2009 Nonprofit PR Partner of the Year Honorable Mention

Pi Beta Phi Earns 2009 Nonprofit PR Partner of the Year Honorable Mention
Washington – Nov. 5, 2009 – Pi Beta Phi and First Book® were honored for their philanthropic efforts to promote reading and eliminate the barrier of illiteracy at the PR News’ Nonprofit PR Awards luncheon on Tuesday, November 3, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. Pi Beta Phi was selected as a finalist in early October for the Nonprofit Partner of the Year in the Social Responsibility Campaign category.
The Fraternity, in conjunction with Pi Beta Phi Foundation, was nominated along with six other nominees including: The Allstate Foundation, Bank of America, the U.S. Postal Service, Delta Dental of Missouri, CVS Caremark/Weber Shandwick, and Katz & Associates. The Allstate Foundation & Zeno Group won the Nonprofit PR Partner of the Year for its “Tell a Gal P.A.L.,” a 2008 domestic violence awareness campaign, and Pi Beta Phi and First Book earned honorable mention for their partnership and campaign to fight illiteracy.
“Pi Beta Phi was elated to be nominated alongside so many nonprofit organizations and their well-deserving awareness campaigns,” said Grand Vice President Programming Linda Noel Ibsen. “Our dedication to education and literacy began nearly 100 years ago, and over the last two years our partnership with First Book has put us closer to reaching our literacy vision, which is to eliminate the barrier of illiteracy."

Reno Alumnae Club fundraiser

Portland Alumnae Club Recognition Tea

At the club’s annual Recognition Tea, Portland Alumnae Club President Chanel LaChappa presented their annual Angel Award to Treasurer Patty May for her several years of doing a great job. It was great fun using event hostess Linda Enloe’s fancy tea cups and sampling the yummy treats. Each club member brought a book that was memorable from her childhood and explained why the book has special meaning to her. The books are being donated as part of the club’s literacy philanthropy project.

Happy Halloween

Evelyn Peters Kyle

Below is an email from Pi Beta Phi Fraternity Executive Director Juli Willeman.

It is with great sadness I share with you that Evelyn Peters Kyle passed away on October 9, 2009, at the age of 98. A resident of Pasadena, CA for more than 90 years, Evelyn lived her last four years at the Marguerite Gardens P.E.O. Home.

When one thinks of a lifelong commitment to Pi Beta Phi, Evelyn’s name immediately comes to mind. Evelyn was initiated into our founding chapter, IL Alpha in 1930 and served the Fraternity in many capacities throughout her life. At the International level she served as Grand Vice President of Programs, Grand Vice President of Philanthropy and Grand Vice President of Alumnae. At the local and regional level, she served as President of the Pasadena Alumnae Club and Province President for Alumnae Clubs in California.

In 1993, Evelyn was named the Fraternity’s Poet Laureate.

She was an avid reader, an accomplished poet, a lover of history and a dedicated volunteer to philanthropic and civic service organizations. Organizations included P.E.O., Pasadena Public Library, Pasadena Historical Society and the Women’s Civic League.

Evelyn leaves no “traditional” family, but leaves a coast-to-coast family of friends and will be greatly missed by her Pi Phi sisters.

A memorial service will be held at the Mountain View Mortuary in Altadena, CA at 1:00 P.M. on November 5, 2009. A reception at the Athenaeum in Pasadena will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to the Pi Beta Phi Foundation or the charity of your choice will be welcomed.

If you have any additional questions feel free to contact Jean Scott at Jeanwscott@aol.com.

In Pi Phi,
Juli

Who can pin a Legacy?

As we are planning to attend the initiation ceremonies at the chapters we are supporting please familiarize yourself with the pinning policy provided to by Grand Vice President of Collegians Sue Robinson.

Alumnae are encouraged to attend initiations for new members for whom they have a special bond or relationship. Showing our newest members that Pi Phi is for life is wonderful, especially at initiation. It's important, however, that you know Pi Phi's policies about who can actually participate in the ceremony.
If you are the mother, sister or grandmother of a Pi Phi new member who is being initiated, you are welcome to pin the badge on your legacy. If other alumnae friends and relatives of the new member are present, chapters will do their best to arrange that they have a place at the front to have a good view of the ceremony.
Please understand that initiation is something passed down and performed by our Chapter Presidents with this one exception for pinning legacies by their mothers, sisters or grandmothers. No other Fraternity member (Pi Phi Big Sister, Beta Buddy, aunt, friend of family, etc.) may pin an initiate.
Please be respectful of this policy and if you have any questions, please ask the chapter's alumnae adviser who is present at the ceremony to explain the proper protocol.

Pi Phi Triathlete

Congratulations to Boise Alumnae Club member Katie Bonnette on completing her first triathlon this summer. Below is her recap about the experience.

I ran my first sprint distance triathlon this summer and it was such a great experience! I got my initial inspiration through watching a friend compete in a local half-Ironman triathlon. While watching him I was amazed at how many people of all ages were racing and enjoying themselves, so I decided to give it a try. It was great to have friends already in the sport who gave me good advice. I think the most important advice was to make sure you get the right equipment (road/tri bike, wetsuit, good running shoes). You definitely get what you pay for and the wrong equipment can make a big difference in how you feel about the race and the training that goes into it. For the race day I set what I thought was a reasonable goal of 2 hours to finish the 1/3 mile swim, 13 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run. I ended up finishing in just under an hour and a half - I was so excited! Now I’m hooked on triathlons and am really looking forward to competing in several of them next season!

Katie (in blue) finishing her swim!

Pumpkin Trifle

Lacey Sears who is a member of the Salt Lake City Alumnae Club decided to share this Paula Deen recipe with us. She said it is perfect for the upcoming holiday season.

Ingredients
2 (14-ounce) packages gingerbread mix
1 (5.1-ounce) box cook-and-serve vanilla pudding mix
1 (30-ounce) can pumpkin pie filling
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 teaspoon ground cardamom or cinnamon
1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping
1/2 cup gingersnaps, optional

Directions
Bake the gingerbread according to the package directions; cool completely. Meanwhile, prepare the pudding and set aside to cool. Stir the pumpkin pie filling, sugar, and cardamom into the pudding. Crumble 1 batch of gingerbread into the bottom of a large, pretty bowl. Pour 1/2 of the pudding mixture over the gingerbread, then add a layer of whipped topping. Repeat with the remaining gingerbread, pudding, and whipped topping. Sprinkle of the top with crushed gingersnaps, if desired. Refrigerate overnight. Trifle can be layered in a punch bowl."

Leadership and Nominating Committee

Are you a loyal Pi Phi looking to contribute to Fraternity's ongoing success? Do you have professional experience in recruiting or training and development? The Fraternity has a great opportunity for you.
We are looking for qualified candidates to serve on the international Leadership & Nominating Committee. The committee is expanding both in size and scope and we want to hear from you.

What is the Leadership & Nominating Committee?
The Leadership & Nominating Committee is a team of nine dues-paying alumnae who identify and recommend other Fraternity members for appointment or election to volunteer positions within the Fraternity. The committee presents a compelling case to support members’ appointments or elections and facilitates training and development of Fraternity officers.
The committee recently changed names from “Nominating Committee” to “Leadership & Nominating Committee,” taking a page from our chapters. The committee also cultivates leadership as well as identifies potential volunteers to serve in appointed and elected capacities.

Board Qualifications:
Past service as international or regional officer, specialist or committee chairman
Attendance at a minimum of two Fraternity conventions
Broad Fraternity knowledge
Dues-paying alumnae member
Ability to work effectively as a team member
Experience in human resources including talent management, training and development is desirable

Travels includes: Fraternity workshops, events and conventions as needed at the expense of the Fraternity.

If you or someone you know is interested, e-mail a resume to GVPCom@pibetaphi.org. Please respond by October 23, 2009, to be considered for this position"

Seattle Alumnae Club Co-President Susie Blake Weds

A regal wedding from start to finish! From seeing each other for the first time at a beautiful historic home on top of Queen Anne, Seattle to the Olympic Sculpture Park where they re-enacted his proposal under The Eagle, to the stately Trinity Parish on Capital Hill, then the Rolls Royce to the reception at the elegant Seattle Tennis Club on Lake Washington and finally, topped by the Susie and John Lane Day proclamation from Governor Chris Gregoire, their wedding day couldn’t have been better, or more historical! A warm, sunny day and the fabulous Michael Benson Band added to the well organized event – unlike the haphazard, absolutely-by-chance manner in which the couple met. Apparently, while on a flight, John’s mom happened onto a conversation between flight attendants about the remote Caribbean resort, Turks and Caicos, where John had just returned, so they started talking. One of the flight attendants is Susie’s good friend and she suggested they get together. The rest, as they say, is history!

Holt House Historical Marker

Here is the proof of the Illinois State Historical Marker that was placed on the front grounds of the Holt House on October 8, 2009.

Apple Cranberry French Toast

This recipe can be found on Page 45 in the Pi Phi cookbook “Ring Ching…Dinner is Served.” This is a favorite recipe of Alumnae Regional Programming Specialist Marnie Lee. She serves this for breakfast every time she has guests over.

Apple Cranberry French Toast
12 Servings

1 cup brown sugar
½ cup butter
3 teaspoons cinnamon (divided use)
3 tart apples, thinly sliced
1 cup dried cranberries
1 loaf French or Italian bread, sliced 1-inch thick
6 eggs, beaten
1 ½ cups milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine brown sugar, melted butter and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Toss in apples and cranberries. Arrange bread slices on top of mixture. Combine eggs, milk, vanilla and 2 teaspoons cinnamon; pour over bread. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight. Bake covered 40 minutes, uncover and bake an additional 7 – 8 minutes

Ring, Ching, Ching

One of the highlights of Pi Phi Conventions for me is when we sing Ring Ching Ching. As a collegian my chapter did not sing this song so it is a treat to learn this song and sing it with hundreds of my sisters at mealtime.

Ring, Ching, Ching

When I was a student at college,
I belonged to the Pi Beta Phi
I wore the gold arrow so shining,
The symbol of sisterhood ties

Chorus
Ring ching ching – ring ching ching
Pi Beta Phi, Pi Beta Phi, Pi Beta Phi,
Ring ching ching – ring ching ching
Pi Beta Phi – I belong to the Pi Beta Phi,
Ring Ching!

No longer a student at college,
I still love the name of Pi Phi.
I still wear the arrow so shining,
It brings back fond mem’ries to me.

Chorus

Former Alumnae Regional Director Update

Our former Alumnae Regional Director Ruth McIntyre is now a Board Member for the National American Judicature Society. This prestigious board has approached her to join a few times in that past but she declined because of the time commitment and her first commitment was to Pi Phi. Now that she has more free time, she accepted their offer and is very excited about this opportunity. Below is a description from Ruth about her new assignment. Congratulations Ruth. We are very proud of you.

The National American Judicature Society (AJS) is an independent, national, nonpartisan organization of judges, lawyers and public members who seek to improve the justice system. AJS has the mission to secure and promote an independent and qualified judiciary and fair system of justice through judicial independence, judicial conduct and ethics, judicial selection, the Criminal justice system and the Jury. Board members are selected and invited to serve from states across the U.S. and Territories.

Pi Phi Peach & Blueberry Cobbler

This recipe was served at the Region Five Leadership Team retreat in Portland. The recipe can be found on Page 236 in the Pi Phi cookbook "Ring Ching...Dinner is Served."

Ingredients
6 medium peaches halved, pitted and thinly sliced
1 cup blueberries
4 tablespoons sugar (divided use)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup flour
1/3 cup quick oats
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons light butter, softened
1 container (6 ounce) nonfat vanilla yogurt

Preparation
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Arrange peach slices in a bottom of 8-inch square baking pan. Place blueberries on top of peaches. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar and the cinnamon over the fruit and set aside. In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, 2 tablespoons of sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Mix well. Add butter and mix with fork until crumbly. Add yogurt and mix until dough comes together. Spoon 6 large spoonfuls of dough on top of fruit in baking pan. Sprinkle remaining sugar over dough. Bake for 45-50 minutes until fruit is tender and oat topping is golden brown. Let cool for about 15 minutes before serving. Top with vanilla frozen yogurt or ice cream, if desired.

A favorite Pi Phi Express item

I love the pout protector available at Pi Phi Express. It is a watermelon flavored SPF 15 lip moisturizer for angel soft lips. Take my word, it does make your lips nice and soft. What is a favorite item of yours at Pi Phi Express?

AngelXO,
Ashlee C.

Guest Blogger - Mari Lou Diamond

I am pleased to introduce Mari Lou Diamond, Oregon Alpha, as our first Guest Blogger. Mari Lou is an active member of the Lake Oswego-Dunthorpe Alumnae Club and is currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Fraternity House Corporation (FHC). I asked for her to share about her involvement with the FHC since this is a new corporation for our Fraternity. Thank you Mari Lou!


Hello fellow Region Five sisters. I am serving as a Board of Director for the Fraternity House Corporation (FHC) for Pi Beta Phi. The FHC is responsible for property management, property ownership, and providing local Chapter Housing Corporations (CHC) with support services as requested. Providing new or updated facilities for newly established Chapters is one of the possible services the FHC can provide. This is a working board and each member brings an area of expertise to the board. My professional area of expertise is in commercial interior architecture and design. I also bring to the board knowledge and experience from my many years of serving as a International Fraternity Officer and as a Chapter House Corporation member as well. I am currently working on the design and construction of the new chapter house for Mississippi Gamma, Mississippi State University, in Starkville, Mississippi. We have a tight frame as the house needs to be complete and move-in ready by July 2010. I must say it is a lot of work, but is is gratifying to know that I am not only creating the best possible living environment for our members, but I am also creating a home where lasting memories will be made for many women for many years.

Past Grand President Emily Tarr and Mari Lou Diamond

Loyal Ties by Evelyn Peters Kyle

Often in our busy lives,

We somehow fail to realize.
What different ways we might have gone,

If Pi Phi hadn't come along.

Our pledgeship taught us many things,

That work together always brings.

We learned our past and how we grow,

And what good scholarship could do.

As actives it opened up the door,

That showed that life held so much more.

That friends do last throughout the years,

And help when cloudy skies appear.

And then on graduation day,

We felt that time had slipped away.

A "Pi Phi girl" had just become.

A "has been" and a new alum.

But once again a door was wide,

And friends to welcome just inside.

And service of another kind,

To satisfy both heart and mind.

From pledge to Golden Arrow year,

These loyal ties are always here.

So think what your life might have been,

If Pi Phi hadn't said "Come In!"

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

This recipe can be found on Epicurious.com and was served as the appetizer at the Region Five Leadership Team Retreat for dinner on Saturday night. They were yummy!

Ingredients
3 Italian sausages, casings removed
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1-8 ounce package cream cheese, room temperature
1 large egg yolk

Olive Oil
24 large mushrooms, stemmed
1/3 cup dry white wine

Preparation
saute sausage and oregano in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat until sausage is cooked through and brown, breaking into small pieces with back of fork, about 7 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer sausage mixture into large bowl and cool. Mix 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder, then cream cheese. Season filling with salt and pepper; mix in egg yolk.
Brush 15x10x2-inch glass baking dish with olive oil to coat. Brush cavity of each mushroom cap with white wine; fill with scant 1 tablespoon filling and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese. Arrange mushrooms, filling side up, in prepared dish. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Baked uncovered until mushrooms are tender and filling is brown on top, about 25 minutes.

International Literacy Day

September 8, 2009 is International Literacy Day. Despite many and varied efforts, literacy remains an elusive target: worldwide, some 776 million adults lack minimum literacy skills which means that one in five adults is still not literate; 75 million children are out-of-school and many more attend irregularly or drop out.

Pi Phi's can take pride in the work they do to promote literacy. Pi Beta Phi has a long history of literacy efforts, beginning nearly 100 years ago, in 1912 with the founding of our settlement school in Gatlinburg Tennessee. Our philanthropic work continues through our partnership with First Book, which seeks to put a brand new book in the hands of every child. Other fraternity literacy initiatives include Arrow in the Arctic which fund libraries in Canada's north, CAR (Champions are Readers) a classroom reading enrichment program for third graders.

Local Alumnae Clubs and Pockets also have many literacy efforts within their own communities. Examples with Region Five include book drives for schools, hospitals, and women's shelters, as well as school mentoring and a book walk.

Thank you Pi Phi's for all the work you do to promote literacy! We are making a difference!

New Pi Phi Cookbook

At the June 2009 Convention in Grapevine, Texas, a new Pi Beta Phi cookbook was revealed. It is called "Angel Sweets and Arrow Treats. " It is a delightful dessert cookbook full of favorite recipes from our Pi Phi Sisters. This book is now available for purchase online at Pi Phi Express. If you already own this book please let us know what recipe is your favorite. "Angel Sweets and Arrow Treats" could give you delicious ideas for your next Cookie Shine! Did you know a Cookie Shine will count as your club's Fraternity Heritage meeting requirement for the year?

The cookbook revealing centerpiece at Convention.

Welcome!

This afternoon I returned from an Alumnae Region Five Leadership Team retreat in Portland, Oregon with our Regional Director Maja Berge and Regional Programming Specialist Marnie Lee. It was a great weekend and the three of us are very excited for the upcoming year working with the 43 Alumnae Organizations in our region.
While we were making a delicious dinner on Saturday night (with Maja's husband Cordell as our guest), we came up with our region theme for the year, Recipe for Success. We are here to provide the necessary ingredients and guidance for you to have a successful year.
During our retreat we were talking about effective communication tools and that is when we decided to start this blog. The blog will include information for you to be a successful organization, fun updates on Region Five Members, group success stories, must try recipes, and fun Pi Phi facts. We want this to be a beneficial tool for you so please provide feedback on what you would like to see, provide information for us to post, and you can even volunteer to be a guest blogger!
Thank you for all you do for Pi Phi and please never hesitate to contact Maja, Marnie or me with any questions and/or suggestions you may have.

AngelXO,
Ashlee C.
ARMS5