LIST OF PROGRAM IDEAS - 2015

  1. - Resource site for speakers, ideas for programs (local or state) Teacher leaders and other resources for teachers.
  2. Nancy Underwood – Organization 101 Nancy was not able to come to 2015 convention but let me know shewould be interested in the future.
  3. Pam Watkinson and/or Cindy Pope (Rho) “Infamous Sites of the Holocaust” nd . Both our members attended a reunion with Maud Dahme (Honorary AZS member) developing websites and other presentation materials for use in their classrooms.
  4. Dawn Johnson, a 6th grade social studies teacher from Little Egg Harbor School District, spent6 weeks this past summer on an NJEA trip focusing on the Holocaust and the European countries. Dawn does an outstanding job teaching her students about this period in history, I can only imagine how much this experience has enhanced her instruction. I can get more information for you if you are interested in someone living on the eastern side of the state.
  5. Kathy Froriep (Mu) is an assistant professor in the Department of Literacy and Language in the school of Education at Georgian Court University and co-director of the Reading Center. One topic: READING WORDLESS BOOKS: WHAT DO YOU SEE? WHAT DOES IT MEAN? Contact Kathy for other ideas.
  6. Kristina Walker – A volunteer in Haiti has presented for Lambda. “Helping Haiti After the Earthquake”. This may sound dated but if you contact Kristina she may have another topic to share with your group. She was highly recommended as a speaker for us.
  7. Mental Health Awareness Committee of (Ocean) County. It’s likely that most or all counties have this committee. Their mission is to remove the stigma associated with mental illness. Their goal is to educate residents that mental illness is a treatable brain disorder by promoting awareness and advocacy. A website on their brochure is and an email address is: . There maybe speakers who will come to your meetings to help spread the word about their mission.
  8. CIACC – Children’s Inter Agency Coordinating Council. The organization. Contact your local CIACC (pronounced-kayak) organization about having someone come to your meeting to explain their services and how you can become involved in their work. (
  9. New jersey Domestic Violence. This is a number that may lead to a contact about speaking to your group about this issue and how you can help. Women’s Referral Central 1-800-322-8092. Or try this Website:
  1. Advisory Commission on the Status of Women – Department of Human Services (Ocean County)
  2. Recommended by Natalie Smith after attending the Douglas College/Rutgers Conference on Women’s Health and Dignity: Dr. Tefra Gezmu, an instructor of Epidemiology in the Public Health Department at Rutgers. I am sure Natalie can help you with any questions about his presentation.
  3. Human Trafficking – NJ Human Trafficking Task Force – - Committed to combatting the crime of Human Trafficking through Education, Collaboration and Prosecution.NJ Office of the Attorney General/Division of Criminal Justice NJ Human Trafficking Task Force

Angela Sepe has provided information about a book that is related to this topic:This book, " A Walk Across The Sun", by Corban Addison, opened my eyes to the problem of it today.Sounds like a fabulous book discussion for chapters or for next year’s convention.

In addition, an article is attached to this document, about an Ocean County, NJ woman who was a victim of Prostitution Trafficking. She also wrote and book and is lecturing about this topic. (see article at the end of this document)

  1. Phil Jaeger – Phil has a variety of workshops he has presented at state conventions. However, he has more or you may want to have him repeat one you have heard for the rest of your chapter. A new one is “Remember When”
  2. This may be best for a state convention workshop or keynote speaker-I think she may charge to speak and I do not know where she lives. However, there are a few AZS members who can speak on the topic of STEM. “Forging Frontiers: Women Leaders in STEM” – Kate Campbell Stevenson presented at Georgian Court University but I have not seen her. The topic is current and should be very interesting as she portrays women from the past to the present as they forged through life with a “can do” attitude. Found on LinkedIn - Visit , call: 301-622-1588 or email: to learn more about program options to inspire your communities through the transformational power of the arts and help them reach their full potential.
  3. Eight Women Writers “The Sandcastle Mysteries” – the authors wrote the book in a progressive style, passing the book from one author to the next to continue the book. The book is about the Jersey Shore. Recommended by Bernadette Vath (Lambda) ;
  4. Kathy Turrisi (Epsilon) – “Free Math Tutoring Center” . Barbara Henderson (Epsilon) has highly recommended Kathy to present this workshop. She notes that Kathy demonstrates excellent skills as a mentor to college students, teach children, supervise the center and work with parent issues.
  5. Ruth Nielsen (Rho) A member of CTAUN and NGO representative from New Jersey. Slated to be a member of a panel for the combined Northern Chapters meeting in March. Highly recommended by Margaret Anzul (Tau).
  6. The following 7 ideas came from Pi Chapter:

Author visit – Tracy Higley

Tracy obtained a degree from Rowan University and has written numerous historical novels, including The Queen’s Handmaid , City on Fire: A Novel of Pompeii, and So Shines the Night. (

  1. Panel Discussion: “Issues Facing Today’s Youth”

Panel members included a high school teacher, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, and County Assistant Prosecutor. The informative discussion included a video of high school students expressing their thoughts on social issues through poetry written in their contemporary Social Drama class and a dialogue on how today’s school culture is set by the actions of students, faculty and administration and must reflect acceptance rather than tolerance. One of the PI Chapter members served as moderator for the panel discussion.

  1. Guest Speaker – “Reading Between the Lines: Nutrition and Food Labels”

A dietician provides information for healthy food choices – also Q & A time.

  1. Chocolatier workshop with a speaker and hands-on activities. “Duffy’s Chocolates”, Gloucester, New Jersey, Confectioners recipes date back to 1920 – handmade artisan chocolates.
  2. Financial strategies for Women Investors – Daniel Roccato (856-222-0110) Discussion of special consideration areas for women investors: longer life expectancy, being on your own, time spent out of the work force, etc.
  3. Panel discussion: “Women Working in a Man’s World.” Panelists included an attorney, Professional Golf Association employee, and school administrator.
  4. Language of Flowers – Guest speaker from a local Garden Club. The discussion included spring planting and flower arranging.
  5. Thanks to Bonnie Vath (Lambda) MaryL. Robinson:. “Imagine”providesfree, year round peer support forover 180 children and adults, as well as every two weeks atour center inWestfield. This program is fostering resilience in grieving children andadolescents.

Diane Colangelo:

“The Faceof America BikeRide” –This ride continues to honor andsupport those who havesuffered injuries in ourwars. Itis an organization thatsupports disabled veterans also disabled men,women and children.

  1. Kathy Coe shared this information with us. She noted that Brenda also has schools making pillows, etc. for cancer patients. Brenda also speaks to groups.

“HUG WRAPS”-A hospital gown alternative for cancer patients to wear during various treatments.

My name is Brenda Jones. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2008. It was during my daily radiation treatments that my design for a hospital gown alternative was conceived. I call this design a HUG WRAP. As any patient knows, a hospital gown strips a patient of their dignity.HUG WRAPS are designed to provide warmth, comfort, style and strength.

Having gone through theses cancer treatments myself, HUG WRAPS are hand made from one patient to another. They are sewn with love and understanding. I could not control Cancer, but I could control what I wore.

For information on how you can obtain a HUG WRAP, e-mail me at:

Check out our website at:

For fabric donations, send to:

Brenda Jones

P.O. Box 2592

Vincentown, NJ 08088

HUG WRAPS is a NJ Non-Profit Corp.

HUG WRAPS are made of pre-washed flannel material in bright, bold festive patterns.

It is a kimono-style wrap around, open in the front, ¾ length sleeves and ties with a material belt. Two lengths are available-mid thigh or just above the knee.

There are many uses for a “HUG WRAP”

During hospital stays

At home during recovery

Follow-up doctor appointments

Procedures such as X-rays, Ultrasounds, CT scans, Mammograms, MRI’s, Physical Therapy, Chemo and daily Radiation treatments.

Because HUG WRAPS are non-restrictive and comfortable, they allow for easy access to surgical drains and dressing changes.

  1. Patricia Marks (Alpha) shared that their chapter had a panel discussion in October of 2013 and the topic was Understanding ACHIEVENJ – State Teacher Evaluation Process.

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