Stroud’s Beta Sigma Phi sorority kicked off its new year after a summer adjournment with a Beginning Day potluck dinner hosted by Chris Hodge at her Davenport home. Sue Helms, President, presided over the event, and members shared their summer activities.
Several attended the Oklahoma state convention hosted by the Tulsa area chapters. The chapter was a hit at Friday night’s opening activities when members present skits or songs to introduce each chapter. Stroud members danced and sang to the Shania Twain song, “Feel Like a Woman”, choreographed by Kim Gilbert, with new words written by Terry Jane Crofford to fit the event. During bids to host the State convention, Stroud’s bid to host in 2026 was accepted.
The outgoing President’s scrapbook was presented to last year’s President, Pam Hunt by scrapbook chair, Pam Clement.
Members were saddened with the loss of long-time member, Terry Jane Crofford, who passed away after a long illness.
Business meetings resumed in September with the first hosted by Sandra Jones who presented the evening’s program on “The Importance of Friendships” telling how friends influenced her life as she lived in many states over the years meeting new people and attending many different schools many of which she has remained in contact with. Being a 56-year member of Beta Sigma Phi has helped her gain many friendships including when she organized the Stroud chapter in 1979. There are currently 12 members.
Vice President, Chris Hodge, presided over the meeting and introduced Andrea Thompson, guest of Pam Hunt. Members celebrating birthdays or anniversaries were recognized. Hunt also reported on the chapter’s fall fundraiser, selling mums to fund service projects that will be done during the year with the most recent project being donating clothing to the Stroud elementary school for emergency use. A large amount of clothing was given to member, Cindy Mason, also the school secretary, to deliver to the school.
To support the Arts, the chapter again became members of Lincoln County on Stage and attended the latest performance at the Chandler theatre.
The chapter hosted a brunch this month for visitors from Stroud, New South Wales, Australia. Shelly Dunn, who became friends with Rodney and Kylie Gorton when she chaired the local Brick and Rolling Pin competition for many years. The Gortons are active in their Stroud community’s Historical society and brought pictures of their recent Brick and Rolling Pin competition which is a large event with parade and a day of activities. The Gortons presented a video showing their 375 acre cattle farm just outside Stroud along with views of the actual Main Street and historic sities in the area. Members of Prague’s Beta Sigma Phi chapter were also guests for breakfast.
Attending the meetings and events were Sue Helms, Chris Hodge, Mary Jackson, Darlene Lau, Kim Johnson, Sandra Jones, Linda Waller, Pam Clement, Cindy Mason, Pamela Hunt, and Rachel Shields.