August 2020

2020 – 2021 Executive Board

Pam Hardin – President Alice White – Vice President Kerry Bost – Recording Secretary Kathye Allen– Corresponding Secretary Betty Coody – Treasurer Sharon Johnson – Parliamentarian

“Sisters by Choice”

2020-2021 Calendar

For more council information contact Pam Hardin at pamela112650@att.net

281-844-2933

Website Password Website FaceBook Page

Memberdoc Betasigmaphihouston.org Beta Sigma Phi Houston Texas

The Wick

Houston’s City Council Newsletter

Dolores Fritz - Editor

Chapters

Alpha Xi Theta

Xi Beta

Xi Beta Kappa

Xi Sigma

Preceptor Alpha Chi

Laureate Eta Nu

Delta Master

Epsilon Chi Master

Epsilon Omega Master

Epsilon Phi Master

Zeta Gamma Master

Torchbearer Iota

Torchbearer Tau

Associate Members Linda Abbott – Krista Grimes – Johnette Oakes

International Award of Distinction

Recipients Carolyn Kares, Dolores Fritz,

Mary Jane Hue, Virginia Lee, Alice White

President’s Message

Did anyone see August as it flew by? I’ve been in quite a few Zoom meetings over the last two or three weeks, preparing for the beginning of Bible study classes that correspond with the school year and other activities. This has made time pass even more quickly. Hopefully, it’s also a marker that our quarantine time is passing, too. At our August 31 HCC meeting, I was happy to see faces that I’ve missed and encouraged that plans are continuing to be made for future events. I pray that all of you are not discouraged by our continuing quarantine but are also seeing a bright light at the end of the “tunnel” as we make our plans. Hang in there, Sisters. A cool front is forecast and I’m praying it lifts our spirits. I’m also praying for all the victims of Hurricane Laura and for their recovery from the devastation she caused. Take care, stay safe, and stay positive. As Dolores says, “Better days are on their way.” Pam Council President

Pam’s Rainbows!!

Pam Alice Kathye Kerry Betty Sharon

Message from your Editor!

Unfortunately, Founder’s Day came and went and we were not able to attend because of the virus!! However, let’s not let that take us down, let’s have a little Founder’s Day on paper!! We don’t have everything that would take place at Founder’s Day but I did do a few things like do the Chapter Highlights! Hope you enjoy, they won’t be as well received as if they were given in person but hope it will put a little smile on your face and maybe an out loud chuckle!! Below is a message from your President Pam!

Sending lots of love and prayers on the loss of her brother-in-law

and a few other family members almost at the same time. We

hope that soon she will be able to join us again.

Thinking of you and speedy recovery goes out to Toni Schultz

after her recent surgery.

Prayers and loving thoughts go out to Carolyn Harris on the loss

of her brother.

Thinking of you and prayers go out to Gisele Medina during her

medical struggles and all the visits to the hospital. If you have

never donated blood, now is a good time to do it and donate in

the name of Gisele for when she needs it.

Amazing news for Julia Foty who has been struggling with Stage

4 Lung Cancer, it appears that the tumor has shrunk and may be

non-cancerous!!!

September Birthday’s

Evalynn Christiansen Delta Master 09/09

Debbie McFarland Alpha Xi Theta 09/11

Anita Emmons Epsilon Omega Master 09/13

Beverly Fritz Torchbearer Tau 09/15

Stephanie LaCour Xi Beta 09/16

Ann Haigh Preceptor Alpha Chi 09/17

Cindy Davis Epsilon Omega Master 09/19

Andrea Hermann Torchbearer Iota 09/23

Marcia Moore Delta Master 09/26

Founder’s Day 2020

Since we were unable to celebrate Founder’s Day 2020, we were also unable to recognize and honor those who would ordinarily receive our thanks and congratulations at that time. Thank you to our 2019-2020 Executive Board (Charlene’s Hummingbirds), each of whom served with dedication to execute their responsibilities with grace and thoroughness. Charlene, thank you for your thoughtful, generous, and selfless leadership.

President – Charlene Sawyer – Torchbearer Tau President Elect – Pam Hardin – Zeta Gamma Master

Vice President – Sheryl Tyler – Xi Beta Kappa Recording Secretary – Sue Jolly – Alpha Xi Theta

Corresponding Secretary – Loye Montgomery – Xi Sigma Treasurer – Missy Deterling – Xi Sigma

Parliamentarian – Carolyn Kares – Torchbearer Tau Congratulations to our 2019-2020 Women of the Year. Each of you was selected by your chapter to recognize your service and attributes. You all are lovely examples of Beta Sigma Phi sisterhood as its best.

Xi Beta Kappa – Julia Foty Xi Sigma – Zandra Sills

Preceptor Alpha Chi – Ann Haigh Laureate Eta Nu – Kerry Bost

Delta Master – Virginia Lee Epsilon Chi Master – Lynn Redding

Epsilon Omega Master – Anita Emmons Epsilon Phi Master – Nancy Sieh

Zeta Gamma Master – Pam Hardin Torchbearer Iota – Andrea Hermann Torchbearer Tau – Charlene Sawyer

Congratulations to our 2020-2021 Executive Board (Pam’s Rainbows). You have a challenging year ahead due to the

restrictions of Covid-19. Blessings to you as you navigate the challenges of this year.

President – Pam Hardin – Zeta Gamma Master

Vice President – Alice White – Epsilon Phi Master Recording Secretary – Kerry Bost – Laureate Eta Nu

Corresponding Secretary – Kathye Allen – Epsilon Omega Master

Treasurer – Betty Coody – Epsilon Chi Master Parliamentarian – Sharon Johnson – Epsilon Chi Master

Thank you, too, to all who served as committee chairs and co-chairs. You and those who assist you keep the wheels of Houston Beta Sigma Phi turning. Your HCC officers could not perform their jobs well without your help.

2019-2020 Chapter Highlights

Alpha Xi Theta These sisters are very unique, they went from 3 members to 10 in the blink of an eye. They don’t set programs; they happen as interesting things are learned and shared with the chapter. In May they talked about butterfly gardening. Socials are chosen the month before and this month they are painting wine glasses. Xi Beta Members of Xi Beta may be small but they are large in the personalities of each member. Xi Beta’s service project for this year is collecting various items for Abandon Animal Rescue in Magnolia. Shannon is a wonderful vocalists and performer. Carol use to work with Bum Phillips and the Houston Oilers during the luv ya Blue days. Mary has been in several Beta Sigma Phi chapters all over the country and use to be an art teacher. Patty is a great sister and has worked many years as an accountant and CPA and now works for Mitchell Corp. George Mitchell’s family the founder of The Woodlands. Stephanie is very creative and is going back to school to become a teacher after being a nurse for many years. Mary Ellen is one of the founding members of Xi Beta. She was brought into Beta Sigma Phi by her mom Dorothy

as a legacy at 16 years old. Sarah was brought in as a legacy around the age of 10 by her Aunt Kathleen Coleman. Xi Beta Kappa As I said, sisters of Beta Sigma Phi are loving and generous and do what needs to be done for those in need. They did not have just one service project they had nine!!! Outstanding ladies you are true Beta Sigma Phi’s Their service projects are sponsoring Annayssa a 14 years old entering 9th grade at Kempner High School, Animal Needs donation drive, A Second Cup; make donations either monetary or by purchasing items from the Amazon Wish List, donate sweaters and costs to a local shelter, Teachers Aid school program, donating supplies, donations to the Houston SPCA, notations to the Ronald McDonald House of pantry items, toiletries and gift cards, book drive for Books Between Kids or Reading Aces, donating to the Friends for Life, and food pantry donations to the St. George Orthodox Christian Church . Xii Sigma These ladies love having a great time going out all the time to different places to learn something new or too eat. This time they went to an interesting place but don’t know the outcome. Members of Xi Sigma went to the Museum of Natural Science and the first thing they encountered was a sign that read “WARNING around the corner lurks an everyday danger!” They went into the area “Death by Natural Causes” where you learn about dangers that we do not know about like animal, vegetable and mineral. They were all excited when they went in, five of them, however, when they came out, there were only four, what happened to the fifth person??? Do we need to go back and see if she is still there??? Preceptor Alpha Chi Sisters of Preceptor Alpha Chi don’t send in information to the Wick so it’s difficult to find what to say about them. The driving force for this chapter is Janice Lahr who is always ready to do whatever it is for Beta Sigma Phi. She always welcomes sisters to her home for meetings with delicious meals served. For years she has done the council presidents scrapbook. They are a group of lovely ladies and a welcome to Beta Sigma Phi.

Laureate Eta Nu Laureate Eta Nu had a wonderful and very rewarding service project “Dress a Girl” Some of the Sisters of LEN will be gathering to assist Dress A Girl on September 28th and have invited other chapters to participate. This is a very worthy program that has not only dressed little girls in impoverished parts of the world but are now offering gorgeous shirts to those not needing or wanting dresses. We hope you will consider joining us on this date to help those in need. It is fun and tests your creative talents in assembling these prized dresses and shirts. Your daughters, granddaughters, nieces, sisters and anyone who wishes to help are also invited. Also, as a reward to ourselves, we meet for lunch after our endeavors. Delta Master Never leave your home on a short trip without your purse and car keys, as the sisters of Delta Master found out!! It’s a little long but you need to read everything to enjoy i8t. The one meeting a year where we all exchange gifts our social committee discovered a lovely restaurant in a small-town North of Houston – and an hour’s drive... I pulled out my little white fuzzy handbag that is perfect for the Season. Oops, I told myself not to forget to transfer the stuff out of my every day bag that was downstairs! Off I go, running down the stairs – I have three people waiting. No fear, no issue. Being the designated driver forever, I picked up Marcia, up the winding road to Estelle’s then up to Jersey Village to pick up Evalynn. Ahhh, the four of us white haired ladies, heading north west with Montgomery, laden with gifts. I even had on a Christmas hat but driving well under the designated speed due to the inclement weather conditions. Once we’re off the freeway we meandered, and meandered but we were chatting away (again the visual, 4 white haired ladies and the driver with a Santa hat) It being a festive season and all. - Ahh, Montgomery is ahead and began to slow down. Looking in my rear-view mirror I saw these blinking lights. Oh my, we are all wondering who was being pulled over. It was soon obvious, it was US. Oh no, what did I do officer, I queried? Mam just drive to the station on the right to get out of the rain. Dutifully respectful, we were all at a loss. I grabbed my cute little white Christmas bag, going after my identification and

insurance. . . Oh No, no driver’s license, no credit cards, no proof of insurance. And then I remembered, I grabbed my cute little white fuzzy Christmas Bag upstairs and told myself to get the essentials out of the red bag downstairs on the way out . . . and my instant recall failed me miserably and I left all those essential documents in the little red bag at home. Simple, I was going to get a ticket. The officer was in training as his sergeant was standing by observing. I felt had I had my driver’s license/insurance; I would have been given a warning (dam that instant recall). Epsilon Chi Master When these ladies travel, they travel all together and with husbands and have a great weekend. Members of Epsilon Chi Master enjoyed a beautiful weekend in Port Aransas at Joyce & Jerry Miille’s beachside condo. This is an annual event but 2019 was the first time in 3 years we were able to plan our beach getaway due to Hurricane Harvey. This year’s theme, “Texas Our Texas”, brought out the creative side of everyone with Texas shirts, food, games, and snacks. A Texas Trivia game made those of us who are native Texans all think back to Texas history and geography lessons required back a few years ago in elementary and junior high school. Of course, we had to support the Houston Astros by watching a playoff game on Thursday night. A visit to the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi was a fun side excursion on Friday. Games and puzzles, working on some Ways & Means projects, going out to eat Saturday evening, and just relaxing and enjoying the sound of the ocean took up our weekend Epsilon Omega Master In this chapter the women rule as you can see in their social Epsilon Omega Master held their September social at the home of Judene Juch and husband Roy. Mexican food and games were the focal point. The food went over with a O’lay, with everyone enjoying the Taco salad and various deserts. However, the game Mexican Train were not on the men's game plan, they planned to watch the Astro's baseball game but it was unfortunately unavailable. There were photos showing pictures of the men who were very bored. They visited with each other until there were no more tales to tell.

Epsilon Phi Master Ok ladies, most of us are in our 30’s, 40’s and 50’s, and pajama parties are for teenagers however, I believe that the members of Epsilon Phi Master still think they are teenagers…and that isn’t a bad thing!!! The social was held at the home of Judy Farley on September 14. It was a white elephant and pajama social. We have a white elephant sale every year as a ways and means. It was fun and relaxing wear PJ’s while eating, talking and bidding. As long as we wore PJ’s we ate breakfast food. Unusual but fun for our laid-back party. Zeta Gamma Master As we all know, most women can’t keep a secret and it was evident when they were planning for this big event. Sisters schemed, planned and prepared a surprise wedding shower for Toni and Michelle. A yummy and delicious Bundt cake was served. Thanks to all the behind the scene sisters who made this celebration possible. Congratulations to a pair of fantastic ladies!!! May you find everlasting happiness together! The shower was outstanding; however, the wedding was so loving and beautiful. Toni and Michelle looked so amazing and very much in love!! Theta Master These sisters are a great group of ladies who always do fun things singly and with their husband’s. They are very service minded.

Service chairman Loraine Gomez collected several hundred

dollars’ worth of school supplies brought by the members for the

children of Turning Point Shelter. A generous donation of over a

dozen book bags by 97 Graphix of Houston under to direction of

their VP Shelby Freese (Marlene’s grandson) was gladly

accepted

Torchbearer Iota At our age we shouldn’t be surprised if we forget something every now and then but during a meeting???

You know what it’s like after a meeting and eating you tend to forget some things. Our program was funny, after we opened all of our gifts, we were all sitting around talking about insurance!!! It was a very interesting conversation and informative. Later Dolores mentioned that we had not had our program for the meeting, oops!! It was decided that since the conversations we were having about insurance were very interesting and informative and we would use that as our programs. We had 100% participation with this program and we all learned a few new things about insurance.

Torchbearer Tau Sisters in Beta Sigma Phi are all about helping others in need and Torchbearer Tau showed this in a loving way! Torchbearer Tau sisters shared the Christmas spirit with a family in need this holiday. The family of three teenage children and a ten-year-old lived with their single divorced mom until she recently lost her battle with cancer. The children now live with their dad and his wife and son in an apartment. Torchbearer Tau provided gifts for all which included requested art supplies, cologne, socks, toys and a coat for the ten-year-old. Also provided were cash gifts for all five children and a grocery gift card for the dad and his wife. Members Carolyn Kares and Renee Johnson made the delivery to the family and they were most appreciative of all that was given.

Xi Beta Kappa is off to a great start! We got together for Beginning Day at Laura Evan's house. Some of us stuck our feet in the pool as we chatted and planned our upcoming year. Julia Foty, 2020 WOtY and Joyce Worthington, Chapter Sweetheart, received their gifts. It was a beautiful afternoon to get together. Sheryl Tyler, you were missed! We'd like to share Julia Foty's good news. She has been undergoing chemo for stage 4 lung cancer this last year, and she was told that the tumor has shrunk and the doctor suspects it is no longer cancerous. Theresa Lee's mother has also been undergoing stomach cancer treatment. She has completed her treatment and is now cancer free. Now Theresa wants her mom to GAIN some weight. We want to thank the Lord for blessing both of these women with this wonderful news. Joyce Sofia and her husband Mike are on a road trip up to upstate New York to spend time with family. We hope they have a safe trip. Love to all of our sisters in HCC.

Xi Beta Kappa

Rebeca Dalby, Laura Evans, Julie Foty,

Theresa Lee, Joyce Sofia, Sheryl Tyler,

Joyce Worthington

Until our health is no longer at risk, the Sisters of Laureate Eta

Nu continue to meet via Zoom to ensure our safety during these

pandemic times. President, Kathy Gamble, called the meeting to

order on Thursday, August 13th at 7:15 PM. All were present and

muted while Kathy recited the opening ritual. Although we are

unable to share a meal, we do continue to tip our cocktail and

wine glasses to each other in celebration of being able to

congregate any way we can.

Kathy gave a very moving program on her “Sister by Choice,

Picking A Sister…. Where Do You Start?” She outlined the

qualities and benefits of having a sister, and choose Margie

Adolph as a woman she would want for a sister. She and Margie

have been friends for 41 years; they met as newlyweds, started

and raised their families together, went through divorces and

second marriages together, and remain very close friends.

Kathy knows she can always count on Margie to be there for her

with advice, a helping hand and love. Margie truly is Kathy’s

“Sister by Choice”.

Laureate Eta Nu

Donna Barnes, Kerry Bost, Lela Burgess,

Vickie Buschke, Connie McFall Clark, Kathy

Gabbart Gamble, Judy Hood, Kristi Hopkins,

Patti Kallus, Gisele Medina, Laurie Musachia,

Connie Noble, Ivelysse Swan

As our raffle item, Kathy presented four (4) beautiful denim

placemats, complete with napkins and napkin rings. The

drawing was held on our Beginning Day Zoom and was won by

Judy Hood.

Although a face to face social is still discouraged, our real

Beginning Day has been postponed until a later date. However,

on August 21st, Kathy became a real live delivery person stopping

by all of our homes to deliver goodies and secret sister gifts

delivered to her home. All of the sisters were encouraged to e-

mail pictures of their gifts and offer thanks to their secret sisters;

our secret sisters are the best!

In addition, Kathy also delivered a parting President’s gift,

thank notes, and BSP pin from Kerry. On August 22nd, a Zoom

social was held where Kathy “presented” us with champagne, an

individual bundt cake, a personalized glass wine tumbler, a

yellow rose and a Sister pin.

As the HCC Founder’s Day was cancelled for 2020, we opted to

use this social for the presentation of the outgoing President’s

gift, scrapbook and our heartfelt thanks for a great year. The

presentation was delivered live by Kerry’s husband, Robert, who

seemed pleased as punch to be a part of the ceremony; all

coordinated by Kathy. Good job, Girl!

As reported by Kerry, our legacy, Miranda, graduated from high

school and was treated by Kerry to a fun celebration lunch with

double duty of taking “graduation pictures”. Hours were spent

taking pictures of Miranda in her letterman jacket and cap and

gown. We are all so proud of her. Additionally, all the gifts from

her college registry at WalMart have been delivered, including a

donated iMac laptop! Miranda immediately wrote thank you

cards to all the Sisters who are making her move-in to Prairie

View A & M so very exciting and special. We wish her all the luck

and excitement of college life!

Never let it be said that the Sisters of Laureate Eta Nu have been

completely intimidated by COVID-19 as evidenced by their

continued cautionary one on one visits with each other. On

separate occasions, Lela and Patti spent some time with Vickie

exchanging cuttings of plants and books, wine and cheese, and

lunch. Connie Noble enjoyed a visit with Kerry, and Donna and

her sisters at the Tiki Bar on Bolivar. Kerry and Robert invited

Kathy to some outdoor visitation as they were her final delivery

location, and they felt she deserved some relaxation and

libations which Kathy happily took advantage of.

As Gisele remains in a severe state of quarantine, she and Vickie

enjoyed a delivered lunch complete with a gift of Tiff’s Treats

cookies for dessert.

Families continue to be a priority to us all as evidenced by the

following:

To their great joy, Ivelysse and husband, Daryl, have been

spending numerous days with their grandchildren who have

now adopted a mini golden labradoodle named Finn, their new

grand dog. Welcome to the family, Finn! During their time

together, the grandparents have been treated to the new

culinary delights of Hayley, including cupcakes, cakes and all

sorts of baking goods. They also were in attendance at the First

Communion of Haley, much to their profound pleasure.

Donna has had the pleasure of spending time with her sibling

granddaughters, Brenna who is now sporting makeup (yikes,

almost 13) and Alli who suffered a fractured thumb during Ninja

warrior practice; two totally different girls. She is also planning

to sit with Abe, her grandson, for a few days. Donna is also

proud to announce the arrival of a new grandniece, Veronica’s

granddaughter.

Connie Noble is vacaying in Taos for a couple of weeks with an

expected visit from her nephew and his wife and some friends;

golf for the boys and shopping for the girls. This will give them

a chance to check the RV hookups on their property.

Due to her son and daughter in law breaking in a new travel

trailer, Kathy has been keeping her grandson, Wyatt, in their

absence. Although Kathy is ecstatic about the time spent with

Wyatt, she is worn out but looks forward to more time together.

She and Bret still

plan to visit South Padre Island in September, and drive West

with no destination for 2 weeks in October.

Kerry’s daughter, Ellie, has a cat that has become a ride along

companion and Robert continues to enjoy his retirement.

Laurie looks forward every day to staying with her grandson,

Roger, but misses the hugs and kisses of her granddaughters.

Lela and Patti’s grandsons continue to grow and enjoy visits

with their grandmothers, including visits to the beach, and

Gisele’s daughter, Alexandra, graduated from college. Judy’s

granddaughter, Leah, started virtual school with the expected

glitches.

On a somber note, we are so thankful that Hurricane Laura

spared the Houston area but our prayers go out to those affected

by this monstrous storm. In addition, as you all know, our dear

Sister, Gisele Medina, has been undergoing continued medical

care at M.D. Anderson Hospital, including three (3) blood

transfusions and three (3) platelets, so far. It is our

understanding that there is a shortage of blood products because

of COVID, so we are asking all to consider donating blood and

blood products. This is an extremely easy and painless process,

is needed so badly and is administered by gentle professionals

who have only your welfare in mind. The link is

https://www.mdanderson.org/donors-volunteers/other-ways-

to-help/give-blood.html. You are able to donate directly to

Gisele or whomever you choose. You must make an

appointment, though.

As always, the Sisters of Laureate Eta Nu wish all of our Sisters

in Beta Sigma Phi continued good health, and look forward to

seeing you soon. Love to all with hugs and kisses to follow,

hopefully, in the near future.

Well, we will always remember 2020 won’t we! The world

turned upside down and backwards. We all sheltered in; ordered

our masks, and cancelled all of our events. We stood still, or

that’s that we thought. Most of us had real issues….so let’s start

with the disappointment over not enjoying our annual Founder’s

Day. We all missed that special day.

And are we all getting proficient at Zoom or what! Having

several organizations zooming, it is a learning curve for sure.

But, not Delta Master sisters. Some do, some don’t, all can, but

don’t and the beat goes on so we did not meet. Not saying we

didn’t keep up with each other.

Carolyn Harris’ brother, James, passed away from heart failure

and Virginia represented Delta

Master. The service was in Willis and

Carolyn’s Mom (at 96) looked really

well, but of course, is grieving over the

loss of her son. Virginia stopped on

the way home and had tea with Norma

and Beverly.

So calling my sisters was on my heart.

Pat and Cecil both had a case of Covid but recovered and Pat was

going to Enid, Oklahoma and that’s the last I heard from her.

Delta Master

Evalynn Christiansen, Jackie Ferrera, Mary

Gould, Carolyn Harris, Virginia Lee, Joann

McClain, Marcia Moore, Jackie Potosky,

Estelle Simecek, Pat Thompson, Claire Wind

Meanwhile, back at the RANCH, Virginia spent the summer

helping Jackie Ferrara get settled and in July took her for

cataract surgery. Then the following week went in to

quarantine. Delta Master couldn’t get a Zoom meeting together

so we just cancelled the year

My next call was my Evalynn Christiansen whose burden is

almost too much to bear. Not only is she dealing with Gene who

seems to be entering into deeper dementia; her daughter Kim, is

hospitalized with very serious complications along with Covid.

She has not been able to see her child in two months. We continue

to keep Evalynn in our prayers.

Sweet Mary stayed above the fray...our sweet Brit always brings

a smile to my face when we talk. As most of us are reaching those

super golden years, Mary keeps us entertained with her humor.

We are so excited about Mary Jo, Mary’s only daughter, who

pledged Delta Master. We are excited to add this lovely woman

to our sisterhood. She’s our roller bladder, but has been

sidelined as well by shut downs. I know we are all tired of them

and we want to get back to some type of normal life. We plan on

a live meeting in the home, hopefully October, for her ritual. She

has been with us for a while, helping her Mom, but goodness, she

fell in love with us and sorority and we have fallen in love with

her.

Jackie Potosky has been seen out and about town in different

settings and I know she visited a retirement community around

George Town. She is a professor at U of H and has been busy with

online classes. Claire Wind, on the other hand, has pretty much

become homebound as well as the caretaker of Harold. Their son

is their caretaker and Claire continues to surprise us with her

determination and clarity.

Estelle has been running around most of the summer. Jane, her

sister, has been visiting from Diboll several times this summer.

All was well until a huge oak tree decided to fall from her

neighbor’s yard on to her garage and landed with branches

damaging her house and the huge tree felled on her patio. Wow,

that was a miracle it did not do more damage to the house. Jason

was in the kitchen when he heard the noise and watched in

horror as the tree fell. Estelle was in the bedroom. I think they

are still in shock.

Meanwhile I’ve been organizing my home like there Is no

tomorrow. Most of you know that I’ve been a travel agent for

over twenty years. The pandemic halted my income for the year.

zero. All business that was book for 2020 cancelled. So, I’ve had

lots of time on my hands and I took advantage of it and have

taken one room at a time.

Once I hit my office closet, I began finding scrapbooks,

programs, directories, memorabilia, and folder after folder. I

can’t begin to tell you the files on my hard drive. The memories

I’ve been honored to hold contains many of our first members in

Houston. I’m delighted to turn these precious memories to Alice

White and Sharon Johnson. They will make

sure these memories are permanently

recorded. Sharon has done an outstanding

job of creating a website that is a great

example of a lot of work and dedication.

And I’ve followed Alice White she

transferred from one council, state and

came back home to us in Houston.

So, 2020 is not a complete loss. I am so organized

now; I can’t find a thing. Scissors? Yep, I put them all

in one spot and still finding them. I think they

procreate. The house looks great. I’m pruning. My

children have already said “Mom, we don’t want it”.

What a project!

Delta Master will be opening our year at the Junior League in

September. We’re all excited to be able to see each other LIVE

AND IN PERSON. What better place than the Junior League!

And that’s the way it was the summer of 2020. And, YES, I would

love to help you with your vacation plans for 2021 and beyond. I

will be sponsoring a cruise out of Galveston Feb 7, going to Key

West, Nassau and Cozumel. In October I’m sponsoring a Fall

cruise from New York to Quebec on the Queen Mary 2 and always

welcome and appreciate the support. www.vleetravel.com. Stop

by and visit me!

In July Tina announced that she, Jim and I tested positive for

Covid-19. Again, the symptoms were so light. Just fatigued, a

slightly nauseous & could not smell anything. After my

quarantine, I enjoyed visiting with my sister, my niece and my

daughter for a fun luncheon, the day I was tested the second

time. Oops. Tested too soon. Tested positive again. By this time,

I had begun a huge project of “If I ever had time”.

Our Texas weather continues with soaring temperatures, humidity, very little rain in sight and the beginning of hurricane season. Our Zeta Gamma Master (ZGM) July and August meetings were held via Zoom. August’s meeting agenda were discussed. The following are pictures of our July and August Zoom meeting attendees.

August:

Zeta Gamma Master

Sara Gosney, Pam Hardin, Margert

Heimberg, Karen Luyties, Donna McGrew,

Jamie Novosad, Theresa Schambach, Debbie

Schultz, Toni Schultz, Judy Smalling, Lyn

Stephens, Sue Worden

July: Mike and Lyn Stephens were able to visit with their middle son, David and his family last Sunday. “It was wonderful to cuddle with Zoe and Claire. Claire is now six and making excellent progress with all the help from her therapists. She has 5P-, or Cri du Chat, which is a genetic disorder where children are missing a part of chromosome 5. You may remember my sisters in Epsilon Phi Master held a fund-raising walk at Dewberry Farm for 5P- a few years ago. Her baby sister is a typical child and is walking and climbing like any energetic 14-month-old! Our eldest son, Tom brought his family to our home this Saturday for a meal. Four-year-old Emily soon found Nanny’s stroller and babies to play with. (All had been detoxed when we first shut down, and I had plenty of energy to Spring clean!) LOL. Cuddles with your grandchildren are priceless.” See pictures below: Our condolences and prayers to Margaret Heimberg’s family on the loss of her brother in law and other family members.

Ron and Sara Gosney celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary in July at Texas Roadhouse. Thanks to all for the anniversary cards and text messages. Also, Ron and Sara thank ZGM sisters for all the sympathy cards received on behalf of our family’s losses in July. Everyone sighed in relief as Texans dodged two tropical storms/hurricanes that had entered the Gulf of Mexico during the last week of August. Good bye to Marco and Laura…what a difference 140 plus or minus miles makes! Prayers to all who were impacted by these two hurricanes. Wishing our sweet Toni Schultz, a speedy recovery. Her surgery went well and she will be recuperating with friends out of town for two weeks. Our August dinner “Social" for Friday, Aug 28th – ZOOM was postponed to upcoming week in September due to rolling power outages affecting our members. The following is provided courtesy of Brownielocks' Holidays & Fun for Everyone! © 1999-2020 “Bizarre, Crazy, Silly, Unknown Holidays & Observances: August is named after the very first Roman emperor (and grandnephew of Julius Caesar) Augustus Caesar (63BC - AD14). Stone = Peridot Flower = Gladiolus August 2020 Daily Holidays *Girlfriend's Day: 1 *International Can-It-Forward Day: 1 Link (Mason Jars) *Lammas Day (Merry Loafmas): 1 Link *Lughnasa or Lughnasadh - 1 Link Link Mead Day: 1 Link (First Saturday) *National Mahjong Day: 1 Link *National Minority Donor Awareness Day: 1 National Clown Day: 1 (Saturday that falls on Clown Week 1-7) National Disc Golf Day: 1 (First Saturday) Link National Jamaican Patty Day: 1 (First Saturday) Link National Mustard Day: 1 (First Saturday) Link National Play Outside Day: 1 Link (First Saturday) *Respect For Parents: 1 *Rounds Resounding Day: 1

Sandcastle Day: 1 (First Saturday) *Spider-Man Day: 1 (See also Oct. 14) *Start Up Day Across America: 1 Link *US Air Force Day: 1 Link *World Lung Cancer Day: 1 *World Wide Web Day: 1 *World Scout Scarf Day: 1 American Family Day: 2 Link (First Sunday) Friendship Day: 2 Link (First Sunday) (Different than "International Friendship Day" in July. ) *National Coloring Book Day: 2 Link National Doll Day: 2 Link (First Sunday) National Kids' Day: 2 (First Sunday) Link National Psychic Day: 2 Link Link (First Sunday) Sister's Day: 2 (First Sunday) *Take A Penny/Leave A Penny Day: 2 Link *Friendship Day: 3 Link (Also July 30) *Watermelon Day: 3 Link *Coast Guard Day: 4 *National Chocolate Chip Day: 4 Link National Night Out: 4 Link (First Tuesday) Moved to October 6, due to COVID-19 *Raisin Bran Day: 4 Link *Single Working Women's Day: 4 *Social Security Day: 4 International Albarino Day: 5 (First Wednesday) *National Oyster Day: 5 Link *National Underwear Day: 5 Link *Hiroshima Day: 6 India Pale Ale Beer Day: 6 Link (First Thursday) *National Fresh Breath (Halitosis) Day: 6 *National Root Beer Float Day: 6 Link (See also August 19.) Braham Pie Day or Homemade Pie Day: 7 (First Friday) Brother's Day: 7 Link (First Friday after the Full Moon) Note: Not observed in May! International Beer Day: 7 Link Link (First Friday) *Lighthouse Day: 7 Link National Water Balloon Day: 7 (First Friday) *Particularly Preposterous Packaging Day: 7 *Professional Speakers Day: 7 *Purple Heart Day: 7

Tomboy Tools Day: 7 (First Friday) Twins Day: 7-9 Link (First Full Weekend) Artichoke Days: 8-9 Link Moved from May due to COVID-19 *Dalek Day: 8 Link (See also Dec. 21) Global Sleep Under The Stars Night: 8 Link *International Cat Day: 8 Link Link International Hangover Day: 8 Link (Always the day after International Beer Day) *The Date to Create: 8 *Happiness Happens Day: 8 Middle Child Day: 8 (2nd Saturday) National Bowling Day: 8 Link (Second Saturday) *National CBD Day: 8 Link *National Fried Chicken & Waffles Day: 8 National Garage Sale Day: 8 (Second Saturday) *Odie Day: 8 (Garfield's pal) *Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor's Porch Night: 8 *Wear Your Mother's Jewelry Day: 8 Bagel Day: 9 Link *Book Lovers Day: 9 Link *International Day of The World's Indigenous People: 9 Perseid Meteor Showers: 9-13 The Spirit of '45 Day: 9 Link (2nd Sunday) Cancelled due to COVID-19 *Veep Day: 9 Assistance Dog Day: 10 Link Link (Monday of Assistance Dog Week) *National Duran Duran Appreciation Day: 10 *National Shapewear Day: 10 Link *Paul Bunyan Day: 10 Link Link (Also Feb. 12) *Skyscraper Appreciation Day: 10 Link *Smithsonian Day: 10 *S'mores Day: 10 Link *World Lion Day: 10 *Global Kinetic Sand Day: 11 Link *Ingersoll Day: 11 *National Hip Hop Day: 11 Link *Presidential Joke Day: 11 *IBM PC Day: 12 *International Youth Day: 12 *Milkman Day: 12 Link (This is for Murray. former mascot for Milkman Day to help bring back his holiday as mentioned in the animation. There is another one also on June 26 with a dairy company as sponsor.) *Home Sewing Machine Day: 12

*Vinyl Record Day: 12 *World Elephant Day: 12 Link *International Lefthander's Day: 13 Link *National Prosecco Day: 13 Link Kool-Aid Day: 14-16 Link (Always 2nd weekend) *Military Marriage Day: 14 Link *National Navajo Code Talkers Day: 14 Shop Online For Groceries Day:14 (2nd Friday) *V-J Day: 14 *World Calligraphy Day: 14 Link *Best Friends Day: 15 *Chauvin Day: 15 *Check The Chip Day: 15 (Those Implanted in Pets) Link Chef Appreciation Day: 15 Link (3rd Saturday) Clear The Shelters Day: 15 Link (Third Saturday) International Geocaching Day: 15 (3rd Saturday) International Homeless Animals Day: 15 (3rd Saturday) National Honey Bee Day: 15 Link (Third Saturday) *National Leathercraft Day: 15 Link *National Relaxation Day: 15 *National Thrift Shop Day: 15 Link *National No SpongeBob Day: 15 Link (SpongeBob Squarepants) *Joe Miller's Joke Day: 16 *National Airborne Day: 16 *National Rollercoaster Day Day: 16 *National Rum Day: 16 Link *Surveilance Day: 16 Link Link *Baby Boomer's Recognition Day: 17 Link (Used to be 6/22. Moved to August due to Woodstock.) *Black Cat Appreciation Day: 17 Link Link Cupcake Day: 17 Link (Third Monday) Moved to October 26 due to COVID-19 *I Love My Feet Day: 17 Link *Meaning of "Is" Day: 17| *National Nonprofit Day: 17 Link *Bad Poetry Day: 18 *Birth Control Pills Day: 18 *Mail Order Catalog Day: 18 *National Badge Ribbon Day: 18

*National Fajita Day: 18 *Serendipity Day: 18 *Aviation Day: 19 *"Black Cow" Root Beer Float Day: 19 (8/19/1893 by Frank J. Wisner, Cripple Creek Brewing Co., CO. Link Also Aug. 6 by A&W Root Beer). *Coco Chanel Day: 19 *International Bow Day: 19 Link *International Orangutan Day: 19 Link National Medical Dosimetrist Day: 19 (Third Wednesday) *World Humanitarian Day: 19 Link (Different than Humanitarian Day on 1/15) *World Photo Day: 19 Link Islamic New Year: 20 *National Radio Day: 20 Link *World Mosquito Day: 20 Link *Brazilian Blow-out Day: 21 Link *International Day of Remembrance and Tribute To The Victims of Terrorism: 21 *Internet Self-care Day: 21 Link Men's Grooming Day: 21 (3rd Friday) *National Spumoni Day: 21 Link *Poet's Day: 21 *Senior Citizen's Day: 21 *Be An Angel Day: 22 Earth Overshoot Day: 22 Link *National Bao Day: 22 Link *National Surgical Oncologist Day: 22 Link Sand Castle Day: 22 Link (Moved from June) Cancelled due to COVID-19 *Southern Hemisphere Hoodie Hoo Day: 22 *National Bring Your Cat To The Vet Day: 22 *Day For The Remembrance of The Slave Trade & Its Abolition: 23 Go Topless Day: 23 Link (The Sunday closest to August 26 - Women's Equality Day) Indianapolis 500: 23 (Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend) Moved from May 24 *Ride The Wind Day: 23 Link (Hang Gliding) *Valentino Day: 23

*International Strange Music Day: 24 Link *Knife Day: 24 Link *National Waffle Iron Day: 24 Link *Pluto Demoted Day: 24 *Vesuvius Day: 24 *Wayzgoose Day: 24 Link *William Wilberforce Day: 24 *Kiss and Make Up Day: 25 *National Park Service Day: 25 *National Second-hand Wardrobe Day: 25 *National Whiskey Sour Day: 25 (Also observed on 29th) *National Dog Day: 26 Link Link *National Toilet Paper Day: 26 Link *National WebMistress Day: 26 Link Tug-of-War Day: 26 Link (Last Wednesday) Cancelled due to COVID-19 *Women's Equality Day: 26 *Just Because Day: 27 *The Duchess Who Wasn't Day: 27 *Crackers Over The Keyboard Day: 28 *National Power Rangers Day: 28 Link National Weed Out Hate Day: 28 *Race Your Mouse Around the Icons Day: 28 *Radio Commercials Day: 28 *Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day: 28 (lost pets) Link World Daffodil Day: 28 Link (4th Friday) *According to Hoyle Day: 29 Ashura: 29 *Individual Rights Day: 29 Link International Bat Night: 29-30 (Last Full Weekend) *International Day Against Nuclear Tests: 29 *More Herbs, Less Salt Day: 29 *National Sarcoidosis Day: Link 29 (Presidental Declaration-Bush) *National Whiskey Sour Day: 29 (Also observed on 25th) *International Cabernet Sauvignon Day: 30 Link *International Day of The Victims of Enforced Disappearances: 30 Link *International Whale Shark Day: 30

*National Grief Awareness Day: 30 Link *National Holistic Pet Day: 30 *National Toasted Marshmallow Day: 30 Link Pony Express Day: 30 (Last Sunday) *International Overdose Awareness Day: 31 Link *Love Litigating Lawyers Day: 31 *National Diatomaceous Earth Day: 31 Link *National Matchmaker Day: 31 Link”

Til next month sisters…“Goodbye August”

Theta Master Chapter Celebrates Beginning Day

Theta Master members celebrated Beginning Day with a traditional luncheon in their president, Shirley McGuire’s home. Members were treated to a delicious luncheon provided by their hostess.

Enjoying Beginning Day buffet are President/ hostess Shirley McGuire and Loraine Gomez.

Following the luncheon, the first meeting of the sorority year was held. New handbooks were distributed by chairman Linda Abbott detailing the meetings and socials planned through 2021. Service chairman Loraine Gomez read a letter of thanks from the Turning Point Shelter for their donation toward their children’s school supplies. Social Chairman Judy Hotman announces that their September social will be a trip to the Bryan Children’s Museum in Galveston.

Masks off for the picture but still social distancing are Judy Hotman, Dian Thomasson, Julie Hoover, Loraine Gomez, Marlene Broome, Diana Embrey and President Shirley McGuire.

Theta Master Linda Abbott, Marlene Broome, Jeanette Duff, Diana

Embrey, Loraine Gomez, Judy Hotman, Julie Hoover,

Shirley, McGuire, Dian Thomasson, Rose Vance

Sisters of Torchbearer Iota were not able to have Beginning Day because of the impending depression that at the last minute did not hit Houston. Fortunately for us however not good for the other people that got hit by a huge storm. Our wishes go out to all the people that were in the path of the hurricane that they did not suffer too much damage especially our Beta Sigma Phi sisters.

All of us are still holding social distancing and making sure that nobody is hurt by this virus.

Poor Vickie Scheel, if it wasn’t for bad luck, she wouldn’t have any. Vickie has lost three cars via one way or another. This last go around, Vickie had been to Splendora to visit her sick brother and when she got back home, she was so tired she went inside and went to bed for a short nap and did not unload her car. Well, in a blink of the eye, the car was gone!! When she got up and went to take things out of the car, she was horrified to see that her car was gone. She immediately called the police and reported it stolen. The bad part, all of her necessary medications and cell phone were gone. Two weeks later the car was found in a McDonald’s parking lot two blocks away from her house with a flat tire and everything gone. She was able to get another car and her meds but not after a few battles.

This is a lesson for all of us, do not leave your car unlocked and definitely do not leave anything valuable in your car to be stolen!!!

We are all very sad to have lost Linda Sandoz for a year. She has a couple of medical issues that need attention. Hope to see her again next year.

Looking forward to our Beginning Day and first meeting the first Thursday in September.

Torchbearer Iota

Bette Fritz, Dolores Fritz, Andrea Hermann,

Emily Kelton, Vickie Scheel, Norma Schultz,

Delores Wheeler