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Founding members of the local Beta Sigma Phi include, from left, Fran Sluggett, Gail Williamson, Bunny Rowlands and Donna Donnelly. THE WOMEN OF BETA SIGMA ‘HI When people hear Beta Sigma Phi men- tioned, they immediately think sorority. The four remaining founding members of the lo- cal Scugog chapter, Gail Williamson, Donna Donnelly, Fran Sluggett and Thelma (Bunny) Rowlands, are very clear that theirs is an or- ganization “about friendship”, not tied to any university or college. Beta Sigma Phi was founded in Abilene, Kansas in 1931 for the social, cultural and civic enrichment of its members and spread to all 50 American states, the Canadian prov- inces and 30 countries around the world boasting a 200,000 lady membership. Local involvement rose from the Theta Delta chapter in Oshawa which had 11 char- ter members. Eleanor Bailey and Shirley Baster held a backyard orientation meeting in this area in 1974 for interested women. Meetings began in local homes and committees were quickly formed. “Women from the age of 16, no mat- ter how different their situations, were al- lowed to join,” says Gail program. am committee invites speakers to share their experience and knowledge with members each month. They also organize outings and tours to libraries, art galleries and theatres. The social committee organizes an an- nual fundraiser/social every November and the April Founder’s Day dinner with enter- tainment along with the other four Scugog chapters and the Uxbridge chapter (Laure- ate Gamma Chi, Preceptor Gamma Xi, Mu Gamma, Xi Epsilon Theta, Nu Alpha) “Most importantly, we’re involved with our community,” Donna is quick to point out. Through a service committee that is al- ways hard at work, funds are raised from ga- rage and yard sales, auctions, plant sales and dances. These funds support such causes as Community Care, Operation Scugog, the local hospital and nursing home as well as national SALES, SERVICE Tgp Os PARTS OSHAWA, ONT. & TRAILERS HUGE In-Stock Inventory 465 Bloor St. W., Oshawa www.jensentrailers.com 26 FOCUS - FEBRUARY 2008 1-866-479-1744 organizations like Canadian Cancer Soci- ety, Breast Cancer research and the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s ‘Grannies Against HIV’. A ways and means committee keeps every- thing on the straight and narrow. The members include their spouses at their monthly socials. They either alternate homes for their celebrations or venture out. They also plan an annual weekend outing. These four women have been members long enough to have risen to the “fifth de- gree” (the highest order) and boast about next moving to “that chapter in the sky.” Aside from finding “interest and learning a lot”, this sisterhood raises over $3 million worldwide and contributes more than 200,000 service hours in any giver cal Scugog chapters ia fi five), also sup- ply vectolantane and bursaries such as those to the music programs at R-H. Cornish and Port Perry High School. Please turn to page 27 Vehicle Transaction Consultants _ ; Looking to Lease? Vehicle * Commercial « Equipment « and much more! WE CAN HELP! Check out — websites: Financing Available 0.A. c. Leasing a | www.heydriver.ca Port Perry * 905-985-0882 focus@observerpub.ca “FOCUS. FEB.2008.indd 26 & 28108 9:01:26 AM |