The 14 members of the Stroud Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi International Women’ssocialandservice sorority hosted the Oklahoma State convention in Stroud last weekend. All events were held at the Commons area of Stroud High school with members from Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Colorado and Arkansas attending. The theme was “Celebrating Beta Sigma Phi on Route 66.” Local vendors were used for catering and all convention theme items. Local and area businesses donated gift bag items for over 100 participants. The City of Stroud, Stroud Schools and Stroud Chamber each supported the convention during the twoyear planning. The 100th anniversary of U.S. Route 66, the 95th anniversary of Beta’s founding, and the 250th birthday of the USA were celebrated in room and table decorations. Guests were treated to hospitality room treats during breaks by Preceptor GammaTauChapter,OKC and chapters brought items to sell to support service projects.
Friday night’s opening, “A Look at Native American Culture,” began with a welcome from Convention chair, Pam Hunt, followed by Sac & Fox Dancers and a presentation of the Convention chosen philanthropic project, St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital presented by Katy McGee Elick, mother of BlakelynElick,achildhood cancer survivor whose family spent a year living in Memphis in hospital housing during treatments. Herfamily,DavinaMcGee, Chris Hodge and Michelle Doherty,areBSPmembers. Over$600indonationswas raised during the weekend. Chapters presented skits to introduce members. The chapter that most closely followed the theme, the member who registered first, traveled farthest and been a member the longest were recognized.
Jeff Doherty, President of the OKC American Veteran’s Motorcycle club and otherclubmembersgreeted the Betas at Saturday’s “Biker Babe Birthday Bash” on their cycles. Gary Jackson made Birthday Balloon animals for all.
Stroud City Manager, Bob Pearman, presented a key to the City and Proclamation noting Beta Sigma Phi Day. Keynote Speaker and local restaurant owner, Dawn Welch, told about her involvement in Route 66 projects and Disney’s Pixar film, “Cars.”
On Saturday night members were treated to “Sights and Sounds of Travel on Route 66” from Chicago to Santa Monica with a performance by Stroud native and Nashville rising star, John D. Neal. Jeremy and Luke Smart provided background music for all events. Members were given wrist bands to attend the Chamber’s Stroud Festival.
Sunday’s closing day included a Memorial video presentation by Kim Johnson, honoring members who passed since the last convention. Brunch was prepared and served by Celebrity Chef, Kyle Anderson, DuLaynaMurray,high school home Ec instructor and students in the culinary arts program.
The convention was closed with the Closing Ritual and announcement that Shawnee won the bid for next year’s Convention. Stroud members Pam Hunt. Convention Chair; Chris Hodge, Co-Chair; Kim Johnson, Finances and Registration; Cindy Mason, Secretary and media; Sue Helms, Sandy Jones, Davina McGee, Michelle Doherty, Pam Clement, Darlene Lau, Destiny Jackson, Mary Jackson, Andrea Thompson, NancyStephensonand Linda Stephens say, Thank you,Stroud…definitelythe “Place to Be”!