Torchbearer Gamma

Beta Sigma Phi... for the best friends of your life. Greetings from our chapter

Membership

Torchbearer Gamma Chapter was formed in 2013, when we received our Torchbearer degree in May. We have 17 active, energetic and fun-loving members who all now hold Master and Torchbearer level degrees. Members are proud of their 40 to 55 years with Beta Sigma Phi which tells you a lot about the friendships in our chapter.

Special Members

We are very proud to include Mrs. Norreen Baker, International Honorary Member as an Honorary Member of Torchbearer Gamma. Norreen enjoys our chapter meetings and social activities as her time permits. In 2004 Calgary Area Council honored Mrs. Baker with the naming of an academic scholarship in her honor. Mrs. Baker chose the University of Calgary, "Masters in Teaching" program as the recipient of the annual $1,000.00 scholarship award. In 2009 Ms. Phyllis Davis, International Honorary Member, was invited to become an Honorary Member of Torchbearer Gamma chapter. We welcomed Phyllis to chapter events and socials. Phyllis is an accomplished and busy woman with many skills and activities that she generously shares with our chapter.

Another special sister was honored May 2004. Sharon Austen received the International Award of Distinction (the highest award that can be presented to an active sorority member) for fifty years of outstanding service to Beta Sigma Phi. We are very proud of our sorority sister and dear friend Sharon, a most worthy candidate.

The Chapter is proud to honour the Woman of the Year. To date we have selected Mary Vernon and Yvonne Clode. They are both very caring and considerate members who are always available to support their sisters.

Active Members: Several members of this chapter have served on the Advisory Board to Calgary Area Council and as Member Advisors to various Ritual Chapters. Our membership also includes Calgary Area Council Past Presidents. We are also proud to claim several past Conveners and Chairmen of both Regional and Provincial Conventions and Conveners of past Fashion Shows among our chapter.

We are blessed to have one member Bunny Baker who, due to their medical circumstances, is not able fully participate in our regular chapter activities. We love her dearly and miss having her wonderful presence at our various meetings and functions. We do keep in close contact and visit with our “Bun” whenever we can. She so enjoys seeing her sisters.

Service: In 2014 we made a donation to Louise Dean School., We contribute to Calgary Area Council fund raising by providing volunteers for the regularly scheduled Casino. Some chapter members also volunteered at the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Food Bank and the Parkinson’s Society.

Fund Raising: We support Regal sales. The majority of our funding comes from chapter dues.

Social Events: Traditional Beta Sigma Phi social events are observed by the chapter, as well as those unique to our membership. Examples include: Beginning Day, a Christmas Dinner meeting and gift exchange, a Woman of the Year celebration, Chapter Birthday, and a Year End Dinner meeting. We have expanded our time together by incorporating one or two summer events which usually include walks and hikes along with the always enjoyable shopping and lunch out.

Mixed Socials: The mixed social seasons include BBQ’s and Anniversary celebrations, Christmas Brunch, February event and last season a chili cook-off competition.

Chapter Chatter: We enjoy interesting and varied program presentations, sometimes simple, other times grand – but all enjoyable since we are together. Some examples: musical performances, Royal Observatory tour, movie nights,presentations by members which sometimes include skits or learning a new skiills. This fall we are planning a day trip to enjoy the seasonal colors. An overnight at the Lodge will be optional. Our summer event has moved from hiking category to a pleasant “Walk in the Park” at Bowness Park, followed of course, by lunch.

Special Events:

Torchbearer Gamma has hosts a Brunch at Calgary Golf & Country Club for Master and Torchbearer degree members. This event, held every two years provides Calgary wide senior members the opportunity to renew and enjoy many long-time friendships we have in Beta Sigma Phi.

As always, we look forward to another year of Laughter, Learning and most importantly enjoying our continuing Friendship