Kappa Dissolves.

1903- the year that marked the beginning of "Kappa Delta Psi" sorority sisters entering into what would become more than a century of service to Melrose residents

Kappa's last meeting brought out the Board of Directors and members of Kappa Delta Psi. (photographer - Melissa Ricupero Cerretani)

Kappa Delta Psi and the work of its organization has now come to a close.

The final meeting took place at Rosarios in Saugus. According to Francine Ricupero who joined Kappa in 1982,"In total (116 years) the sorority has given a lot to the community."

Ricupero (a past President (1988-1990) and co-President (2011-2013) of the organization, looked back during an interview and shared just a few special memories she has of time spent with her Kappa sisters working for a number of good causes.

" There are so many moments, the 100th Anniversary Dinner. working the Victorian Fair, working the Yard Sale at the Methodist Church, volunteering reading at the school for" The Bridge." Volunteering serving at Faith Evangelist Church, working at the Swap Shop for the good of the Melrose Community." Known as The Kappa Swap Shop, the mostly clothing shop began in 1952 and closed in 2007. Residents could bring items to the store as donations and then choose other clothing items to bring home.

A list of Kappa's charitable achievements and distributions throughout its 116 years of service to the community include: North Suburban Child and Family Resource Network, Melrose Day Care, Melrose Emergency Fund, Holiday Grocery Program, Servants Heart Food Pantry, Pantry of Hope Swap Shop and Melrose High Permanent Scholarship Fund, The Fitch Home Tea and the Annual Scott McCauley Thanksgiving Program. McCauley serves Thanksgiving Dinners, free of charge, to those who would otherwise be alone on Thanksgiving.

Ricupero added,"We (Kappa) made donations to and Scott MacCauley has the Thanksgiving dinner every year at the highlands Church for those who have no place to go he feeds around 75 -80 each year. He uses his own money and takes donations. He owns the vacuum business on Tremont street.." Mccauley has been serving the dinners for more than 33 years. "

Asked what the best part of having served with the organization, Ricupero said,"volunteering for a wonderful cause, friendship and sisterhood."

Kudos to Kappa for a job well done.