1. education
2. alumni and reunions

TORCH STAFF
[email protected]
Editor - Seann McAnally
Graphic Designer - Eric Burgess
Assistant Editor - Betsy Thomas
BETA SIGMA PHI INTERNATIONAL
Address: 1800 West 91st Place
Kansas City MO 64114-0500
816-444-6800
Phone:
(8:30 am - 5:00 pm CST M-F)
Fax:
816-333-6206
Insurance Only: 800-235-2806
Long Term Care Insurance: 888-290-7207
Gifts Only:
800-821-3989
DIVISION CHAIRMEN
Laura Ross Wingfield [email protected] - On-Line Chapters & Conventions
Vivian Iddings - (Director of Service)
[email protected] - AK, AZ, CT, DC, DE,
KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MS, MT, NH, NJ, NV, NY, PA,
Puerto Rico, Germany, RI, VA, VT, & WV
Karla MacRae [email protected] Canada, GA, Greece, HI, IL, IN, KS, MN, NM, Norway, Scotland, WA, WY, & Russia
Cynthia Meadows [email protected] - AL, AR, CO, MO, NC, TN, OH, OK, SC,
TX, Belgium, & Zimbabwe
Cindy Vance [email protected]
- Austria, Australia, CA, England, Finland, FL, ID, IA,
LA, Mexico, NE, ND, OR, Saudi Arabia, SD, UT, & WI
E-MAIL ADDRESSES
Torch Department [email protected]
Rushing Department [email protected]
Gift Department [email protected]
Home Page http://www.betasigmaphi.org
Beta Journal http://www.betajournal.com
Beta Sigma Phi is an international women’s friendship network. It also
provides educational programs to its members and opportunities for
service to others. We are women of all ages, interests, and educational
and economic backgrounds, and are the largest organization of our kind
in the world. For Beta Sigma Phi membership information call:
1-888-BETA-2B1(238-2221)
March/April 2015
Volume 134 - Issue 2
Well, as I write this we just sold out
the 85th Anniversary Convention
in 2016, so we are tired and a bit
stressed—what have we gotten ourselves into? But we are also coming
up on another busy season for us with
Founder’s Day and the looming end of
the sorority year. I have already admitted that I replaced a word in the new
theme with my preferred word, so you
need to look at the art and scratch
out that word and replace it with the right one. My bad. So I’m a
bit tired, but also a bit in wonder. What kind of amazing things will
happen when we get 1500 sisters, husbands and friends together
in one place from all over the Beta Sigma Phi world? I’m guessing FUN, pressed down and running over! That was one of my father’s sayings, by the way. We, as a family, have a million of them.
So it’s time to turn our thoughts to Spring, the HOPE of warm sun,
new flowers, gentle rain and Founder’s Day, followed by conventions, and the close of most of our sorority years. I love Founder’s
Day and one of my sadnesses is that now, so few of you ever knew
the Founder. If you had, you’d love him. He was like a very smart
and very caring Grandfather. He loved people, collected them, and
loved the sisters of Beta Sigma Phi. I am amazed at how often I hear
from someone who wants to know about his connection to someone. Most recently it was to Smokey Fredericks, his friend and artist. He’s been gone since 1969 and I still hear about his goodness.
I hope you’ll consider using flowering trees for your decorations at
Founder’s Day, because flowering trees are often fruit trees and they
are the beginnings of new growth. We should be the tree that flowers,
grows fruit and from that fruit, grows new, strong, vibrant, healthy new
trees in our Beta Sigma Phi orchard. We have extended the deadline
for adding one member per member to the 2016 convention. I challenge you to tell me you don’t know or will not meet one woman in
this time frame who might not make a great sister. I meet them all
the time and I’m lucky to have a chapter who welcomes new sisters.
We are still a huge organization compared to most, but we are also
all aging. We always need to replant so that there will be others to
grow and flower behind us. I hope you have many new sisters at your
Founder’s Day. If you don’t, ask yourself if maybe you should? But
the nice thing is, we are so young at heart that we still act like we did
as Ritual members!
Laura
5
Torch Chapter
Meet the fine ladies of Texas Xi Pi Psi, Eagle Lake—our Torch chapter for this issue.
10
Nothing is Impossible!
California sister Debi Anderson is a Global Messenger for the Special Olympics, and has received an honor from the President himself.
13
Founder’s Day
17
Once again, we celebrate our sisterhood and revisit the final Founder’s Day message from Walter W. Ross.
Friends From Afar
Imagine having a pen pal for more than 50 years and then meeting her in person—read about a sister who did exactly that!
18
Yearbook Contest Winners
Check out this year’s winners—just the tip of the iceberg from a fine group of entries.
24
Programs a la Carte
26
News You Can Use
The Torch staff guides you through how to run the perfect program, whatever its subject.
On the Cover
Members of International Alpha peruse the fine
selection of yearbooks International received as
part of this year’s Yearbook Contest.
TOP PHOTO!
A 50-year member and a new pledge enjoy each other’s company at a Founder’s
Day celebration. See page 15.
TORCH TRADITIONS
4
6
12
29
30
Conventions, New Chapters, Friendly Ventures
Rushing

Featured Program
International Award of Distinction
Gifts
THE TORCH OF BETA SIGMA PHI (ISSN 0888-8930). Official Publication of Beta Sigma Phi, 1800 West 91st Place, Kansas City, Missouri 64114-0500. Periodical postage paid at Kansas City.
Canada Post Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement #1548255. Published 7 times a year by Beta Sigma Phi International. Member subscription price $14.00 per year. Non-member subscription price $14.00 per year. Individual copies $2.50. Printed in U.S.A. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Torch of Beta Sigma Phi, PO Box 8500, Kansas City MO 64114-0500.
March/April 2015 The Torch 3
Conventions
2015
Alberta (Medicine Hat)
May 22-24
Arizona (Prescott)
Sept 11-13
Arkansas (Fayetteville)
July 18-19
British Columbia(New Westminster)Conclave March 7
British Columbia(N. Delta Cruise from Vancouver) May 2-6
British Columbia (Duncan) Conclave May 30
California (Newport Beach in Irvine)Orange County May 14-17
Carolinas (Charleston, SC)
April 17-19
Colorado (Lakewood)
June 26-28
May 15-17
Florida (Tampa)
Indiana (Anderson)
Oct 23-25
Iowa (Quad Cities and Area Chapters) June 5-7
Minnesota (Austin by Albert Lea) Sept 25-27
Mississippi (Leaving from New Orleans) Sept 24-28
Missouri (Cape Girardeau)
Oct 9-11
Montana (Butte)
June 12-14
New Mexico (Albuquerque)
June 12-14
New York (Niagara Falls) Sept 25-27
Ohio (Cleveland in Strongsville)
May 15-17
South Dakota (Chamberlain/Oacoma) Oct 9-11
Texas (Amarillo) Style Show
May 2
Texas (Fort Worth)
June 12-14
Utah (St. George)
Sept 18-20
Virginia (Williamsburg)
October 2-4
Washington (Gig Harbor) Conclave
Oct 4
Washington (Spokane) NW Regional August 7-9
West Virginia (Martinsburg)
Oct 9-11
Wyoming (Gillette)
Sept 11-13
Wisconsin (Sturgeon Bay)
Nov 6-8
4
March/April 2015 The Torch
Welcome These
New Chapters
British Columbia Laureate Delta Iota,
Qualicum Beach
California Torchbearer Nu, Garden Grove
California Torchbearer Xi, San Fernando
Delaware Delta Master, Laurel
Indiana Beta Tau Master, Fort Wayne
Missouri Torchbearer Mu, Saint Louis
Nebraska Torchbearer Delta, Fremont
Ohio Torchbearer Lambda, Toledo
Pennsylvania Torchbearer Nu, Norristown
Texas Beta Mu, Bedford
West Virginia Alpha Xi Master, Huntington
Wisconsin Laureate Alpha Eta, Hartland
New Friendly
Venture Chapters
Alabama Theta Delta, Mobile
By: Tina Gurley
Colorado Kappa Rho, Elizabeth
By: Rhonda Alane Wolner & Colorado Laureate Alpha
Eta, Denver
Indiana Delta Zeta, Lafayette
By: Nancy Marshall
Yukon Alpha, Whitehorse
By: Chantal Dowden
W
By Mary Ann Kaluza
e are Beta Sigma Phi chapter
Texas Xi Pi Psi, Eagle Lake.
The first chapter was the Alpha
Delta Phi chapter organized in 1968. It was a
Ritual of Jewels Chapter. Ernie Sommerlatte is
one of the original charter members. Jo Ann Gertson and
Glenda Blair were rushed and are still active in our sorority.
We are a very active group of ladies with many social and
service projects. The highlight of the year is the annual
Valentine Dance and Social.
In May 1975, the Chapter divided and the younger members remained Alpha Delta Phi. The seasoned members
became Xi Pi Psi Chapter. We are still an active group of
ten members.
Our Sorority Sisters have attended many of the Texas State
Conventions and have made many new friends along the
way. This was our 40-year anniversary of sponsoring the
Community Birthday Calendar, which is our annual fund
raising project. These funds are used to give back to our local community.
A Scholarship is given to a graduating member of the Rice
High School Senior class each year at the Academic Banquet.
We honor a female student who has made plans for her college education.
Since 1973 we have Honored thirty-nine ladies with our
Lady of the Year Tea. The Lady of the Year Tea is held in
the homes of our sorority members. These ladies have all
made outstanding contributions to our community.
Our latest project is a Bingo Party at our local nursing
home. We enjoy the Bingo games as do the residents. We
play Bingo helping them cover the number on the cards
and provide Bingo Prizes. We serve refreshments of
cookies and punch to the nursing home residents.
We feel honored that our chapter will be featured in The
Torch Magazine and hope you will enjoy reading about
our sorority and enjoy the photos.
March/April 2015 The Torch 5
Rushing
Throw Me
Something
Sister!
Using the theme “Expand Your Beta Sigma Phi
Family Tree,” Mississippi Delta Master, McComb entertained Mississippi Xi, Jackson at
their 2015 Mardi Gras Coronation a social as well
as rushing event. Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday,”
is the last day of the Carnival season as it always
falls the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day
of Lent. Parades are a major part of celebrating
Mardi Gras and each parade has its own Krewe,
some having been around for decades.
The Krewe of Delta Master and the Krewe of Xi
met in the home of Delta Master member Penny Brown which was decorated throughout with
masks, wreaths, ribbons, flags, and umbrellas in
colors of gold, purple and green to celebrate Mardi
Gras. In addition to hosting a chapter exchange,
Delta Master sisters were excited to use this party
to rush, after ten years of pledging just one new
member.
It was at the 2014 Mississippi State Convention
held in McComb that introduced Delta Master sisters to a transfer and three rushees, giving them
the opportunity to expand their chapter. Claudia Ross of Louisiana Preceptor Beta, New
Orleans, who they met at the convention recommended her friend Debbie Rodrigue, who moved
to the area as a possible rushee. Joan Burt, caterer for the convention, showed interest in sorority
to Delta Master President Nan Richardson. Sister
Diane Woodall knew another rushee, Patt Penn,
who heard her talking to sorority sisters about the
convention. Phyllis Turner, formerly of Louisiana
Torchbearer Beta, Baton Rouge, moved to
6
March/April 2015 The Torch
the area and joined the chapter after her sisters
Jean Leyda and Page Meyer attended the state
convention.
As the Krewe of Xi sisters arrived, they entered
Mardi Gras Alley, seeing the “Expand Your Beta
Sigma Phi Family Tree” decorated with green
leaves to be used as ballots to vote for Queen Beta.
Sisters of both chapters were eligible to be Queen
and together, they made up a new Mardi Gras
Krewe, “Krewe of Diotima and Moon Pies.” Diotima represents that all sisters are wise women
and Moon Pies reminded sisters of the meet and
greet at the Mississippi State Convention and visiting with other states.
A meal of traditional Louisiana style red beans
and rice was served to guests, followed by individual King Cakes curtsey of Diane Woodall. The King Cakes were iced with green,
gold and purple sugar and containing the traditional small plastic baby which symbolizes
luck and prosperity as well as the obligation
to bring next year’s cake for the person who
finds it in his/her slice of cake.
Members and guests selected a leaf from the
theme tree to cast their vote for Queen Beta
and were told to write a one word description
of their reason that this Diotima Sister should
be Queen. Kind, worthy, fabulous, amazing,
remarkable, worker, extraordinary, wonderful, great example, thoughtful, caring, and
“her children rise up and call her blessed”
Proverbs 31, were just a few that were used to
proclaim the worthiness of Queen Beta.
When cold weather forced the parade inside,
Krewe Delta Master marched to Mardi Gras
music behind President Nan’s float, a little
red wagon decorated with Moon Pie boxes
and a Krewe of Diotima sign. Delta Master
Krewe members passed out moon pies and
beads and other members and guests were
asked to join the parade through the house
to the garage, the site of the queen’s coronation.
LouisianaPreceptorBe
ta
Epsilon, Baton Rouge
was
formed April 29, 2014.
They officially
started the chapter by
celebrating
their chapter birthday
on Beginning
Day. By September th
ey were on a
weekend getaway in O
range Beach,
AL, at the Turquoise Co
ndos. In October members Leslie Ste
ele and Anna
Marie Burns received
their Ritual of
Jewels degree and
President Sandra Linder received he
r Torchbearer
degree. Also in Octob
er the group
traveled to Kennebun
kport, ME, to
celebrate the retirem
ent of fellow
sister Maxine Muller.
They stayed
at the Seaside Beac
h House and
enjoyed Maine lobste
r. In late October they took a trip
to Salem, MA
to see the Halloween
events taking
place there. Starting
out with seven
members they have
now grown to
a chapter of nine. Th
is new chapter
is very active and wo
rking hard to
grow their family tree.
Mom Anita Fairchild of Xi was pronounced
Queen Beta, an overwhelming choice! She is
a ten year member but has been associated
with Beta Sigma Phi for much longer from
helping make costumes and favors for her
three daughters Anita, Jane and Barbara Evans. Queen Mom Anita was escorted to her
throne, a gilded chair, and presented with a
scepter, gold cape and crown. Rushees Patt,
Debbie and Joan, and sisters Diane and Anita
attended her as her court.
This was a great time of fun and fellowship
with Delta Master sisters hosting chapter Xi.
Members decided unanimously that the Mardi Gras Social will become an annual event.
“Let the Good Times Roll!”
March/April 2015 The Torch 7
Mardi Gras Heroes
Award-Winning Greeks
Several Beta Sigma Phi chapters happen to be located in and around college campuses, and in most
cases, participate in university Greek life. One such
chapter that is making a mark is North Carolina Kappa Rho, Fayetteville. This year has been one filled with
socials, service projects, new leadership and lots of
changes. But the young ladies of the chapter have
learned a lot and grown as sisters. It all paid off at the
Methodist University 2nd Annual Greek Gala at the
Botanical Gardens in Fayetteville. Eight young ladies
dressed in their finest to attend the award ceremony, and took home four awards! Wilmarie Toro won
Greek New Member of the Year, and Gabrielle Isaac,
Greek Female with the Highest GPA. Alexandria Lyles,
social chair, planned ice cream socials, movie night
with the fraternities and sororities on campus and a
sisters day. The chapter received the Social Award
for the university’s Greek system. They also boast a
cumulative GPA of 3.0, and also received the Scholasiticism Award.
“I am so proud of these young ladies for working so
hard and for their accomplishments,” said their advisor, Heidi Berryhill of North Carolina Gamma Psi,
Fayetteville. “Way to go, sisters!”
8
March/April 2015 The Torch
Texas Preceptor Mu Xi, Texarkana, made waves recently in their hometown. Jean Cronce wrote to let
The Torch know the details: “Our town was holding
its second Mardi Gras festival parade. We thought,
wouldn’t it be great to participate and promote our
sorority? Why, yes, we
could and would. Charlie Dickerson generously
offered her party boat
to use as a float. Kathy
Taylor (our artistic, talented one) got busy
with decorating ideas.
The theme was heroes.
We ran with the idea
of Super Sorority Sisters,
with cloaks, emblems,
and all. It was wonderful
to see the whole chapter pitch in to help with
the tremendous amount
of work such an undertaking needs. We met at
Kathy’s house to make
the signs. We displayed
our work at the meetings and finally got to decorate
the boat/float. The day of the parade was overcast,
and we all worried what we would look like soaked.
But magically, the sun came out and we showed
the blocks-long crowd just what a friendship sorority
could do—throwing beads, candy and glowsticks to
outstretched hands. Our float was definitely a crowdpleaser. Unfortunately the judges didn’t agree, but
we accomplished what we set out to do, promoting
Beta Sigma Phi in the community. We definitely were
and are Super Sorority Sisters!”
Ohio Art Scene
Name a city that has produced three world-class artists...Paris? Amsterdam? Try Cincinnati, Ohio! The sisters
of Ohio Laureate Epsilon Mu, West Chester, recently
enjoyed a cultural presentation by Stanley Smith, of
the Cincinnati Art Museum. With a lovely and informative slide show, he shared the lives and works of
artists Frank Duveneck, John Henry Twachtman, and
Edward Potthast. Pictured here are sisters Carolyn
Muller and Maureen Ritter along with Mr. Smith.
Girls Weekend!
The historic Putnam Lodge in Cross City, Florida, recently hosted a girls’ weekend getaway for the sisters
of Florida Epsilon Epsilon, Brooksville. The historic hotel and spa was constructed in the late 1920s by local lumber magnates. Restored to pristine condition,
it was the perfect location for the sisters to relax and
ruminate on life, learning, and friendship.
Pictured in the front row (l-r) are Vivian HumphriesHyslop, Peggy Brim, Cheryl Adamick; second row:
Helen Wheat, Linda Cleaveland, Sheri PadgettGiorda, Judy Rivera; third row: Trish Mitrowka, Ann
Dobrow, Linda Strickland, Jean Casey and Peg
Matthews.
Sister honored for
special education
orah in our meetings, contributing
to our activities,
sharing her infectious smile and
laugh with us...we
are so proud and
happy for her!”
Sisters Celebrate Easter
• Kids in Metropolis, Illinois, know there’s someone
other than the Easter Bunny to count on for goodies
and eggs at Easter time. For the past 26 years, Illinois
Zeta Zeta, Metropolis, has hosted a city-wide free Easter Egg Hunt. The event takes up a park in the center
of town that covers a city block on all four sides. There
are more than 6,000 candy and prize-filled eggs. The
sisters are very proud of the event, which plays host
to an average of 350 children each year. In addition,
the sisters have added a smaller hunt for a group
home of mentally challenged adults.
• New York Preceptor Alpha Tau, Canton, made 47
Easter baskets to ensure that children in their area
would have a happy Easter. The baskets were donat-
Deborah Holliday of Ohio Gamma Alpha Master, Akron, was awarded with the Outstanding Educator
honor by the Akron Council of the Parent-Teacher Association. Deborah has a Masters degree in Special
Education, and is currently working on her doctorate.
“This award shows her commitment to the society in
which she lives and works, and just how fine and capable a young teacher we have within the educational
system,” said Dura Barbour, the chapter’s corresponding secretary. “We have been so happy to have DebContinued on page 28
March/April 2015 The Torch 9
“Nothing is
Impossible!”
California sister is Special Olympics
Global Messenger
By Marguerite Benet, California
Preceptor Xi Kappa, Brea
D
ebi Anderson of California Preceptor Xi Kappa,
Brea, has been involved in Special Olympics
for 17 years. She is proud to be a Special Olympics athlete and has competed in many sports, winning more than 100 gold medals. She has competed
in softball, bocce, bowling, track and field, volleyball,
and her all-time favorite, gymnastics.
Debi and her mother, Pam Anderson, are both longtime members of the chapter. “I am so proud to know
these two amazing women,” said chapter member
Sharon Edwards. “Debi has won many gold medals...
and, wow, you should see her dance!”
10
March/April 2015 The Torch
President Obama greeted Debi at a
recent dinner for Special Olympics.
Debi gives a
thumbs-up from
the Special
Olympics float
at the 2015 Rose
Parade in
Pasadena, CA.
Debbi’s motto is “Nothing is Impossible,” because Special Olympics
has taught her just that.
Special Olympics has
given her the ability to
do things she never dreamed of doing.
When Debi was about three years old, she
was diagnosed with being communicatively handicapped and having special needs.
With the help of the training and encouragement she has received from Special Olympics, she became a Special Olympics Global
Messanger and is able to make speeches on
behalf of Special Olympics, telling her story
and inspiring hope in others.
Debi and her mother, Pam (left) are both
long-time members of their chapter.
honor of Special Olympics.
On January 1, Debi rode on the Kaiser Permanente float in the Rose Parade in Pasadena, CA. The theme of the float was “Together We Thrive.” It was filled with Special
Olympics athletes. Debi was at the front of
the float with Rafer Johnson, Olympic gold
medalist and founder of Special Olympics
Southern California, and Dustin Plunkett, another Special Olympics athlete and Global
Messenger.
Debi has an extensive schedule from now
until the Special Olympics World Summer
Games are held this summer in Los Angeles.
She will be speaking to many groups, encouraging them to volunteer at the Special OlymBesides her athletic accomplishments, Debi pics World Games and helping to raise funds
is a representative on the Special Olympics for the expected 7,000-plus athletes coming
Southern California Board of Directors as well from 170 countries to the World Games.
as the 2015 World Summer Games Board of
Directors. As such, she has had the oppor- “Special Olympics has given her the ability to
tunity to attend the Special Olympics World do things she never dreamed of doing,” ShaWinter Games in South Korea and last August ron said. “Who knew that she could flip over
attended a dinner at the White House host- the uneven bars? Well she can...and she did!
ed by President Obama and the First Lady in Nothing is impossible!”
March/April 2015 The Torch 11
Featured Program
This issue’s featured program is about the flower of Beta Sigma
Phi. Here are some tips from Betsy Thomas, assistant editor of
The Torch and president of the International Alpha chapter, that
are sure to help your program blossom!
PROGRAM 747: ROSES: A HISTORY
OF BETA SIGMA PHI’S FLOWER
Program Intro: Roses have been in existence long before humans,
with fossil evidence going back some 35 million years ago. It is an
ancient flower that grew for thousands of years throughout Asia and
the Orient before it appeared in the Western world. It is estimated
that the origins of the rose can be traced back to Central Asia, dating
back to anything between 60 and 70 million years. The genus Rosa
has over 100 species spread throughout the Northern Hemisphere.
A symbol of love, beauty, war and politics; the rose has played a major role in poetry, art, religion, music, literature, perfume, fashion,
even medicine and cuisine. Early civilizations such as Egyptians,
the Chinese, the Greeks, the Romans and the Phoenicians not only
appreciated roses but cultivated them extensively as early as 5,000
years ago. Dedicated as the Queen of flowers, roses captivate attention with fragrance, beauty and a myriad of meanings and legend.
Program Overview: Program outline starts out by examining the
legends associated with roses, from Jewish folklore to American and
Greek legends. Next outlined are the different uses of roses through
history. Roses have been used for more than pleasing perfumes and
gestures of love. Medicinal usage of the rose has been reported
throughout history in various texts, some of which are notated in
this program. In addition to usage and lore, roses have their own
language. This program outlines the meanings that roses with different colors may represent. There are also various classifications of
roses, ranging from old-fashioned roses to miniatures, climbers and
shrubs. Finally there is a discussion section that focuses on some
of the literature associated with roses, rose societies and famous
people roses have been named after.
To access the program, visit www.betasigmaphi.org and click on
the “Already a Member!” tab. Go to the “More Members Only” tab,
then select “Program Outlines” and log in with your member number and email address. Then “Select Program” by choosing program
number 747 and click on the PDF to view and print. If, like many
sisters, you’re not computer-savvy, you can ask a member of your
chapter to help out. If all else fails, call The Torch at 816-444-6800
and we’ll mail you a hard copy of the program.
Resources...
http://www.theflowerexpert.com/content/miscellaneous/flower
sandhistory/history-of-roses – this site give an overview of the
history of the rose in the Ancient Historic period, the Medieval Period and the Modern Period. Some legends on roses are also listed
on this site. At the bottom of the web page are some links to various related topics regarding roses. Check out Rose Trivia and Rose
Down Memory Lane for additional highlights.
12
March/April 2015 The Torch
http://www.allgreatquotes.com/rose_quotes.shtml – this site is a
great site for getting famous quotes about roses. There are three
pages of quotes here on roses from famous persons such as William
Shakespeare, Thomas Moore, T. S. Eliot, Eleanor Roosevelt, Henry
David Thoreau and more.
The Rose, by Jennifer Potter (2013, Atlantic Books). Author Jennifer Potter, an acclaimed horticultural historian, sets out to uncover
the life of the rose viewed differently by various cultures and countries throughout the centuries. Beginning in the Greek and Roman
empires and traveling all across the globe she dares to reveal why
the rose has provoked such fascination. Available on Amazon for
around $20 or less.
A Rose by Any Name: The Little-Known Lore and Deep-Rooted History of Rose Names, by Stephen Scanniello and Douglas
Brenner (2009, Algonquin Books). Learn the stories behind rose
varieties and names. This book reveals the roots of rose lore, sifting
through fact and fiction, and shows how people, communities and
cultures identified roses across the globe and throughout the ages.
Also available on Amazon for less than $20.
Quick Tips...
Take action and include a personal touch to your program with
these great tips.
Roses Are Red – You can’t present a program on roses without having roses present for your presentation. Use rose imagery in your
displays. In your displays include a wide variety of roses in a variety of colors. A most obvious choice of display would be to bring a
rose boutique, or consider giving each audience member their own
rose as a keepsake. Stimulate your audience’s olfactory senses as
well by bring roses with abundant fragrance or sample rose perfumes and potpourri.
That Which We Call A Rose – Roses are renowned for their symbolism and literary imagery. Share famous rose quotes and texts.
Invite your audience to participate in coming up with famous literary quotes or their own quotes describing the symbolism and imagery of the rose.
The Flower of Our Organization – The Yellow Rose is the flower
of our organization. Using our Rituals as references, what symbolism does the yellow rose signify for Beta Sigma Phi? Discuss these
symbolisms with your sisters and the meaning it has in your lives.
O
n Founder’s Day each year for 38 years, Walter W. Ross sent
a special message to every chapter to be read as part of
the program of observance. Knowing that April 30, 1969,
would be the last time he would have the opportunity of speaking to
each Beta Sigma Phi, he chose to have his message recorded and sent
to every chapter so that he could express his faith in his own voice.
His message closed with these thoughts:
“Beta Sigma Phi has integrity. Those of us who are fortunate enough to be in
the position of serving you are dedicated to that pleasant and rewarding task.
I have spent most of my life in Beta Sigma Phi, and I want you to know I
have enjoyed every minute of it. Our two sons who have served you
for many, many years are both totally dedicated to Beta Sigma
Phi, and so are the other fine folks on the International Staff.
“You do realize, I am sure, that behind the vows you have taken
is a precious, living, vital and beautiful entity, Beta Sigma Phi.
Wherever you are, at home or abroad, you represent it. Take good
care of it, enfold it, love it.
“I shall not be here always to greet you on these great occasions.
But you will be here...Beta Sigma Phi will be here...and it could
not possibly be in better hands. Take good care of it, won’t you?
Good night.”
Today, more than ever, International strives to live up to
Walter’s desire to “keep the dream big.” As we head into
our 2015-16 sorority year, let us remember the challenge
his granddaughter, Laura Ross Wingfield, has put before
us: for each member to add one member. Spread the
light of Beta Sigma Phi to one other person, and you will
have done Walter proud.
The challenge isn’t an easy one. But Walter wasn’t interested in doing things the easy way. Indeed, he realized
that we only grow when we shake off our preconceived
notions about what is possible. In his own words:
“There is the pleasure of doing something after everyone says
it can’t be done. It seems to me this adds more zest to a thing
and enables us to smile a little at the vagaries of faith.”
It is up to each of us—members and staff—to ensure
Walter’s dream stands the test of time in a new millennium. Together, let us strive to make sure “the
light shall not go out forever.”
March/April 2015 The Torch 13
Founder’s Day
Each year chapters around the world gather to celebrate Founder’s
Day. It’s a time for fun and rituals, but more importantly, to reflect on
the principles and purpose of Beta Sigma Phi. Here are a few ways
your sisters celebrated this special day.
• Oklahoma Phi Master, Tulsa, used Founder’s Day as
a special occasion to raise $1,000 for the Community
Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma. As a service project, this donation was raised at the Tulsa City Council
Master, Laureate Epsilon, Preceptor, Xi Pi and Xi Zeta,
with a total of 52 members and 3 members at large.
• South Carolina Preceptor Alpha Delta, Seneca, held
its Founder’s Day celebration at their hometown International Deli, and took the opportunity to conduct
three rituals. Jan Grousd received Torchbearer and
Diamond Circle, 11 sisters became eligible for the
Masters degree, and other members were recognized for a quarter-century of perfect attendance.
“Our social committee kept us busy this year,” wrote
Dorothy Glenn. “They planned something fun for every
month. We were busy doing service projects. We are
very thankful to be members of such a great, loving
and caring group of women that we call our sisters.”
Founder’s Day Dinner. At substantial savings, Phi Master provided, prepared and served the meal, rather
than having a traditional catered event. On a weekly
basis, the Community Food Bank serves more than
335,000 meals to residents in Tulsa and surrounding
communities.
• Sisters from the chapters of Brandon, Manitoba,
used Founder’s Day as an excuse to celebrate the
75th Anniversary of sorority in Brandon. The 1st chapter established there was Manitoba Delta, Brandon
(now cancelled), formed in 1938. Their charter was
received on Founder’s Day, 1939, at the
Prince Edward Hotel.
The local media took
note of the 75th anniversary celebration,
as the Brandon Sun
newspaper featured
an in-depth article
and photo spread
of the celebrations.
Today, the community of Brandon
boasts five active
chapters—Gamma
Pictured here are the 11 chapter members who progressed to Master. Since then the chapter progressed
and are now South Carolina Xi Master, Seneca.
• Meanwhile, a bit further north, North Carolina Laureate Alpha Epsilon and Laurate Alpha Mu, Hendersonville, celebrated Founder’s Day at a luncheon at
Olive Garden in Arden. Highlights of the chapter were
shared and awards were presented. The ladies had a
fun time with the Right, Left, Cross Gift Exchange from
International’s web site. Gifts were passed from right
to left and across the table as Sue Haught read the
story of Mrs. Wright and Ms. Cross visiting Beta Sigma
Phi Headquarters to do some shopping. The sisters
also played a photo-match game, matching sisters
with their early childhood photos. “Everyone correctly identified their own photo but identifying the others
was a lot more difficult,” said Susan Haught of Laurate
Alpha Mu. “It was a fun day and a memorable way
to enjoy the friendships of our beloved sisterhood.”
• The five chapters of Goderick, Ontario rolled out
the red carpet for an Oscar-worthy treatment of
Founder’s Day. They also hosted chapters from nearby Clinton and Exeter. Some 70 people attended the
meeting, and sisters dressed for success, entering on
an Oscar Night red carpet. Everyone received “swag
bags” donated by area merchants. Door prizes donated by the chapters were drawn from envelopes,
Oscar-style. Chandeliers, miniature Oscars, movie
• California Nu Master, Pacifica, enjoyed a Founder’s
Day to remember. The ladies had a wonderful dinner
at Nick’s Restaurant, a fine oceanside eatery. Carmel
Payton presented the 50-year ritual for Shirlee Gibbs
with the help of Nita Buchanan and Jacquelyn Pettinari. Together, they have 233 years in Beta Sigma
Phi!
• New and long-time members
of Alabama Laureate Eta,
Gadsden, joined together
with Gadsden chapter Xi
Alpha Pi and Preceptor
Zeta for a Founder’s Day
celebration they’re not
likely to forget any time
soon. The group snapped
a photo that perfectly
captures the current challenge for each member to
add a new member. Here’s
50-year veteran Pat Thompson with new pledge Mariella McNair, both members
of Laurate Eta. A very special day was enjoyed
by these ladies and all
of their sisters.
clipboards and other Oscar-related items helped set
the tone. A fashion show presented by Schaefer’s
Ladies Wear rounded out the star-studded evening.
With all the glitz and glitter, the simple candles that
represent sorority were not forgotten.
• The Moose Jaw City Council, led by Saskatchewan
Preceptor Beta, Moose Jaw, gathered last Founder’s
Day at Grant Hall to celebrate 75 years of sorority in
Moose Jaw. The first chapter was started in March
1939 and the very first sorority events were held at
the historic Grant Hall, so it was nostalgic to return
there. Long-time members were honored, and sisters
enjoyed a retrospective presentation about all the
good sorority has done in the community over the last
seven-plus decades.
March/April 2015 The Torch 15
Legacy Form
Please fill in all information; print on top of each line.
Legacy’s Full Name: ________________________________________________________________________ Date of Birth ______/______/___________
Address:_________________________________________________________________________________City:________________________________
State/Providence:______________________________________ Zip Code:______________________ Phone Number: ___________________________
Name of Sponsoring Memeber:_____________________________________________Relationship to Member:__________________________________
Member Number:_________________________________ Chapter Number:_______________________
Address (if different from Legacy’s):_____________________________________________________________City:_______________________________
State/Providence:______________________________________ Zip Code:______________________ Phone Number: ___________________________
Mail to: Rushing Department, Beta Sigma Phi International, P.O. Box 8500, Kansas City, MO 64114 -- Or call toll free 1-888-238-2221
Payment and form must be received at the International office before a Legacy enrollment can be processed.
The $55.00 one-time fee is enclosed (check or Money Order, U.S. Funds) -- Or Payment by Credit Card: Visa MasterCard AmericanExpress Discover
Card Number:___________________________________Expiration Date:__________ 3-4 Digit Security Code:_____ Signature:______________________
THREE EASY WAYS
TO CONTACT US!
Pen Pal Program
On-line

E-mail
Deadline June 1st
Name_________________________________________ Member Number____________________

Chapter Name_________________________________ Chapter Number____________________
 
Address____________________________________________________________________________
email_______________________________________________________________________________
Age Range__________
More than one Pen Pal? Yes
-or- No Limit_______
Likes_____________________________________________________________________________
Dislikes____________________________________________________________________________
Hobbies & Interests_________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Personal (background, family, personality type, etc.)_____________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Office use only: Match________________________________ Member #_____________________________
16
March/April 2015 The Torch

Friends From Afar

By Rebecca Roberson, South Carolina Torchbearer Alpha, Aiken
C
an you imagine having a pen pal
for more than 50 years who lives in
another country and finally getting
to meet her? That is what has happened to Ann Gordon, a member of South
Carolina Torchbearer Alpha, Aiken.
Ann was 12 years old when she sent her first
letter to Margaret Pentacost, who was 15
and studying in England. Their letters were
about boys, The Beatles, and later about
men, jobs and travels.
When the age of email came around, the
two’s contacts became an almost daily enjoyment.
Last winter, Margaret decided it was time
for her to meet her long distance friend so
she emailed about coming to South Carolina. Ann was elated. Margaret is now living in Crete, Greece, along with her friend,
Carol Smith-Tavinor from Dorset, England.
Together, they flew to Atlanta, GA. The
next day they rented a car and drove to
South Carolina’s welcome center to meet
Ann and her husband Ronnie. Upon meeting, they hugged and started laughing
and talking as if they had met many times
before.
They stayed with the Gordons for two
weeks, and each morning they would
map out their plans for the day. The two
visitors loved the consignment shops,
small boutiques and unique eateries,
which were so different from those in the
villages they had known. One aspect of
the United States both commented on
was the traditional Southern hospitality.
They were not accustomed to strangers
greeting them as they passed by!
While the travelers were in Aiken, they attended two meetings of the sorority chapter and presented an interesting program
about their homes. It was a joy for the members to meet them and hear them share
their interests and facts about their country.
Carol has been a private chef in England,
and she demonstrated her talents with the
food she prepared for one of the meetings.
“It felt like part of me was torn away when
Margaret left to go home,” Ann said as tears
filled her eyes. They all thought they had a
lot of talking left to do. They have since exchanged greeting cards and still talk regularly. Both visitors said they were already saving to come back over, and Ann plans to visit
Margaret sometime soon.

It just goes to show, distance
is no barrier to true friendship.
March/April 2015 The Torch 17
First Place
Ritual of Jewels, Exemplar and Preceptor
Once again, Colorado Kappa, Denver, sent in a stunner of a yearbook. With a roster
of energetic young women fully behind the principles of Beta Sigma Phi, Kappa is
a great example of the next generation that will take sorority into the future. The
chapter’s motto is “this ain’t your mamma’s chapter,” and this yearbook proves it.
Looks aren’t everything, but from the three-dimensional cover and dividers to the
fun-filled photos, Kappa’s yearbook committee went above and beyond to make
their yearbook not only functional, but lovely to look at all year round. Very detailed program notes and an innovative fold-out calendar also distinguish this
digest-sized yearbook. As always, Kappa, you’ve clearly put in time and effort on
your yearbook and it shows.
Second Place
Ritual of Jewels, Examplar and Preceptor
The ladies of Georgia Xi Beta Xi, Dublin, have provided a clean, highly organized, and easy-to-read yearbook. Particularly impressive are the calendar and
program sections, with dedicated pages for meeting notes and incredibly thorough
program information. In the back of each sister’s yearbook is a zippered pouch with
The Book of Beta Sigma Phi, Invitation to Life, a pen and pencil, and notepad, so
sisters will never be stuck at a meeting without everything they need right at their
fingertips. The chapter took the “Expand Your Beta Sigma Phi Family Tree” to heart,
with many passages in the yearbook reminding sisters of the challenge for each of
them to add a new member. Overall, the judges were quite impressed. Nice job!
Third Place
Ritual of Jewels, Exemplar and Preceptor
“From little acrons mighty oak trees grow.” This quote emblazoned
on the cover of Texas Preceptor Omicron Psi, Bedford, says it all
when it comes to the 2014-2015 theme. It seems someone in this
chapter is a fine artist, with many appropriate illustrations provided
throughout. The programs section is particularly thorough, something the
judges would like to see more of. The section on socials shows these well-organized
sisters like spending time with their husbands and families as well as their sisters—
consciously or not, this fitted in nicely with the year’s theme. The sturdy spiral binding and incredible back cover illustration (so good Torch editor Seann McAnally
wants to frame it and hang it in the office!) doesn’t really count for points, but added
to the overall positive impression of this fine yearbook. Well done, ladies.
First Place
Laureate, Master and Torchbearer
Austin, Texas is known for its arts community, so we’re not surprised by this lovely
winning entry from Texas Beta Phi Master, Austin. A digest-sized yearbook bound
in firm spiral, the family tree on the cover says it all. Particularly interesting (and above
and beyond requirements) is a section on chapter etiquette. A quick-reference section
with all of the important highlights was also impressive. Programs are well documented, the calendar section has ample room for notes, and the member roster is thorough.
A nice touch in keeping with the 2014-2015 theme is the family tree photos included in
the member’s section. A useful collection of often-used forms is in the back of the book
with easily removable pages. And while they weren’t strictly necessary and were outside
of the judging criteria, the book came in an eye-catching bag with an owl design. All in
all, an excellent effort!
Second Place
Laureate, Master and Torchbearer
Texas Torchbearer Iota, Houston provided an incredible yearbook. The 2014-2015
theme was beautifully illustrated on the front cover, which shows the original chapter
most of the ladies started in as a sapling; as the years progressed, and new chapters
were chartered, each is shown as the tree gets ever-larger, culminating in Torchbearer—a mighty, tall tree. Social activities are very well outlined. Program assignments
and notes are quite thorough (the lack of this is quite common, so the judges were
impressed to see it). The overall impression of this yearbook is clear, concise, and
easy-to-navigate. Of particular interest is a well-researched and written chapter history that runs back to 1986. Way to go, sisters!
Third Place
Laureate, Master and Torchbearer
The entry from Texas Laureate Theta Pi, Katy, now Epsilon Phi Master,
has provided an attractive, well-organized yearbook for this year’s competition.
Last year, the chapter received an Honorable Mention, so as you can see they’re
climbing up the ladder! Social activities, in particular, are very well planned and
outlined. When it comes to usefulness, organization, and neatness, this yearbook
got a perfect score. Plans are clearly outlined, and the chapter roster and committee sections are particularly well-done. And while the judges do not consider
covers, it’s hard to ignore this lovely, handmade cloth cover. Very nicely done!
Poetry & Photo Contest
Deadline: Postmarked by May 1st
Send your entries to the attention of the appropriate contest,
c/o The Torch, Beta Sigma Phi International, P.O. Box 8500,
Kansas City, MO 64114-0500
Poetry Contest Entry Form
Entries must be original, unpublished poems written by Beta Sigma Phis in good standing. They may be
of any theme and length (although, lengthy poems are not likely to be published in their entirety). Poem(s)
must be typed and double-spaced. Each contestant may submit up to three poems in a contest year.
The entry form must be completed and included with the poem(s). Poems must be postmarked by May 1.
Poems are non-returnable. No member may win first place two consecutive years. The first place winner
will receive $50; second, third and fourth place winners will receive $30, $20 and $10 respectively. The
winners will be featured in the August Torch.
Member’s Name:_________________________________________ Member No.:_________________
Chapter Name:____________________________________________Chapter No:_________________
CompleteAddress:_____________________________________________________________________
Poem Title(s):________________________________________________________________________
Photo Contest Entry Form
Entries must be original, unpublished photo submitted by Beta Sigma Phis in good standing. Your photo
subject(s) may be any theme (Beta Sigma Phi related or non Beta Sigma Phi related). Photos may be in
color or black and white, at least a 4x6 in size. Please submit a quality photo. Photo should be well lit,
sharp, in focus, with a good contrast and subject should fill 80% of the area. No digital/e-mailed photos
will be accepted. One non-returnable photo can be submitted per memeber.
The entry form must be completed and included with the photo. The entry must be postmarked by May 1.
Do no write on photo please. No winner may win first place two consecutive years. The first place winner
will receive $50; second, third and fourth place winners will receive $30, $20 and $10 respectively. The
winners will be featured in the August Torch.
Member’s Name:_________________________________________ Member No.:_________________
Chapter Name:____________________________________________Chapter No:_________________
CompleteAddress:_____________________________________________________________________
Short Description of Photo Subject:_______________________________________________________
20
All entries become the property of International and cannot be returned.
March/April 2015 The Torch International cannot be responsible for items lost in the mail.
2014-2015 Chapter Yardstick
The Yardstick deadline is August 20, 2015.
PLANNING
_____ Executive Board Meetings (10 pts. max)
10 points for meetings held as needed.
_____ Regular Meetings (18 pts. max)
1 point for each meeting.
_____ Attendance (12 pts. max)
10 points for percentage of attendance. Example: 7 points for
70%, etc. Members on leave-of-absence and shut-ins not
counted against percentage. 2 points for consistent system
of notifying members of time and place of meetings.
_____ Finance (19 pts. max)
10 points for preparation of chapter budget that limits the
cost to an amount the members agree is not a burden to
each member. 7 points for a major money-making project,
2 points for a minor project.
_____ Cooperation (44 pts. max)
5 points for participation in City Council or executive coordinating committee. 10 points for committee planning and
handling preliminary details before meetings. 2 points for
each month’s chapter minutes and report forms sent to
International by the end of the month. 5 points for City
Council participation.
_____Beta Sigma Phi Review (36 pts. max)
C U LT U R A L
_____ Programs (36 pts. max)
2 points each for a formal program (30 minutes), 1 point each for
an informal program (cultural outing). One program per meeting.
_____ Program Presentation (36 pts. max)
2 points for a program presented by two or more members.
One program per meeting.
_____ Chapter-Wide Discussion (18 pts. max)
1 point for discussion guided by leader following the presentation,
allowing each member’s participation.
_____ Audio-Visual Aids/Demonstrations (12 pts. max)
1 point for each program in which audio-visual aids or
demonstrations are used requiring participation by members
(i.e., games, quizzes, etc.).
_____ Programs on the Shelf (20 pts. max)
5 points for each program prepared for emergency use.
_____
TOTAL (122 points possible)
BONUS POINTS
_____ Establishing a New Chapter (10 pts. max)
3 points for each Book of Beta Sigma Phi month activity
5 points for Friendly Venture reservation, 5 points for presenting
pursued. Alernatively, 3 points for each issue of The Torch
Beta Sigma Phi to prospective members.
reviewed (in print or online) or 3 points for Beta Sigma Phi
_____ Receive a FOUR-STAR RATING when your chapter
web site review.
completes a Friendly Venture!
_____ Publicity (10 pts. max)
5 points for each major project, 2 points for each minor project. _____ Wider Social Horizons (16 pts. max)
10 points being a sponsoring chapter of a convention, area
_____ Phone or Email (10 pts. max)
meeting or workshop, 2 points for representation at a convention,
5 points for having a phone or email tree to get the news out to
chapter members.
area meeting or workshop.
_____ Community Service or Cultural Event (15 pts. max)
_____ TOTAL (159 points possible)
5 points for each major project, 2 points for each minor project.
SOCIAL
_____ Chapter Assistance (20 pts. max)
_____ Planned Social Calendar (30 pts. max)
4 points for each active member serving as an advisor.
30 points for planning the sorority year by September 1.
_____ Legacies and Sponsored Members(10 pts. max)
_____ Social Balance (60 pts. max)
1 point for each member who enrolls one or more in the
5 points for each traditional social held (Founder’s Day,
Legacy or sponsored member program.
Beginning Day, etc.), 4 points for each informal social held.
10 points for city-wide social. 2 points for interchapter social. _____ Assisting Community Chapters (45 pts. max)
15 points for assisting a small chapter with rushing or progression
_____ Attendance (10 pts. max)
10 points for attendance of members at social functions.
activities. 2 points for each personal recommendation of an
(10 points equals 100%, 7 points equals 70%, etc.)
out-of-town candidate, max. 20 points. 1 point each for contacting
_____ Time for a Good Time (18 pts. max)
transferees or prospective members for your chapter or intro1 point per meeting, dining, and for allowing time to socialize.
ducing them to another chapter, max. 10 points.
_____ Sending Cards (5 pts. max)
_____ Contest Entries (6 pts. max)
5 points for sending cards to members for occasions such as
1 point for each entry in any International contest.
illness, birthday, etc...
_____ Member Survey (10 pts. max)
_____ TOTAL (123 points possible)
10 points for surveying members’ interest.
_____ Envoys (10 pts. max)
MEMBERSHIP
_____ Membership Plan (20 pts. max)
1 point per Envoy member.
10 points for each rushing program.
_____ Theme (10 pts. max)
_____ Pledge Training (36 pts. max)
10 points for implementing theme in chapter activities.
2 points per pledge training session from Invitation to Life.
_____Volunteering (10 pts. max) Must designate you are a Beta
_____ Success (65 pts. max)
Sigma Phi member
5 points for each pledge added to your chapter during the
_____Online Hosting (10pts max) 1 point per occurrence. Visit to
sorority year. 5 points for chapters with 10 - 20 members.
online chapter to make up a land chapter meeting.
10 points for chapters with more than 20 members.
_____ Transfers and Reinstatements (20 pts. max)
TOTAL
(172 points possible)
_____
5 points for each member transferred into the chapter, each
inactive member reinstated, and each member-at-large added.
_____ Progression (45 pts. max)
Chapters who have Friendly Ventured during the
5 points for each event encouraging progression to your
chapter, 5 points for each eligible member that progresses to
2014-2015 year will earn a special four-star rating.
your chapter.
_____ TOTAL (186 points possible)
0 - 199 =
Return the Yardstick to your division chairman
at Beta Sigma Phi International, P.O. Box
8500, Kansas City, Missouri 64114-0500.
Submitted by:
Chapter:
Address:
City/State / Zip:
Date:
200 - 299 =
300 points and above =
Friendly Venture in 2014 - 2015 =
Chapter #:
Member #:
Total No. of Points:
March/April 2015 The Torch 21
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Mustache, Anyone?
One of the three pillars of Beta Sigma Phi is Learning.
Sisters learn from one another in informal ways each time
they meet, but programs are a formal way for sisters to
share their knowledge and gain a little more. From serious
topics such as prostate cancer to lighthearted ones such
as Easter Peeps, sisters never fall short of coming up with
new and interesting program topics. Here are just a few.
British Columbia Xi Nu,
Victoria, had a fun and
informative program by
sister Kathy Huot about
prostrate cancer and the
November
fundraiser
that many men special
to the chapter take part
in—“Movember,” when
men grow mustaches
and beards to show support and raise funds. The
ladies had a great time
while trying out what it
would be like to have a mustache. They wore false mustaches in various sizes and colors.
Peep-Peep!
The sisters of Virginia Preceptor Gamma Chi, Williamsburg, chose during the 2014 sorority year to highlight
programs about things that lit up their lives—made them
smile, laugh, and generally feel happy. Sherry Phipps was
scheduled to present a program on fireflies—those pretty
little bugs that light up the summer skies in Virginia. While
doing her research, a different subject kept poppoing up
in her computer and in magazines—Peeps! Sherry suddenly realized that this gooey, marshmallow Easter candy
was making her smile and filled her with past memories
of her childhood and of helping the Easter Bunny fill
baskets for her children, and this year,
her granddaughter.
This recollection of
simple candy that
has lit up her life for
decades caused her to
22 March/April 2015 The Torch
change her program. The night of her program, the sisters,
expecting to see pictures of fireflies, were greeted with a
wonderland of Peeps. There was a decadent chocolate Peep
cake, Peep games, and dishes of Peep candy. As each sister
entered the room and saw the Peeps, in all colors and all
shapes, memories rushed in their minds. Sherry gave a history of a small candy company that took Easter by storm,
one pink, blue or yellow chick at a time. The sisters then
made Peep bouquets. Sherry provided each sister with a
silk flower bouquet. Each sister poked a toothpick through
a different color of Easter Bunny Peep, then placed it in the
middle of each flower. Each sister left the meeting with a
wonderful new memory and a unique and beautiful bouquet
of Peeps.
Living History
Georgia Laureate Alpha Mu, Dalton, now Omega Master, chose to focus their 2014 programs on the American
Civil War—after all, it was the Sesquicentennial anniversary of the conflict. Specifically, the sisters did program work
to learn about the involvement their local community had
in the conflict that divided the nation. The sisters of Dalton
were interested to learn that during Union General Sherman’s infamous march to Atlanta—a decisive campaign
that helped win the
war—he was obliged to
go around Dalton! The
sisters also visited the
Dalton Depot, a historic
train depot where Union
spies highjacked a Confederate train and tried
to take it north. They
also visited the site of
the rumored two-day
snowball fight that took
place between Union
and Confederate soldiers. They visited a reenactment of the
Battle of Tunnel Hill, heard a lecture from Dr. Jim Burran
on the Battle of Chickamauga, and visited West Hill Cemetery to pay respects to fallen soldiers. The sisters also visited an old stone church used as a hospital during the war—
bloodstains can still be seen on the floors. Pictured here are
chapter members Dorothy Gray (left) and Jo Waybright visiting a memorial of Confederate dead.
Flying High
It’s never too late to try something new. Marjorie Goodson
of Wyoming Laureate Tau, Sundance, joined Beta Sigma
Phi in 1955. She recently gave a truly inspirational program
on her skydiving experience in Arizona at the youthful age
of 90! She has since received the Torchbearer degree. In
sorority, you’re never too old to fly high!
Kleenex and Handkerchiefs
Pennsylvania Torchbearer Mu, Lockhaven, was chartered early this year, and wasted no time delving deep into
program work. Since many expressions of love and sisterhood rarely leave a dry eye, Thelma Caris presented a historical program on Kleenex tissue and handkerchiefs. She
displayed antique handkerchief boxes and handkerchiefs.
Meanwhile, seven members of the chapter progressed to the
Torchbearer degree, gaining notice in local newspapers!
Individual
Program
Work
Lisa Weaver of Online Delta recently wrote to let Karla
MacRae, her division chairman, know how much she appreciated a new Beta Sigma Phi intitiative—the ability
to do self-directed program work to make up member at
large time. Karla suggested Lisa share her thoughts with
her sisters through The Torch:
at we
“It is said we find a way to do wh
l anwant to do. When Internationa
memnounced its self program work for
ms to
bers at large, I had about 75 progra
at a
make up. By copying five programs
ething
time and choosing some I knew som
knowabout and some I was interested in
proing more about, I completed all of my
close
grams within a month. Now I am
degree
to being eligible for the Torchbearer
that I figured I would never get becaus
e of
my member at large years. I joined
Beta
Sigma Phi in April 1970. I was
active
in Spokane, WA and Colorado Sp
rings,
CO, before getting a teaching positio
n in
a Catholic elementary school in Sp
okane.
In those days, teachers taught every
subject, had filled-to-capacity classr
ooms
with no paid aides and attended me
etings
at night as well as having confer
ences
with every student’s parents twice a year.
Career chapters weren’t an option at that
time, so I became a member at large. Fast
forward to June and July 2014, and all
those missed programs are now a thing
of the past. So it is really true—you can
find a way to do what you want to do.”
March/April 2015 The Torch 23
Programs a la Carte
CAREER
101 Career and Marriage: Planning
for Success
102 Learning: Career Preparation
104 Career Rewards: Attitudes, Planning
and Achievement for Career Rewards
106 Life Management: Building a
Successful Support System
108 Career and Life Planning: Marketing
Yourself and Your Skills for the
Job Market
110 Effectively Asserting Yourself
114 Entrepreneurship
116 Starting Your Own Home-Based
Business
121 You and Your Environment: What Your
Efforts can Accomplish
122 Getting Toxins Out of Your Home
124 You and Your Environment: Organic
Gardening and Growing a Safe Garden
126 Environmental Benefits of Recycling
HOME
204 Rewards Harvested from Family Life
207 Art In Our Houses: Uses of Art
Elements In the Home
208 Home Planning: The House Architecture to Finance
214 Walls: Decorative Treatment
215 Textiles: Practical and Decorative
Uses In the Home
217 Better Lighting: Lighting for Function
and Design
218 Pictures and Mirrors: Their Uses In
Decoration
219 Accessories In the Home: Reflections
of Ourselves
222 Outdoor Living: Garden and Lawn
Decoration and Use
223 Apartment: Decorating and Furninshing
for Comfort
224 Protecting Your Home: Security
Through Knowledge and Planning
226 Rearranging Rooms for More Warmth
and Style
228 Feng Shui (pronounced Fung Shway):
The Ancient Art of Placement for
Health and Healing
233 Aprons Tie Us To Memories
HEALTH
301 Diet: Generalities of Healthful Diet
303 Medicine: Exploring Your Interests
306 Getting The Best Of
Stress
307 Nutrition (for women
only!)
310 Pick Up Your Stamina
24
March/April 2015 The Torch
311
322
327
329
331
334
335
340
343
344
345
346
Walking
Healthy Homestyle: Soup
Healthy Homestyle: Desserts
Healthy Homestyle: Vegetables You
Want to Eat
Wines For All Times
Acupuncture
Water Aerobics
Breast Cancer: Myths and Realities
Women and Heart Disease
Living With Diabetes
Candle Comforts
Rest and Relaxation Soiree
HUMAN RELATIONS
400 Friendship: Finding, Developing,
Maintaining
402 Service: The Need To Serve and
Its Rewards
403 Everyone A Teacher: Teaching As
A By-Product of Communications
409 A Good Example: Study of A Role
Model For Morals and Customs
413 Sign Language Basics
419 My Sister, My Friend
421 Natural Remedies: Menopause
422 Natural Remedies: Preventing Osteoporosis
424 Natural Remedies: Preventing Cancer
426 Natrual Remedies: Keeping Your
Memory Sharp
428 Natural Remedies: Wrinkles
431 Natural Remedies: Backaches
432 Natural Remedies: Allergies
435 Facebook - Finding New Path To
Friendship
PERSONAL GROWTH
501 Perception Of Beauty: Discovering
The Why Of Beauty
505 Mental Enrichment: Modern Methods
For Fuller Lives
509 Getting Established: Security Through
Understanding and Planning
512 Private Speech: What Our Speech
Shows Us To Be
514 Winning: How To Be A Winner In Life
519 Happiness: What It Takes To Be Happy
523 Your Personal Score: Relationship Of
What You Are and What You Expect
Of Yourself
524 Perspective On Self: By Looking At
A Modern Woman
525 Perspective On Self: Looking At A
Modern Man
529 Communicating Effectively To Build
Your Child’s Self-Esteem
531 Resolving Conflicts So Everyone Wins
546 Living History
547 The Way We Were
548 Women Alone
THE ARTS
601 Literature - Poetry: Enjoying Poetry
and Lyrics
604 Drama - Theatre: Television, Stage
and Theatre For Fun
606 Popular Music: For Your Dancing
and Listening Pleasure
607 Creative Expression: Communications,
Fine Arts, Crafts As Forms Of
Expression
608 The Art Of Photography
613 Antiques
620 Armchair Traveler: Sydney, Australia
621 Armchair Traveler: San Francisco
622 Armchair Traveler: Rome
623 Armchair Traveler: Athens, Greece
624
626
627
628
629
632
634
635
636
637
Armchair Traveler: London
Armchair Traveler: Paris
Armchair Traveler: New York
Armchair Traveler: Jerusalem
Armchair Traveler: Hong Kong
Packing For Travel Like A Pro
Name This Baby-Boomer Tune
Paper Making
Photo Christmas Ornament
Iris Folding
THE WORLD AROUND US
703 Religion: Generality and Effect
706 History: Effect On and By Women
710 Estate Planning: Planning for
Retirement and Beyond
716 The World Around Us: India and
Southwestern Asia
717 The World Around Us: Eastern Europe
728 The World Around Us: Canada
How Well Do You Know Your Own City? 998 The History Of Thanksgiving And
1001 Friendly Venture
Harvest Celebrations Around The World 1026 ABC’s Of Organizing Clutter
Herbs
999 Lipstick - From The Dark Ages To The 1028 Our Chapter Remembers Our Years In
Chocolate
21st Century
Beta Sigma Phi.
Wildflowers
1031 Beta Sigma Phi Jeopardy
BETA SIGMA PHI
748 Your “Significant Other” and You 1032 Diotima of Mantinea
1000
Rushing
Game
732
733
736
738
750 The Golden Age - Retiring in Style
751 From Spouse To Single - On Your
Own Again
752 Make Your Money Work For You
754 Finding Bucks For Your New Business SBA Loans
757 Genealogy
759 Gateway to the World
764 Cats!
765 Dog-Gone Good!: Woman’s Best Friend
769 Staying Cool Under Pressure
772 Local Government: Stand Up
and Be Counted
776 A History Of The U.S. Flag
778 Understanding a Little about Blindness
780 A Taste of Italy
781 Send Me A Postcard
101
102
104
106
108
110
114
116
121
122
124
126
204
207
208
214
215
217
218
219
222
223
224
226
228
233
301
303
306
307
310
311
322
327
329
331
334
335
340
343
344
345
346
400
402
403
409
413
419
421
422
424
426
428
431
432
435
501
505
509
512
514
519
523
524
525
529
531
546
547
548
601
604
606
607
608
613
620
621
622
623
624
626
627
628
629
632
634
635
636
637
703
706
710
716
717
728
732
733
736
738
748
750
751
752
754
757
759
764
765
769
772
776
778
780
781
801
806
811
820
821
822
823
824
825
828
829
900
901
902
903
963
985
989
992
993
994
996
998
999
1000
1001
1026
1028
1031
1032
LEISURE
801 Hobbies: Sharing Your Interests
806 Memory Quilts
811 A Journal Of Self-Discovery Through
Writing: Recording Thoughts and Ideas
820 Learning The Beta Sigma Phi Attributes:
Red Is For Courage
821 Learning The Beta Sigma Phi Attributes:
Yellow Is For Vision
822 Learning The Beta Sigma Phi Attributes:
Blue Is For Humility
823 Learning The Beta Sigma Phi Attributes:
Green Is For Fellowship
824 Learning The Beta Sigma Phi Attributes:
Orange Is For Loyalty
825 Learning The Beta Sigma Phi Attributes:
Violet Is For Service
828 Starting Your Own Book Club
829 Dolls, Dolls, Dolls
ORIGINAL OUTLINES
900
901
902
903
963
985
989
992
993
994
996
An Original Outline: Crafts
An Original Outline: Current Events
An Original Outline: Women’s Concerns
“We Are Shaped and Fashioned By
What We Love.”
Hunting For Gems
Harvest Festivals
Christmas
The Coffee Expert: Drink Up! Delicious Coffee Recipes
What Person Has Had The Most
Influence In Your Life?
If You Could Live In Any Period Of
History, Which Would You Choose?
When I Was In High School, People
Thought I Was....
Program Order Form
•
•
•
•
Circle the numbers of the programs you want on this order form.
Please select no more than 18 programs.
Only one order form per chapter.
The chapter’s program chairperson retains a copy of your order.
Chapter Name
Chapter Number
Program Chairperson
Member Number
Address
City, State, & Zip Code
Return to:
Beta Sigma Phi International
PO Box 8500
Kansas City MO 64114-0500.
March/April 2015 The Torch 25
How to Give the
By The Torch Staff
“A good program is not simply read from an
encyclopedia—it grows out of the personality
and beliefs of the members who present it.”
Jack Ross
How about having a program on “How to
Present a Program?” In fact, there is one—
Program #1035! This could become a great
roundtable discussion topic. With the tips
below, this is one presentation that could
become a favorite for kicking off the sorority year.
Why do we have programs if we
are a social sorority?
The need of young women to have an opportunity to
extend their education was apparent to our founder,
Walter W. Ross, long before he established Beta Sigma
Phi. Fulfilling this need was paramount in what he wanted this organization to provide for members.
Obviously, today, women have far more opportunities
for cultural enrichment and education than they
did in the 1930s, when sorority was founded.
However, the importance of program work
has not diminished. While we can certainly
attend university, take community courses,
read good books,
and find other ways
to enhance our
knowledge
and
understanding of
the world, we must
not overlook the
interests, wisdom,
and education
we can learn
from the people
closest to us—our
sisters. Therefore,
program work is
26
every bit as important today as it was in bygone eras. In
many ways, program work has become a bit more personal, a bit more reflective of the interests of individual
sisters, rather than academic subjects. The quote from
Jack Ross that opens this article indicates that he, at
least, anticipated this.
The entire idea of programs was, and is, to continue to
work to translate the Good, the True, and the Beautiful into the lives our members. The basic goal of cultural
programs, remember, is to provide opportunities to express, understand, and practice our highest ideals, so as
to make our lives a masterpiece.
This is not just an empty slogan. Programs are important,
because through them, our knowledge is enhanced. Essentially, programs are designed to do two things. First,
they provide an opportunity for the presenting member
to grow in poise, confidence, and self-expression. Secondly, they enable members to gain, over time, a broad
understanding of diversified subjects. This enhances
their ability to communicate, to understand
references, and to be
what we might call
“culturally literate.”
Perfect Program
The first step in preparing your program is obvious—decide on an interesting topic! With more than 1,000 official
programs to choose from, this can be an overwhelming
task. The best way to approach program selection is to
be aware of the interests of your members. You don’t
want to give a program about something they all already know about—that would defeat the purpose—
but by understanding your chapter’s interests, you can
narrow down the possibilities and find something similar.
Keep it simple! Simple themes always work best for programs. Not only can you provide more focus on the subject, it helps in keeping the program no longer than 30
to 45 minutes long. Practice the program yourself and
time it. Time flies when you present!
Gather information, think and jot down ideas, talk to
people, read or go see a film or play for yourself. Don’t
forget that the Internet is probably the easiest and best
resource available. If you happen to know an expert on
your topic, invite that person to speak to your group.
Don’t be shy about this. Most people will be flattered
by such a request, even if they don’t have time, and
you might be surprised how many people make time to
discuss their favorite subjects with others.
A very important consideration is to decide what you
want your audience to remember, think about, experience, and enjoy. Teaching aids, props, or a guest speaker go a long way in keeping the program interesting
and memorable. Don’t worry about being “gimmicky.”
In fact, articles like this one in older issues of The Torch
specifically recommend organizing your presentation
around a prop or gimmick of some kind. For example, if
your program is on a historical figure, why not dress like
that figure? A presentation board with the main points
outlined also adds flair and something the audience
can focus their attention on.
While it’s certainly never a bad idea to write out your
program, be wary of simply reading it. If you organize
your thoughts on index cards in a bullet-point format
and then speak in an impromptu manner, you’ll find
this approach far more conducive to discussion among
your group—and it’s those clarifying conversations, the
question-and-answer process, the dialogue, that open
up the paths to true learning (something Socrates and
his legendary teacher Diotima knew well). Audience
participation, more than anything else, is the key to a
good program. The more they
contribute, the more they will
learn.
Programs a la Carte
311 Walking
CAREER
322 Healthy Homestyle: Soup
101 Career and Marriage: Planning
for Success
327 Healthy Homestyle: Desserts
102 Learning: Career Preparation
329 Healthy Homestyle: Vegetables You
Want to Eat
104 Career Rewards: Attitudes, Planning
and Achievement for Career Rewards
331 Wines For All Times
106 Life Management: Building a
334 Acupuncture
Successful Support System
335 Water Aerobics
108 Career and Life Planning: Marketing
340 Breast Cancer: Myths and Realities
Yourself and Your Skills for the
343 Women and Heart Disease
Job Market
732 How Well Do You Know Your Own City? 998 The History Of Thanksgiving And
1001 Friendly Venture
344 Living With Diabetes
110 Effectively Asserting Yourself
Harvest Celebrations Around The World 1026 ABC’s Of Organizing Clutter
733 Herbs
345 Candle Comforts
114 Entrepreneurship
999 Lipstick - From The Dark Ages To The 1028 Our Chapter Remembers Our Years In
736 Chocolate
21st Century
346 Rest and Relaxation Soiree
116 Starting Your Own Home-Based
Beta Sigma Phi.
738 Wildflowers
Business
1031 Beta Sigma Phi Jeopardy
BETA SIGMA PHI
748 Your
and You 121 You and Your Environment: What
Your “Significant
HUMANOther”
RELATIONS
1032 Diotima of Mantinea
1000 Rushing546 Living History
Game
Efforts can Accomplish
547 The Way We Were
400 Friendship: Finding, Developing,
750 The Golden Maintaining
Age - Retiring in Style
122 Getting Toxins Out of Your Home
548 Women Alone
751 From Spouse
To Single
Your
124 You and Your Environment: Organic
402 Service:
The- On
Need
To Serve and
THE ARTS
Gardening and Growing a Safe Garden
Own Again Its Rewards
601 Literature - Poetry: Enjoying Poetry
403 Money
Everyone
A Teacher:
752 Make Your
Work
For You Teaching As
126 Environmental Benefits of Recycling
Circle the and
numbers
Lyricsof the programs you want on this order form.
A By-Product
of Communications
754 Finding Bucks
For Your New
Business no more
than Television,
18 programs.
604select
Drama
- Theatre:
Stage
409 A Good Example: Study of A Role Please
SBA Loans
HOME
and Theatre
Fun
Model For Morals and Customs
Only one order
form perForchapter.
757 Life
Genealogy
204 Rewards Harvested from Family
606 Popular
Music:
For Your Dancing
413 Sign Language Basics
The chapter’s
program
chairperson
retains a copy of your order.
759 Gateway to the World
207 Art In Our Houses: Uses of Art
and Listening Pleasure
Elements In the Home
764 Cats! 419 My Sister, My Friend
607 Creative Expression: Communications,
421 Good!:
NaturalWoman’s
Remedies:
Menopause
Chapter NameFine Arts, Crafts As Forms Of Chapter Number
208 Home Planning: The House -765 Dog-Gone
Best
Friend
Architecture to Finance
Expression
769 Staying 422
CoolNatural
UnderRemedies:
Pressure Preventing Osteoporosis
214 Walls: Decorative Treatment
608 The Art Of Photography
424 Natural Stand
Remedies:
Program Chairperson
Member Number
772 Local Government:
Up Preventing Cancer
215 Textiles: Practical and Decorative and Be 426
613 Antiques
Natrual Remedies: Keeping Your
Counted
Uses In the Home
Memory Sharp
Address 620 Armchair Traveler: Sydney, Australia
City, State, & Zip Code
776 A History Of The U.S. Flag
217 Better Lighting: Lighting for Function
428 Natural Remedies: Wrinkles
621 Armchair Traveler: San Francisco
and Design
778 Understanding a Little about Blindness
431 Natural Remedies: Backaches
622 Armchair Traveler: Rome
218 Pictures and Mirrors: Their Uses
780 In
A Taste of Italy
432 Natural Remedies: Allergies
101 623 102
106 Greece
108
110
114
116
Decoration
Armchair 104
Traveler: Athens,
781 Send Me A Postcard
435 Facebook - Finding New Path To
219 Accessories In the Home: Reflections
624 Armchair Traveler: London
Friendship
121
122
124
126
204
207
208
214
of Ourselves
LEISURE
626 Armchair Traveler: Paris
222 Outdoor Living: Garden and Lawn
PERSONAL
GROWTH
801 Hobbies:
Sharing Your Interests
215 627 217
219 York 222
223
224
226
Armchair 218
Traveler: New
Decoration and Use
Perception Of Beauty: Discovering
806 Memory501
Quilts
628 Armchair Traveler: Jerusalem
223 Apartment: Decorating and Furninshing
The Why Of Beauty
228 629 233
301
303
306
307
310
311
811 A Journal Of Self-Discovery Through
for Comfort
Armchair Traveler: Hong Kong
505 MentalThoughts
Enrichment:
andModern
Ideas Methods
224 Protecting Your Home: Security Writing: Recording
Packing For
Like A Pro334
322 632 327
329Travel 331
335
340
343
For Fuller Lives
820 Learning The Beta Sigma Phi Attributes:
Through Knowledge and Planning
634 Name This Baby-Boomer Tune
509
Getting
Established:
Security
Through
Red Is For Courage
344 635 345
346
400
402
403
409
413
226 Rearranging Rooms for More Warmth
Understanding and Planning
Paper Making
and Style
821 Learning The Beta Sigma Phi Attributes:
512
Private
Speech:
What
Our
Speech
636
Photo
Christmas
Ornament
419
421
422
424
426
428
431
432
Yellow Is For Vision
228 Feng Shui (pronounced Fung Shway):
Shows Us To Be
637 Iris Folding
The Ancient Art of Placement822
for Learning The Beta Sigma Phi Attributes:
514 Winning: How To Be A Winner In Life
435
501
505
509
512
514
519
523
Health and Healing
Blue Is For Humility
519 Happiness: What It Takes To Be Happy THE WORLD AROUND US
233 Aprons Tie Us To Memories
525
529
531
546
547
548
601
823 Learning523
TheYour
Beta
Sigma Phi
Attributes:
Personal
Score:
Relationship 524
Of
703 Religion: Generality and Effect
HEALTH
You Are and What You Expect
Green Is ForWhat
Fellowship
History: Effect
604 706 606
607 On and
608By Women
613
620
621
622
Yourself
301 Diet: Generalities of Healthful824
DietLearning TheOfBeta
Sigma Phi Attributes:
Estate Planning: Planning for
Perspective
Is For
Loyalty On Self: By Looking At623 710 624
303 Medicine: Exploring Your InterestsOrange 524
626
627
628
629
632
634
Retirement
and Beyond
Modern
Woman
825 Learning TheA Beta
Sigma
Phi Attributes:
306 Getting The Best Of
The World Around Us: India and
On Self: Looking At A 635 716 636
Violet Is525
For Perspective
Service
637
703
706
710
716
717
Stress
Southwestern Asia
ManClub
828 Starting YourModern
Own Book
307 Nutrition (for women
The World
Around Us:
Europe 748
529 Communicating Effectively To Build728 717 732
733
736Eastern738
750
751
only!)
829 Dolls, Dolls, Your
DollsChild’s Self-Esteem
728 The World Around Us: Canada
310 Pick Up Your Stamina
531 Resolving Conflicts So Everyone Wins
752
754
757
759
764
765
769
772
Program Order Form
•
•
•
•
ORIGINAL OUTLINES
900 An Original Outline: Crafts
901 An Original Outline: Current Events
902 An Original Outline: Women’s Concerns
903 “We Are Shaped and Fashioned By
What We Love.”
963 Hunting For Gems
985 Harvest Festivals
989 Christmas
992 The Coffee Expert: Drink Up! Delicious Coffee Recipes
993 What Person Has Had The Most
Influence In Your Life?
994 If You Could Live In Any Period Of
History, Which Would You Choose?
996 When I Was In High School, People
Thought I Was....
776
821
778
780
781
801
829
820
824
963
985
989
992
993
998
999
1000
1001
1026
1028
Return to:
828
811
823
903
996
1032
901
825
806
822
902
994
1031
900
Beta Sigma Phi International
PO Box 8500
Kansas City MO 64114-0500.
They say variety is the spice of life,
and nowhere is this more true than in program work. Present your program with variety. A touch of humor during
a serious subject, or a sudden change of style from, say,
lecture to discussion, adds a dynamic quality that keeps
listeners from becoming bored. Skits, panel discussions,
trivia games, and so on all serve to break the routine
and keep the audience on the edge of their seats.
Use visual aids! The human brain is highly visual, and will
retain and remember what it sees much more easily
than what it hears. Work toward a smooth integration of
those aids. This way, you can have more than one thing
happening at once. This keeps things lively and it saves
time. No matter how interesting the subject is or how
entertaining you are at presenting it, people do tend
to get bored if they have to sit for longer than 30 or 40
minutes. Giving them something to do—even if it’s just
passing around a handout—keeps them engaged and
interested for a longer time.
Don’t underestimate the importance of rehearsal! Rehearsing gives you the opportunity to realize what, if
anything, should be cut for time purposes. In rehearsing,
you’ll also find opportunities to think of anecdotes for illustrative purposes, or even for comic relief.
Also, remember that a program needn’t always be in
a presentation during a formal meeting. You could invite your chapter on a tour of an art gallery, museum,
or botanical garden related to your program topic. If
you are discussing French Impressionist painters, for example, imagine how much more effective it would be if
you discussed it in front of an actual Monet or Renoir. If
it’s about hardy perennial plants, think how much more
interesting it would be to discuss them while surrounded
by their real-life beauty. This sort of thing brings your discussions to life in a way that merely talking about it or
looking at pictures can’t. Remember, information is best
retained when more senses are involved.
Presenting a program doesn’t have to be
scary. Work with your strengths, and your
enthusiasm for the topic will show.
March/April 2015 The Torch 27
Continued FROM page 9
ed to the Canton School district to be distributed. The
chapter’s 13 sisters donate the items for the baskets
and have undertaken this service project for several
years. The feedback from the school personnel distributing the baskets has been very positive and the
chapter will keep this as one of many service projects
they do for the community.
• Meanwhile, Oregon Laureate Epsilon, Portland, for
the past 10 years has made Easter baskets for children living at the Community Partners for Affordable
Bring on the Green!
Holding a St. Patrick’s Day social on St. Patrick’s Day?
Why not? Ohio Gamma Alpha Master, Akron, used
the occasion to educate themselves while having
a great time and eating well. Susan Phillips gave a
fascinating program on the shamrock. The shamrock
has been used as a symbol of Ireland since the 18th
Housing. The sisters usually make some 25 baskets
filled with suffed animals, small games, activity books
and candy.
• Our sisters down south haven’t missed out on the
Easter action. South Carolina Delta Delta, Myrtle
Beach, often puts together Easter baskets for Help
century, in a similar way to how a rose is used for England, thistle for Scotland, and leek for Wales. After Susan’s presentation, the sisters moved on more serious
business—food!
4 Kids, a volunteer organization which assists needy
children in Horry County with clothing, food, and other necessary items.
28
March/April 2015 The Torch
International Award of Distinction
Meet one of the newest recipients of the International Award of Distinction
(IAD), the highest honor that Beta Sigma Phi bestows on active members.
Betty has shown her enthusiasm for all things Beta Sigma Phi.
Betty
Swinton
British Columbia Laureate Gamma Epsilon, Salmon Arm
Member since 1950
Betty has actively participated in many chapters for the last 60 plus
years. Betty is a life member of Beta Sigma Phi, has received the
Order of the Rose, Woman of the Year, Silver Circle, Golden Circle,
Diamond Circle and presently holds the Torchbearer Degree.
Betty was pledged into sorority in Swift Current, Saskatchewan in
October 1950 and received her Ritual of Jewels Degree in April
1951. In 1952 she married Doug Swinton and moved to Regina
where she joined a new chapter. 1953 found them transferred to
Winnipeg where she again found a new chapter. Later in 1953 they
found themselves back in Regina where Betty rejoined her former
chapter. Doug returned to school to finish his degree and Betty
became a member-at-large for the next year. The next few years
– 1956 through 1959 – found Betty enjoying new chapters in Lloydminster and Calgary, Alberta. In 1956 they moved to Fort St. John
where there was no sorority, so Betty friendly ventured the first
chapter there followed by three Ritual of Jewels chapters and a Nu
Phi Mu chapter. The next few years after that found them back in
Calgary, Regina and then Burstall, Saskatchewan where there was
again no sorority. At that time Betty was very busy with her new
baby boy and so it wasn’t until 1970 that they transferred back to
Calgary that Betty once again reunited with the members of her
former chapter there.
During her years in Calgary, Betty was on the Board of Directors
of the Calgary Women’s Shelter, and volunteered with the Canadian Red Cross Blood Donor clinic. In addition to her volunteer
work and being an active member of Beta Sigma Phi, Betty was a
homemaker, wife and mother and returned to University as a part
time student. After eleven years Betty graduated with a B.A. and a
degree in Psychology. Before leaving Calgary Betty was invited by
the members and Council of Fort St. John to return as guest speaker
at their convention.
In 1985 Betty and Doug retired to Blind Bay, British Columbia. The
closest chapter is in Salmon Arm – 25 miles from Blind Bay, where
Betty joined Delta Phi. When Xi Epsilon Lambda was formed she
progressed, and then as new chapters were formed she was a charter member of Preceptor Gamma Tau and then Laureate Gamma
Epsilon. Betty presently holds the Torchbearer Degree and was
the recipient of the Diamond Circle at Founder’s Day in 2010. In
Betty’s 60 plus years as a member of Beta Sigma Phi she has held
every office, chaired or was a member of every committee, served
on Area Council as President and is still active in Laureate Gamma
Epsilon today.
“Our chapter has had the privilege of knowing Betty for many years.
Betty has always involved herself in socials and events with other
chapters. She has helped ensure functions were well organized and
attended. She has always joined in representing the community at
conclaves and conventions, which helps ensure success in these
events. Some members of our chapter have also been lucky enough
to be an active member of a chapter with Betty. We have observed
her dedication to sorority and the active role she has maintained in
the chapter. Betty has held the position of each executive officer
and volunteered on many committees. She has also served in executive positions on our Area Council. Betty always presents well
researched and organized programs that are informative and interesting. We have also witnessed Betty being supportive to her fellow
sisters in times of need. Betty Swinton has displayed extraordinary
service, leadership, and friendship in Beta Sigma Phi and represents
everything a sister should be,” writes Linda Grimshaw of British
Columbia Xi Epsilon Lambda, Salmon Arm.
March/April 2015 The Torch 29
Gift items for March/April 2015 TORCH
TORCH
Magnetic Chip Clip
This magnetic Clip is great for
important documents or just
keeping chips fresh.
No.1493 [1.9oz] $4.00
Colored Votive Candle Holders.
Six multicolored votive candle holders, each to represent
a virture of Beta Sigma Phi. Perfect for Rituals and convienently holds your standard size votive candle.
No.499 [24oz] . . . . . . . . $11.00
2015-2016 Calendar, yellow with
black Greek letters, just the right
size to fit in your purse!
No.1132[1.9oz] $5.00
Wine Stopper.
Yellow Pen.
No.1491. .$2.25
Perfect for keeping your wine
fresh while doing fun activities at socials!
No.1492 [2.7oz] $12.00
Yellow Pencils. W/Blk.
Beta Sigma Phi & Rose.
BSF Girlfriend Pin.
No.205 [1oz]. . $0.50
This silver pin features five
sisters holding hands, displaying the Greek letters.
No.807[.2oz] $4.75
Breast
Cancer Pin.
Silver pin with the Greek letters on a pink ribbon.
No.188[.2oz]. . . . . . . . . . . $5.00
Membership Torch Pin. This lovely pin
brilliantly showcases our Ritual colors. Great for
a Secret Sister gift.
No.971[.2oz]. . . .$10.00
Petite Friendship Brooch.
Purple Plastic Bag.
(10”x 13”) Purple with Greek letters in black.
30
2Yr Purse Calendar.
No.1509[.3oz]$1.25 ea.
A hidden ring allows you to wear it as a
necklace, too! Brooch is 7/8” high and
available in gold finish.
No.2192[.2oz]$9.00
Date:
Chapter Number:
THREE EASY WAYS TO ORDER GIFTS!
PHONE: 1-800-821-3989
8:30 am - 5 pm CST M-F
Chapter Name:
ONLINE
www.betasigmaphi.org/gifts
MAIL :Beta Sigma Phi Gifts
PO Box 8500 Kansas City MO 64114-0500
ITEMS ORDERED:
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Description
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Shipping and handling is now calculated by weight. If paying
by check or money order, call the Gifts Department for
shipping and handling charges. 1-800-821-3989
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NOTICE: PLEASE CHECK ORDERS PROMPTLY. NO RETURNS OR ADJUSTMENTS AFTER 90 DAYS.
Prices are in effect from August 1, 2014 until July 31, 2015.
ADDRESS CHANGES
Please complete the information below in ink. Allow one month for processing.
Name:
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New Address:
E-Mail Address:
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State/Province, Country:
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Relocating to another City?
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� I would like to be contacted for a new chapter affiliation.
March/April 2015 The Torch 31
PERIODICAL
MAIL
The Torch
of Beta Sigma Phi
(USSN 0888-8930)
P.O. Box 8500
Kansas City, MO
64114-0500
For Canada:
P.O. Box 122
Niagara Falls, ON
L2E 6S4
Because We Love This Photo
Who’s Your Envoy? Beta Sigma Phi is a sister- of International Division Chair Cynthia Meadows. Bud
hood, first and foremost. That doesn’t mean we don’t
have men in our lives who stand by us, support us, and
hold down the fort when we’re away on sorority gatherings! Here are three handsome Envoys enjoying a
table of their own at the 2014 Washington State Convention. Sitting at far left is Bud Meadows, husband
is a familiar face at International and is known for his
skills at the grill, among other things. Is there a special fellow in your life who has supported you? Honor
him with a special thank-you—make him an Envoy!
For more information, call Connor McAnally, Legacy,
Envoy and Envoy II Coordinator, at 1-888-238-2221.