ............. 4
Al-Lu-We Chapter
Bethany, OK
A Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association
Al-Lu-We Executive Board Meeting 5
Treasurer’s Report .......................... 6
Committees ..................................... 11
Chapter Logo and History ............... 13
The Mission of the American Business Women’s Association
is to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations
and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and
others grow personally and professionally through leadership,
education, networking support, and national recognition.
July Meeting
Christin Vaughn is the Marketing Communications
Specialist at Allegiance Credit Union where she has
worked since May of 2009. She is the Past Chair of the
Edmond Young Professionals and sits on the inaugural
board of the Oklahoma Young Professional Leaders.
She is a Trustee of the Edmond Public Schools
Foundation and a Co-Chair of the Women’s Network
Council of the Edmond Chamber of Commerce. She
has been managing Allegiance’s social media
accounts since November 2010, and has experience
using Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Vine, Pinterest,
YouTube and LinkedIn for both business and personal.
Her topic will be on the usefulness of all the Social
Media Platforms for Business and Personal use.
Meeting Place
Allegiance Credit Union Conference Center
4227 N Meridian Ave.
Oklahoma City
Start: 6 PM
Networking 6:00 – 6:30 PM
Remember to bring your own bag (of food
That is) and Al-Lu-We
Will supply the tea and water
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July 2014 | Vol. 33, Issue 12
President’s Letters
Dear Sisters,
It is hard to believe that our term is already coming to an end however Al-Lu-We is so fortunate to
have such a wonderful Executive Board to serve next year. They are all very excited and ready to
get this chapter built up to new heights!! So let’s all support them and be an active part (whatever
level that is for you) of our new challenges and changes to keep Al-Lu-We a viable and productive
chapter. This will be a year for positive changes and new processes. Change is not always well
received and is at times hard to accept however it is necessary when groups have no forward
motion and processes from the past are not propelling them in to the here and now or the future.
“Out of the Box” thinking is a requirement now for corporations, small businesses, networks, or any
type of groups. Everyone is looking for new ways to reinvent themselves and how they reach new
levels and new audiences; it is just the wave of the future. So put on those thinking caps and come
to our meetings with your “out of the box” ideas on how Al-Lu-We can be creative in our ways of
retention, growth, reaching out, our “Curb appeal”, scholarship opportunities and how to support of
our members (both seasoned and new). You all had wonderful ideas and feedback with our
exercise last month on what was important to you as members for our chapter…that is exactly what
we needed and now we have to come up with “Action Plans” to move us forward to be the chapter
that you have envisioned.
At our meeting this month we will be embracing some of those “out of the box” ideas as we will allow
a portion of our meeting time for the changeover. I know that we traditionally have another night for
this; however in respect for our member’s busy schedules the Executive board has opted to not tie up
another evening for our board members and/or committee chairs. So those that are current chairs
and/or board members please come prepared to pass records, information, etc., to our new
leadership. We will also be bringing our own meals and the chapter will provide tea, coffee or water.
Please bring any receipts that you need reimbursement for as well so that Sandy can write checks
and have this as part of our current budget/audit year. We will be asking for a head count for FOW
(scheduled for Saturday, September 20th) at our July meeting so that all will be prepared to pay the
total amount for registration at our August meeting. Those that attend will receive a portion of their
registration back that was budgeted, at our October meeting. We will also be installing our new
Executive Board so….just plan on attending!!
It has been our honor to serve you this past year and in our hearts we can think of no other place we
would rather be than Al-Lu-We. This, for me personally has been a very challenging and sad year
with the illness and death of my husband; however I have never felt more loved and supported than
I experienced through my association with all of you. The friendships I have made in this chapter are
everlasting and coming together with all of you is like coming home and being wrapped in a warm
blanket. So I sincerely hope that I can be one of the members that helps create that same feeling
for others in our membership and/or our visitors/new members. I love this chapter, her rich tradition
from past generations, her bright future from our current members and future generations. I believe
in our mission of bringing women from all walks of life, industry and cultures together to offer
professional training and personal development in a safe and friendly environment. Most of all, I
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July 2014 | Vol. 33, Issue 12
believe in Al-Lu-We! If we all accept this mission and love this chapter and the possibilities that lay
before us, then we will always be a “place where others want to be”!
Blessings and Joy,
Paula and Edi
Joys and Concerns
Kay Ginn visited with Berneda Cullum this week and reports that she seems unhappy and upset that she has
been placed in this home even though it is the best place for her considering her confusion issues. Kay sent her
a card and has asked that we do the same. Berneda’s address is, Heritage Asst. Living, 9025 NW Highway #125,
Yukon, Ok 73099!
Melodie has been suffering with a stomach issue and some depression issues.
Lorene has been in ICU with a GI Bleed this past week. She is home now and feeling much better.
Beverly Couch has moved up with her Sister, Pam for the summer to the Grand Lake area. She can still be
reached on her cell phone, 990-3218.
Neen will be traveling this month so safe travels for her!
Chatter
WoooHoooo! We met our Face Book goal….we have 100 likes!!! Thank you to Debbie Shannon and all
that invited your friends on FB to like us.
Area Council News
Area Council is working on a great Focus on Women conference for you. The date to save for this event is
Saturday, September 20th at Quail Creek Country Club. Each chapter is requested to donate two baskets worth
$50.00 each. At our next meeting, we will need to decide on themes for the baskets so members can start
gathering items for them.
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July 2014 | Vol. 33, Issue 12
Al-Lu-We Chapter Meeting
Al-Lu-We Chapter Meetings – June 2014
Al-Lu-We Chapter June Meeting Minutes
The meeting was called to order at 6:35 pm.
Pledge and Invocation, then the introduction of members. Our Ad-vocational speaker was Teri Talley. Teri spoke about her life,
career with Allegiance Credit Union (working in all capacities) and surviving the Murrah building bombing and what her plans
are for after retiring (working as a volunteer for FEMA).
Our speaker was Dr. Jason Pargeter who was introduced by Rebecca. Dr. Pargeter spoke on the Cervical Curve (Neck) and
how it changes as we grow and get older. In addition he spoke on how to avoid some of the degeneration of the cervical
curve due to sitting at a computer for 8 or more hours a day. Dr. Pargeter demonstrated exercises (shoulder and neck rolls) to
relieve some of the pain and stress we put on our cervical curve and how this relates to our nerves throughout the rest of our
bodies. Explained the popping sound when we crack our knuckles, joints, etc., is the release of gas bubbles in our vertebrae.
Items discussed at the meeting were as follows:
Vote on last month’s meeting minutes and treasurer’s report. Member of the Month was presented to May’s winner Marilyn
Wagstaff-Moss, June to be presented at July meeting. Area Council delegates to submit Bios for the Area Council Newsletter,
Change over meeting, Striving to make Best Practice, our chapter’s Best Practice Book, Nomination of the Audit Committee
(Chair: Edi Cameron, members: Kay Ginn & Marilyn Olivo-Coulson), New survey on how members would like to be contacted,
still have the slot for the Baron’s games meals next season(for information contact Jane), Chapter is now required to pay $115
Liability insurance to National, pay for student membership for our chapter’s outright grant winner Kaitlin Alexander and our
local scholarship applicant and winner Bailee Bronson, having a wine tasting funding raiser in Edi’s backyard garden and voted
on purchasing new members pins for members who have celebrated their one year anniversary (need to change the standing
rules) and committee chairs and members needed for the next term.
Volunteering for Quilts of Valor (contact Paula for information), OK Baptist Homes for Children (Style & Dinner Show, August 16,
2014, 6:00 pm, Embassy Suites in Norman (contact Emily Rodas for more information) and the Dale Robertson Center – Gift
Guide (contact Rebecca Ferguson for more information)
Joys and Concerns:
Debbie Shannon and Sherry Lacey not feeling well, Pam and Bev traveling and staying at Grand Lake for summer.
Members in attendance: Neen Clayton, Emmalee Williamson, Edi Cameron, Jane Winkler, Emily Rodas, Rebecca Ferguson,
Marilyn Wagstaff-Moss, Lorene Young, Larysa Husband, Kay Ginn, Teri Talley, Donna Bronson, Betty Baker, Sandy Cox, Marilyn
Olivo-Coulson
Guest: Dr. Jason Pargeter
Members in Attendance:
Rebecca
Ferguson
Kay Ginn
Betty
Baker
Emily Rodas
Emmalee
Williamson
Donna
Bronson
Jane Winkler
Sandy Cox
Guests
Keely Rowe
Sue
Vanderwater
Debby
Cartmell
Neen
Clayton
Marilyn
OlivoCoulson
Marilyn
Moss
Edi
Cameron
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July 2014 | Vol. 33, Issue 12
Al-Lu-We Executive Board Meeting
July 2014 - Al-Lu- We Chapter Executive Board Meetings
July 2014 – Al-Lu-We Executive Board minutes
Meeting was held at Paula Hiller’s home on Tuesday, July 1, 2014 at 6:00 pm. Members in
attendance were Paula Hiller, Edi Cameron, Lorene Young, Neen Clayton and Sandy Cox.
Items discussed were MOM, Committee Reports, one report (Neen reported on the standing of
number of members, and the national memberships due in July and August), Paula taking over
the Newsletter as of July, the purchase of new member pins from National, wine tasting
fundraiser at Edi’s and FOW (payment due at Aug meeting). The website agreement was
signed by co-president’s Paula Hiller and Edi Cameron and to be mailed the next day to
National. The liability insurance payment to National was mailed on June 30, 2014 per Treasurer
Sandy Cox. In addition the Executive Board went over the Best Practices requirements. Paula is
going to create a blurb for the newsletter for all to bring in receipts to pay for expenditures for
2014. Ad-Vocational Speaker is Lynn Wojcik. Door Prizes are a carry-over from the previous
month. Other item discussed was the results of the survey on what was important to our
members.
Respectively submitted by Neen Clayton
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July 2014 | Vol. 33, Issue 12
Treasurer’s Report
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Al-Lu-We Paparazzi
July 2014 | Vol. 33, Issue 12
AL-LU-WE SNAP SHOTS
Donna Bronson
With
Scholarship
Announcements
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July 2014 | Vol. 33, Issue 12
Rebecca Ferguson and Dr. Jason Pargeter
Member of the Month Marilyn Moss with Paula Hiller
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July 2014 | Vol. 33, Issue 12
Al-Lu-We Women
Hard at work describing
what they think the
purpose of our chapter
should be
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July 2014 | Vol. 33, Issue 12
OUTRIGHT GRANT WINNER!!!!
Name: Kaitlin Alexander
Future Goals:
 Receive a BS in Nursing from OU to become a licensed registered nurse
 Work as a pediatric oncology nurse for children with cancer
 Return to school to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist, working in pediatrics
Academic Accomplishments:
 GPA from OU a 3.6 to 3.77 through 97 hours.
 President's or Dean's Honor Roll every semester
 Honors College Distinguished Scholar
 Received the Perry and Zarrow scholarships through the College of Nursing
 OKC Panhellenic Scholar in 2012
Extracurricular Activities and Work Experience:
 Active 3rd year member of the Psi Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega
o Served as the Vice-President of Philanthropy
o Coordinated a large philanthropy event directly benefiting domestic violence victims and the YWCA
o Arranged various community service activities such as bingo at the Rivermont Retirement Community
 Volunteer in the PICU of the OU Children's Hospital
 Big Brother Big Sisters volunteer for 3 years
 Currently a Big Sister to a 4th grader. I
 Volunteer at the OK Kids Korral for children receiving medical treatment
 Substitute teacher for the Norman Public School District
 Work at the Huston Huffman Fitness Center on OU's Norman campus
 Nurse Extern in the Emergency Department at the OU Children's Hospital for 2014
__________________________________________________________________
LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
Name: Bailee Bronson
Future Goals:




Receive a double major in Pre-Law/Spanish, go to law school, and start a practice
Become a published author of a historical fiction or religious book
Travel the world and leave a mark on humanity
Achieve happiness with God, loved ones, and those whose lives can be touched
Accomplishments:







GPA of 3.74 weighted at Mount St. Mary’s High School
Received a $1500 scholarship for a writing contest
Received the President’s Leadership Council Scholarship at UCO--$25,000
Completed 12 hours of concurrent enrollment at OCCC senior year
Work summers at Our Lady Of Guadalupe Catholic Camp
Led the state group of young Catholic girls at their spring retreat in 2014
Been a past active student member in the Al-Lu-We Chapter of ABWA
o Proud to have been a part of the ABWA family which has created a stronger, more knowledgeable, and
successful young woman
Letters of Reference:



James Fraser-Pre-AP Biology—a spark of energy, leadership, volunteerism, drive and dedication, determination,
passion, integrity, and honesty
Deanne Branch, RN, BSN, CCRN—bright, responsible, capable of achieving at the highest levels, strong work ethic,
kind and generous spirit, and self-awareness beyond her age
David Anderson-Social Studies—conscientious work ethic, higher level skilled thinking, self-starter, well balanced,
quiet yet strong,and demonstrated ability to achieve success
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July 2014 | Vol. 33, Issue 12
UPDATED COMMITTEE CHAIRS D THEIR MEMBERS
resident for 2014/2015 – Neen Clayton – 590-7998
Committees
Chairpersons
Phone Number
Committee
Member(s)
Phone Number
Report to Vice President Lorene Young @ 413-1014
Membership/Directory
Sandy Cox
350-0165
Kay Ginn
946-4119
Friendship/Mentorship/Orientation
Emily Rodas
408-6001 C
Rebecca Ferguson
Marilyn Coulson
834-1161
373-3455
Fall/Spring Enrollment
Paula Hiller
272-7398 W or
323-0939 C
Jane Winkler
Donna Bronson
850-6171
691-0222
Report to Treasurer Terri Talley @ 789-7900 x2245
Program / Hospitality
Terri Talley
789-7900 x2245
Paula Hiller
Ways & Means / Prize Patrol
Jane Winkler
850-6171
Betty Baker
Marilyn Moss
272-7398 W or
323-0939 C
418-2786
308-2760 C
Melodie Toland
408-4077
Rebecca Ferguson
834-1161
Special Projects
Report to Recording Secretary – Lynn Wojcik @ 820-2608
Newsletter
Website / Social Media / WIN
Professional Development
Boss / Business Associate Night
Paula Hiller
272-7398 W or
323-0939 C
Marysa Mincks
Lorene Young
Donna Bronson
278-1935
413-1014
691-0222
Marilyn Olivo-Coulson
373-3455
Lorene Young
Marysa Mincks
413-1014
278-1935
Debbie Shannon
204-6462
Donna Bronson
691-0222
Marilyn Moss
308-2760
Jane Winkler
Neen Clayton
Pam Hightower
850-6171
590-7998
918-782-8800
Report to Correspondence Sect. Edi Cameron @ 943-0625
Scrapbook / History
Donna Bronson
691-0222
Neen Clayton
590-7998
Kay Ginn
946-4119
Emmalee Williamson
946-5963
Contact / Calling
Sherry Lacey
949-0553
Lorene Young
Betty Baker
413-1014
418-2786
Woman of the Year
Lorene Young
413-1014
Marilyn Coulson
373-3455
Sunshine
Delegates to Area Council
Area Council Delegate
Area Council Delegate Alternate
Area Council Delegate Alternate #2
Marilyn Olivo-Coulson 373-3455
Edi Cameron 943-0625
Debbie Shannon 204-6462
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Chapter Sponsors
July 2014 | Vol. 33, Issue 12
If you would like to advertise your business in our
monthly newsletter, the cost is $4 per month or $48
per year. It’s a great way to reach over 60
business women every month!
Any business is welcome to advertise with us!
To take advantage of this offer, give a business
card to Paula Hiller,Newsletter Editor, and send a
check to Sandy Cox, Treasurer.
Birthdays
Rebecca Ferguson 7/6
Melodie Toland 7/14
Marilyn Moss 7/25
Lynn Wojcik 7/27
Anniversaries:
Betty Baker 7/1999
Melodie Toland 7/2008
Jane Winkler 7/1990
Upcoming Events
Wine Tasting – TBD
Focus On Women 9/20
Health Fair – October
ABWA National Conf. 10/30 – 11/1
Health Fair – TBD
Area Council Focus on Women OctoberABWA
4th – Alluwe Chapter
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July 2014 | Vol. 33, Issue 12
Chapter Logo and History
lines. The feather was a favorite area of the art for me.
The feather and its detail represent the beauty and
delicate nature of all women. I truly hope your members
enjoy the art and its true meaning!”
In October 1997, Margaret A. Gaeddert designed and
donated our chapter logo. At the presentation, she said
“ABWA members represent superior and brave women.
The Native American woman is that woman as well. I
wanted my art to represent both ABWA members and the
Native American woman.”
She continued, ”The triangles represent strength and
stability, the circles represent unity,
the wolf face
represents nature and the brave woman. The Native
American woman’s face represents ABWA’s Al-Lu-We
Chapter Members. The free flowing shapes from her
headdress represent creative thought, and the solid bands
of color represent peace among the tension of diagonal
The name Al-Lu-We was recommended by Marie
Standford, and it means superior, brave or something
better in the Algonquin language of the Cheyenne and
Arapaho Indians, which represents the culture and
traditions bestowed on us by Oklahoma’s rich Native
American heritage.
Smoke Signals reflects Native
American communication.
Since our chapter was chartered on April 13, 1981, our
members have been striving to become superior, brave,
and something better, thus our accomplishments have
been many. They include earning the highest national
award (Star Award is now called Best Practices Level 1
award) 29 times since our inception. We have won 20
newsletter awards, including two national awards, started
12 new chapters, presented more than $75,000 in local
scholarships, and provided numerous educational and
networking opportunities for our members.
ABWA’s Proud Code of Conduct
1. All members will serve as goodwill ambassadors for the American Business
Women’s Association.
2. Members will not allow their personal beliefs and convictions to interfere with
the representation of ABWA’s mission.
Edi Cameron-Wilhoit &
Paula Hiiler, Co-Presidents
Paula Hiller, Editor
Al-Lu-We Chapter
Email: paula_hiller@ssmhc.com
3. Members will always treat their member colleagues, guests, vendors and
sponsors with honesty, respect, fairness, integrity, responsibility, kindness, and
in good faith.
4. Members will maintain compliance with ABWA National, Chapter and Express
Network Bylaws.
5. Members will not use their personal power to advance their personal interests.
6. Members will strive for excellence in their professions by maintaining and
enhancing their own business knowledge and skills, and by encouraging the
professional development of other members.
A Chapter of the
American Business
Women’s Association
Visit us online at
www.abwa.org
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