ALPHA DELTA KAPPA DECEMBER 2010 - Gedung Kuning

Fraternal Fellowship in Action
World Understanding in Action
vIrgInIA bETA chI chApTEr hoSTS “ThE chIEF And I” AUThor
“Sometimes when we try to think of presentations about world understanding, we think of faraway lands,” said Laura
Beaton, Virginia Beta Chi Chapter, “but world understanding can happen anywhere people from
different cultures meet and learn from each other.”
Last fall, the chapter hosted a chat featuring Karen Tootelian and her book, “The Chief and I”
(www.chiefandi.com). Based on Tootelian’s experiences caring for the 89-year-old chief of the Mattaponi
Tribe, Webster Little Eagle Custalow, the book tells of the fight to preserve the Mattaponi as
a pristine river and as a part of the tribe’s ancient culture.
“The book started as a personal journal documenting Karen’s conversations and friendship
with Webster, and evolved into a book that has meaning for anyone who has ever taken care of a
loved one,” said Laura.
Tootelian not only discovered some of the history and culture of the Mattaponi Indian Tribe,
but also learned about the man who led them from 1977 until his death in 2003. Webster believed
that you always show kindness to others, even through the trial of fighting to save his beloved Mattaponi
River from the proposed King William Reservoir. The love of the river and appreciation of all
that nature offers gave Webster and Tootelian a bond to form a strong friendship.
“‘The Chief and I’ reveals the personal journey in which Karen explores her life, the impact
Webster will continue to have on her and her involvement in the fight to save the Mattaponi River,”
said Laura. “As our book talk concluded, Karen read some passages and poetry from her book to highlight the great
compassion and deep friendship she shared with Webster. We are all reminded that showing kindness to others can melt
away any boundary to our world understanding.”
FUlbrIghT ScholAr brIngS JApAn To norTh cArolInA ZETA chApTEr
At the chapter’s January meeting Fulbright scholar Kay Montross shared her experiences in
Japan, while there as a Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher. Montross narrated a slideshow
of her adventures, offering insights into the people, culture, schools and cities of Japan. Montross
toured Tokyo, Kamakura and Hiroshima City, visiting schools, shrines and attending lectures. She
stayed with a family who opened the doors of Japanese life and culture to her. She attended Shinto
festivals, enjoyed Japanese cuisine and dressed in a traditional kimono.
Montross is an assistant director at Providence Day School in Charlotte. Since returning from
Japan, she has shared her experiences with students and teachers. She has created integrated lessons
which involve many Japanese traditions including calligraphy and haiku.
“Kay’s passion and enthusiasm about her experience was evident to all Zeta sisters as she
shared her slide presentation, her many books and articles about Japan, and especially her dressing
in a modified kimono,” said Chapter Treasurer Terry Spisak.
Kay Montross
AUSTrAlIAn SISTEr vISITS SoUThWEST
Past Queensland Alpha Chapter President Julie Ditton learned
about the Colorado Desert near Palm Springs, California recently,
as she spent an evening sharing cultural and educational information
with California sisters. Julie spent several days traveling in the
Southwest from Nevada to California during her school break on
the East coast, where she has worked for Aussie Partners in Professional
Development for the past seven years. Julie was about to
head back to her home in Queensland, Australia.
From left: Past California State Corresponding
Secretary Shirley Wilhelmsen, California State
President Rosemary Heenan, 2010 California State
Excellence in Education Award recipient Kathleen
O’Malley, Julie Ditton, Past California State Treasurer
Phyllis Burgess and Past California State President
Linda Futterer. 45
Excellence in Action for World Understanding