Members of Xi Gamma Iota of Old Forge will celebrate the founding of the non-academic sorority, Beta Sigma Phi, at a dinner at The Grill Room at Thendara Golf Club on Friday, May 2nd.
Izzie Worthen of Old Forge, with the help of a sister chapter from Ithaca, launched the local sorority on January 1, 1967 after she and seven other like-minded women recognized the importance of having a non-sectarian group available to women in the community.
Charter members included Worthen, MaryAnn Nelson, Carol Rivet, Lorraine Stripp, Jackie Rivet, Sallie Hollister, Barb Flynn, and Joanne Wald.
“Our purpose is three-fold—social, cultural and providing service to our community. Some of our social activities are traditional, such as our sister Christmas and Valentine parties. We also have progressive dinners, hikes, and snowshoe outings. We all strive to continue to learn and challenge ourselves through reading and attending cultural events,” Worthen said.
Among the vast number of service projects the sorority is engaged in is collecting eyeglasses for refurbishing and distribution and donating to the food pantries at St. Bartholomew’s and Niccoll’s churches.
In the last few months they have given flowers to the residents at Lakeside Terrace and helped hang the Poetry and Illustration Exhibit which is currently on display at the Old Forge Library.
They have also donated funds to the Town of Webb Historical Association and to the Beta Sigma Phi Breast Cancer Fund.
The sisters also provide an annual scholarship to a graduating Town of Webb School senior girl in memory of one of their late members, Ginny Russell.
Funds for the scholarship are raised through raffle ticket sales for a quilt that is hand-stitched by members.
After 47 years, Xi Gamma Iota currently has 19 members, including original members Worthen, Nelson and Carol Rivet.
Per tradition, Worthen said they will be joined by five chapters representing the Rome and Utica areas at the May 2 celebration dinner. Entertainment will be provided by Jimmy Ortiz of Feathers and Boughs.
Anyone interested in attending a meeting or finding out more about the group can contact Worthen at (315) 369-8550, or email: iworthen@midyork.org.
Beta Sigma Phi was founded on April 30, 1931 by Walter W. Ross in Abilene, Kansas.
Originally named, The National ‘What to Read’ Club, it was formed during the Depression for women who were unable to attend college at the time.
Though the group was popular, its membership surged a year later when its name was changed to Beta Sigma Phi, the Greek words for life, learning, and friendship.
Today there are over 200,000 members in 12,500 chapters in over 30 countries all over the world.