Courtesy photo Janet Helmbold, of Manistique, is shown holding the certificate and rose she received when she was named the Chapter Woman of Distinction by the Beta Sigma Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma.

MANISTIQUE — Beta Sigma Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma has honored Janet Helmbold of Manistique, as the Chapter Woman of Distinction for 2022. She has been a member of DKG since Margaret Rittenburgh sponsored her for membership in 1984. At the May 14 meeting, held at the Little Nugget Golf Course Clubhouse near Menominee, she was presented with a rose, a certificate, a pin, a gift, and a notebook binder containing letters and testimonials commending her on her educational and community service and involvement. Helmbold comes from Millington, Mich., a 1963 graduate of Millington High School. Helmbold has two brothers, Chris Helmbold (Paulette), from Augusta, Mich., David Helmbold from Ann Arbor, and one sister, Karen Steele from Millington, Mich.

She earned her B.A., M.A., and ED.S. degrees at the University of Michigan. (GO BLUE!) She began her education career at the Sanilac Intermediate School District as a school diagnostician. In 1975, she moved to Manistique where she worked as a school psychologist and area coordinator for the Delta-Schoolcraft Intermediate School District.

In 2005 she was given the Golden Apple Award. The award recognizes and honors great educators in the community.

Since her retirement from public education, she became involved in many community activities. She served on the Schoolcraft County Mental Health Board for seven years, on the City of Manistique Zoning and Planning Commission, on the Lake Effects Art Council, and on the Manistique Chamber Music Series Committee. She also served as the lay leader for the First United Methodist Church, and as such on every committee in the church.

In addition to being a Sunday school teacher and a Bible study leader, she also was the choir director. Her music interests led her to become part of the GoPher Baroque Recorder Ensemble, former member of the Manistique Community Orchestra and Moose Country Band. She was also involved in community theater writing, producing, and directing plays. In DKG she has been on the historical, music, and membership committees as well as one term as parliamentarian. Her hobbies include travel, reading, music, stamp collecting, and writing rhymes.

Many of the letters of congratulations were read aloud during the presentation. Her friends and relatives gathered after church on Sunday to greet her and congratulate and celebrate her award. Helmbold is a well-respected member of DKG Beta Sigma Chapter.

Delta Kappa Gamma International Society is an honorary International organization of key women educators that promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education. The Beta Sigma Chapter includes members from Michigan counties such as Dickinson, Delta, and Menominee and neighboring Wisconsin counties of Marinette, Oconto, and Florence. For more information about Delta Kappa Gamma, go to www.dkg.org