Preceptor Pi Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi met Oct. 16 at the home of Lois Johnson. President Jeri Brozek led the meeting attended by eight members.
Members were encouraged to participate in Bras for a Cause, a project sponsored by Beta Sigma Phi Chapter Xi Delta Upsilon in October to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer. Donors can drop off (to local collection boxes) both gently used and new bras, regardless of color or size. Bras will be sent to women’s shelters, breast cancer survivor groups, charities and other organizations all over the world. Collection boxes are in eight locations in Great Bend: Renue Salon & Spa, Club 1 Fitness, Great Bend Regional Hospital, EZ Tan, Great Bend Chamber of Office, Everything Under the Son, Creative Touch Salon and Head Quarters.
Linda Jerke presented a Beta Brief featuring an article from The Torch about two Beta Sigma Phi chapters on opposite coasts who have found ways to support Angels in Flight, a nonprofit organization providing free air transportation for various humanitarian causes. Requests come from hospital social workers and case managers, physicians’ offices and social service agencies. A Florida chapter member joined an Angel Flight to provide support for a patient who needed help traveling for medical care related to breast cancer. A California chapter raised $1,400 for Angel Flight West.
Social chair Lois Johnson reported five members enjoyed the chapter’s October Fest – a shopping trip to Hays on Oct. 13 including lunch at Gella’s. The November social will be the chapter’s Pilgrim Fest with a Thanksgiving dinner for members and spouses at First Christian Church.
Johnson presented the program on the history and origin of Halloween, which began with ancient Celtic rituals led by Druid priests celebrating the end of the growing season and entrance into the winter months. In some of the pre-Christian ceremonies, the Druids and Celts wore hides and heads of animals in an attempt to communicate with the dead. Halloween customs including dressing in costumes and trick-or-treating have evolved from those ancient times.
The next meeting of Preceptor Pi will be at 7 p.m. Nov. 6 at the home of Susan Brown. Susan Coulson will serve as co-hostess and Susan Brown will present the program.