Programs and Service Projects Overview

Sept. 9, 2025

Tuesday

Karen Carlson, “Growing Through the Seasons: Your Life as a Magnificent Garden”, and Induction of New Members

The presenter will explore the beautiful parallel between tending a garden and nurturing our personal and professional lives. Just as gardens evolve through seasons  of planting, growing, blooming, and renewal, so do we continuously develop throughout our life’s journey.

We will also be inducting two new members.

Hostesses: Communications

Arrangements: Honora Ostermann (speaker), Mary Balk (room arrangements)

3:30-setup/social/meeting

4:30 Presentation

Reflection: Honora Ostermann

Location: Our Redeemer’s United Methodist Church, 1600 W. Schaumburg Rd., Schaumburg, IL

Service Project: Small denomination gift cards for grant recipients.

 

October 9, 2025

Thursday


First In Rescue Training

The presenter will work with us to learn and practice first aid skills in rescue scenarios.

Hostesses: Society Business

Arrangements: Sharon Froehlich (speaker), Linda Szymkowiak (room arrangements)

3:30-Setup and social/meeting

4:30 Program (this is a 90-minute program)

Reflection: Sharon Froehlich

Location: Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 930 W. Higgins Rd., Schaumburg

Service Project: None this month






November 13, 2025

Thursday


Friendsgiving and “Getting to Know You” activity

Enjoy a “getting to know you” activity after our business meeting. After the business meeting, we will enjoy our ever-popular potluck Friendsgiving.

Hostesses: Every member contributes! Sign-up was at Sept. and October meetings. 

Arrangements: Kris Beaudette (room arrangements.) Debbie Faems and Mary Balk handled the sign-ups at Sept. and Oct. meetings and will manage day-of-event.

3:15: Setup and social

4:00 business meeting

4:30-6:00: Friendsgiving and “getting to know you” fun activity

Reflection: Mary Balk

Location: St. Peter Lutheran Church, 202 E. Schaumburg Rd., Schaumburg

Service Project: School supplies for teachers to use after winter break. Items such as crayons, glue sticks, colored pencils, markers, Kleenex, maybe backpacks and cleaning supplies.


December 11,2025

Thursday


DKG Annual Holiday Auction

This is our big fundraising event for the year!  Bring an item for the live auction, or get creative and put together a fun basket for the silent auction. Cash donations are always welcome, too. Invite friends to join us!

Hostesses and Arrangements: Auction and Program Committees. Linda Szymkowiak (organizing and room arrangements) Marcy Dubinsky for catering order. Signup at Sept/Oct meetings for jobs/desserts/appetizers/paper products, etc.

3:15: Setup/social/silent auction/brief business meeting

4:00 Live Auction begins

5:00 Dinner

Reflection: Judie King

Location: Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 930 W. Higgins Rd., Schaumburg

Service Project: Items to auction and/or cash donations for recruitment grants.



January 15, 2026

Thursday


Zoom program: Police program: Scams and Crime Prevention, 

The Schaumburg Police Department will talk to us about scams and crime prevention.

7:00 Zoom program from the comfort of your own home.

Arrangements: Marcy Dubinsky


February (10 or 17, pending) 2026 Tuesday


Zoom Program: Library current offerings and opportunities

Details are pending.

Arrangements: Kris Beaudette


February 24, 2026 5:00pm Tuesday


Meet-up for an early dinner at Portillo’s. Time to socialize and enjoy each other’s company. We can chat and eat and maybe even play a game.


March 10, 2026 Tuesday


Program about Native Americans from the Mitchell Museum of American Indians

Josie Starr from the Mitchell Museum will talk to us about the museum and its displays.

Hostesses: Membership

Arrangements: Barbara Riske (Speaker), Mary Balk (Room arrangements)

3:15 Setup/social/Business meeting

4:30 Program

Location: Our Redeemers United Methodist Church, 1600 W. Schaumburg Rd., Schaumburg, IL

Service Project: Donations to the Marion Medical Mission, an organization helping poor rural communities in digging wells for clean water. This organization is promoted by DKG ILSO International projects.

 

April 7, 2026 Tuesday

 

Paint Night at Pinot’s Palette

We will gather at this fun art studio, paint a beautiful picture, and have fun! Pinot’s Palette is in the Arboretum of South Barrington.

Hostesses: Signup. We are allowed to bring in snacks, desserts, and non-alcoholic beverages. NO Adult beverages can be brought in. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages can be purchased on-site.

Arrangements: Jan Fitzsimmons for event booking, Mary Balk to help with sign-up.

Cost estimate: $40-$45 per person. We will ask for a commitment in advance. 

4:30-4:45: Arrive

5:00-6:30 Class is in session

Location: Pinot’s Palette, 100 W. Higgins Rd., Suite H, South Barrington (To find the studio, find the movie theater at the South Barrington Arboretum, face the movie theater, and Pinot’s Palette is on your left. There is ample parking to the left and to the front of Pinot’s Palette.


April, 2026 (date TBA)


Candidates for Membership “Get Acquainted” Tea & Executive Board Meeting

New member candidates will meet Executive Board members and learn about the history and purposes of the society. Following the Tea, Executive Board members will participate in a  planning meeting.

4:00: Social time for new members, sponsors, and Executive Board.

6:00 Executive board meeting

Hostesses: Executive  Board

Arrangements/Contact: Executive board

Location: Home of Madelynn Brossard/ 2024 Tiffany Dr., Schaumburg.


April 24-26, 2026 (Zoom)


DKG Illinois State Organization Virtual Convention

Watch the DKG-ILSO Newscaster for information about the virtual convention. Also consider joining our virtual choir. The recording session will be at a church in Roselle.




May 7, 2026 Thursday


Gamma Gamma Annual Spring Celebration of Membership

Please join us in celebrating another great year! The afternoon will begin with the induction of new members and Chapter recognitions. Next will be the awarding of recruitment grants, Literacy Award, and Chapter scholarships. This is the final celebration of the year and a wonderful opportunity for everyone to spend time together while celebrating Chapter successes and accomplishments.

3:15-Setup/social, 4:15: Installation of new members, 5:15: Dinner/Program

Arrangements/contact: Kris Beaudette and Marcy Dubinsky

Hostesses: Executive Board

Reflection: TBD

Location: Bridges of Poplar Creek, 1400 Poplar Creek Dr., Hoffman Estates

Service Project: Donations to the Kenneth Young Center

DKG ILSO Creative Arts Retreat

Bloomington, IL

Watch the DKG ILSO Newscaster for information.

Game night! 

Our early-career educators love this idea! Bring a game and/or have fun playing a game that someone else brings. We can have different tables, play different games, and people can either choose to learn a new game or play one that they know and love. People can also sign up to teach some newer games, e.g. 5 Crowns, Trios, Quirkle, etc.

3:15: Set/up/social

4:00: Business meeting

4:30 Game time!

Hostesses: TBD

Reflection: TBD

Location: St. Peter Lutheran Church, 202 E. Schaumburg Rd., Schaumburg

Service Project: TBD