Beta Sigma Phi Cyber Council


Sharing Reports - November/December, 2010

On Line Kappa

Report Submitted to Cyber Council on behalf of OLK

The biggest news in our chapter is we are going to be new Aunties again. Erica G. of PA has two beautiful little boys, "My Young Men" as she calls her sons. We are trying to find out if all of us should be in a Think Pink Campaign mode, but so far no word. The excitement is definitely mounting.

Although the rest of us are not in the maternity mode, our lives have been a mix of travel & tragedy. One sister lost a family member & other family members are hanging on to life with a weak breath. Many of us have been in some form of travel, either to new homes or visiting relatives homes. I believe, at this writing anyway, most of us are settled in a place we call home & everyone is preparing for the December holidays.

With the mix of celebrations that are in December, each has a message of joy to others & reflecting on the joys in our lives. The Sisters of Online Kappa extend season greetings to all other BSP Sisters. May you embrace the tough times of 2010 with courage and look forward to the new adventures in 2011 with grace.

Mizpah. Respectfully submitted,

Bonnie
OLK Rep


On Line Psi



The Sisters of On Line Psi wish all our BSP Sisters a Merry Christmas and a Joyful Holiday Season.

MEMBERSHIP: This month we have four visitors to our December meeting: Terri, Debra, Valerie, and Sheila.

SOCIAL: Sisters meeting Sisters: On November 30th Marcia and Karen met for lunch at the Olive Garden in Palm Desert, CA. Our December social will be a Holiday Open House (interactive on-line social).

PROGRAMS: The November program was given by Rose about the struggle of women in obtaining the right to vote in 1920 and the importance of voting in the November 2nd Election. The December program will be given by Vicki T.

BOOK CLUB: Last month we discussed "Committed" by Elizabeth Gilbert. A couple of gals started the book but didn't finish it. Two others rated it "3" or "3-" on a scale of 1 to 5. This month John Grisom's book, "Skipping Christmas" will be discussed after the December meeting.

RECIPES: Beth posted the following recipes for Thanksgiving:

Cut chunks in half. Combine pineapple with juice, potatoes, salt and butter. Place half of mixture in a buttered casserole. Top with half of the marshmallows.

Add remaining half of potato mixture. Arrange pecans on top. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Remove cover about 10 minutes before serving. Add remaining marshmallows. Note this can be made the night before and refrigerated. Add the nuts just before baking.

Dessert: Two different Pecan Pies

Combine ingredients and pour into unbaked pie shells. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes. Makes 2 or 3 pies depending on size of shells.

Beat eggs slightly in a medium bowl. Blend in next 4 ingredients . Stir in pecans and chocolate pieces. Pour into unbaked pie shell and bake at 325 degrees for 50 minutes.

Mix per directions and pour into 2 greased and floured bread pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until done.

Respectfully submitted,

Rose
OLP Rep


On Line Xi

The Sisters of On Line Xi wish all our BSP Sisters a Merry Christmas and a Joyful Holiday Season! MEMBERSHIP: We've had some come, some go, and we're at 24 members right now. One is officially "visiting" for 30 days but we hope she'll join! Our cap is 25, so maybe we'll find that one more lucky sister to join us.

SOCIAL: We started our Special Sister program in November, and I think it's going well. A fair number of us are also participating in the BSP Online Holiday Exchange - some (like me!) for the first time. . It's such a wonderful way to meet new sisters and I thank all those involved for their work in pulling those programs together. We had our first Thanksgiving dinner together, with sisters "bringing" their favorites to our table and sharing recipes. For December, we're sharing a cookie recipe, a favorite memory, and the best gift we ever gave.

PROGRAMS: In November I shared a program on researching your family history (if anyone on the cyber council would like it let me know I can email it to you). In December, we've had a program on gum disease - very enlightening!

We're still feeling our way around but learning more each month. A large number of our new chapter is set to celebrate our Ritual of Jewels ceremony

in January! That's all from Online Xi - happy holidays!

Beta hugs,

Paula
OLX Rep (PR)


On Line Sigma

Greetings from OLS. What’s in our news? Well, several of our sisters travelled to the NYS convention. Speaking of which, Bj, Marge and Ev are taking on the ambitious task of putting on the next NYS Convention which is scheduled for 16-19 Sep 2011. Sheila, the bride, recently progressed to a new chapter while Bj and Marge enjoyed a family wedding of their own. We’ve been sending healing hugs to Ev and Trudy and hope they’re feeling better, soon. The internet has been hopping with a lively discussion about Black Friday traditions….otherwise known as Boxing Day shopping in Canada and we’ve even done some pledge training. We reviewed the colours and meanings of the jewels of Beta Sigma Phi and discussed the colour schemes of the badges for each degree.

In Oct, our hostess, Linda put on a Harvest Tea in a barn at Trax Farm, PA, where we enjoyed seasonal treats. Afterwards, Judy threw a "Which Witch is Which" Halloween Party and we all dressed up as different witches and played witchy games. Since we were in a spooky mood, our Program Committee had us visiting some of the world’s most haunted places, such as the Tower of London, the Whaley House in San Diego or the By Town Museum in Ottawa. Once we were good and scared, we went Trick or Treating to each other houses.

In Nov, Linda took us on a picnic at Blue Springs State Park where she put on a wonderful spread that we enjoyed while watching the manatees. Later, we all dressed up as pilgrims and Tana took us to Plimoth Plantation-Plymouth, MA where we walked back in time through living history exhibits. For our program, Amanda took us on some of the most famous pilgrimages in the world, spiritual and non-spiritual, such as Mount Kailash in Tibet, Stonehenge, Mecca and Elvis Presley's Graceland.

As we head into the hectic season, Linda, our hostess chair, has been ensuring that there will always be someone ready to be our hostess and ply us with many virtual calories. Thank goodness those calories are virtual since we’ve been taking in plenty of the non-virtual kind.

Back in early October, our Canadian sisters celebrated Thanksgiving while our American sisters have just enjoyed theirs. Though we may celebrate Thanksgiving on different dates, we all give thanks for the wonderful friendship that we share in Beta Sigma Phi.

Beta hugs,

Mitch
OLS Rep


On Line Delta

I hope this is not too late. I have just gotten out of hospital and trying to get caught up. OLD has been fairly busy the last month. We have visited Banff Nation Park in Canada this month as our program continuing our nation Park Theme this year. It was very interesting and with questions about what glaciers and gondola rides we have seen. It broadened our knowledge about each other as we learn where everyone has traveled to.

Our Koffee Klatch was about our hobbies and do we ever have a lot of talented members. Some quilt, tat, knit, scrapbook (both on paper and Smileboxes on line) and many other things.

We didn't have a social since the last Cyber Council Meeting.

We have had several gals having operations and one gal fighting a strong fight with cancer. We are all standing behind her.

The American girls enjoyed their Thanksgiving Holiday. Another discussion spontaniously came up concerning what everyone was having for weather. Some are snowed in while others are nice and warm down under.

The Members from OLD wish everyone a wonderful holiday season.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue
OLD Rep


On Line Beta

Our membership is at 75 members with 29 sisters being Official Members (OLB is their only chapter). We welcomed our two newest members Paula (WI) and Mecell (AB).

OLB has enjoyed some interesting programs, socials and recipes and crafts over the past two months. Our October program was called "Paths to Friendship" given by Mary and Lisa. Lisa shared how she became a Beta Sigma Phi and what it means to her. They also shared what paths can lead to new friendship in the cyber world. Pathways such as Face Book, Twitter, BSP Bulletin Board were a few of the ones discussed. Their program also covered ways we can meet new friends by becoming involved with different groups and committees in our everyday lives. Members were asked to share how they came to be a BSP.

For our first November program we OD on chocolate with Angie's presentation titled "Better Living through Chocolate". With the websites and information she shared we could almost smell and taste the chocolate...LOL. We learned about the types of chocolate, making and storing chocolates, the health benefits of dark chocolate. We also toured a couple chocolate factories.

After the presentation, we were asked to share well known chocolate companies, our favorite candy bar, brand of chocolate that is favored in our geographic area and our favorite chocolate recipes.

During the second program in November we found we have a published author in our group. Gail shared types of writing, how to find a writer's group, storytelling and putting it down on paper, and how to get published. The writing group she joined published a book this past April. Gail share the following with us."We decided to publish our book of 30 stories, poems and memoirs a year ago, it took us until February to get it ready to be printed, picked a publisher after looking at several and chose a small publishing house that would let us print as many or as few books as we wished.

The first printing was 120 books, or 20 each (there were six involved) and it cost us $157.00 CDN each. Shipping is on top of that but that includes the formatting (shaping the pages).

The final beautiful book was ready in April, WOW!!!

Now seven personal appearances later, five more printings, three newspaper articles, three Library donations, books stocked in six stores, two radio interviews, as many press releases and bookings into the new year we are a pretty happy bunch! "

Our Social Committee has kept us on the go with many tours. We went on a short Wine tour in November. We learned about wine and what kind of glasses to use and the best foods to pair with different wines.

For December we are doing things a little bit different... we are traveling from Dec 1 to Dec 20th...Each day to a different Christmas themed spot and enjoying different foods and drinks. So far we have:

· Enjoyed eggnog and a tour of Santa's Village in Bracebridge ON

· Drank hot chocolate and enjoyed a visit to Northpole.com

· Sampled Cranberry Spritzers and cookies while we learned the History of Christmas Cookies on December 3rd in honor of National Cookie Day

· Checked to see if we were Naughty or Nice while sipping a drink and eating a piece of cake

· Ate cookies and enjoyed Irish Coffee while touring Santa's Village in Dundee, Illinois

· Celebrated Bath Tub Party Day with our favorite drinks

· Toured Santa's Village in Jefferson New Hampshire while sipping hot toddies and hot buttered rum (http://www.santasvillage.com/ )

· Grabbed a glass of wine and some cheese and took a Christmas Quiz.

· Visited Santa's Village in Northpole Alaska

Recipe/Craft Committee: In October, Loretta shared recipes and information on Hawaiian Foods and Ancient Food Customs. The yummy recipes included Lomi-Lomi Salmon, Koele Palau (Sweet Potato Pudding), Lau-Lau Casserole, Cooked Carrot Sticks, Indonesian Shrimp Balls, Chinese Rumaki, Japanese Crab Tidbits and Hot Crab Canapés. These recipes came from cooking classes Loretta took while stationed in Hawaii. They were taught by the University of Hawaii, Cooperate Extension Service, Home Economics Department.

Our November recipes came from Brenda and included a to die for chocolate cake and a different kind of green bean casserole, plus others.

We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Holiday hugs,

Dianne
OLB Rep

On Line Theta

Holiday Greetings to one and all!

For our cultural event in October, we attended the Oktoberfest in Helen, Georgia, and enjoyed a look around the town there.

The next cultural outing will be December 16-19, 2010 at Disneyland in California.

We are continuing our programs centered around books and authors. Roxanne shared with us Michael Scott, The Secrets of the Immortal Nicolas Flamel Series in October.

Service clicks for September were a total of 2,262 for all 6 of the sites that are supported by the chapter. And 2,538 for October.

Many of the chapter members are involved in the BSP Christmas Exchange which our own Arlene is co-chairing. It is always a fun event and we thank both Karen and Arlene for tackling the Big Job every year and making it an exceptional activity for all of us.

Carolyn H. hosted the Koffee Klatch in November and we shared Thanksgiving information.

We are hoping to have an actual in person meeting at the conclave in Victoria, BC next year and are discussing details and information.

One of our sisters, Judy has had a stroke and not doing well. Arlene visited her in person a few weeks ago and presented a bouquet from the chapter and took some pictures. Please keep her and her Envoy husband Tommy in your prayers.

We wish all of our sisters everywhere a happy holiday season and joyous New Year.

Vivian B.
OLT Rep

On Line Eta

The Eta sisters wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

We welcomed our newest member, Brenda (from OR). Eta is full, yet we will still welcome members. Ann's son marched in the Macy's Parade with his band.

Our December meeting has been moved up to December 15th due to Christmas Holidays.

Election of Officers will be taking place at our December meeting.

Stacy presented a lovely Thanksgiving Program

*Happy Thanksgiving OLETA Sisters! *

My program is short & sweet but please take the time to answer the questions & let all of us know what family traditions you have at Thanksgiving and what you are thankful for! Also below is a little history on Thanksgiving & to end it the poem "Be Thankful", it reminds us of those times to be thankful, even when we are in doubt.

** *~*~What are your family traditions??~*~*

Thanksgiving is one of my most favorite holidays -- besides all the yummy food -- it's being with family & friends! The last 2 years since my Mom died, Paul & I have gone up to visit with his Uncle & Aunt in Alabama and attend the Poarch Creek Indian Pow Wow. We have enjoyed attending this event with their dancing, colorful costumes, crafts and unique foods. This year we are not going up to AL - so this year -- what do we do? It's not the same since our parents have all passed so I'm looking for new traditions that my children will want to carry on. If you every make it near Atmore, Alabama at the Florida/Alabama state line, I highly suggest making time to attend the Pow Wow! It's a lot of fun!

*~*~What are you thankful for?~*~*

I'm so very thankful for my husband and 3 beautiful children! I'm thankful every day that I wake up to a new day! I'm thankful for my sorority sisters! Without them I could have not made it through some difficult times! I'm thankful for the people I work with, pray with and the little miracles that I receive! I am truly blessed and I thank God for all of it!

*_A little History about Thanksgiving...._*

In the fall of 1621, the Pilgrims, early settlers of Plymouth Colony, and the Wampanoag Indians held a 3-day feast to celebrate a bountiful harvest, an event many regard as the nation's first Thanksgiving.

For more than two centuries, days of thanksgiving were celebrated by individual colonies and states. It wasn't until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day Thanksgiving Day to be held each November.

http://www.history.com/topics/thanksgiving

*"Be Thankful"*

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something,
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge,
Because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
Because it means you've made a difference.
It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
And they can become your blessings!
~~Author Unknown Our Social was on THANKSGIVING MEMORIES

Happy holidays,

Karen
OLEta Rep


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Revised December 16, 2010