News from Xi Iota Phi

Submitted by Karen LaJaunie

​The members of Xi Iota Phi kicked off the new year with a continuation of our program theme – favorite games, toys, and books as a child.   We had enlightening programs on the board game Aggravation, outdoor games croquet and badminton, and learned about skateboarding, hula hoop, and jacks.  A member also talked about her favorite authors and how she used to read an illustrated encyclopedia.  She shared her family’s love for music and even had her childhood accordion.  Times were definitely much simpler in our youth!

We continued to help our community with several service projects.  We donated food to Harvester’s,  school supplies to Community Services League, and needed items to Hope House.  Our members are always very generous in their giving.    

We enjoyed food and sisterhood with several events that we hosted and attended.  We honored our Valentine Queen, Karen Blau with dinner at Summit Grill.  We held an inter-chapter social with Preceptor Beta Delta (from Kansas) with a St. Patrick’s Day themed luncheon that included green attire, green food, and a program on the Kansas City St. Patrick’s Day Parade.  The spring continued with our annual Founder’s Day celebration – this year’s theme, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” where our Woman of the Year, Bobbie Brubeck was announced.  May brought us our annual Mother Daughter Tea that was not only attended by members but included their mothers, daughters, daughters-in-law, granddaughters, and even a couple of new great-granddaughters.  Our final outing was our annual Ladies’ Night Out that was held at Ironhorse Bar and Grill where we revealed our secret sisters and honored our woman of the year.

We had two members that were honored for their achievements in Beta Sigma Phi.  Cathy Talley received her Order of the Rose (presented to those members with 15 years).  And Lisa Addington received her Torchbearer Ritual (presented to those members holding the Master Degree for 12 years).  Congratulations to these members.

We ended the year with the installation of our recently elected 2025-2026 officers.  The officers are President, Bobbie Brubeck; Vice-President, Christine Smith; Recording Secretary, Debbie Reardon; Corresponding Secretary, Cathy Talley; and Treasurer, Karen LaJaunie.  Karen Sutton was nominated as our council representative.

​It was another great year in Beta Sigma Phi.  A year of Life, Learning, and Friendship.