Sharing Reports - March/April - 2018
Seems the years just zip by & 2018 has not been any different. Online Beta & sure all of you have been very busy and almost 1/4 of year has just zipped by.
Our Jan social was a huge celebration of OLB's beginning 20 yrs ago so yes, we celebrated with a 20th birthday party!!
Our Jan program was presented by an Herbalist on Wild crafting--Nature's Remedies. it was very interesting & informative.
February program was a wonderful armchair "Travel the Globe" with lots of fun & unique stops around the world
VP announced we will be finishing up some pledge training & will have several Silver & Golden Circle rituals as well as progression rituals coming up soon. We now have about 65 members and a visitor in both Jan & Feb.
Our webmistress Becca has been busy as a bee getting new site "up and running" and it is fabulous!!! She has done a wonderful job.
Sandy K & Becca are sharing the honors of OLB Valentine Queens this year.
We had lots of chatter & sharing the past couple months. Some good & some not so good.
Member Judy lost her adult son unexpectedly due to the flu. Another member Jennie reminded us her daughter had written a book on quilting with first printing selling out. It will be going in to another printing plus she was ask to speak about quilting on a program on the quilting channel. Another member Leta shared pics of her son's new upscale Barbershop, he has served 2 tours of duty & suffers from PTSD & this is wonderful new venture for him.
Another recently shared a mixture of feelings as she will be relocating after ending a 32 yr marriage but is looking forward to next new venture. Of course, many are dealing with some health issues, cataracts but remain upbeat in sharing what to expect etc. I am sure I have missed a few highlites but.....
Finally, several members are planning a gathering in Pigeon Forge, TN prior to the TN State Convention hosted by Knoxville in Gatlinburg in June. Some members will attend the just the gathering and some will be in TN almost a week attending the gathering & convention.
Of course, this is assuming all goes as planned and we know life throws us curve balls that totally change our plans. If any online members are interested in joining us, please contact me.
Madonna & Sandy K
Online Beta
In late January-February, Omicron had 2 visitors for the February meeting, Christianah and Darlene. Both are lovely ladies and we would be thrilled if they decide to join our chapter after visiting others. We have two new visitors, one who is a MAL, Patricia, and Mimi, who is curious about joining. Both are lovely ladies and will be joining our March meeting. We are getting forward to getting to know them!
Our sister Eloise works at a children’s hospital and presented a program about donated wedding gowns that are turned into burial gowns for infants that are stillborn are that pass quickly after birth. While the loss of these children is tragic, so many women donating their gowns to make these burial gowns for babies was very touching.
Several of my sister’s have asked me to present a program on my religious sabbath traditions (I’m Jewish) after seeing some pics I posted on Facebook, so that will be our March program. I’m part of an amazingly diverse group and I cherish them beyond words. I hope you all have a blessed Easter and a Chag Pesach Sameach (Happy Passover)!
I am thy sister,
Sunni
We welcomed to online Chapter visitors Charity and Tenya. Penny returned for land chapter make up meetings.
The chapter welcomed Ashley’s baby girl and await the arrival of Jennifer’s baby girl. Our future legacies in waiting.
In February, the chapter was bitten by the LOVE program by Cathy.
Karen I., named online chapters contact chair. New members into all chapters are keeping her busy.
Anna is an in- flight EMT and is busier than ever between that and family. Karen H. Has really gotten Online Chi soaring using Facebook live chats for women 20-30. They’re at 20 women now and growing. She’s their adviser. Joyce is enjoying time in the Middle East with hubby.
Everyone is waiting for spring and busy with activities and Founder’s Day. We wish all a happy spring and Easter.
Karen - Eta Rep
From new babies to new puppies, even amid the snow that falls in the northern and eastern regions where the Kappa Sisters live, spring is in the air. Erica is forever creative with the home school projects and activities for her four Little Ones. Hattie, still an infant, has shown interest by listening when she's part of the group. Fletcher, not so 'little' any more, is raising the bar with inventive science projects. Mary is leaving AR to return to former stomping grounds in MI. Doris is leaving OH to spend a few months of sunshine in the Sunshine State. Nancy is traveling to Down-Under and Angel is traveling to Rio. Carrie will be taking relax time at a scenic spot near Grants Pass. New members are widening our circle of Kappa Sisterhood. With all this movement we manage to stay in touch through chatter notes and responses to the experiences we share. All this gives all of us a contented feeling of "Life is Good" .
The March OLK meeting will open doors for members to shift around in ways to serve our Chapter. The experienced Sisters teach their reporting and recording skills to others. New Sisters to our Chapter bring fresh ideas from their previous experiences. Mixing the old with the new, past experiences generate fresh ideas -> it's this kind of mixture that adds solidarity to our diversity.
Correction: It was brought to me attention that the OLK Yearbook was typed and assembled by one member vs. a mother/daughter team. Thank you Rhonda for your expertise and your service.
All of us in On Line Kappa wish good health and happiness to our Beta Sisters everywhere.
Mizpah, Bonnie, OLK Cyber Council Rep
JANUARY PROGRAM: Jan and Ev presented their “Dead Tired” program and social. The invitations were written on crumpled up Christmas wrapping paper “rescued” from the trash. The decorations consisted of broken ornaments, ribbon and paper scraps, deflated balloons from New Year’s and a dead Christmas tree. Signs read “Quiet, we’re resting” and “Batteries recharged here”. Serious libations (gin and other adult beverages) were served. Guests were asked to bring their least favorite gift to go in a trash can for a Yankee swap. Pillows and blankets were scattered on furniture and floor for all to use – and dress was Pajama style. Delectables were provided via potluck- as our hosts were too tired to cook. Everyone agreed it was a wonderful time….at least those who didn’t sleep through it..
FEB PROGRAM: Deb and Trudy presented their Country Style buffet social featuring Heirloom Tomato and Nectarine Salad, Citrus Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette, and a Vegetarian Italian Chopped Salad. Main course was Country Fried Chicken served with choice of potatoes, rice or pasta. Corn on the cob, roasted Garlic Brussel Sprouts with Mushrooms and Green Peppers, and seared Eggplant with Pecans and a Maple Syrup Glaze completed the meal.
Apple, Pecan and Sweet Potato pies filled the dessert tray with hot and cold beverages offered.
The program kept in line with the International theme and was titled ““IN TOUCH WITH TOMORROW” …….BUT TO REMEMBER EACH DAY”. Questions asked included: What or Who would you “bring with us” into tomorrow and beyond if you could and WHY? What would you change about Tomorrow if you could? What will Beta Sigma Phi mean to you in 5-10 years?
“Goodie” bags were given to everyone. The bags consisted of 9 traditional BSP items (toothpick, rubber band, eraser, candy Kiss, etc) with each member stating what “special” item they would include.
Busy time for OLT just like for all of the other on line chapters. Think that I will just list our happenings:
1. Elected our Sweetheart - our vice president Skyler. She was so excited to get the news. She will represent us well exhibiting all that is wonderful about Beta Sigma Phi.
2. Two visitors for the last month - one a returning member Christina - who elected to stay on as a member of our chapter. This was especially wonderful for me as I brought her into OLT several years ago when I read a posting she put on the BSP bulletin board. We became aunties when she delivered a baby girl who is now in elementary school!
3. This week will find us doing the Master's Ritual for Anne and Judy, the Preceptor Ritual for Skyler and the Welcoming Ritual for Christina. Plus starting Pledge Training for a new sister.
4. We enjoy doing special sisters. We have done this since OLT began and it is a big part of our traditions.
5. We continue to do clicks at the Greater Good site as we have done for years.
6. In February we had a very interesting program about American quilts presented by one of us who is a quilter. This month was a fascinating program about the Welsh bible.
Respectfully submitted, Arlene, cyber council rep for OLT
Cyber Council Sharing Report from OnLine Delta March 2018
President's Report
Bobbi: Joy, sadness, and illness all rolled up together. So many lovely holiday events. My Aunt Theresa who was in an Alzheimers Home in California for quite a number of years passed away. Three sorority sisters who I was very close to passed away. And I have been in bed sick with the flu for a week. I have lots of OLD chapter business to get busy on and will delve into it as soon as I am well.
We currently are without a Vice-President and would welcome a volunteer to step forward and take over this position. We have a VP for the remaining of the year—Ann stepped up. Hilda took on the job of Service Chairman to replace Ann. Evelyn volunteered to be Book Club Chairman.
Programs
January
We had a great discussion on tiny homes. Cathy aske these pertinent questions: “Could you see yourself living in a remote location in a "Tiny House"? Where would you go with your "Tiny House"? I'm all about square footage, what is your minimum? . How do you feel about a community of "Tiny Houses" in your neighborhood for the homeless or low income?” Cathy
February
The member who signed up for this month is dealing with serious health issues.
Our Program Chairman Camile told us she was being promoted to a Canadian International School to
be responsible for an Olympic pool and smaller teaching pool, shared by four schools totalling over 2000 students from kindergarten to grade 12, and was officially classified as a teacher. Congrats!
Service
January
Ann: Sisters, a new year has come upon us once again and the kids will be back in school for another semester. The elementary schools are always in need of in class tutors. This could be as simple as one hour a week and could be during school or after. Teachers are always looking for someone to take a student or two on to help them with a writing assignment or with their math. If little kids are not your forte then what about taking on a junior high or high school student? Many of them have parents who don't take time to help with homework and they sometimes fall through the cracks because the teacher may have 120 total students during the day and can't seem to find time for that one floundering student. You could be their "life saver".
February
Today February 4th is “WORDL CANCER DAY” We always say “I cannot believe they cannot find a cure for this dreaded decease”. Lets hope they are close and try to help ourselves! THE PEOPLE vs. CANCER. How smarter prevention is helping more people beat the odds. By Marygrace Taylor. And now for some good new about cancer: Just-released statistics show that the death rate from the disease in the U.S. dropped 26 percent since 1991. Better Still? Improved prevention and screening tactics could help bring those numbers downs even more. Here is what is making the difference:
EAT MEDITERRANEAN: There is one more reason to load up on whole grains, fruits and vegetables, nuts and beans, olive oil and lean protein like fish. A Mediterranean-style eating plan has been shown to protect against several types of cancer. SMARTER SCREENING: Screening have long been a routine part of prevention for many types of cancer. But evidence is showing that across-the board testing might not be beneficial. “it is a balance of benefits and harms” Using low dose chest CT scans. KNOW YOUR GENES
Tracking your family health history can help you develop a more effective prevention plan. “We always suggest talking about your history when family gathers”! CURING CANCER WITH YOUR OWN CELLS
“CAR T and other immunotherapies are transforming the dreaded diagnosis into a manageable disease.
How living drugs may become the final answer to this killer.” Hilda
Membership
We lost our Secretary Clare and Debbie to resignations
Book Club
January/February
Dec/Jan. Val: "A Fortunate Life" by A.B. Facey, He was industrious, honest, humble, born into poverty, abandoned at the age of four by his abusive mother who he held in reproach, rightfully deserved, for his entire life, raised up by a loving wise grandmother. He was self educated, a man of many abilities as he proved also to have many physical assets, boxing as a prize fighter, clearing the Australian bush, herding cattle, harvesting sheaths of wheat by hand. A most admirable fellow meeting adversity with defiance, courage and extraordinary resilience The people he encounters along his life journey offer cruelty and kindness, not often in equal measure, encourage his strength of character.
Koffee Klatch
January
Do you make "New Year Resolutions"? If so, what do you resolve to do? If not, why not? And if you do, do you manage to keep them?
I personally do not make resolutions as it were - I call them "goals". Each year, at the end of December. I list the things I want to do each month of the year, and list them at the beginning day of each month on my calendar. Then with each new month, I do work on that "goal".
This year, my goals are to clean out and keep only necessary items in my closets and storage areas in the house. I began with my sewing studio and I have it completely cleaned out of fabrics I will never use, patterns that are no longer of interest to me, and other items that I deemed not worth keeping. What a nice goal completed!
Then, I donated the larger fabric pieces to a local hospital auxiliary who hand make items for sale in their gift shop at the hospital; the smaller cuts went to the local humane society for their use in making dog and cat beds for the shelter and to go home with the adopted pets; some of the other items went to my class at our community college for them to pick what they could use and what was left over went to the Time Out Shelter Thrift Shop that supports domestic abuse houses . I sent a lot of things to the local landfill, too.
February will bring me into our closet in the master bedroom to clean out clothes, shoes, etc,., that are no longer worn, along with all of the other "stuff" that finds its way into the closet. March will bring another bedroom closet and so on for the rest of the year.
It is amazing how much "stuff" we accumulate and then either never use or forget about or whatever!
Leslie
February
The Olympic Games :
The Olympic Games began over 2700 years ago in Olympia, in southwest Greece. The Greek Olympics , thought to have begun in 776 BC, inspired the modern Olympic Games (begun in 1896). The Games were held in honour of Zeus, king of the gods, and were staged every four years at Olympia, a valley near a city called Elis”. At it’s heart the Ancient Olympic Games was a religious festival held in a religious sanctuary.
They continued for nearly 12 centuries - until Emperor Theodosius decreed in 393 A.D. that all such “pagan cults” be banned. Their creation was inspired by the ancient Olympic Games, which were held in Olympia, Greece from the 8th century BC to the 4th century A.D. Baron Pierre de Coubertin founded the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1894 , leading to the first modern Games in Athens in 1896.
The Olympic flame is a symbol of the Olympic Games. Commemorating the theft of fire from the Greek god Zeus by Prometheus, its origins lie in Ancient Greece, where a fire was kept burning throughout the celebration of the modern Olympics. According to the old myth, a flame was ignited by the sun and kept burning until the closing of the Olympic Games. The most well-know form of transportation is by running the torch.. Bev.
Questions:
Do you enjoy watching the Olympic games?
Do you watch alone - or have friends over to share in special events ?
Do you feel that the Olympics help to bring countries closer together?
Please share if you have had a relationship with someone that has won a medal at the Olympics ; have you actually touched someone’s medal ?
January
New York, New York
So , Why don’t we just hop on our Magic Carpet and let’s take a fast and fun trip to New York City.
We will go to Times Square and just spend time looking around and then Stop for a Big Coffee/Tea Break.
Does anyone have a favourite restaurant where we can meet? While We are having our R&R we can chat about what we would like to do in THE BIG APPL.E. Let us start our adventure.
These are the places we visited: the Broadway play” Come From Away”, a walk through Central Park a carriage ride, and a skate on the pond, a cruise to the Statue of Liberty, a tour of the Empire State Building, National Geographic encounter : Ocean Odyssey NYC, getting to ride on public transport to get there and of course eating out at fabulous restaurants.. Eleanor
February
I want to you invite you to my home today to a Royal Feast in the traditions of Henry VIII in the year 1835 and Elizabeth I, year 1855, and the Victorian period of 1837 to 1901.
This feast evolved from our planing a trip to England in August/September 2017 with my land chapter sister Anita and her spouse and I and my husband Gerry. While surfing the England websites I happened across a website futurelearn,com which offers free courses. A particularly inviting course struck my fancy called “A History Of Royal Food and Feasting.” It explained: “From the Tudors to the 20th century you’ll join expert historians, curators and food scientists from the University of Reading and Historic Royal Palaces, and indulge in the changing tastes of successive generations of royalty and experience the splendor of their palaces.” So we signed up for the 4 week course with the ideas that we would have a dinner Social in November for our land chapter based on the the history and recipes of royal foods we had learned about. During our visit to England we picked up food items and decorations to enhance our presentation.
So catch a ride on Val's magic carpet and arrive ready to imagine yourself in the halls of Hampton Court Palace. To give you some background on Hampton Court Palace and Henry VII's Tudor kitchens
proceed to these websites:
Hampton Court Palace
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIIPQnQgFqI
Henry VIII's Tudor Kitchens
https://youtu.be/iwr68gROYM0 you
Dressing up as a Tudor lady:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GKvaj5jOUc&feature=youtu.be
Dressing up as a Elizabathan lady:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDZXA6IWkIo
HAMPTON COURT PALACE MENU
HOSTESSES
Anne Boleyn (Evelyn) 1535
Elizabeth I (Anita) 1580
Fist Course - Tudor Period 1484-1603
Cabbage Soup
Cheddar Cheese and Crackers
Multigrain Bread and Butter
Scrumpy (2% alcoholic hard cider)
Second Course - Victorian Period 1837-1901
Chicken with Orange Sauce
Saffron Rice
Salmagundi Winter Salad (25 ingredients atop lettuces on large plate)
Third Course - Georgian Period 1714-1830 and Victorian Period 1837-1901
Victoria Sponge Sandwiches
Chocolate Wine
Earl Grey Tea
How to make Victorian Sponge Sandwiches:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpSTc1OKhqA&t=143s
How Chocolate Came To Hampton Court Palace:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7J0hz2nVKRU&feature=youtu.be
The green sheet below the Menus explained the Manners observed during the time periods.
Manners Maketh the Man.
On the other side of the green sheet is a Factsheet: The Tudor Kitchens at Hampton Court Palace
Questions:
1. Have you attended a cultural historic feast or eaten traditional foods in a family home you have visited? Tell us about your experience.
Do you have some recipes to share?
2. Have you ever dressed up as a historic character and taken on their persona?
3. Have you ever taken a free or paid online course? Can you share the website? Please have a look at https://www.futurelearn.com/
Evelyn
OLD Website
To KC (Karon) who does such a wonderful job of updating our website and if you haven’t looked at it lately,
please give it a good look over at: http://onlinedelta.weebly.com Do any of you know how to put together a website? I sure do not. I am so happy that KC has been doing this for our chapter – even tho’ she has so many health problemsand major commitments to another organization. Thank you KC.
Your Sister In OLD,
Submitted by,Evelyn—Cyber Council Representative for OLD
OLB Rep
2 guests, Darlene Howard and Donna Gray. Both, new to Beta Sigma Phi.
All members were reminded to keep on clicking on the sponsored sites for our Service.
Carol presented her program on the Grand Rapids Gypsum Mines under her home town in Michigan. These sprawling mines once served as a source of plaster and today serve as a storage facility. Gypsum mining was once a major industry in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area. The gypsum was ground to make a soil treatment called land plaster, and later was used to make both plaster and drywall. However, the mines became obsolete when air-pollution controlling technology installed a coal-burning facilities provided an alternative source of gypsum. Even when mining was still active, the underground tunnels were re-used. Mushrooms were grown in the tunnels, using manure from the draft horses used in the mines. Although the mines are not active, they now serve as secure dry storage, almost 100 feet below the cities of Wyoming and Grand Rapids, Michigan. Underground Security Company stores microfilm records in the mine, including 70% of Michigan’s counties legal records. A different mine was somewhat famously used as a digital data center, and is now closed. A golf course named “The Mines” is located above one group of gypsum mines. There has been a downside to the gypsum mining in Michigan however, as in the 1990s a section of US 131 freeway in Grand Rapids was found to be sinking as a result of the gypsum mining. A new route was built, which avoided the unstable land.
Kathy’s social took us on a virtual tour to a place in Phoenix, AZ called the “Hall of Fame”, which is a Fire Museum and Memorial housing fire trucks from the very first ones that were horse drawn and with wooden ladders to some of the very latest. Even some of the breathing equipment they used. One sign said one tug would emit more air, two tugs less air and three tugs, pull him out. Not all engines had wheels! Not all fire engines were red. Some had other colors. As were the fire chief’s cars. Manufactures of the engines were proud of their work and their names were placed large and visible. Many cities competed about who had the fanciest fire engine., and some were only seen in parades.
Kathy also shared her recipe of Chicken Zucchini Bake for all of us to try.
Carol posted her Book Review “The Broken Road” by Richard Paul Evans. The Broken Road is the first book in a new trilogy. It is an contemplative story of redemption and grace and the power of second chances. This year, Spring 2018, the 2nd book The Forgotten Road will be released.
February meeting we again had 20 members present when Cheryl called the meeting to order. VP Ann had received eight names and sent out invitations, however only two responded that they were visiting other chapters and would let us know when they could visit with us.
Several of our members are now on Face Book and post happenings in their areas. One member, Lynn, posted on FB while taking down her Christmas decorations, fell and broke her shoulder and foot. She’s doing better now and has started Physical Therapy. Is even able to drive.
Review of Book of Beta Sigma Phi by Carole on the Disaster Relief Fund. The Disaster Relief Fund for Beta Sigma Phi benefits many sisters in their hour of need.
Krissie shared her recipe for the month, of Terriyaki Chicken. Sounds yummy.
Beverly counted the votes for our Valentine Queen and announced Ann M. would be our Queen this year. Congratulations also go out to both Beverly and Carole who just had their Torchbearer degree given by our President, Cheryl.
Respectfully Submitted, by Ann, VP of On Line Psi