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TORCH [email protected] Editor - Laurey Lummus Graphic Designer - Eric Burgess Assistant Editor - Betsy Thomas

BETA SIGMA PHI INTERNATIONALAddress: 1800 West 91st Place Kansas City MO 64114-0500Phone: 816-444-6800 (8:30 am - 5:00 pm CST M-F)Fax: 816-333-6206Insurance Only: 800-235-2806Long Term Care Insurance: 888-290-7207Gifts Only: 800-821-3989

DIVISION CHAIRMENKarla MacRae [email protected] - Canada, GA, Greece, HI, IL, IN, MN, NM, Norway, Scotland, WA, WY, & RussiaVivian Iddings [email protected] - AK, AZ, CT, DC, DE, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, MS, MT, NH, NJ, NV, NY, PA, Puerto Rico, Germany, RI, VA, VT, & WVLaura Ross Wingfield [email protected] - On-Line Chapters & ConventionsCynthia Meadows [email protected] - AL, AR, CO, NC, TN, OH, OK, SC, TX, Belgium, & ZimbabweCindy Vance [email protected] - Austria, Australia, CA, England, Finland, FL, ID, IA, LA, Mexico, NE, ND, OR, Saudi Arabia, SD, UT, & WI

E-MAIL ADDRESSESTorch Department [email protected]/Rushing Department - [email protected] Department [email protected] Page -http://www.betasigmaphi.orgBeta Journal -http://www.betajournal.comBeta Sigma Phi is an international women’s friendship network. It also provides educational programs to its members and opportunities for service to others. We are women of all ages, interests, and educational and economic backgrounds, and are the largest organization of our kind in the world. For Beta Sigma Phi membership information call:

1-888-BETA-2B1(238-2221)

February 2012 Volume 130 - Issue 1

Oh boy, spring is getting clos-er! Although we’ve barely had a winter so I shouldn’t talk. Hope you all are warm and dry. Alaska sisters, you have really had a rough one this winter!

I want to remind everyone that we are having a video contest this year for the 80th anniver-sary. We will post the winners

to YouTube, so it needs to be done with a video recorder that will easily upload to YouTube. We need a good format, there-fore we are not accepting video done on your cellphone. You can use a Flip-style video camera, the one on your digital camera or a camcorder. The rules are printed in this Torch.

Also, we haven’t spoken a lot about our presence on Face-book but we are there! There are a couple of general Beta Sigma Phi pages, lots of chapter, Council and state pages and of course lots of us have our own personal pages. When you post a story to your Facebook page, think about sending an email to the Torch with that story so others who are not on Facebook may be able to see it too. The Torch is going to start a Facebook page soon so keep your eyes open for that, we’ll post on our website when it’s there. I tried not to be on Facebook but you guys pulled me in and I have to say, it’s been great for talking to sisters. We even have a Beta Sigma Phi recipe sharing Facebook page now started by a member. I think it was inspired by the email chain letter sharing recipes. But it’s a good place to look for special ideas and you know how good we are with FOOD!

Please check the Torch online if you don’t subscribe as we still share most announcements through the Torch and it’s al-ways a great way to find ideas shared by sisters from all over. Facebook helps us do this too, and to share prayer requests, and so much more. Technology, it’s a great thing... most of the time. Have a great spring, soon. Founder’s Day is just around the corner.

Laura

THE TORCH OF BETA SIGMA PHI (ISSN 0888-8930). Official Publication of Beta Sigma Phi, 1800 West 91st Place, Kansas City, Missouri 64114-0500. Periodical postage paid at Kansas City. Canada Post Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement #1548255. Published 7 times a year by Beta Sigma Phi International. Member subscription price $14.00 per year. Non-member sub-scription price $14.00 per year. Individual copies $2.50. Printed in U.S.A. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Torch of Beta Sigma Phi, PO Box 8500, Kansas City MO 64114-0500.

February 2012 The Torch 3

TORCH TRADITIONS 4 Conventions, New Chapters, Friendly Ventures 6 Rushing 26 Newest International Award of Distinction Members 28 Chatter

FEATURE STORIES8 Talking about Traditions Read about how one of our favorite Beta Sigma Phi contests came to be in 1938.

9 Maine Delta Master, Sanford – Beading For Autism

21 Random Acts of Kindness Strike Again

22 2012 Beta Sigma Phi Endowment Fund Recipients

12 Special Section – We honor our 2012 Valentine Royalty, and highlight our world-famous judge, Philip Glass.

On the CoverMeet our 2012 Queen, Texas Preceptor Pi Iota, Amarillo member Anqelique Herr. Read more about this lovely sister on page 13.

4 February 2012 The Torch

Alaska (Anchorage) May 17-20Arizona (Litchfield Park) August 17-19Arkansas (Hot Springs) June 22-24British Columbia (Kamloops) conclave May 26British Columbia (Maple Ridge) conclave March 3California (Santa Barbara) May 18-20Carolinas (New Bern, North Carolina) May 4-6Colorado (Lakewood) June 22-24Florida (Cape Canaveral) May 18-20Georgia (Augusta) September 14-16Iowa (Des Moines) June 8-10Kentucky (Prestonsburg) June 8-10Louisiana (Baton Rouge Cruise) March 29-April 2Massachusetts (Cape Cod) September 28-30Michigan (Pontiac) September 28-30Minnesota (New Ulm) October 26-28Missouri (Kansas City) October 5-7Montana (Polson) June 22-24Newfoundland (Gander) May 25-26New Mexico (Albuquerque) June 1-3Ohio (Cincinnati) May 18-20Ontario (Stratford) May 25-27Oregon (Pendleton) June 22-24Pennsylvania (Gettysburg) Mid-Eastern June 22-24Saskatchewan (Saskatoon) June 15-17South Australia (Adelaide) October 26-28Tennessee (Franklin) June 14-17Texas (Arlington) June 8-10Texas (Galveston Cruise) April 29-May 6Utah (Salt Lake City) Quadra State June 22-24Virginia (Richmond) October 5-7Washington (Yakima) July 20-22West Virginia (Charleston) October 26-28Wisconsin (Pewaukee) September 28-30

Conventions2012

New FriendlyVenture Chapters

California Beta Alpha Tau, Salton City By: Patricia Murrah and Laureate Kappa PiMontana Gamma Theta, Bozeman By: Darla TimmonsTennessee Alpha Omega Beta, Greeneville By: Michelle HooverTexas Alpha Gamma, Amarillo By: Claudie Biggers and Xi Iota Pi Texas Alpha Omega, Amarillo By: Claudie Biggers and Xi Iota Pi

Welcome TheseNew Chapters

Arizona Alpha Psi Master, Mesa Florida Gamma Eta Master, Lakeland

Florida Preceptor Iota Omega, Orange Park Iowa Xi Iota Zeta, Russell

Michigan Beta Epsilon Master, Detroit Michigan Preceptor Delta Kappa, Grand Rapids

Missouri Gamma Delta Master, Dexter Oregon Theta Beta, Medford

Pennsylvania Beta Lambda Master, Scranton Queensland Alpha Gamma, Mansfield

Texas Epsilon Lambda Master, Kerrville Virginia Laureate Beta Tau, Covington

The Torch 5

What Beta Sigma Phi Means to Me By: Mae McRae Bruce Texas Laureate Eta Beta, Hilltop Lakes“At home in Fort Worth in summer, 1949, between my freshman and sophomore year at North Texas State College, I received an in-vitation to an organizational meeting for a new chapter of a sorority named Nu Phi Mu. The meeting was to be in a room at the down-town Texas Hotel, a very nice well-known hotel, but my mother was not ready to send me off to meet unknown people in a hotel! So she went with me and waited out on the hotel balcony until the meeting was over. My memory of that day has certainly blurred, but I do remember that there were about 20 college-age-girls, all excited about being part of this new group.

In my scrapbook I have a newspaper clipping of one of our sum-mer meetings, held at my home, having a watermelon supper. The members of our chapter were invited to participate in a huge city-side historical celebration and I was honored and excited to be part of that 1949 celebration, wearing my costume of early Fort Worth.

Going back to college for the fall semester, I found a chapter lo-cated in Denton, so was able to attend their meetings. I married during my junior year, moved to Houston, and raised our family of three children. Upon retirement, I moved in 1988 to Hilltop Lakes, found the Beta Sigma Phi “Big Sister” sorority chapter, and was welcomed as soon as the International Office found my records.

Here I have bonded with a lovely group of ladies. Those first years in this chapter, we were the only group in this area, so it included every level of degree. To me, that was an enriching factor, because the experience of those older members benefited the newer mem-bers. Years later, two more chapters have been formed in this com-munity, so we now have a tri-chapter activity each fall.

My chapter has a wonderful tradition which is offering and serv-ing a meal to every Hilltop Lakes family who has a death in their family. We serve all of the out-of-town guests and relatives, and it has become a recognized service, much appreciated by the family. Because our community is very remote from city accommodations, this gives the family a place to sit and be with each other at this time of memories. Members prepare and serve the meal, usually in a chapel’s fellowship hall. I find, that at my age of 81, after 23 years of being a member in this chapter, I feel closely bound to these ladies. They are the ones I turn to in days of need, in times of great joy, and for fellowship any time possible. I am so proud to be part of such an honorable and caring group; never dreamed of this connection back in that meet-ing at the Texas Hotel sixty-two years ago! Beta Sigma Phi has pro-vided me with wonderful sisters of the heart and I love them!”

Mae McRae Bruce receiving her 60-year certificate and pin, com-memorating 60 years in Beta Sigma Phi.

Mae McRae reigns as a queen’s attendant when Ft. Worth cel-ebrates Spain in 1949.


RushingADDED 9 pledgesGeorgia Kappa Beta, Douglas

ADDED 8 pledgesDelaware Xi Upsilon, Ocean View Georgia Beta Delta, Elberton Kansas Iota Gamma, Kinsley

ADDED 7 pledgesBritish Columbia Eta Xi, Langley Texas Theta Upsilon, Brady

ADDED 6 PledgesGeorgia Preceptor Beta Lambda, Newnan Illinois Sigma Alpha, Bradford Kansas Xi Iota Theta, Neodesha Missouri Alpha Eta Gamma, Washington Oklahoma Eta Sigma, Watonga

ADDED 5 PledgesArkansas Delta Lambda, Wynne California Delta Iota Omega, Ripon Georgia Gamma Xi, Claxton Georgia Xi Delta Psi, Swainsboro Illinois Chi Zeta, CarbondaleIowa Xi Zeta Epsilon, Dallas Center Kansas Kappa Sigma, Nortonville Kansas Sigma Chi, Liberal Maine Zeta, Augusta Mississippi Preceptor Alpha, Biloxi Missouri Upsilon, Poplar Bluff Missouri Alpha Epsilon Omicron, Moberly New Hampshire Alpha Gamma, Grantham Texas Beta Omega, Canyon Texas Alpha Upsilon Lambda, Hallettsville

Top Rushing ChaptersJune 1st - December 31, 2011


Video Contest We want to see your ‘reel’ chapter life! Do you enjoy being in pictures? How about a video?Here’s your chance to share your chapter with the entire membership of Beta Sigma Phi and win an 80th anniversary package. The anniversary package includes a Beta Sigma Phi throw, our 75th anniversary book, and the final Beta Sigma Phi cookbook, sure to become a keepsake.

Have a good time and highlight what you love about your chapter!The rules are easy:There are three categories in the video contest: Fun – We celebrate any and every age during our membership. Friendship – We expand through the bonds of our sisterhood. Fulfillment – We discover and explore new interests through our programs and service projects.

There are just a few simple steps – that’s all! Use a camcorder, Flip style video camera or digital camera. (Videos made from phones will not be considered.)

Transfer video onto computer Copy to disk Mail in to Beta Sigma Phi International. (Files will be too large to email.)

Videos should be 5 – 10 minutes in length.

Entry deadline is April 30, 2012.All entries become the property of Beta Sigma Phi In-ternational and submitting these videos gives Interna-tional the right to use and share them in future publica-tions or forums. They must include only Beta Sigma Phi members and activities. It is not necessary to announce or include the subject of our 80th anniversary.

Because We Love This Photo

Finland Alpha, Helsinki members busily prepare for their first Valen-tine’s party in 1954. The chapter is still active today and was featured in the December/January 2011 Torch.

Our Valentine Contest is one of our oldest and most beloved traditions, beginning in 1938. Just over six years after Beta Sigma Phi was founded, an idea was formed - Why not showcase some of our lovely members in a Torch Valentine issue? What followed was the beginning of a tradition that has held the interest and enthusiasm of our members for eight decades.

In the 1938 February Torch, it stated that a new contest was going to be held at Beta Sigma Phi – the Valentine Girl Con-test. The official announce-ment along with details would follow that fall. To jump start the idea, actress Jean Parker McDonald happily consented to be the first Beta Sigma Phi Valentine Girl, which the Torch reported “was an idea that will please you all.” Ms. Parker was discovered by MGM when she posed for a poster contest. Pretty and vivacious, Parker gained a reputation of working quickly, efficiently and in-expensively.

Another quote from the Torch reads, “Miss Park-er tells me that she reg-ularly reads your maga-zine and that she is proud of her sister affil-iation with Beta Sigma Phi.” She tells of wear-ing her sorority pin at the slightest provoca-

tion and that she welcomes any letters from Beta Sigma Phi members and that she will be happy to send an autographed photo to any members that re-quest it.

As the years progressed, and our members became more so-phisticated, the Valentine Girl contest metamorphosed into a Valentine Sweetheart, and now each year we present the Queen, the Sweetheart and the Empress.

Our judges have been iconic, from Cary Grant to this year’s judge, Phillip Glass. And oddly, none of them ever complained about this delightful task we asked them to take on.

February 1938 Torch

Talking About TraditionsWhere We Were in 1938The March of Dimes is established to stamp out polio.

Orson Welles’s radio production of “War of the Worlds”causes panic when listeners believe the fictional play.

Howard Hughes flies round the world in three days, 19 hours and 17 minutes.

20,000 television sets are in service in New York City.

The 40-hour work week is established, down from 44 hours per week. Minimum wage is .44 cents per hour.

The Women’s Volun-tary Services is founded in Britain. The first Beta Sigma Phi chapter in Brit-ain is formed in 1945.

Average cost of a new house, $3,900.00.

One gallon of gas was 10 cents.

A loaf of bread was 9 cents.

Becoming a member of Beta Sigma Phi - Priceless!



When Maine Delta Master, Sanford chapter member Ann Marie Therrien proposed a new service project, the chapter enthusiastically accepted. Ann Marie, an artist and jewelry designer, came across an article about a young girl who was raising money to help beat autism by beading and selling bracelets. An avid beader, Ann Marie read of this young girl’s determination to raise $300 million dollars to build a hospital in Tennessee dedicated to the research and treat-ment of autism.

Michala Riggle, was just 11 years old when she started to raise money for her brother’s experimental treatment. These treatments where effective and she decided to enlist other beading friends to bead bracelets and raise money by sell-ing the bracelets at local craft fairs, art shows and community events. Within six months she and her volunteers had raised over $300,000 for the cause. Her foundation, the Michala Riggle Beat Autism Foundation, had gained national attention for autism and she has appeared on “Good Morning America” and “The El-len DeGeneres Show.” To date Michala and her group of “Peeps” have raised over a half-million dollars towards their goal.

Ann Marie was excited when she contacted the foundation and was sent enough material for 300 bracelets. The challenge is-sued by the foundation is formidable - to complete and sell 300 bracelets within a 30 day period. Members of the chapter spent

one evening learning to make the seed bead bracelets. Also used as a chapter program, member Susan Mesick presented some of the statistics regarding the developmental disorder known as au-tism. Chapter members completed approximately 50 bracelets and outlets for sales were discussed. Ann Marie completed the remaining 250 bracelets within 10 days and members confidently met their deadline.

Delta Master chapter is excited and committed to being a part of this fundraising effort and challenge other chapters to become in-volved. For information on how to get your chapter involved you can contact the Michala Riggle Beat Autism foundation at www.BeadingToBeatAutism.org. The foundation is a 5013c nonprofit.

It is estimated that between 1 in 80 and 1 in 240 with an average of 1 in 110 children in the United States have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

ASDs are reported to occur in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, yet are on average 4 to 5 times more likely to occur in boys than in girls. Please note that these are preliminary sta-tistics, because more information is needed on less studied populations and regions around the world.

Approximately 13% of children have a developmental disability, ranging from mild disabilities such as speech and lan-guage impairments to serious develop-mental disabilities, such as intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, and autism.

Autism Facts – published by the Center for Disease Control (CDC)

Maine Delta Master, Sanford – Beading for Autism

Reference: Center for Disease Control (CDC)

Maine Delta Master, Sanford members are busy beading to beat autism!

ASD CategoriesAutistic Disorder (also called “classic” autism)People with this autistic disorder usually have significant language delays, social and communication challenges, and unusual behaviors and interests. Many people with autistic disorder also have intellectual disability.

Asperger SyndromePeople with Asperger syndrome usually have some milder symptoms of autistic disorder. They might have social challenges and unusual behaviors and interests. However, they typically do not have problems with language or intellectual disabil-ity.

Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS; also called “atypical autism”)People who meet some of the criteria for autistic disorder or Asperger syndrome, but not all, may be diagnosed with PDD-NOS. People with PDD-NOS usually have fewer and milder symptoms than those with autistic disorder. The symptoms might cause only social and communication challenges.


The Amarillo, Texas City Council pre-sented the Envoy Award to Mr. Jay Ricci dur-ing Texas Xi Iota Pi, Amarillo’s annual Sweetheart and Outstanding Woman Lun-cheon and style show. Mr. Ricci has been a longtime emcee of the fete. The event honors Sweethearts and Outstanding Women from

each chapter, who also model clothes from a local retailer. Proceeds go to a scholarship fund at Amarillo College each year, was es-tablished in honor of a sister who had passed in 1999. After her death, the chapter found out that she was sponsoring a student, on her own, each semester at the college.

Area chapters of Lewiston, Idaho had a “Mad Hatter’s” tea party, where each chapter crowned their sweetheart. Chapter Ida-ho Xi Alpha Kappa, Lewis-ton members were in charge of the arrangements, so they decid-ed to do something a little differ-ent, rather than an evening pot luck - they would do an after-noon tea. “We decided how nice this would be for our older ladies to have a chance to dress up, wear hats, and feel like queens,” says Xi Alpha Kappa member Victoria Brooks. “We had a great turnout! There were prizes and a raffle – the money was sent to a local ani-mal shelter. We are definitely go-ing to do this again next year.”


South Brevard City Council, Melbourne, Florida honored their Sweethearts at a beau-tiful dinner/dance which was held at a glam-orous country club. Sweethearts honored were Carolyn Elliott of Florida Laureate Alpha Nu, Melbourne and Irene Jarvis of Florida

Laureate Delta Chi, Melbourne. “Red, black and white decorations made for a very elegant setting. It was a very beautiful and fun evening,” writes Jewell Patton of Laure-ate Epsilon Iota, whose chapter chaired the event.

Florida Xi Mu Sigma, Plant City followed the path of the yellow brick road at their Sweetheart party and dressed in Wiz-ard of Oz costumes depicting such beloved characters as Glen-da, Dorothy and of course, the Lion, the Scarecrow and the Tin Man. Thanks to a very good sport of a husband, the Wizard himself was also present.

The member’s property closely resembled many of the movie’s locations, from the Kansas farm yard to the Emerald City. In Munchkin land, they even had a house which was blown there by a fierce tornado! The inside of the house was imbued in green light, with green glittered objects such as a tree with green butterflies, and a hanging mobile signifying the outside walls of the Emerald City itself. They had signs right out of the movie, such as “I’d turn back if I were you,” and another touting Professor Marvel’s talents. There were signs reminding us that the door bell was broken, that the witches castle was near, and on that read “Home, Sweet Home.” The highlight of the back yard was a scarecrow on bales of hay which was spot-lighted, and made a great background for couple’s pictures. There was also a hot air balloon, a poppy field and, of course, lions and tigers and bears!

Before the sweetheart was announced, sisters of Xi Mu Sigma received items to attest to the fact that they had a brain, courage, and a heart. There were certificates for Program Excellence, badges of Courage for never running from the task of trans-muting dust into stardust, and boxes of chocolate hearts and kisses for the fine service projects they are involved during the year for Beta Sigma Phi.

“The group had a riotous good time, coming to-gether in the spirit of love, and of gratitude for the wonderful sorority of Beta Sigma Phi,” reports Xi Mu Sigma member Janice Springer.

We are thrilled and honored to have Phillip Glass, one of America’s most prolific composers, as this year’s Valentine judge.

Through his operas, his symphonies, his compositions for his own ensemble, and his wide-ranging collaborations with art-ists ranging from Twyla Tharp to Allen Ginsberg, Woody Allen to David Bowie, Philip Glass has had an extraordinary and unprecedented impact upon the musical and intellectual life of his times.

The operas – “Einstein on the Beach,” “Satyagraha,” “Akhnat-en,” and “The Voyage,” among many others – play throughout the world’s leading houses, and rarely to an empty seat. Glass has written music for experimental theater and for Academy Award-winning motion pictures such as “The Hours” and Mar-tin Scorsese’s “Kundun,” while “Koyaanisqatsi,” his initial filmic landscape with Godfrey Reggio and the Philip Glass Ensem-ble, may be the most radical and influential mating of sound

and vision since “Fantasia.” His associations, personal and professional, with leading rock, pop and world music artists date back to the 1960s, including the beginning of his collaborative relationship with artist Robert Wilson. Indeed, Glass is the first composer to win a wide, multi-generational audience in the opera house, the concert hall, the dance world, in film and in popular music -- simultaneously.

He was born in 1937 and grew up in Baltimore. He studied at the University of Chicago, the Juilliard School and in Aspen with Darius Milhaud. Finding himself dissatisfied with much of what then passed for modern music, he moved to Europe, where he studied with the legendary pedagogue Nadia Boulanger (who also taught Aaron Copland , Virgil Thomson and Quincy Jones) and worked closely with the sitar virtuoso and composer Ravi Shankar. He returned to New York in 1967 and formed the Philip Glass Ensemble – seven musicians playing keyboards and a variety of woodwinds, amplified and fed through a mixer.

The new musical style that Glass was evolving was eventually dubbed “minimalism.” Glass himself never liked the term and preferred to speak of himself as a composer of “music with repetitive structures.” Much of his early work was based on the extended reiteration of brief, elegant melodic fragments that wove in and out of an aural tapestry. Or, to put it another way, it immersed a listener in a sort of sonic weather that twists, turns, surrounds, develops.

There has been nothing “minimalist” about his output. In the past 25 years, Glass has composed more than twenty operas, large and small; eight symphonies (with others already on the way); two piano concertos and concertos for violin, piano, timpani, and saxophone quartet and orchestra; soundtracks to films rang-ing from new scores for the stylized classics of Jean Cocteau to Errol Morris’s documentary about former defense secretary Robert McNamara; string quartets; a growing body of work for solo piano and organ. He has collaborated with Paul Simon, Linda Ronstadt, Yo-Yo Ma, and Doris Lessing, among many others. He presents lectures, workshops, and solo keyboard performances around the world, and continues to appear regularly with the Philip Glass Ensemble.


The Torch 13

Angelique HerrTexas Preceptor Pi Iota, Amarillo“Angelique is a devout Christian, she has a caring and generous heart with the voice of an angel.”

Elizabeth Ann McNeilNorth Carolina Laureate Mu, Raleigh

“Elizabeth is very loving, dedicated and enthusiastic, she is a faithful and positive force.”

Stephanie PippenArkansas Delta Xi, Crossett

“Stephanie joined last year and has really stepped up to the plate as a sister in any situation where she is

needed.”

Queen

Cynthia D. HinojosaTexas Beta Zeta Omicron, Rio Grande City“Cynthia is someone we can depend on for help at a mo-ment’s notice, she is always enthusiastic and willing to

help out with anything.”

Susanne MorrisonVirginia Xi Delta Kappa, Hampton

“Susanne is a very caring, generous and dedicated member who works hard to ensure that meetings and

programs are purposeful and enjoyable.”14 February 2012 The Torch

Sweetheart

Donna Pate WalkerMississippi Epsilon Zeta, Columbus“Donna cares deeply for her family and her sisters, she can always find the lighter side and make us laugh.”


Empress

Peggy Lee HiebSouth Dakota Laureate Phi, Rapid City“Peggy is very family oriented and she is a dedicated member involved in many projects with her chapter.”

Alice Crie KnightMaine Preceptor Beta, Rockland

“Alice has been an inspiration to her sisters since 1962, she is an exemplary member and person who has greatly enhanced the quality of life in her community.”

Jackie GitthensNorth Carolina Pi Master, Havelock“Jackie is a world traveler who is very dedicated to her family and sorority.”


Carla ValentinoVirginia Xi Delta Gamma, Manassas

“Carla is an accomplished wife and mother who is cheerful and willing to assist with any task and is ac-

tive in her community and sorority.

Sherry WilsonNorth Dakota Xi Xi, Tioga

“Sherry is always ready to lend a hand or a listening ear, she truly cares about people and of course our “furry

friends,” she has a heart of gold.”

Kara McAnallyArkansas Epsilon Upsilon, Ozark

“Kara is very active in her community and keeping up with her two boys.”

Rima WoodcockWashington Laureate Alpha Delta, Auburn

“Rima is very enthusiastic and always ready to help where she is needed.”

Royal Court


Dianne LatiolaisLouisiana Xi Tau, Lafayette

“Dianne has always been there for her sisters, she can always be counted on to bring the fun and laughter to

the scene.”

Priscilla Shields WaitsMississippi Laureate Gamma, Columbus

“Priscilla has an inner strength and beauty and a loving spirit that shines.”

Alynda KimbroughTexas Xi Alpha Sigma, Amarillo

“Alynda is a sweet and loving sister who is always there when you need her.”

Jackie ThomasOntario Mu Iota, Bobcaygeon

“Jackie is a very enthusiastic and committed sister, she gives her support faithfully.”

Royal Court


Bonna GoodeKentucky Laureate Upsilon, Owensboro

“Bonna is a special member, she always has a smile on her face and a positive attitude.”

Nona G. TaylorTexas Delta Lambda Master, Houston

“Nona is a caring, considerate, compassionate, confidant, charming and creative person, she lives the positve motto.”

Virginia (Ginny) L. Poe Louisiana Eta Master, Lafayette

“Ginny has been a hardworking, positive, supportive, forceful member of Beta Sigma Phi for 41 years and

she enjoys being with her sisters and it shows.”

Tricia BhendKansas Phi Alpha Xi, Goodland

“Tricia embodies what a true friend is, she always has a positive attitude and a caring heart.”

Royal Court


Linda CrichtonWashington Beta Zeta Master, Port Orchard“Linda is there for any member in need, she has a special gift for special-needs children and always works to serve

others.”

Debra TeagueGeorgia Lambda Beta, Newnan

“Debra consistently shows a willing and enthu-siastic attitude, she is a role model for everyone

especially when it comes to initiative, persistence and faith.”

Gene Ann MullinsAlabama Preceptor Alpha Eta, Prattville

“Gene is willing to do anything for her chapter, she never hesitates to volunteer and always has a smile.”

Carolyn HarbestonOklahoma Preceptor Beta Mu, Cleveland“Carolyn is always there for you in time of need, she is

always doing something for one of her sisters and is easy to get along with.”

Royal Court


Jean StillwellFlorida Lambda Master, Tampa

“Jean is always smiling and singing a tune everywhere she goes, she is a friend to everyone she knows and

meets.”

Charlotte K. SuggVirginia Theta Kappa, Williamsburg

“Charlotte is an exceptionally kind and active person, not only in sorority but in every endeavor.”

Shirley Mclaughlin PearceNew Mexico Laureate Alpha Beta, Anthony“Shirley is a cheerful and dedicated member, her uplifting

spirit is contagious.”

Sharon EmmettAlabama Xi Beta Omega, Fairhope

“Sharon is a selfless person, someone you can rely on to respond to any request with a reassuring attitude.”

Royal Court

21February 2012 The Torch 21

It has happened again. Randomly, starting out as a whim, ending up in repetitive displays of generosity. And now Minnesota Laureate Delta, Minneapolis, the chapter with a smile, has been honored with a Random Acts of Kindness award for their work at Community Corner, an outreach service of their lo-cal school district. The center meets the needs of both children and adults and in a myriad of ways, from providing food and clothing to throwing a birthday party for one of the many deserving clients.

The center’s director, Linda Hanka, was impressed with the service projects taken on by Beta Sigma Phi members, something that is second nature to sisters. “Until I attended their planning meeting this past summer, I did not realize how many thoughtful and self-less acts that these kind women actually do in one year’s time.”

The chapter’s connection to the Community Corner started when Laureate Delta member Lauri Winters stopped at the center one afternoon to visit a friend, Linda, is an employee of the center. She discovered during her visit that the center also needed food items for those clients lacking provisions, and Lauri decided her sisters would be happy to provide for the facility.

After learning more about the variety of services offered at the outreach home, chapter members began to donate in earnest. First were books and magazines for those learning English as a second language. Serviceable clothing was provided to those in need, especially women struggling to enter the workforce. The food shelf was stocked on a regular basis, toiletry items were also made available. A financial contribution is also made by the chapter to help with the annual Christmas party for both children in need and their parents.

Linda gives the chapter a list of items needed, especially by people who have immigrated from other countries. A few years ago, Linda told Laureate Delta members about women from Liberia and Ke-

nya who felt isolated and lonely in their new homes. This dilemma prompted the chapter to recognize yet another way to help this community. A tea party was planned and over finger sandwiches, fresh fruit, sweets and tea, life stories were shared.

There was talk about the things women have shared with each other for decades, the trials of unemployment and the benefits of retirement and stories of children and grandchildren. The guests were treated to lovely pieces of donated costumed jewelry, and each guest was given a yellow silk rose as a remembrance of the day.

Most recently, Laureate Delta members assembled birthday bags for the Community Corner. Each gift bag includes everything needed for a child’s birthday party – invitations, plates, napkins, beverage cups, a cake mix, frosting and a few small gifts. The birthday bags will be given to families who are unable to have a celebration for their son or daughter.

Linda graciously opens the doors of the Community Corner for the chapter when it needs meeting space from time to time and enjoys sitting in on meetings, and has been asked to become a member. Following the ceremonies at City Hall, she hosted a birthday party for Laureate Delta at the center complete with games, prizes, cake and ice cream.

“Beta Sigma Phi is always looking for ways to help make our com-munity a wonderful place. The Community Corner has appreciated their giving spirit,” Linda said of the chapter’s members.

RandomStrike Again

ofActs

KindnessHard-working members from Minnesota held responsible.

Minnesota Laureate Delta, Minneapolis sisters happily display the birthday bags that were assembled for children in need at the center.

Minnesota Laureate Delta, Minneapolis, members receiving Random Acts of Kindness award present-ed by the city of Brooklyn, Minnesota, where the City Center is located.

Beta Sigma Phi Endowment Fund RecipientsCongratulations, sisters, you have made the following endowments possible. If you need further information regarding any of the funds listed below, or to submit a new project or renew a project, please contact Sandra Newland at the Inter-national Office at 816-444-6800 or [email protected].

THE ENDOWMENT FUND projects benefit a variety of charitable and health organizations since the FUND was started in 1947. These projects are approved by a majority vote of the chapters and councils. They are screened by the International Executive Council. Your chapter should vote on the proposals presented. After the chapter votes, return the ballot to the International Office by May 1, 2011. Ballots received after that date CANNOT be counted.

THE BETTY CENTER MEMORIAL DISASTER RELIEF FUND makes grants to members who are affected by a natural disaster such as flood, hurricane, tornado or earthquake. Grants to members whose loss is verified and approved will be gov-erned by the size of the FUND and the extent of the member’s loss.

THE DOROTHY AND WALTER W. ROSS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND, established in 1969, is for member’s children or grandchildren. Each scholarship is for $1,000.

THE EXEMPLAR SCHOLARSHIP FUND, established in 1989, is for all members in good standing interested in con-tinuing their education. One hundred fifty-three $1,000 scholarships have been awarded to date.

THE MEDICAL LOAN FUND provides interest-free loans to members in times of illness or injury. The FUND is only for doctor or hospital bills not covered by insurance.

THE BREAST CANCER RESEARCH FUND. When you pledge a new member to your chapter you may allocate the expense allowance to this cause. Research conducted by the DANA-FARBER INSTITUTE in Boston is extremely important to every woman in the world. This FUND is separate from the regular ENDOWMENT FUND grant to the INSTITUTE. For more information, contact the RUSHING DEPARTMENT.

Contributions to the FUNDS are completely voluntary and no chapter is obligated to partici-pate. If you wish to make a contribution, please visit the Beta Sigma Phi Charitable Foun-dation web site at www.betasigmaphi.org then go to the donation link, to find out more about donation.

BETA SIGMA PHI ENDOWMENT FUND CURRENT PROJECTSNOTE: Where applicable the charity website is listed for further information and updates on progress and research.

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION – This grant is for research into the cause, treatment and prevention of the disease, treat-ments and ways to delay the onset and studies for the caregiver’s role with the disease. The grant is $10,000. www.alz.org.

ARTHRITIS RESEARCH CENTRE OF CANADA – Provides research seeking the genetic cause of rheumatoid arthritis and developing treatment strategies to improve the quality of life for patients. The grant is $10,000 for 2012 and 2013. www.arthritis.ca.

A-T CHILDREN’S PROJECT – Atazia Telangiectasia is a rare childhood disease causing progressive loss of muscle control, immune deficienceies and high incidents of cancer. The grant is $5,000 for 2012. www.atcp.org.

BAY AREA LUPUS FOUNDATION – Lupus, primarily a women’s disease, affects the immune system, as well as the skin, joints and vital organs. Money for this grant provides education and support services to victims of Lupus worldwide. The grant is $5,000 for 2012 and 2013. www.balf.org.

CROHN’S & COLITIS FOUNDATION OF AMERICA AND CANADA – Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are lifelong illnesses. They are chronic diseases of the large and small intestines for which there are no known causes. This disease affects men, women and children. The grant, in memory of Gladys Turner Crain, is $10,000 per country for 2012. www.ccfc.ca and www.ccfa.org.

CYSTIC FIBROSIS – Over 30,000 children and adults are affected by this genetic disorder that causes the body to produce ab-normally thick, sticky mucus, which can clog the lungs and lead to fatal infections. The grant is $5,000 for 2012 and 2013. www.cff.org.

DANA-FARBER CANCER INSTITUTE – The institute’s single goal is research into the cause and cure of cancer and observation of victims of the cancers under investigation. The grant is $10,000 per year, used to combat women’s cancer; including breast, ovarian and lung cancers. www.dana-farber.net.

GO RED FOR WOMEN – A new division of the American Heart Association is designed to teach and assist women to improve their lifestyles. Women are dying each year from heart disease and stroke at almost twice the rate as from all forms of cancer combined. The grant is $5,000 for 2012 and 2013. www.americanheart.org.


Beta Sigma Phi Endowment Fund RecipientsHEART TO HEART INTERNATIONAL – Heart-to-Heart started in 1992 with a humanitarian airlift of medicines to Russia. Since then, international airlifts involve volunteer delegations delivering multi-million dollar loads of medicines and supplies to the worlds poor and needy. The domestic program provides help for those in need across America, i.e. homeless and domestic violence shelters, inner-city clinics and elder care facilities. The grant is $5,000 for 2012 and 2013. www.hearttoheart.org.

HOSPITAL FOR SICK CHILDREN,TORONTO,CANADA (ELLIS RESEARCH PROGRAM)Researches viruses suitable for gene therapy of Bb-thalassemis and sickle cell anemia. Gene therapy provides an alternative cure that would not rely on Bone Marrow transplants. This grant is for $5,000in 2012 and 2013. www.sickkids.on.ca

INTERMOUNTAIN CHILDREN’S HOME AND SERVICES is a nationally recognized non-profit organization that provides treatment programs dedicated to children suffering from moderate to severe emotional disturbances. Since 1982, Inter-mountain has specialized in residential and outpatient services that effectively address the treatment and permanency needs of young children. Intermountain offers highly integrated therapeutic and educational services for children and youth. Located in Helena, Mon-tana, Intermountain has responded to the special needs of children since 1909. The grant is $5,000 for 2012.

BE THE MATCH (FORMERLY “THE MARROW FOUNDATION”) - It provides tissue matching between donor and donee for patients with leukemia, aplastic anemia, lymphoma and other life threatening diseases. The registry has almost 5 million listed donors. There is an average of 3,000 people searching at any given time. The grant is $10,000 for 2012. www.marrow.org.

MID-AMERICA HEART INSTITUTE – The institute is a nationally recognized diagnostic treatment, surgical and re-search center for cardiovascular diseases. It leads in the development of new and innovative forms of diagnosis and treatment. The grant is $10,000 per year. www.saint-lukes.org.

RANCH HOPE – The grant helps defray the costs of purchasing and renovating a building that will be used for a special educa-tional school for girls of Ranch Hope. The grant is $10,000 per year for 2012 and 2013. www.ranchhope.org.

RETT SYNDROME – A rare progressive neurological disorder seen almost exclusively in females and becomes apparent after 6-18 months of early normal development. It leads to lifelong handicaps which includes loss of speech and mobility. The grant is $10,000 for 2012 and 2013. www.rettsyndrome.org.

SCHLERODERMA FOUNDATION – This disease is often called the HARD SKIN, but it can also affect internal body organs. Any age, sex or race can be affected, but more than 80% of the victims are women between 25-55 years of age. The grant supports the search to improve the lives of patients. The grant is $5,000 for 2012 and 2013. www.scleroderma.org.

SEEDLINGS BRAILLE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN – Funding makes possible the purchase of hundreds of Braille books at half the cost of printing. They are available throughout the United States and every province of Canada, as well as many other English-speaking countries. The grant is $5,000 for 2012 and 2013. www.seedlings.org.

ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL – ST. JUDE mission is to find cures for children with can-cer and other catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. ST. JUDE’S treats children from all 50 states and around the world. No child is ever denied treatment due to a family inability to pay. The grant is $10.000 for 2012 and 2013. www.stjude.org.

STANFORD UNIVERSITY KIDNEY RESEARCH FUND – Beta Sigma Phi’s support over the years has resulted in the Beta Sigma Phi Research Lab to be established. We now have the opportunity to have our donation matched by the Lucile Packard Foundation. Be assured that all monies, both from the Endowment Fund and the Lucile Packard Foundation WILL be awarded to the Kidney Research Program. The grant is $5,000 for 2012 and 2013. www.packardchildrenshospital.org.

WHEELCHAIR FOUNDATION – The Wheelchair Foundation is a non profit organization with a goal to provide a free wheelchair to every child, teen and adult worldwide who needs one. Independence is being given to people deprived of their mobility by war, disease, accident, natural disasters and advanced age at a rate of more than 1,000 per month. The grant is $5,000 for 2012 and 2013. www.wheelchairfoundation.org.

HOPE FOR THE WARRIORS - This organizations mission is to enhance quality of life for US Service Members and their families nationwide who have been adversely affected by injuries or death in the line of duty, particularly with regard to the short and long-term care of the severely injured. Grant is $5,000 per year for 2012. www.hopeforthewarriors.org.

MEDICAL TEAMS INTERNATIONAL - This organizations mission is to provide medical care for people whose lives have been torn apart by disasters, conflicts and poverty. They focus on improving the health of those they serve by sending volunteer teams and shipments of donated medicines and medical supplies to more than 50 countries. Grant is $10,000 for 2012. www.medical-teams.org.

CAMP MAK-A-DREAM – Funding will be used to support the attendance of 50 children to Kids Camp at Camp Mak-A-Dream. Children come from across the United States and Canada to attend this camp set under the beautiful skies of Montana. Kids Camp is designed for children between the ages of 6 and 14 with cancer. Although the cure rates for pediatric cancer patients has improved greatly over the past 40 years, the psychological and development of effects of cancer and its therapy have a tremendous negative impact on qual-ity of life. Countless days of school are missed. Grant is $10,000.00 for 2012 and 2013. www.campdream.org



Our members in the state of Flor-ida have really gotten on the bandwagon to promote heart

health. Lets hope that as more people are educated, this number one killer of women may begin to wane. How about your state? What have you done to get heart healthy? Please let us know here at the Torch, so we can share it with your sisters.

With the theme “Sister to Sister, Heart to Heart” the sisters of Florida Al-pha Gamma Nu, North Fort Myers hosted the Southwest Florida City Council Valentine’s Day Luncheon. The theme was chosen to coincide with “Go Red for Women” Healthy Heart Ed-ucation month. Donations were made to the American Heart Association and educational brochures were made available to all participants. The host-esses all wore red dresses, the symbol for the “Go Red” movement. They made two hundred red glass-beaded bracelets, each with a dangling double heart charm, for each of the guests. Each guest also was given the “Go Red” dress pin. “The sisters of Alpha Gamma Nu were proud to host an event that educated, inspired, and left everyone with heartwarming memories,” says Alpha Gamma Nu member Christine Sembiante.

Florida Alpha Gamma Eta, Titus-ville is well known for their determi-nation to educate women about the dangers of heart disease and has held several fund raising endeavors this past year for heart health. Such projects in-clude a cruise night, Casino Night, Pok-er Walk, silent auction, raffles and a Fun Fair. “ All fifteen of our sisters worked extremely hard to raise monies for our

charity and we were elated that we were able to present checks totaling more than $4,000 for the American Heart Association “Go Red for Women.” We are very proud to have ac-complished so much for this charity and are pleased to have so much support from our community,” says Alpha Gamma Eta member Paulette Nevin.

Florida Alpha Gamma Eta, Titusville mem-bers at their Casino Night, whose proceeds benefited the “Go Red for Women” campaign.

Heart Health

‘Hearty’ Statistics

Heart disease is the # 1 killer of American women.

1 in every 3 women dies of heart disease.

Nearly two-thirds of American women who die sud-denly of a heart attack had no prior symptoms.

Americans can lower their risk of heart disease by as much as 82% just by leading a healthy lifestyle.

From the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services


Hurry! Photo and Poetry Contest Deadlines Are Around the Corner!Send your entries to the attention of the appropriate contest:

Beta Sigma Phi International - PO Box 8500 - Kansas City MO 64114-0500All entries become the property of International. International cannot be responsible for items lost in the mail.

Spring Parade of Legacies. . .Legacy entries are excepted throughout the year. We are looking forward to seeing our latest Legacies!What we need: A color photo, a min. of 3” X 5” in size, with a protective piece of cardboard inside the envelope. Pleasenote: PHOTOS CANNOT BE RETURNED. Tape the entry form to the back of the photo. See instructions below.Please also write the name of the entry and date taken on the back of the photo near one corner.

Spring Parade of Legacies Entry

Legacy’s Name: Legacy No.:

Sponsor’s Name: Member No.:

Sponsor’s Complete Address:

Tell us about your Legacy:

Poetry and Photo Contest. . .**Entries must be postmarked May 1.

No member may win first place in two consecutive years. Entries are non-returnable.Photo - What we need: An original, unpublished, color or black and white photo, a min. of 3” x 5” size. The photo must be taken by a Beta Sigma Phi member in good standing. Your photo subject should be Beta Sigma Phi related in some way. One photo may be submitted per member. The entry form must becompleted and taped to the back of the photo. See instructions below.PLEASE CLOSELPLEASE CLOSELYY FOLLOW FOLLOW ALLALL INSTRUCTIONS - NO EXCEPTIONS.INSTRUCTIONS - NO EXCEPTIONS.

Poem - What we need: An original, unpublished, typed poem written by a Beta Sigma Phi member in goodstanding. The poem may be of any theme and length. No more than three poems may be submitted by thesame member. Each entry must include the author’s name, mailing address, chapter name, number and location.

Poetry or Photo Contest EntryMember’s Name: Member No.:

Chapter Name: Chapter No.:

Complete Address:

Short Description of Photo Subject:

Contest Entry Forms

When sending a photo to the Torch, please follow these guidelines.Make sure it is well lit, sharp, in focus, with a good contrast.Feature photos must be a min. 4” x 6” and subject must fill 80% of the area.Photos previously printed (ie. magazine, newspaper or a computer) will NOT be used.

E-MAILS: IBM format, 4” X 6”, 300 dpi. PhotoShop 6.0 - CS tiff or eps format. e-mail to: [email protected]. State the photo subject’s name in the e-mail subject.

Poems, Photos, Zip discs, and CD’s submitted become the sole property of Beta Sigma Phi International.

Texas Laureate Eta Omicron, Richardson has chosen Gail McAda to receive the International Award of Distinction for 2012.

Gail McAda has been a member of Beta Sigma Phi since Jan-uary, 1962 where she joined a Nu Phi Mu chapter in Dallas, Texas. In those 50 years, she has served in all chapter offices and committees many times over. She has also served in these offices in the Richardson, Texas City Council offering her business expertise where needed and her home is the meeting place for City Council since 2001. She has been voted chap-ter Woman of the Year once. Her husband Bill was an Envoy member until his death in 2011. Her three daughters are Beta Sigma Phi members and one of them, Online Eta member Karen Ing, started the online chapters. Additionally, her five granddaughters are all Legacy members.

She has taken the Beta Sigma Phi goals, purposes and aims very seriously and exemplifies what it means to be a member

of Beta Sigma Phi. Her energy and enthusiasm have been demonstrated by her service to the many different Richardson City Council offices and committees she worked on. She also organized three Ritual chapters in Dallas in 1986, and served as an advisor to one of them for three years. She has never taken a leave of absence or been a member-at-large in her 50 years of membership in Beta Sigma Phi.

Gail truly is a very caring person who is genuinely interest-ed in building friendships by her examples. She carried the Torch for the 2002 Olympics. She has been active in PTA since 1963 and is still volunteering. She authored a book on parent involvement. She also worked with senators and leg-islators in Texas and Washington, D.C. and received a proc-lamation from then-Governor George Bush in 1998 for her work with children of Texas.

Some of her other community volunteer activities include managing the PTA Clothes Closet for needy children in the Richardson School District for the last three years. It is en-tirely run by volunteers and sees around 400 children a year. She was education chairman on the Richardson Chamber of Commerce for 10 years, and served on the Dallas American Red Cross Board for five years.

“Whether it’s her chapter, her community, or her church, Gail can always be counted on and she is always ready to give 100% of her time and energy,” says Geri Hetterich member of Texas Laureate Eta Omicron, Richardson. “This is not just for a year she has been doing this all her life. Gail represents the best of our sorority, and is a true example of our motto – Life, Learning and Friendship. I am extremely proud to know her and have her in our chapter.”

Gail McAda Texas Laureate Eta Omicron, Richardson Member since 1962

International Award of DistinctionMeet one of the newest recipients of the International Award of Distinction (IAD), the highest honor that Beta Sigma Phi bestows on active members.

Gail has shown her enthusiasm for all things Beta Sigma Phi.


Barb Harter joined the New York Omicron, Watertown chapter of Beta Sigma Phi in 1978. That was a lucky year for Beta Sigma Phi and the many people Barb’s life has touched.

Barb is one of those people that have laughter and fun as her nature, and leadership is just one of her many natural quali-ties. Her sisters say that her high octane energy makes the en-ergizer bunny look like a dead beat!!! “Barb always runs to a job (not away) and since 1998 has been her chapter president three times and has been involved in City Council for many years.”

As City Council Ways and Means Chair, Barb has gotten all chapters involved in Relay for Life and they have stayed in-volved for 13 years and raised more than $50,000.

Barb loves to travel and go, so it was just natural she planned, organized, and set up bus trips, with profits going to a charity. Trips have been to New York City for a musical and shop-ping, to Toronto to see “Wicked,” and other trips to see “Jer-sey Boys” and “Grease.”

“Barb’s newest adventure has been in helping at the Urban Mission. Barb and other sorority members wore their Beta Sigma Phi t-shirts and helped fill baskets full of goodies to be sold to raise funds for Urban Mission’s food pantry,” writes Linda L. Davidson of New York Laureate Iota, Water-town.

Now that she is retired, Barb has even more time to be in-volved in the community by volunteering her time at the local food pantry. With her chapter, she coordinates the prepara-tion of themed baskets for several holidays such as Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day and Christmas and also coordinat-ed Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes. Her chapter has benefited from the annual giant garage sale held at her home and looks forward to volunteering at the local soup kitchen each year.

With her chapters assistance, Barb helped Friendly Venture a chapter, reviving the Omicron name. Approximately 10 members were in the chapter from 1990-1995. Barb served as their advisor. Eventually, the chapter disbanded since the majority of its members were military wives who left the area.

Barb puts the FUN in fundraising for the Watertown, New York City Council. She has coordinated several profitable bus excursions since 1999. She has arranged a “psychic par-ty,” prepared cash calendars and an entertainment basket, all to benefit our voted-upon charity. Barb’s enthusiasm makes everyone anxious to sell tickets. We have heard several mem-bers comment: “What would we do without Barb?”

Since her pledge date in 1978, Barb has consistently had per-fect attendance at chapter meetings as well as City Council events.

Barbara Ellen Harter New York Preceptor Alpha, Watertown Member since 1978

International Award of DistinctionMeet one of the newest recipients of the International Award of Distinction (IAD), the highest honor that Beta Sigma Phi bestows on active members.

Barbara has shown her enthusiasm for all things Beta Sigma Phi.


Xi Alpha Gamma Zeta of Baytown, Texas recently at-tended their annual “Couples at the Ranch” weekend, where 22 couples attended. Lots of fun and exciting events were planned for the weekend, in-cluding skeet shooting, quail hunting and team building competitions. Along with fun, food and fellowship the ladies and their husbands raised nearly $1,500 from the week-end festivities for their chari-ties, such as Relay For Life and the Christian Women Job Corp.

ChatterChatter

“This year Montana Precep-tor Alpha Alpha and Montana Laureate Beta, Billings cel-ebrated with one big night out of entertaining together. “We did “White Trash in the Hood – Max-ine Style” and fun was had by all,” says Preceptor Alpha Alpha member Theresa McCarty. “Many tears were shed from laughing so hard. Best medicine in the world!”


Ontario Preceptor Epsilon Omicron, Kenora member Linda Rose wrote a lovely poem to honor each of her sorority sisters who helped get her through her grueling cancer treatments. It reads, in part, “So wonderfully loving and willing to be a really good sister and who’s special to me.” We know countless other members who have had these same thoughts, so thank you, Linda.

Arkansas Laureate Alpha Gamma, Bel-la Vista is diligent about giving back to the community. Last fall they provided 45 make up bags filled with toiletries and other person-al items for a local women’s shelter. Laureate Alpha Gamma also collected supplies for our military men and women who are overseas. They regularly send dozens of boxes of helpful items to our troops.


Members of Maryland Iota Master, Mount Airy were so excited to celebrate their pro-gression to Master level that they took time out of their busy schedule to write the Torch about their big achievement. Congratulations, Iota Master! The chapter has several drives every year to help out a local hospital that serves the mentally ill. “We have been supplying items, such as men’s clothing and whatever else the hospital may be lacking – such as books, games, holiday cards, shaving cream, electric razors, clothing, usable video equipment, etc,” says member Eileen Stoner. The chapter also had a great time gathering a large nail polish assortment and created a section in the bou-tique where female patients could acquire the items while hospitalized.

The Sisters of British Columbia Epsilon Upsilon, Winfield are having a “Lunch and Squeeze.” “Our local

chapter sister Julie Martin, is making back-to-back mammogram appointments for us, we will visit in the waiting room and then all go out for lunch when everyone has completed their exam,” writes member Debra Weiss-mann. “It is a great way to get something done that we don’t enjoy out of the way - with some people we love being with.” Epsilon Upsilon would like to challenge other chapters to do the same!

Georgia Eta Sigma, McCaysville has been helping victims for domestic abuse for 15 years. Chapter members work at the shelter that takes in battered individuals and their children. They also just hosted a bingo fund-raiser which netted more than $2,000 for their worthy endeavor.

Chauffeured in Style – Xi Eta Sigma, Topeka, Kansas, decided to celebrate the mo-mentous occasion of the 80th anniversary of the founding of Beta Sigma Phi with a limo ride. “Driver and member Judy Curtis had us practice our queenly wave as we passed onlookers en route to the banquet,” writes Xi Eta Sigma member Joanne Miller.

Pennsylvania Preceptor Gamma Phi, Lock Haven helped with the SPCA Pet Ex-travaganza and then presented the SPCA with a check in the amount of $150. An SPCA man-ager was present at the meeting where she was presented with the check and saw each sister bring in cat food, Clorox wipes and hand sanitizer for use at the shelter.

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Silo Bookmark. -Bookmark with greek letters and beads.No.1193 [1oz] . . . .$3.50

Silver Heart Necklace.Silver chain and heart pendant engraved with “Chance made us friends ΒΣΦ Made us Sisters”-18” long No.178[.3oz] $10.00

Purse Key FinderNo.1129 [.9oz] $5.00

License Plate Frame. Fitsaround standard license plate.Frame has gold Greek letters onblack background, and bottom has“Got Friends?”No.1220 [2oz] . . . .$4.00

Rhinestone Tiara. Bring a smile to your sweet-heart’s face by crowning her with this elegant tiara.Combs in back hold’s it firmly in place.No. 932[2oz] . . . .$15.00

8254[.2oz]Queen

8248[.2oz]Princess 8278[.2oz]

Sweetheart

- CHARMS $4.25 -

16oz Tervis Tumbler Tumbler w/yellow lid,featuring greek letters.Lifetime guarantee.Return directly toTervis for replacement!No.1126 [7.4oz]. .$12.00

Pearl Crown Pin. Stylized crown pin with7 pearls and a gold crestlite finish with ourGreek letters.No.111[.2oz] . . . . .$9.00

Rhinestone Crown Pin. Rhinestones andcrest gleam from a silver-finish setting.No.124[.2oz] . . . . .$9.00

Petite Friendship Brooch.A hidden ring allows you to wear it as anecklace, too! Brooch is 7/8” high andavailable in gold finish.No.2192[.2oz] . . . .$9.00 Gold

Yellow Rose Cards.Yellow rose cards comein 6 to a package withenvelopes; blank inside.No.305[3oz]. .$4.00

Yellow Sister Mugs 15oz.Yellow with greek letters printed onboth sides.No.1124 [15oz]. . $6.50

Membership Torch Pin. This lovelypin brilliantly showcases our Ritual col-ors. Great for a Secret Sister gift.

No.971[.2oz]. . . .$9.50

Friendship Plate. Whiteporcelain, 7 1/2” in diame-ter, features gold and greenbands, our yellow rose, andthe words “Life, Learning,and Friendship - BetaSigma Phi.”

No.1137[16oz] $17.00

Party Book. This book contains hundreds ofparty ideas from sorority members.No.426 [14oz] . . .$14.95

Wallet Necklace. Security is guaran-teed with this handy nylon wallet,attached to an adjustable silken cord.Includes two zippered enclosures anda plastic pocket. Which allows yourmoney, passports, or other valuablesto be safely and comfortably hiddenfrom view. A must for travel.No.1181 [2oz] . . . .$5.50

P A Y M E N T M E T H O D :� Check or Money Order Enclosed

- Payment in U.S. Dollars Only -� Charge to My Credit Card:� Visa � Mastercard � Discover � American Express

Credit Card Account Number:

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Please complete the information below in ink. Allow one month for processing.

Name: Member Number:

New Address: E-Mail Address:

City: State/Province, Country: Zip/Postal Code:

Phone Number: ( ) Husband’s Name:

Name of Most Recent Chapter: Chapter Number:

Relocating to another City? � I would like to be contacted for a new chapter affiliation.

PHONE: 1-800-821-39898:30 am - 5 pm CST M-F

MAIL :Beta Sigma Phi GiftsPO Box 8500 Kansas City MO 64114-0500

I T E M S O R D E R E D :

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THREE EASY WAYS TO ORDER GIFTS!

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G____ O/M____ S/H____ Other____

NOTICE: PLEASE CHECK ORDERS PROMPTLY. NO RETURNS OR ADJUSTMENTS AFTER 90 DAYS.

Prices are in effect from August 1, 2011 until July 31, 2012.

A D D R E S S C H A N G E S

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code on card.)Shipping and handling is now calculated by weight. If payingby check or money order, call the Gifts Department for

shipping and handling charges. 1-800-821-3989

ONLINEwww.betasigmaphi.org/gifts


PERIODICALMAIL

The Torchof Beta Sigma Phi(USSN 0888-8930)

P.O. Box 8500Kansas City, MO

64114-0500

For Canada:P.O. Box 122

Niagara Falls, ONL2E 6S4

“I’d like to tell you about my dog, CC. She is very dear to me and I consider her my family. She is a Chow/Bor-der Collie mix and I’ve had her for almost three years. Prior to owning CC, I had a dog for 16 years, I felt that he was more than just a dog...he was my family. It hurt too much to think of having another dog so I just went home and tried to get over losing him.

To make a long story short, I didn’t even last a month. You see, there was a large empty hole in my heart where Stubby had been, and I knew that the only thing that would fill up that hole was another dog. One day I decided to go to the animal shelter and see if I could find another dog. I saw CC in the kennel, she looked so sad, and her beautiful eyes just begged me to look at her. As she was brought into the room, she walked right over to me sitting on a chair and put her head on my knee. My heart melted and I just knew that she had picked me.

The shelter figured that she was about two years old, and it was in December and the shelter told me she was a “Chow mix” so I named her CC which stands for Christmas Chow. Ever since I brought her home, she has been the light of my life. I get the benefit of a good daily walk and delight at how much fun I get watching her run. Her favorite thing is chasing balls

and other dogs. When she chases other dogs, she runs flat out as fast as she can, and I sometimes think I should have named her Speedy.

Oh well, that’s my story of CC. She has become my adored companion and her uncondition-al love makes me happy every day. Whenever I come home from being away, she is right there at the door wagging her tail and showing me how much she missed me. Oh what a joy that is...”

We Love Our Pets!By Mary Lou Young of Utah Laureate Zeta, Salt Lake CityName: CC Species: Chow/Border Collie mix

beta sigma phi - · pdf fileofficial publication of beta sigma phi, 1800 west 91st place,...

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