Spring 2022 Newsletter

APRIL 23, 2022—President Jessica Knieff hosted the regular April meeting at her home. Past President Marion Talley had planned to host the meeting, but an unfortunate fall that resulted in a broken wrist meant a change in plans. The meeting featured a program on convention memories that also served as Fraternity Education. In anticipation of the 50^th SAI National Convention this summer (July 28-August 1 in Greensboro, NC) Catherine Rands, our VP Ritual decided to tap into Dee Netzel’s memories of attending 9 National Conventions. She recruited Donita Banks to assist with that project and the result became the program, “A Lifetime of Convention Memories.” Donita interviewed Dee at her home last fall and gleaned details about her most memorable conventions, particularly 1947 (her first), 1990, 1997 (the Denver Convention) and 2003 (the SAI Centennial Convention). Donita also recalled highlights of her attendance at 7 National Conventions. After meeting with Catherine, Donita wrote a script and prepared a notebook of photos and memorabilia and two musical examples that became the basis of the program, with Catherine “interviewing” Donita and Sarah Butler displaying the notebook pages to highlight Dee’s and Donita’s memories. The program closed with the reading of the SAI Symphony and the Singing of “Music Is Our Call” (the inspiration for the 2022 Convention theme) by Amy Inman, a 1984 Song Contest Winner. Amy paraphrased portions of the “Symphony” for her song text. Jessica videotaped the program, added captions and made it available for members to watch at http://youtu.be/AbGlvpr70QE and for it to be added to our archives.

MAY 21, 2022—Wheatridge United Methodist Church was the lovely setting for the May meeting, hosted by Catherine Rands. It is an excellent venue that we may consider using again in the future. After enjoying Catherine’s tasty refreshments, we were charmed by her program highlighting interesting information on Harp Mechanics and details on memorizing musical compositions. Catherine then played several compositions on two of her beautiful harps, a Celtic folksong, and pieces by Salzedo, Moore and Renie. Jessica then conducted the business meeting, which featured the affiliation of Phoenix Gayles and Magen Gore. (See their profiles in a separate article.)

IN LOVING MEMORY - RICHARD GARY NETZEL - 1928—2022
By Donita Banks

Dick Netzel, beloved husband of Dee Netzel, died peacefully at home on March 13 at the age of 93. He was a kind, brilliant and curious man who will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Dick was born in Shawano, Wisconsin on May 13, 1928. He attended the University of Wisconsin—Madison—where he earned a Ph.D. in physics and met Delorus Erickson, a fellow student. They were married in 1951 and enjoyed 70 joyful years together. Dick and Dee had three children: Lizabeth Netzel, David Netzel and Joanne Netzel Holly. Dick taught physics at UW-Oshkosh then turned to college administration. He and Dee moved to Denver in 1972 and he served as VP of Academic Affairs and acting president of Metro State University of Denver. He returned to the college classroom later in his career. Dick served two years of active duty and a total of eight years in the Army National Guard. An avid skier, he volunteered on the safety patrol at Copper Mountain Ski Resort until well into his 80s. Dick and Dee and family traveled all over the United States and the world during their years together.

Denver Alumnae Chapter initiated Dick as a Friend of the Arts in February, 2004. He was very supportive of Dee’s involvement in our chapter and attended many activities over the years. Dick and Dee held season tickets to Colorado Symphony concerts for many years and were strong supporters of the arts in the Denver area.

The family held a beautiful Celebration of Life for Dick on May 14 in the backyard of their 50-year Denver home on South Forest Way. Many friends and colleagues attended including SAIs Donita Banks, Mary Nichols, Marion Talley and FotA Linda Combellick. Family members shared wonderful memories highlighting their love of this generous man, his sense of humor and his love of family. Dick is survived by wife, Dee, sister, Sally, his children and their spouses, two grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Contributions in his name may be made to MSUD.

IN MEMORIUM - ADA LOUANNE SHELTON -1932—2022
By Donita Banks

It is with deep sadness that I share the news of the passing in Seattle of my dear SAI friend, Louanne Shelton, on March 23, 2022. Louanne and her husband, Warren, a retired public school teacher, moved from Seattle to Denver in 1991 and she affiliated with our chapter in March, 1992. She was born in California in 1932 but grew up in Portland, Oregon. Louanne was a brilliant classical pianist which took her to the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester where she earned a degree in piano performance and was initiated into Sigma Theta Chapter in 1952, becoming a dedicated 70 year member of SAI. She met her husband, a Denver native, at Eastman and they moved to Seattle after graduation. Louanne and Warren raised four children, three sons and a daughter, and she continued as an active pianist until her late 60s. She was active in the Seattle Alumnae Chapter, serving as President and in many other capacities.

Louanne and Warren lived in BowMar while in Denver and hosted several SAI events there. While a member of our chapter, she served as Secretary, VP Ritual and on many committees. Louanne brought the idea of a midwinter dinner from the Seattle Chapter. Renamed the Roses-in-Winter Dinner, it was a favorite annual event for many years. She was also Hospitality Co-Coordinator for the 1997 Denver Convention. Louanne performed often for chapter programs and presented two beautiful recitals in the community. She held the Sword of Honor and the Rose of Honor.

When Warren passed away in 2001, Louanne decided to move back to Seattle to be close to her family. She stayed connected to our chapter as an Associate Member until 2019 and reconnected with the Seattle Alumnae Chapter. When arthritis set in, Louanne gave up playing piano and turned to a new passion: ballroom dancing. She danced competitively for over 10 years, winning many awards. She remained fiercely independent, committed to books, puzzles and her family and was surrounded by love until the end. A memorial service was held on April 30, 2022. She is survived by sons David, Steven and Paul and their spouses, daughter, Ann, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Contributions can be made to Save the Redwoods League, 111 Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94104; Medic One Foundation, 11747 N. E. 1^st St., Suite 310, Bellevue, WA 98005; or PAWS, P.O. Box 1037, Lynwood, WA 98046.

Farewell, dear friend! I will miss you!

You can view all photos from our chapter events here!