Some District history.
Chi Epsilon - Wichita #4925 - chartered Nov. 1980
Chi Omega - Wichita 3646 - chartered Nov. 1967
Delta Beta - Wichita #1073 - chartered March 1949
Delta Epsilon - Rose Hill #5041 - chartered Oct. 1983
Eta Phi - Wichita #3013 - chartered Feb. 1961
Eta Rho - Derby #2957 - chartered June 1960
Iota Kappa - Wichita #152 - chartered April 1933
Iota Mu - Wichita #125 - chartered April 1933
Zone 5 - Now known as District D
The Wichita City Council – Zone 5 was formed in February 1949. Charter members were: Iota Kappa, Iota Mu, Alpha Omicron, Alpha Theta, Beta Alpha, Gamma Chi, Gamma Psi and Gamma Theta. Iota Mu and Iota Kappa are still very active and Iota Kappa has one charter member remaining active, LaGreta Bute Brown, who has been an ESA member since 1933. Today the Wichita City Council – Zone 5 has 11 chapters.
On February 28, 1949, representatives from all the chapters met for the purpose of nominating and electing the first slate of officers for Wichita City Council – Zone 5. They were installed on March 20, 1949, at the Twentieth Century Club. Total membership at that time was 175. The late, Zura Crockett Dittman, was the first Wichita City Council – Zone 5 president.
In 1955 Zone 5 hosted it's first national convention. Fay Jordan and Lucille Crossno were chairman and co-chairman. The state newspaper, News & Views, originated in Wichita. It started as a chapter bulletin in Iota Kappa in 1945, and was accepted by the state as the News and Views in 1947.
Zone 5 has been host to numerous state conventions. Five members have held the office of State President, and several in other elected offices and committees. Wichita will host the State Convention in 1990 when once again a Zone 5 member, Kay Foster, will be installed as State President.
At international convention in Dallas in July 1989, Joan Bourn, Eta Phi, will be installed as International Corresponding Secretary. Irene Ramsey a member of Gamma Sigma served as International President in 1967-68.
In November each year, the Wichita City Council – Zone 5 chapters host a tea honoring state officers, and a residential shower for the Institute of Logopedics.
Zone 5 has been an active sponsor of the Institute of Logopedics, and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for many years. In 1967 the Wichita City Council – Zone 5 sponsored a one night showing of the original David O. Selznick movie "Gone with the Wind," starting Clark Gable, Olivia DeHaviland and Vivian Leigh. The proceeds ($1,472.00) were presented to the Institute of Logopedics. This project was repeated in 1974 with the release of the moving "Funny Girl" staring Barbra Streisand, and again a check for $1,472.00 was presented to the Institute of Logopedics.
We participated in the ESA Million Dollar Bike Ride effort in 1972 with a local ride, raising over $5,000. When the national riders reached Wichita they were honored with a reception at A. Price Woodard Memorial Park on the banks of the Arkansas River, next to Century II. A local band provided music for the event, and the riders were presented by the Mayor of the City of Wichita.
For the past several years we have co-host a radio/telethon for St Jude Children's Research Hospitalwith two Wichita Radio stations and a TV station, In 1989 the event was held March 4-5, at Towne West Square Shopping Mall. $101,000 was raised during this 36 hour event. Sponsors are KQAM/KEYN and KSAS Channel 4 and of course Epsilon Sigma Alpha.
Some Zone memorable events include Chi Epsilon, Chi Omega, Delta Beta and Sigma Tau being honored as the State Outstanding Chapter. Chi Omega has won this honor on four occasions. Sigma Tau reports their booth at the Kansas State Fair each year has been a memorable event. Eta Rho set a precedence with the first Cow Pattie Bingo fund raiser which is now in the ESA Idea Book. Gamma Sigma reported having a member serve as International President as its most memorable occasion; and Iota Mu as their fiftieth anniversary celebration.
Three local members are recognized each year at state convention for their continued attendance and support - Faye Jordan (43 conventions), Lucille Harr Crossno (40 conventions), and Mary V. Hill (38 conventions). Lucille and Mary have not missed a convention since joining ESA.
District D History for 2008-2009
District D 2008 - 2009 Officer: Cyndie Ewy (Chi Epsilon), Chairman; Barb Griffith (Chi Epsilon), Vice Chairman; Sherry Marlow (Eta Rho), Secretary; Crystal Collinsworth (Eta Phi), Treasurer; Melody Wade (Eta Rho),Jonquil; and Lisa West (Eta Rho),Chaplain.
Outstanding Sisters honored in 2008-2009: Delta Epsilon, Cindy Rodman; Eta Rho, Lisa West; Eta Phi, Charlotte Combs; Iota Kappa, Maxine Palmer; Chi Epsilon, Diane Cottingham
“Founder's Day and District. D Installation, May 2008 was a highlight for me as Dist. D Members entrusted me with the office of Dist. D President for the year!” said Cyndie Ewy.
The summer meeting of 2008 was a salad supper at the First Presbyterian Church in downtown Wichita, June 23rd. We were proud to have our State President, Joy Thornbrugh, as well as three new ESA members present.
The fall meeting was at the Derby Recreation Center on September 15. The program, “Pitchers of ESA" was presented by State Membership Chair, Clara Ginn and State Recording Secretary, Marsha Barnes. It was fun to learn about all of our different personalities. District C Chairman, Linda Bocox was also a guest.
District D began early preparations to host the State Council Meeting at Heartspring in November. The District always has a good time at this event. The final count was 106 members in attendance.
In December the District is deeply involved and has a lot of good times at the Festival of Trees, for the Goodwill Easter Seals. In January, the District D Dames put on a skit for the State Council Meeting members in Garden City. (No grand prize there, I guess)
February 21, 2009 District D hosted a "Little Black Dress Extravaganza", luncheon/fashion show at Goodwill. It was the same day as the Heartspring Day of Love, so we had quite a few State Guests. We had several grand daughters, nieces, etc. modeling and it was fun. Members and guests enjoyed many good soups and salads. There are plans to repeat this event in the future with recipes for sale, as well.
The winter meeting was at Marco's Cantina for a "Mexican Fiesta". We had a Pound Party to raise money for the Kansas Disaster Fund. It was a good day.... Our spring meeting at the Twin Lakes Clubhouse was March 21. It was a High Tea. We were fortunate to have Second Vice President, Kim Kummer as a quest. We honored Outstanding Sisters and had wonderful tea donated by the Spice Merchant in Wichita. Our members once again showed their talents at cooking. We had great sandwiches, and desserts. We also had a hat contest, and there were some really pretty hats. The prize for the prettiest one went to Lisa West (Eta Rho). The most unique hat prize went to Kay Foster (Chi Omega). According to Dorothy Hawk (Iota Mu), it was a "Good Year". I'll take that as a compliment all day long.
Cyndie Ewy (Chi Epsilon), District. D. President
District D History for 2010-2011 - submitted by Ann Merrett
August 2010: Several of District D members attended the Summer State Board meeting in Pratt, Kansas. Chairman Ann Merrett participated in the “what not to wear” modeling contest to raise funds.
Sept. 2010: Chapters donated 125 pounds of “Birthday Bags” for President’s challenge for our district meeting. Birthday Bags were donated to Kansas Food Bank.
Nov. 2010: Hosted Tea and Tour at Heartspring. President Kim Kummer’s reception was very nicely done with her favorite colors of purple and cream. District members attended and participated in the fund raiser “Mystery Night.” After the fundraiser we helped put blankets together for local hospital. Also, put together care boxes for the Hope for Heroes project.
Dec. 2010: District D members participated in helping with Festival of Trees held at Century 2 in Wichita. Cookies and candy were made and donated to the “Sweet Shop” to raise funds for Goodwill.
Jan. 2011: Had a “Pound Party” and raised $165 for the Care and Share Project for our January district meeting. Most members attended the Winter State Board meeting in Wichita. Joined in with everyone else for bingo night. Was a “sell out.”
Feb. 2011: (pretty busy month) District D sponsored the annual fashion show as a fund raiser for the district. The theme this year was the “little black dress.” The event was held at the Goodwill location in Wichita. Several of the district members and some family members volunteered to model clothing they found at Goodwill for the event. Members of the district also donated soups, salads, etc. for the audience to enjoy while watching the show. Door prizes and raffle items were also donated to help with such a successful fund raiser.
After the fashion show was over, many of the district members went on to Heartspring for Day of Love for the residents. Helping decorate for the dance was such fun!!
The following week, several District D members donated their time to working shifts at the KFDI Radiothon. This is our annual project to help ALSAC bring in donations/pledges for the children at St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. We worked for two days straight with shifts from 6 am to 6pm each day. Fun, food and a sense of accomplishment was had by all.