LOCK HAVEN - Sisters of Xi Epsilon Sigma Chapter recently concluded another year of life, learning and friendship through Beta Sigma Phi Sorority.
Here in Central Pennsylvania, there are eight chapters that actively involve themselves in educational programs, take on multiple opportunities to provide service to others and come together in friendship every April to celebrate the anniversary of Beta Sigma Phi. This year's celebration was held at The Valley Inn on the theme "Building Our Future on Traditions."
The sisters followed the theme by scheduling educational programs featuring individuals in traditional roles, like Brittney Barrett, granddaughter of Sally Barner and an emergency medical technician who shared her wit and expertise as a first responder; retired teachers Donna Yost and Vivian Shay with video presentations of their recent trip to Ireland and Scotland; caseworker and friend Cathi Houser of Clinton County Children and Youth who spoke on current issues confronting the county's agency; and sister Rita Ruhl of Preceptor Gamma Phi who related her mastery of quilting, crafting stamped greeting cards and creative stitching with lovely examples of each, and Dave Miller, local energy testing and drafting consultant who shared a wealth of information on decreasing high energy bills at home.
Article Photos
Sisters of Xi Epsilon Sigma Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi posed for a photograph following the presentation of awards and honors to members of the eight chapters attending Beta Sigma Phi’s 81st Founder’s Day Anniversary celebration at The Valley Inn in Duboistown. Sisters are, front, Mary Warner, Silver circle honoree, and back, from left, Deb Crisinger, Liz Springer, Valentine Queen Nancy Moore, Norma Miller, Girl of the Year Andrea Shafer, Sally Barner, Kay Wagner and Silver Circle honoree Shirley Moore.
Service to others is important to the sisterhood... with old and new traditions of giving highlighted by semi-annual donations of diapers, duffel bags and backpacks to Cathi's Closet at Clinton County Children and Youth; the adoption of two families during the Christmas season; sponsoring an evening of gift-wrapping for Kephart Plaza residents; and donating to the Clinton County Fair Queen Contest and the Sports Night Auction sponsored by the Clinton County United Way.
Special social and cultural events this year began with an Opening Day dinner party at the Furst Corner Restaurant in Beech Creek where the buzz focused on the local "Boys of Summer," the Mid-Atlantic Regional Little League champs. A Halloween dinner party and Chinese auction was held at the Blue Chimney Restaurant with proceeds from the auction benefiting the Barbara W. Powlus Memorial Award Fund. The annual Christmas dinner party and "Secret Sister Reveal" were celebrated at Aungst's Family Restaurant, and the Lock Haven Moose Family Center was the site of the Valentine dinner party honoring Valentine Queen Nancy Moore. Sisters and guests returned to the Moose for their annual Mother/Daughter Banquet in May.
The 81st Founder's Day was a success with full-chapter attendance. Representatives to council, Deb Crisinger and Shirley Moore, were recognized. The evening's featured ritual was the Silver Circle Ritual, honoring sisters with 25 years of loyal service to Beta Sigma Phi. The ritual was conducted by Nancy Moore, assisted by Norma Miller and Deb Crisinger.
Xi Epsilon Sigma President Kay Wagner presented the chapter's second annual Barbara W. Powlus Memorial Award at Central Mountain High School's Senior Awards Ceremony on May 22. This year's recipient was Miss Brooke Desmond.
On June 2, the sisters came full circle with this year's theme, powered by the publication of their article "The Boys of Summer... Building our Future on Traditions" about the Keystone Little Leaguers. The feature article appeared in the May/June issue of The Torch, Beta Sigma Phi's official monthly magazine circulated to members throughout the world.
