​Xi Iota Phi Updates

Submitted by Xi Iota Phi chapter of Beta Sigma Phi


The ladies of Xi Iota Phi chapter of Beta Sigma Phi have been busy the last six months of the 2023 year.

In June we held our monthly meeting at the home of Chris Smith. Linda Ebert provided our program on the Princess Tree, which originates from China. Members enjoyed our yearly retreat at the lake at Linda’s home, as usual we all had a great time relaxing, playing in the lake and of course each other’s company.

For July Debbie Woods was our hostess for our meeting in Grain Valley. Since our programs this year are centered around flowers, Debbie did her program on Gazing balls and their history. For our service the chapter donated to the Chain of Hope, which supports reducing the overpopulation of pets and alleviating the suffering of abused and neglected animals in the Kansas City area.

August found us at the home of Cathy Talley. Cathy's program was about the Cosmos flower, once she was done she passed out cosmos seed packets to all of us to plant next spring. Discussion was had about the upcoming convention and ordering pink shirts for those in attendance to wear, as well as whoever else wanted one to order.

In September we enjoyed meeting at the home of Chris Smith again and her program was on the dogwood tree. Chris was gracious and served us “Miller tacos” for dinner, which were delicious!! For our social we went to Olive Garden for dinner and then went and played a really fun round of pre-historic mini golf in Independence. To our sad dismay we learned that one of our dear members had some serious health issues and needed to take a leave of absence. We all let her know we love her and will support her anyway we can.

Turning to the fall time of the year, October, Our social for the month was our yearly Pref Tea which was held at the Tea room in Greenwood, Mo.The committee did a great job on picking a location that was beautiful and delicious.Two of our sisters lost their father/father-in-law and yellow roses were sent to them along with our sympathies.

Our monthly meeting was held at Debbie Reardon’s home and her program was about Iris.

Going into the holiday season, beginning with November,  members met at the home of Karen Sutton. Karen taught us about the difference in pumpkins and which type is used for making pumpkin pies and which type is used for jack-o-lanterns. For our social, we went to Union Station to enjoy the Holiday Reflection exhibit, and the numerous electric trains. Afterward we went to dinner to one of our favorites, mexican. Members also enjoyed a night out at the yearly fund raiser Dazzling Diva’s for Cancer Action.

To finish off the 2023 year we met at the home of Karen LaJaunie for our Christmas celebration where she did a program fitting with Christmas on the poinsettia plant. Everyone brought appetizers to share, as well as a gift exchange with our secret sister, and our tradition of gifts for each other. We had  guests for the evening, Christy Donner and Kim Meyers,former members, which we were all glad to have time to catch up and visit with. We also voted on our Valentine Queen for 2024, which we are happy to say is Debbie Woods.

We are all excited to see what the new year brings and have many things to be grateful for, besides each other.