Stroud Sorority celebrates anniversary
Laureate Beta Alpha chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, Stroud, joined thousands of Members throughout the world to celebrate the 91st anniversary of the founding of the organization on April 30,1931. It is also the 43rd anniversary of the chartering of the Stroud chapter.
Beta Sigma Phi is a social sorority for women, not affiliated with any college, and was founded during the Great Depression as an outlet for women to share life experiences during difficult times. Greek motto is Life, Learning, and Friendship. Members come from all walks of life and enjoy socials, participate in service projects and gain public speaking skills from the requirement that members present a program each year.
The 2021 International theme, “Ninety Years to Shine” was used with tables decorated with black cloths, candles and yellow roses. A theme charm was at each place at the table. Members from Bristow’s Xi Epsilon Iota chapter were special guests. The opening ritual was led by Linda Waller and Sue Helms led the grace. A catered dinner from a local restaurant was served.
Darlene Lau and Pam Clement welcomed guests and Linda Waller led the Founder’s Day Pledge.
Members shared their favorite activity of the year which was agreed to be the BEE project, raising funds for Blake Lynn Mellick as she continues cancer treatments at St Jude’s in Memphis. To date almost $4000 was raised for the family.
Highlight of the evening was naming of the Woman of the Year with Kim Johnson receiving the honor. Making the presentation was the last recipient, Rachel Shields. A 15-year member, Johnson has served the chapter by blending her unique talents of planning and coordinating events with her artistic and technical skills. She is known for her love of Mother’s Day and has planned and chaired the chapter’s Mother’s Day luncheon for many years She has served in most Offices, as social chair, was a chapter Valentine queen, and is an all-around caring and outstanding member, often surprising the chapter with special gifts or treats, including rose necklaces earlier in the evening. She does all this while being a wife to Dan, mother of 4 and proud grandmother, and working as a registered nurse who cared for Covid patients on the front line for the last two years. She was presented the Woman of the Year trophy and pin.
Other members reaching milestones of membership were Pam Hunt who received the Silver Circle ritual, recognizing 25 years of membership and was given a certificate and pin. Sue Helms, who progressed into the next degree of membership, the Master’s degree, was given a new pin signifying that honor. Michelle Doherty and Bristow member, Amy Monzingo, were inducted into the Preceptor degree of membership with their mothers, Chris Hodge and Elizabeth Monzingo, conducting the candlelight ritual and giving them new pins. All honorees were given yellow roses, official flower of Beta Sigma Phi.
New officers were installed with Pam Hunt as President; Linda Waller, Vice President; Rachel Shields, Recording Secretary; Terry Crofford, Corresponding Secretary; Sandra Jones, Treasurer and Kim Johnson, Extension Officer. Outgoing President, Linda Stephens was given the President’s pin and a personal gift and presented her Officers with gifts.
In a special Message from the Executive Council of Beta Sigma Phi in Kansas City, MO, the new theme for 22-23, “Friendship at Your Fingertips”, was announced by Pam Hunt, along with Kim Johnson’s video presentation of the chapter history.
The evening concluded with a variety of door prizes and a secret sister gift exchange. Serving on the planning committee were Darlene Lau, Pam Clement, Sandra Jones, Pam Hunt, Linda Waller and Linda Stephens.
Others attending were Mary Jackson, Cindy Mason, Chris Hodge and Sue Helms. From Bristow, Kim Dowdy, Debi Chapman, Dee Anna Cook, Kim Gilbert, Paige Wood, Danine Smith, Elizabeth Monzingo and Amy Monzingo.