Preceptor Pi Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi met Sept. 21 at the home of Brenda Black. Linda Jerke served as co-hostess. President of the chapter, Black led the chapter meeting.
Vice President Judy Krebaum had received official information on chapter members’ degrees and eligibility to advance. She noted that Janis Link will mark her 25th year in Beta Sigma Phi this spring.
Judy read an article from the Torch, the official newsletter of Beta Sigma Phi International, about Helen Pepper of Abilene, Kan., who was a charter member and the first person to respond to Beta Sigma Phi founder Walter W. Ross’s idea for starting the organization in 1931. She died June 19, 2010, at the age of 98.
Considering service projects for the year, Preceptor Pi members voted to donate $50 to the fund that will help 5-year-old Christopher Schneweis, Great Bend, go to Germany to receive a stem cell procedure for his cerebral palsy in a clinic there. The chapter also decided to continue donating to the Makinna Ann Hope Foundation through individual members’ contributions at Christmas time and in the spring.
Jeri Brozek presented written guidelines developed by the Ways and Means Committee for the chapter’s on-going fund-raising project of assisting with receptions in the community. She also presented text designs for business cards to promote the project.
Karen Reif reported six members and spouses attended the chapter’s ice cream social Sept. 18 at First Christian Church. Five kinds of homemade ice cream were served and everyone enjoyed playing bingo using decks of cards.
Krebaum gave the program on “The Origin of Handbags and Purses.” She said handbags have been used since the 14th century when they were in the form of small pouches that fastened to the waist to carry valuables. In the 15th century, they were beautifully embroidered and the men would present them as gifts to their brides. “Today, handbags are a daily necessity; a woman won’t leave home without it,” Krebaum said. She displayed her collection of handbags, including some she had found in garage sales and others she had purchased.
The next meeting of Preceptor Pi will be at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Pizza Hut on West 10th Street. Jeri Brozek will serve as hostess and co-hostess. She also will present the program.