Sharing Reports - January, 2009
The pace of life over the festive season which comes so close on the heels of Thanksgiving seems to have been hectic for most of our members.
Many of our sisters in the northern hemisphere have been busy shovelling snow or enjoying the cosy warmth of heating. Those of us who live in the southern hemisphere have been sweltering in the high humidity of summer heat and appreciating the swirl of the fans or a dip in the swimming pool to cool us down.
Our program topics have broadened our knowledge and appreciation of Chad, Antigua and Barbuda and Belise. All countries, a little off the beaten tourist track.
Our December Social took us on a virtual trip to the Californian Rose Bowl Parade. One of our sisters has put in many hours over a few years helping to create some of these aromatic and spectacular floats. We had so much fun before, during and after the parade that I’m sure we will all be back again next year.
Funny stories were shared in our Koffee Klatch in November and December provided Cookies for all to try out.
The questions for our attendance polls are drawn from highlights provided about the home town area of a different sister each month. November and December covered Denver and Indianapolis.
Val
OLD Rep
OLT has had some excitment. We've added one sister to our chatty group and had her Pledge Ritual in London, England. And Arlene had to have a triple by-pass done in November. She is recovering very well. We do our Bubble Day and Prayer List still on Wednesday and I know that alot of bubbles were sent out while Arlene was in the hospital.
All of us are sadden by the loss of Bill Ross. We made a donation to the Bill and Marilyn Ross Literacy Scholarship Fund of Beta Sigma Phi, 1800 W. 91st Place, Kansas City, MO 64114.
We did a total of 1876 clicks for our service that we do each month. I am also enclosing the the report from the sites that we click on.
The Hunger Site - from clicking = 66.2 million cupos of food +5.8 millions cups from shopping at the Hunger Site makes for a grand totoal of 72.0 million cups of food given--I know we can do better next year!!!
The Child Health Site -- from clicking = 782,630 + 207,327 from your shopping = 989957 children helpted--sick children are counting on your clicks!!! The Literacy Site--from your clicking=489,367+32,925 from your shopping = 522,292 book for children!!! With somany book lovers out there, I know we can increase the books for next year.
The Rainforest Site-- your clicking=11879 + 3078 from your shopping = 14957 acres of rainforest saved!!! We can save more of this non-renewable resource in 2009. The Animal Rescue Site -- your clicking + 67.0 million + 10.8 million from shopping at the Animal Rescue Site = 77.8 million cups of food--this is Fantastic!!! Each of these totals is marvelous--THANK YOU for your 2008 clicks!! Keep those fingers flying -- these organizations are counting on YOU!! Thank you to all who supports our sites. In between the Holidays and sickness, we contiune with our clicks, supporting each other and praying for each other. We even learned that every day in December has a special meaning.
Hope everyone is doing good and wishing everyone a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR.
Carolyn H.
OLT Rep
Online Beta has had quite an eventful holiday season! We wish you a healthy happy 2009.
Our Recipe/Craft Committee shared holiday recipes and crafts.
November's program was one of our "Program from the shelf". The Program was "E-mails You Don't Want to Receive" which included information about phishing and other e-mail scams. The program provided insight about the scams that are going around in the cyber world and how to look out for them. At the December Program we learned all about Christmas trees, when and where they started and how they are decorated all over the world. Members also shared photos of their own decorated trees and homes. We had a lengthy discussion concerning the use of "Merry Christmas" and/or "Happy Holidays." We shared pictures of snowfalls and pets.
We continue to travel around the world for our social events. Our November social took place in Kyoto, Japan and we visited the Golden Pavilion, its Tea House for the Tea Ceremony and gardens. Next we were entertained by Kyoto Geishas and a Japanese buffet dinner. Afterwards we visited the Minamiza Theatre for more entertainment by kabuki theatre, dancing and folk singing. Our December Social was a Christmas Party in Switzerland. We took a sleigh ride through Zermat, Switzerland and enjoyed the food there. Did you know Ovaltine came from Switzerland.
We have finally completed our review and have made all the necessary changes to our ByLaws and Standing Rules. Last month we also voted on changes to our Special Sister Program.
Our December meeting closed earlier than normal. We received word that our dear sister Liz Ferraro was not doing well and was nearing the end of her courageous battle with cancer. We shared many photos, memories, and tears as we consoled each other. Liz lost her battle with cancer on December 27th. She was a true Beta Sigma Phi, friend and sister to all and will be missed by all of us in OLB. Her memory will live in our hearts forever. Below is a poem Dorothy shared with us:
I love you not only for what you are,
But for what I am when I am with you.
I love you not only for what you have made of yourself,
But for what you are making of me.
I love you because you have done more
than any creed could have done to make me good,
and more than any fate could have done to make me happy.
You have done it without a touch,
without a word, without a sign.
You have done it by being yourself.
Perhaps that is what being a friend means, after all.
We held the Memorial Ritual for Liz on January 6th and a memorial is available at our website: http://www.cawamn.com/OnLineBeta/lizf.html
Dianne
OLB Rep
This has been a time of mourning for our chapter with the passing of
Bill Ross on January 1, 2009 and our dear friend Liz Ferraro on
December 27, 2008.
Liz helped to friendly venture OLP in 2000 and was an advisor to our
chapter. The past few months were difficult for Liz, and our group
tried to support her in every way we could. I've been in touch with
sorority friends from NY Preceptor Beta Gamma, and their feedback
indicates that Liz and Vinnie appreciated the cards, prayers and good
wishes from OLP. Also, Liz liked the Christmas Angel ornament from
our chapter.
Sorority sisters from Liz's land chapter report that her wake and
funeral were well attended. Fifteen sisters from Beta Sigma Phi
presented a lovely memorial ritual that was very moving. Also, the
Red Hatters were in attendance.
OLP had an on-line Memorial Ritual for Liz on Thursday, January 8,
2009. It was also attended by seven sisters from NY Preceptor Gamma
and two sisters from OLB. Sisters from OLB graciously shared their
on-line memorial ritual and Liz's web page with our chapter.
Following are some of our recent happenings in OLP:
MEMBERSHIP: Cindy, who visited our chapter in November made a
decision to transfer to our chapter. As always, we are happy to
welcome new members to our group.
SOCIAL: On Thanksgiving Day our chapter had a (virtual) get together
for pumpkin pie and coffee. On December 30, 2008, sisters who were
in Arizona, had an (actual) Yellow Rose Luncheon at the Paradise
Bakery in Scottsdale. At that time, Marcia presented a lovely
Memorial for Liz. Janice, her friend Joann, Marcia and I were in
attendance.
SERVICE: OLP continues to support the Breast Cancer Site and collect
labels for schools.
CULTURAL: In November Cheryl presented a wonderful program on "Our
First Ladies" from American profiles. In December Kathy recommended
the book, "The Ten Second Rule" by Robert Crais. Also. Laurie
recommended "Twilight," the book on which the new movie is based.
Rose
OLPsi Rep