Stroud’s Laureate Beta Alpha Beta Sigma Phi News chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority kicked off the new year with meetings led by Mary Jackson, President, who recognized members celebrating birthdays or anniversaries.
Sandy Jones hosted a meeting using a New Year’s theme and presented a program on the “Top Ten New Year’s Resolutions” and the ones most difficult to keep, including dieting, exercise, being more organized and staying positive. Members shared their own resolutions.
Chris Hodge and Michelle Doherty also hosted a meeting and demonstrated how to use a “Hot Pot” safely, and made and served potato soup following the meeting.
Also, Pam Hunt and Kim Johnson used patriotic theme for their meeting and introduced guest speaker, Gerard Nsabimana, who shared his experiences from childhood in a small East Africa country of Burundi and his journey to the United States with assistance from many along the way, pursing an education that led him to the ministry where he serves the Stroud Methodist church.
His years of pursing US citizenship finally culminated in being sworn in as a citizen in a ceremony attended by many Stroud friends.
Rachel Shields also hosted a meeting and gave a program on her favorite topic, “Spread Kindness,” which is an easy thing to do.
She shared information about a service group from Chandler called “Helping Hands,” whose goal is to help people in need in small ways.
The non-profit sets up drop off areas in towns where items may be left for those that truly need them.
One is located in Stroud where non-perishable items may be left.
The theme is “take what you need, leave what you can.”
The service committee reported the chapter had participated in the Stroud angel tree project, donated to the Beta Sigma Phi endowment fund that supports charitable projects and research programs including diabetes, lupus and breast cancer that personally affects several members, and made a cash donation to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Wayne Jackson.
Former Girl’s State delegate, Rachel Shields, met with high school junior women on behalf of the chapter and the American Legion Auxiliary to introduce the Girl’s State program and encourage them to apply to attend the summer event.
Socials for members included the Valentine ball in Oklahoma City honoring Queen Michelle Doherty, and a ladies luncheon at a Meeker restaurant.
Plans for the State convention in July hosted by the Enid chapters was announced and notification was received that Sue Helms had completed 50 years of membership in Beta Sigma Phi.
Attending were Kim Johnson, Pam Hunt, Sandra Jones, Pam Clement, Cindy Mason, Linda Stephens, Darlene Lau, Sue Helms, Davina McGee, Linda Waller, Terry Jane Crofford, Rachel Shields, Chris Hodge, Terry Crofford, Linda Stephens and Michelle Doherty.