Beta Sigma Phi Cyber Council


Sharing Reports - May/June - 2016

On Line Delta

President Report
"I have  received the blurb about the 85th Anniversary of Founder’s Day on April 30th from International. I rather like next year’s theme.  It is that time of the year when chapter elections should be held.  The following nominations have been received and Brenda, Trish and Clare have indicated their acceptance of the nominations and their willingness to serve as President—Brenda. VP—Trish, Secretary—Clare.  Congratulations  to our OLD Executive Board for 2016-2017."

Programs April

Here in Texas an abundance of wildflowers along our roadways and fields. Bluebonnets, Indian blanket, Drummond phlox, Prairie Verbena, Clasping coneflower, Purple horsemint, Pink evening primrose, Plains coreopsis, and Indian paintbrush to name a few. Texas has over 5,000 wildflowers that bloom along our roadsides every spring.  We were asked if we had ever visited a museum, university, botanical garden, or experimental station to see wildflowers on display and where was it.  We were asked to share the name of our favorite wildflower, what kinds of wildflowers grow in local area, and also possibly a photo of them. 

May

This program asked if we could travel anywhere in the world where would your trip of a lifetime be?

  Service

March

As we age it’s more important to look after our teeth and gums.  Eating the right foods can go a long way towards keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Here’s a look at some of the best foods to keep your gums healthy, your teeth strong and your smile bright: green tea, strawberries and kiwi, nuts and seeds, mushrooms, apples and celery and other low acid fibrous foods, and chewing gum.  Sometimes extra-attentive oral care may just be a little too much, and how things such as stress and grinding can ruin your teeth.  Other factors are use of whitening  toothpaste and strips and over-brushing.

 April

Many interesting and relateable quotes were given such as: "When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.- Helen Keller  A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.- Elbert Hubbard

Membership

We have 2  members, Bev and Lisa, who will be receiving their Torch Bearers ritual this month. Bobbi was given her Torchbearer degree in her land chapter in February.  We have a new member, Linda, haling from  Lubbock, TX, holding the Exemplar degree.  She was  a former member at large. Ellen has decided to take a Leave of Absence until September.  Rebecca has decided to go Member at Large.  Gina has resigned due to personal  matters.  Wedding bells rang for Joanne on April 16.  Taneisha,, one of our military members, has returned from service and we have regained new contact with her.   Two of our members, Hilda and Donna 's land chapter has dissolved but are still online with us, thankfully.

Socials

Our Founders Day celebration on April 30, 2016. was fabulous. This event was held in Cannes France by the sea.  We arrived on our usual mode of transport on our magic carpets picking up members on the way.  Dressed in our most  flattering outfits adorned by hats and glittering accessories we  sat at  tables decorated with a a centerpiece of  yellow roses suspended in 3 tall vases, lit with 3 white floating candles.  The vases sat upon a black square surrounded by 4 white votive candle interspersed with yellow rose petals.  Beside are plates was a favor of a crystal rose enclosed by gold leaves and extending stem—a beautiful keepsake and reminder of this 2015-2016 Founders Day.

The opening ceremony began with our country's national anthem which we were given the words to sing in the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and Italy along with the history of its origin, since we have members residing in each.  Next the history of the Woman Of The Year Pin was read.  We stood for the Opening Ritual  followed by the beautiful Ritual Of Torchbearer given to Lisa and Nola.  Our Vice President Lucille disclosed our OLD  "Woman Of the Year" to be Val, our President for the past 2 years who has served us well with heartfelt giving and dedication to "our glorious Sisterhood."

Next a buffet luncheon was served with the main course of pork tenderloin with cranberry cream sauce,  accompanied  with sides of parslyrd potatoes, turnip casserole,  green beans, and assorted gourmet salads.  Dessert was English trifle and  petite fours cakes toped with white icing  and yellow rosebuds, and round sugar cookies covered with yellow icing with white roses on top.  Drinks were coffee, tea, soda, orange juuice,a choice of sodas, Australian wines and OLD's private cocktail.  Soft piano music completed the ambiance as we gazed out the windows at the beautiful waves lapping the beach shore.

Following was the  lighting of the candles and Founders Day Pledge, remembering the astute words of our founder Walter Ross, "Keep the dream big, it always comes true in Beta sigma Phi."  The International message by Laura Ross Wingfirld was read revealing that this, our 85th year as the organization of Beta Sigma Phi, is celebrating a most honorable and appropriate theme "We Put Our Hearts Into It" Laura reminded us, "This year is a special year as well because it marks the First International Convention since 1941…. "Our last count was just over 1,600 people, mostly sisters, but about 100 men as well. We have announced the conventions theme, which we have tie to the new theme for this year: “Sisters Come To The Heartland”.   The official Founders Day celebration ended by repeating our Closing Ritual  and  the  Mizpah, "May the Lord watch between me and thee, while we are offline one from the other."

Book Club

 Our  book for Feb/March was “All The Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr which Lucille reviewed that book  with us at the end of March.  Our book for April/May willb be  “Any Known Blood” by Lawrence Hill.  That is our last book for this sorority year and Sue will be posting a review of this book on May 20th.  Sadly, our Book Club chair, Bobb,i  has lost her  21 year granddaughter,  (who was an avid reader discussing books shared between them)  to a tragic  car accident.  Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to her and her family.

Koffee Klatch 

March Our topic was about those frustrating senior moments when we put something away in a very safe and secure place but upon retrieval they have mysteriously disappeared into thin air.  You know?

April

Val's  conmments about our April subject, "Leslie presented  examples of random acts of kindness that were exceptional in the fact that they were so immediately reciprocal. I’m sure if we stop to think we will all be able to recall having received numerous really much appreciated events in our lives where we received kindnesses when we had no hope at all of reciprocating to the givers. On the other hand I know each and every one of us has provided unexpected kindnesses to our friends and even strangers throughout our lives."  

OLD Website 

Our website chair Karon, is asking for photos of our new members and older members not current  to be posted to our OLD website.  Take a look at Http://www.onlinedelta.weebly.com 

Your Sister In OLD
Submitted by,Evelyn—Cyber Council Representative for OLD  2015-2016


On Line Eta

Online Eta wishes everyone a Happy Mother’s Day. All of us are mothers whether it be for a pet, grandniece or nephew or (adopted, birth, or grandchildren) children. Hallmark cards in KC recognizes this now (Motherhood) as they add to their newest collection of cards for Mother’s these specialties in Mother’s. If you have not been there (HALLMARK), go! I have been 3 times after making my rounds visiting and presenting at the International headquarters over the years.

Because May 8th (Sunday) is Mother’s Day, we thought we would share with all of you the Mother’s Ritual from the STRAWBERRY PATCH Honor Mothers w/ Ritual  

In May, 1956, the members of Alpha Chapter in Salt Lake City, Utah honored their mothers in a special Mother´s Day observance. They composed a ritual which they read in the presence of their guests, giving them each a Mother´s pin. The ritual is reprinted here.

Dearest Mothers: We have assembled here today, in order that we might show our appreciation for the help and assistance which each of us has received from you since birth but mostly since we became members of Beta Sigma Phi.

A tiny child slept, and as she slumbered, she dreamed a dream, and in that dream she wandered all alone; but in the distance she saw an Angel clothed in white. The features of the Angel were not distinct, but a radiant light illuminated the angel´s entire countenance. The child proceeded to the Angel and placed her small palm in the angel´s hand, and inquired: "What is your name?"

The angel answered: "Some call me Love, some Hope, some Kindness, others Truth, and still others Charity."

The small girl looked puzzled, and said: "That is too much for me to remember. I shall call you Mother."

The Angel smiled and said: "Why did you choose the word Mother´? What does it mean to you?"

The child thought for a few moments and then answered: "I do not know; perhaps someday I shall." At this moment the child awoke, not to remember what she had dreamed. The years passed quickly for the child, and she grew into womanhood. This young woman again dreamed a dream. Once again she saw an Angel bathed in radiant light, but the Angel appeared to be somewhat older than the young woman remembered, but her features were those the young woman had seen many times.

The young woman said: "I remember once you asked me why I called you Mother, and I answered that I did not know, but perhaps I would some day."

The Angel smiled and said, "I remember. Have you now found the answer?"

The young woman answered: "You said that some called you Love, some Hope, some Kindness, others Truth, and still others Charity; and to me ´Mother´ means all of these." Where can you find a greater love than a Mother´s love for her child? Where can you find the hope that a Mother passes on to her children in everyday living? Where can you find greater kindness than that which a Mother shows her family? Where can you find a better lesson of truth, than the example which a Mother instills in her child, and where in the universe can you find charity like that a Mother shows toward her young?"

Though she may be tested many times, though she may be sorely tried, she makes every sacrifice, and she exerts every effort necessary to fulfill her task. "Yes, now I know why I called you Mother."

The Angel smiled and said: "You have learned your lesson well. Remember it always."

Upon your breast is now placed this badge--the emblem of Love, Hope, Kindness, Truth and Charity, so that the world might see and know that you are the bearer of the title which you deserve. Treasure it dearly, and wear it with pride and constancy.

  "ILLUME OUR SOULS WITH WISDOM THAT WE IN TURN MAY LIGHT THE WAY FOR THOSE WHO FOLLOW US," is a prayer on the lips of every Beta Sigma Phi mother -- and it seems to me this must necessarily make them especially wonderful mothers!

  NOTE: The Mother´s Pin is a dainty rose with Greek letters in gold (plate). It makes a perfect "just because I love you" gift for the mother of a Beta Sigma Phi. It is item #161 in the Beta Sigma Phi Gift Catalog

  NEW MEMBERS/TRANSFEREES for March/April

Transferees and Additions to Our Chapter Since MARCH is 3 from land chapters – Dee, Delores, and Tanya. We presently have a guest visitor for our May meeting awaiting to make-up a meeting from her land chapter. Our increase in membership has been because of land chapter sisters making up attendance for their land chapters, and they stay and ask to join us. That says a lot about our openness to accept members at any time without conditions or waiting. We think other chapters should consider adding or having land chapter sisters guest visit. Plus, yardstick points are given for these visits for your online chapter.

  PROGRAM for APRIL

Our program was amazing from Ann.

  Amber - Thought to aid memory loss, purify the body, alleviate headaches, and address bone and heart problems, Amber is known for its stress relieving and calming properties.

Amethyst - Aids in the reduction of insomnia, arthritis, pain relief, and circulatory issues. Amethyst is considered the gemstone of meditation, peace, balance, courage, and inner strength.

Aquamarine - Aids the liver, throat, stomach, jaw, teeth, eyes, and ears. Aquamarine is also known for releasing fear, calming nerves, and bringing mental clarity.

Citrine - Considered the gemstone to provide greater or increased hearing, Citrine also promotes success, abundance, and clear thinking.

Garnet - Aids blood, heart, and lungs and is known to promote romantic love, passion, sensuality, and intimacy.

Lapis - Thought to aid in the alleviation of insomnia and depression, Lapis is also known for creating openness, truthfulness, and creativity.

Onyx - Associated with the root chakra, Onyx brings spiritual inspiration, and control over emotions.

Pearl - Known for its calming properties, the Pearl is said to aid purity, charity, integrity, truth, and loyalty in its wearer.

Peridot - Healing stress in relationships, lessening anger and jealousy, and slowing aging, the Peridot promotes abundance and prosperity.

Ruby - Aiding the emotions is the Ruby's calling card. Also known to increase integrity, devotion, and happiness.

Sapphire - The gemstone of creative expression and inner peace and meditation, the Sapphire also aids in personal expression and the alleviation of pain.

Topaz - One of the most powerful gemstones, Topaz facilitates the balance of emotions and provides protection from greed.

Turquoise - A gemstone steeped in lore and tradition, Turquoise is a healing and balancing stone.

    We hope everyone had a very good Founder’s Day! Online Eta celebrated via email complete with faces and food from other people’s founder’s days found online (in 2016) through a Google search.

  Have a fun, safe, and pleasant summer!

  Respectfully submitted, Karen -- Rep for Online Eta Chapter


On Line Alpha Alpha

Greetings Sisters! In April, Online Alpha Alpha received a new member. Nominations for chapter officers were held and a program on Founder's Day was shared with the chapter members at the May meeting. We acted as if we were all together sharing a wonderful meal learning about our founder and remembering the original sisters. It was a great time to reflect and be encouraged to connect with each other and really seek to grow our sorority in the coming years.

In May, Online Alpha Alpha elected new officers and named them.

President - Chrissy

Vice President - Jenielle

Other positions TBD

The sisters of Online Alpha Alpha would like to wish everyone a Happy Mother's Day!!

Chrissy - Pres


On Line Upsilon

The past two months have been exciting for us as we celebrated a lovely Founder's Day early due to a member who had a baby due the week before Founder's Day.  Of course, as plans of mice and men go, the adorable baby Abi was born on the night of our Founder's Day celebration!  

Our elections are every two years- due next year.  Our Secretary is taking a leave of absence, and our new member accepted the appointment as Secretary. We are very blessed! We tried a bookclub, but this just did not work.  We are in the midst of our monthly meeting figuring out what to do. 

We are filling out the Yardstick, however I believe we need a Yardstick formulated for online chapters. I would love to know how to propose this and get this accomplished for us!

Respectfully submitted, Joanie Nathan President, Online Upsilon


On Line Kappa


Online Kappa has been enjoying our meetings and especially the great program we had for Founder's Day- our member Peggy did a great job and we had a fabulous time.  Our member Jes welcomed her new son Jace and her son Kaden celebrated his 6th birthday; Jes has been very busy! Our members Carrie and Coco (who are mother daughter) have been dealing with health issues. Coco's furry family member Kodi has also ill, fortunately all are improving. 

We had our chapter elections:

President: Karen 

Vice-President: Erica

Treasurer: Carrie

Recording Secretary: Sandra

Our WOTY was Karen, our president; a well deserved honor! Our thoughts are with those dealing with illness and difficult situations; especially our sisters in Canada, what a terrible fire they are dealing with.  Happy Mother's Day to all the great Moms out there!

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Online Kappa Rep


On Line Psi


The sisters of On Line Psi wish you a Happy Mothers Day. We had our chapter election and are happy to announce our new officers:

President: Cheryl K

Vice President: Karen D

Recording Secretary: Lib M

Corresponding Secretary: Krissie E

Treasurer: Rose K

We had a great Founder's Day celebration, thanks to Kathy S who always does a wonderful job with our socials. The dinner was held at The Hide-A-Way Restaurant where a glass wall overlooked a river with swimming ducks, tulips and blossoming trees. A glorious sight!

While the staff was putting the finishing touches on our meal, we were encouraged to help ourselves to a large variety of appetizers. Also, we were invited to select a drink from the pay bar.

Most of us were able to save room for the main course: Sausage Stuffed Cornish Game Hen, steamed asparagus and a salad bar. But a few of us had to pass when the dessert cart came around with Lemon Blueberry Angel Lush, Margarita Cheesecake pie and Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake. But then some of us came back later for goodies to take home. :)

Dessert was followed by the Exemplar ritual for Vicki S and the announcement of Woman of the Year who is Rose K.

Respectfully submitted,

Rose On Line Psi


On Line Beta


Sisters in Online Beta had a full month.  We had a program given by a sister who has a daughter getting married.  I had told us about Wedding customs, showy affairs, the ring, the bridal veil, the bridal party, the flower girls and lots more customs.  We also learned about the bridal bouquet toss and something old, something borrowed and something new.  It was a very interesting program and we all learned a lot.  Some also share things about their own weddings.

  Our election of officers found a few new new faces and some familiar faces.  Officer for next year are:

President: Valerie D

Vice President: Sue H. 

R. Secretary: Susan B.

Treasurer: Rebecca S

  We also enjoyed a great social on the 30th of April.  We had our Founder’s Day celebration.  It was a great time for all sisters.  And we announced our Woman of the Year, Susan B.  Congrats to the board for a great social and to our Woman of the Year. 

  Online Beta is looking forward to a new year. 

Kandy


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Revised: May 17, 2016