Members of the Eta Gamma Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at Coffeyville Community College met October 20 at 5:30 p.m. in room 107 Weinberg Hall for their October general membership meeting.  Following a buffet dinner, the meeting began with a focus on the chapter’s upcoming events including the following:  October 23, Oklahoma State University Homecoming Walk-Around; October 24, Brown Mansion Spook Trail; October 29, Trick or Treat So Kids Can East with donations to The Salvation Army and Genesis; October 31, selling Raven Gear at the Homecoming game; and November 1, cleaning Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Advisor Linda McFate introduced the speaker for the evening, Gina Hosey from Independence.  Gina, mother of Rachel, a non-verbal child with Down Syndrome and autism, shared how through technology of the iPad and Prolquo2go, Rachael and other non-verbal people are able to communicate their feelings, needs, and wants to their family, friends, and the outside world.  Gina also founded Rachel’s Works with a desire to help other non-verbal individuals to have the ability to communicate.  With the help of family and friends, from all over America, tax deductible donations were made to the Coffeyville Area Community Foundation for this purpose and a fund was established for Rachel’s Works.  This program contributed to the understanding of the chapter’s Honors in Action Project, “How Assistive Technology Helps Those Persons with Special Needs.”

Chapter president Colter Comstock called the business meeting to order. Minutes were presented by Eleora Coward and the treasurer’s report by Kyle Darnell.  Chapter correspondence included Samaritan’s Purse, Phi Theta Kappa International Headquarters, Mrs. Wendy Alvey and Watered Gardens.  President Comstock introduced Reina Garcia as Member of the Month and presented an update on the Honors in Action Conference November 6-8 in Topeka.  Other items discussed were the All-USA Academic Team Competition and the Jack Kent Cooke and Fall Common Scholarship applications.  Vice President of Service Tanner Vieyra reported on Operation Christmas Child, Red Raven Holiday, Trick or Treat So Kids Can Eat, the Brown Mansion Fine Arts Fair, and Caretaker Cottage Restoration Project.

During the Fellowship Hallmark Report, Connor Kagy reported on the party with Sister Chapter Beta Omega and the OSU Homecoming Walk-Around.  The communications report was received from Ray Garoutte; fundraising from Kyle Darnell; Membership, Reina Garcia; public relations from Cristen Shepard and Jonathan Kowalczyp; Relay For Life from Karen McKenzie; Alumni from Jesus Medina; and Advisor report, Linda McFate.

During new business, the chapter voted to sell Raven gear the homecoming game on October 31, and to host a Christmas Party with Beta Omega.  The next general membership meeting will be November 17, 5:30 p.m., room107 Weinberg Hall.