Sharing Reports - January, 2010

Happy New Year to all of you! Our chapter has had a very exciting holiday season this year. Seven of our sisters signed up for the 2009 Holiday Exchange. "Traveling Rose" was seen appearing at different functions. In December Janice took her to her Chapter Christmas party. In November "traveling Rose" appeared in a photo with Janice and her sorority sister, Gudi.

SPECIAL SISTERS: Christmas gifts were exchanged this year. In addition, Secret Sisters exchanged Thanksgiving cards and birthday gifts.

SOCIAL: In December Beth treated us to a (vrtual) Christmas Party..... The OLP Christmas Party is being held at the Yosemite Valley Lodge, CA Before dinner (in front of a big roaring fire with snow falling (just a little outside)

Your favorite drink or Eggnog Carrot, Celery - filled with cheese or peanut butter and cheese squares You then enter the dinning room (decorate for an old fashion Christmas) On your left is a long table loaded with food (there is one long table in the center of the room for all to sit at

Green Salad with many different types of dressing Spiral Slices Ham, Prime Rib, BBQ Lamb Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes Green Beans, Peas, Mac n Cheese and Corn Casserole Olives/Pickles (including watermelon)/Stuffed Eggs Homemade Rolls Also, on the table is three different types of Wine from the California Napa Valley

At the end of the room is a long table with desserts that each person brought as their favorite And after dessert each person receives a Champagne glass filled with French Champagne

RECIPES: As a Christmas gift, Barbara sent us the link to the Merry Christmas Cook Book. In November Vicki sent us the recipe for "A Snow Covered Treat to Munch," and in December she sent us the following recipe for "Candy Flowers:" INGREDIENTS: 1 EGG WHITE (use powdered egg whites to avoid salmonella)
100 PROOF VODKA
SUPERFINE GRANULATED SUGAR
THIN ARTIST'S PAINT BRUSH
MARIGOLDS, CALENDULA, LAVENDER, DIANTHUS, SNAPDRAGONS

BEAT EGG WHITES UNTIL FROTHY. ADD A COUPLE OF DROPS OF VODKA TO HELP THE FLOWERS DRY QUICKER. USING FRESHLY PICKED FLOWERS, PAINT EACH FLOWER INDIVIDUALLY WITH BEATEN EGG WHITE MIXTURE USING THE ARTIST'S PAINTBRUSH. WHEN THOROUGHLY COATED, SPRINKLE WITH FINE SUGAR AND PLACE ON A WIRE RACK TO DRY. FLOWERS ARE COMPLETELY DRY WHEN STIFF AND BRITTLE TO THE TOUCH.

THEY CAN BE STORED IN AN AIRTIGHT CONTAINER AND PUT IN THE FREEZER FOR UP TO ONE YEAR. OTHERWISE USE FLOWERS WITHIN 3-5 DAYS.

FLORAL ICE CUBES

WHEN A WARM SPELL HITS IN THE COLD OF WINTER (like here in California), INVITE FRIENDS OR FAMILY OVER FOR A ,"SPRING", BRUNCH. FREEZE EDIBLE FLOWERS WITH WATER IN ICE CUBE TRAYS, ADD TO A PITCHER OF CHILLED TEA JUST BEFORE SERVING, OR MAKE A MOLD BY FREEZING FLOWERS WITH MINT LEAVES IN A METAL RING MOLD AND ADD TO A PUNCH BOWL. SEE NOTE! I'M POSTING THIS EARLY AS SOME MAY WANT TO USE THESE ITEMS IN THEIR HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS. IF I NEED TO POST ANOTHER I WILL. THESE IDEAS ARE FROM THE AEROGARDENS HOLIDAY CATALOG.

PROGRAMS: In November Laurie presented an interesting program on Dyslexia. In December we were fortunate to have two great programs. Kathy shared her family's Christmas traditions, and Carole presented a program that tied in with the BSP theme "Share Our Passport to Adventure."

ADVENTURE/PASSPORT

In taking a couple words from the 2009-2010 International theme ---- Share our passport to adventure --- I have chosen the words `adventure' and `passport' to create this program.

Adventurous experiences are typically for the purpose of recreation or excitement such as a traveler touring some place; however, adventure can also lead to knowledge such as explorers in uncharted areas or even space exploration.

Adventure is a broad word ----- it can be a business venture or a major life undertaking but generally it is an activity that comprises risk or uncertain experiences.

Now a passport is a document that is issued by a government which verifies for the purpose of travel between nations, the identity of the holder of that passport. Having that document allows us to begin our adventure. It is thought that the earliest known reference to a passport is found in the Bible—Nehemiah 2:7-9--- where King Artaxerxes granted leave to an official and gave him a letter "to governors beyond" requesting safe passage as he traveled thru their lands. It also was used as a receipt for taxes paid and only citizens of medieval Caliphate who paid would be allowed to travel the different regions. The first `modern day' passports included a detailed description of the person since photographs were not easily available. Up to World War I , passports were NOT required generally for international travel in Europe. Then, during WWI, European governments began requiring passports for security purposes (to keep spies out) and to control emigration of people with useful skills. It was in more recent times --- 1980; that passport standards came about under the International Civil Aviation Organization. And that organization pretty much controls the recommendations for passport design, language, etc. There are several types of passports, other than the normal citizens travel passport. These would include---Official passports (for government employees); Diplomatic passports (for diplomats & consuls); Emergency passports (for temporary emergency traveling such as when a passport was lost or stolen).

In 2008, the United States began issuing a passport card, similar to what the European Union has had with their National ID cards. The US passport card is a wallet size card and used for travel by land or sea (not air) to Canada, Mexico, Caribbean and Bermuda. The passport card has an electronic chip in it that allows immigration officials to access cardholder info.

So how can all this info tie together our theme ---- simply ---- as sorority sisters we are on an exciting adventure together, sharing our experiences and knowledge, as well as being sorority sisters, gives us that passport to friends worldwide.

Rose
OLP Rep

Best wishes for a healthy, happy new year. Where did the last year go?? Time sure seems to fly by. OLB's 12th birthday was on January 5th. We will be celebrating later this month with a birthday party. It will be on our web site and I will share that with you as part of the sharing report in March.

I missed part of our last Council meeting due to computer woes and traveling. So will bring you up to date with OLB activities over the past few months. We now have 74 members. We welcomed Diana M to our group in October and Beth M in January. Ritual of Welcome was done for both sisters. Our Recipe and Craft Committee continues to whet our appetites with yummy recipes and awesome crafts.

Our Program and Social Committees have done an amazing job in keeping us informed and entertained. A brief rundown of our programs and socials are included here.

PROGRAMS: The September program was a quick review of the six virtues in the Ritual of Jewels. For each color Niki shared a story, or anecdote, and photo to represent the virtue. One of my favorites was for Green - Fellowship: Fellowship, in its truest form, is so much more than several people getting together in the same place for the same reason. It is people coming to know each other better on a deeper level, forming incredibly strong bonds of friendship and helping each other through life. It is Beta Sigma Phi. The graphics included with this virtue showed women walking with arms linked.

Our October and November program incorporated a travel theme so we could Share Our Passport to Adventure. October we traveled by train through the Appalachian Mountain Range, visited Agawa Canyon in Ontario and then came back to take in the fall colors in New England via Amtrak. After that tour, we went to Lewiston, Montana and took a three hour scenic narrated train ride where we learned about central Montana. Our second train ride was in Butte, Montana.

We ended our train excursion with a tour upon the California Zephyr. Info was included in this program for a multitude of other places where one can travel by rail.

In November, we continued our travels this month with a visit to National Parks in the US and Canada. The Program Committee shared information on Yellowstone, Glacier, Voyageur, Olympic, Mt. Rainier, North Cascades, Banff and others. Members were asked to share photos and experiences from National Parks they have visited.

Our Program for December was about GIFTS, both given and received. Karen shared an article from her local newspaper. Members were asked to share

1) A favorite Childhood gift/memory
2) A favorite Christmas or Hanukkah or Kwanzaa story
3) A favorite gift that was given

Our January meeting ended this past Tuesday and our program was titled Hobbies. Karen gave a brief presentation on hobbies and members were asked to share their hobbies present and past and state how we got interested in our hobbies. We sure have a creative bunch in OLB. We have enjoyed sharing with each other and have learned about our fellow sisters interests as well.

SOCIAL: Off to the Races on September 20, 2009 at 7:30 PM. OLB sisters, in all their finery, attended the horse races. We learned about the sport and the drivers. And, of course, we enjoyed some delicious food and drink. Members were asked to post photos of their race day attire and their hats.

Our October social was a 3-day high flying adventure as we traveled to several hot air balloon festivals and races October 23-25, 2009. We visited three different cities who host Hot Air Balloon Festivals: Reno, NV; Colorado Springs, CO and Albuquerque, NM We had a fun time eating and sleeping along the way cause we had to get up early in the mornings for liftoff of the balloons. Several of our sisters joined us in our hot air balloon takeoffs! What a group. always glad to give one a "lift" into the balloon's basket!! Sure hope someone took pictures!

Our November social was "History of Giving Thanks and took place on Thursday, November 12, 2009. Diana shared a beautiful power point presentation on Thanksgiving. Afterwards, members shared Thanksgiving traditions, stories, and photos and a few recipes.

Last month our social took place in England in the Victorian days. We covered the different Christmas traditions, drank apple cider and had plenty of food.

As you can see, OLB has been a busy bunch. We are looking forward to the months ahead. Before I forget it, I wanted to let OLPsi know I found their program "Stand by Me" interesting. I enjoyed the link to the website for the music and shared it with OLB as part of my report at our January meeting.

Stay warm everyone and think Spring!! Hugs,

Dianne
OLB Rep

We have been changing our membership over the past few months as we have brought in 2 new Beta Sigma Phi members, 1 member is still in pledge training while we gear up to train 2 more and another just completed training. Within this past week a ritual of jewels member joined our chapter. It's exciting as we have had two members go LOA in October.

Installations for new officers will be during the January meeting. Our newest pledge and member will be installed as an officer to the new 2010-2011 board. She jumped right in even before pledge training.

PR - Marion
VP - Betty
RS - Karen
CS - Amy

Facebook has been very beneficial as these new pledges are also on there or have joined and connected with us. Great socializing tool A game call kidnapped goes along with our theme this year that we have been playing. Sorority Life has a long list of sisters on there including Laura Ross Wingfield.

Beta hugs,

Karen
OLEta Rep

On Line Theta has been busy with Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Our social chairman was a busy girl with planning a social in November and another one at Christmas! We did our special sisters Christmas exchange and several of us participated in the Holiday exchange that Karen Ing organized. Arlene was one of her helpers.

Our book chairman keeps us informed about various types of books and writing styles. Very interesting. Our program chairman has done a great job organizing our monthly programs.

OLT has been kind of 'out of it' with worry about two of our sisters. One went to the hospital for a 'routine' carotid artery clean out and a stent on Dec. 17. On Christmas Day she was back in the ER and on a medical evac helicopter flight to Dallas - a major infection at the carotid site. She is still critical. Another OLT sister's daughter went into kidney failure. Hopefully both are on the road to recovery.

We are looking forward to spring when hopefully everybody will be well. We will be doing The Order of the Rose for two of our sisters.

Respectively submitted,

Arlene
OLT Rep

The Sisters of the OLK have been very busy since our last sharing report! It's hard to believe that the holidays have now come and gone, and the decorations have now been gently tucked away until next year! Our Chapter continues to welcome new guests and members, had a member celebrate her wedding, and we've continued to chat our way through to our upcoming meeting that is finishing up this week during this first month of the new year! We wish to you all best wishes for a most wonderful New Years!

As always, we truly enjoy our long-distance friendships and sisterhood! Our chapter has now grown and has just recently reached our designated capacity! We are thrilled with all of our members from all ends of this great country and each and every message we receive just brings us all closer and closer!

The paragraphs following contain our Program and Social from our December 2009 meeting. Enjoy as we have!

For our Socials, we traveled to Nova Scotia, Canada, and then on to Florence, Alabama! Please enjoy reading about our travels:

Nova Scotia is a mainland peninsula and across the Canso Strait, adjacent to Cape Breton Island. It is on the north by Gulf of St. Lawrence, across lies Prince Edward Island, on the east and south is the Atlantic Ocean and on. Due west is New Brunswick, from which it is largely separated by the Bay of Fundy.

The climate is moderate 32 in January, 71 in July, rainfall is abundant. The East Coast is rocky with numerous bays and coves and many charming fishing villages. Off the beautiful south shore is Sable Island, which is called the graveyard of the Atlantic Ocean for its many shipwrecks and on the west coast, there are huge Fundy tides washing the shore.. It has a stunning seacoast, vibrant cultures, pastoral country roads, fresh seafood, and Celtic music.

Bay of Fundy

Nova Scoria's seacoast diversity is what makes has the highest tides in the world. A billion Brunswick. The tide is as high as a four story building, five times higher that the Atlantic coast average and is equal to the daily discharge of all the world rivers combined. One can walk on the Bay Of Fundy seabed at low tide and pick up other treasures.

Christmas Social in Florence, Alabama

First, we will travel down Court Street, which is the main street through downtown. The trees along the street are decorated with strings of white lights and star and snowflake decorations of white lights adorn the light poles. Atop the Rogers Building, a large Christmas tree of colored lights can be seen.

We will now turn onto Seminary Street where you will see Wilson Park. The water, from the fountain in the center of the park, is shining in the light. All around the park, you see many wire decorations covered in strings of white lights. There are reindeer, angels, snowmen and of course, jolly old Santa and his sleigh!

And now I would like to welcome you into my home. The Christmas tree stands in front of the living room window, with its twinkling lights of white and colors. Packages of all sizes and shapes are under the tree. Looking closely at the tree, you will notice many ornaments that look rather old. They decorated trees of my childhood. And of course there are those Kelly made while in school and from church. Looking to your right, you will see the library table with the TV on it. In front of the TV is one of my most cherished decorations. It's not one of the most expensive but the sentimental value far outweighs the monetary value! It is a plastic Santa, sleigh and reindeer! It belonged to my maternal grandmother and every year I would help her decorate for Christmas and this was my favorite thing to set up. Also the most frustrating!!

You see the reindeer are tied together with a red ribbon and so of course, when one falls over they all fall! And the fact that they stand on piece of white cotton to make the appearance of snow doesn't help much!!! But it wouldn't be Christmas without them!!

Let's go into the dining room and have some refreshments. You will see homemade spiced tea mix and hot water. Have a cup and warm up from our walk downtown! Also, you will see other homemade goodies; oatmeal raisin cookies, fudge, angel food cake and a bowl of ambrosia.

Last but not least, here is my precious Jaela in her holiday best. She has just turned 14 months old on December 1. You can just imagine what fun Christmas morning will be this year!

Thank you so much for coming to Florence and my home to celebrate the holiday. I hope everyone had a wonderful time. Merry Christmas to all!!

Our December Program took our Chapter to Kansas City and hope you enjoy the excerpt as follows:

"The City of Lights"

As the last light of a blue-sky day fades into dusk, December's chill sweeps the streets of Kansas City's Country Club Plaza. A woman, her hair pulled back in a loose ponytail, turns with a smile toward her handsome companion and steals a quick glance at the clock tower above. She suddenly whips off her long, red scarf, tosses it around the gentleman's neck, and pulls him close for a kiss, as more than 200,000 colored lights erupt like electric confetti all around them. It isn't love that ignites the almost 100 miles of lights at exactly 5 p.m. during the holidays--it's tradition. For the past 75 years the Plaza has dazzled visitors with a stunning display outlining the tall towers, mosaic-tile domes, and Spanish architecture. There is no place more romantic, more beautiful, or more fun than the Country Club Plaza at Christmas.

Plaza Lights

The Plaza Lights are one of Kansas City's most favorite traditions and is the official kick off of the holiday season. The famous ceremony, which began as 16 lights hung over a doorway, now includes over 80 miles of lights with 280,000 multi-colored bulbs outlining and illuminating the buildings and towers of the Country Club Plaza. The first official Plaza Lighting ceremony began in 1930, and now draws over 500,000 people to the Country Club Plaza on Thanksgiving night. The streets are full of folks who come to celebrate at Kansas City's favorite shopping and dining destination. The lights turn on every evening at 5pm and continue until January, 2010.

Plaza Lighting Ceremony:

The Ceremony all takes place on a huge stage situated at 47th and Wyandotte on the West side of the Cheesecake Factory and in front of the former Marc Shale building. Performers, musicians and the Plaza Lighting Ceremony orchestra perform throughout the night.

Kansas City really shines this month. On perfect nights, a faint dusting of snow might settle upon Kansas City, frosting the countless sculptures and fountains that guard its lovely avenues. White and bright, the radiant city becomes a spectacular backdrop for yearly traditions that set holiday cheer in action.

Horse-drawn carriages clip-clop through the 14-block area, creating the cadence for groups of carolers singing "White Christmas." Strands of red lights outline buildings like licorice on a gingerbread house, while white strands look like a crest of fresh snow. Forget about being stuck in a mall. With its numerous fountains, squares, and outdoor cafes, the Plaza more closely resembles a European village.

Have a very wonderful couple of months ahead! Stay warm and enjoy!

Respectively submitted,

Shelley
OLK Rep