The Wonderful World of Sisterhood

Pi Beta Phi Convention 2011

2011-03-30T21:03:00.000-07:00

As we start counting down the days to Convention 2011 I am getting very excited to attend this amazing Pi Phi event for the fifth (!!!) time. I pulled up a few photos from some of the previous conventions I've attended. Each one of them brings back such great memories!

(left) This is me with my very first convention roommate, Angela. We met at the Anaheim Convention in 2001 and here we are when we met again at the 2007 Convention in Phoenix. This highlights two of my favourite things about Convention - meeting new Pi Phis and running into Pi Phi friends again!

(right) Alberta Alphas are joined by Carole Howard, a keynote speaker at 2005 Convention, fellow Canadian and outstanding secretary for the San Juan Pocket.

(left) Me and Kristi Peterson, the amazing Pi Phi leader who was Region Five's Programming Specialist just before I was. Many of you may also remember her as an Alumnae Province President as well.

(right) Some of the Region Five delegates from Convention 2009 in Texas.

All three members of your Region Team are getting ready to be part of the magic and we hope to see you in Orlando!

Vancouver's Fraternity Day of Service

2011-03-27T19:18:00.000-07:00

The Vanouver Alumnae Club celebrated the Fraternity Day of Service by visiting a local elementary school.

Grade 3 teacher Mrs. Findley and school librarian Mrs. Rose join Vancouver Club President Cathie Clinch at the book cart.

A group photo of the grade 3 class that helped to decorate book plates which were then sent back to Headquarters. For each book plate that was returned a brand new book was given to a child by First Book.

Club members also read out loud to the students and treated them to yummy cupcakes. Looks like a very fun day was had by all!

Fraternity Day of Service 2011

2011-03-07T19:46:00.000-08:00

Check out how Collegiate Region Seven Programming Specialist, Schabahn Day, spent the Fraternity Day of Service in Millcreek, WA.

http://r7pibetaphi.blogspot.com/2011/03/fraternity-day-of-service-at-mill-creek.html

What did your club or pocket do? Share your stories and pictures!

Pi Phis with the holiday spirit!

2010-12-12T13:15:00.000-08:00

Members of the San Juan Pocket in Southwest Colorado gathered December 6 at the home of Lisa Scott for a Christmas luncheon and angel gift exchange. They also collected food, household items, and toilettries for those in need. Members are posed here with the some of the multiple bags of goods they donated to Mountain Recovery, a sober living home for women recovering from alcohol and drug addiction.

Standing form left: Carole Howard, Marcia Thomas, Maribeth Hill, Mary Bailly, and Melissa McDonald.
In front: Lisa Scott, Lynn Constan, Marilyn Chipps, and Donna Gregory.

Merry Christmas!

2010-10-25T11:45:00.000-07:00

The San Juan Pocket also organized the fifth annual luncheon for Panhellenic women in Southwest Colorado on September 25. A record 34 women from 29 different universities and 17 different sororities attended!
Standing L-R: Donna Krueger Gregory, Lynn Devaul Constan, Carole Munroe Howard and Mary Buckley Bailly. Seated L-R: Maribeth Garnett Hill, Marcia Farley Thomas, Marilyn Kelso Chipps, Ann Struble Norris and Lisa Gamel Scott.

These dedicated ladies keep very busy!

2010-10-25T11:07:00.000-07:00

The San Juan Pocket alumnae and spouses recently celebrated their sixth annual Beaux and Arrows gathering. This is one of San Juan's very successful annual traditions.

Portland and Lake Oswego-Dunthorpe Founders' Day

2010-05-11T00:01:00.000-07:00

The Portland and Lake Oswego-Dunthorpe alumnae clubs celebrated our Pi Phi founders at Waverley Country Club. The Portland Alumnae Club planned the event this year and did a beautiful job. The display boards created by Lisa Walcott Frank were informative and fun to read. The newest Golden Arrow in attendance was Beverly Hobson (initiated in 1960) and the most senior G.A. in attendance was Elizabeth Duke (initiated in 1937).

Vancouver Alumnae Club Fraternity Day of Service

2010-05-08T00:01:00.000-07:00

On March 2, 2010, members of the Vancouver Alumnae Club participated in a literacy event to commemorate Pi Beta Phi’s Fraternity Day of Service and Dr. Seuss’s birthday. The event, held at Harry Hooge Elementary School in Maple Ridge, B.C., included a Dr. Suess video for the Primary Grades, reading of Dr. Seuss books by members in the individual classrooms and refreshments. First Book bookplates were also distributed for the children to decorate.

In addition, a check presentation was made to the school to purchase additional books for their “Home Reading Cart”. The Vancouver Alumnae Club has supported the school for the past three years with donations of books and monies for the book cart. The purpose of the “Home Reading Cart” is to provide the appropriate level of books for the students to check-out for home reading. Many of these students do not have books at home to practice their reading skills; therefore, it is necessary for literacy progress to have access to these books.

Lake Oswego-Dunthorpe Alumnae Club Fraternity Day of Service

2010-05-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

The Lake Oswego-Dunthorpe Alumnae Club of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity celebrated Dr. Seuss's birthday and Pi Phi's Fraternity Day of Service by hosting an event with local Brownie Girl Scout Troop 42387. The Brownies decorated First Book® bookplates, divided into two teams for a First Book Speed Read™, and enjoyed cupcakes and juice provided by the alumnae club. The two teams were evenly matched and came within four seconds of each other!

Alumnae Organization Advertising Policy Change

2010-05-02T09:18:00.000-07:00

Many alumnae organizations have chosen to sell advertising for fundraising purposes or to help offset the costs of printing and mailing. There are a number of issues that arise from this that has caused us to review this practice.
Unfortunately, because of potential legal and tax implications of alumnae organizations generating income that would be taxable and possibly have implications as to the status of Pi Beta Phi as a private organization, effective April 2010, we are no longer able to allow alumnae organizations to sell advertising. Continuing this practice may also increase liability exposure to the alumnae organization and its officers. This decision has been reviewed and recommended by the Fraternity’s General Counsel and Internal Legal Counsel.
This practice also applies to the selling of advertising on Web sites. In addition to the dangers of generating income that would be taxable and potentially cause us to lose our status as a private organization, there are dangers of privacy and security issues of members, as well as potential jurisdictional issues in the event a court becomes involved. Therefore, alumnae organizations may not sell advertising on Web sites.
With either printed or Web site materials published by an alumnae organization, advertisers may advertise for free and may donate financially to the alumnae organization. It is recommended to include a statement in printed or Web site materials that indicates no fee was received for any advertisements.
Please contact Maja or Cindy Svec, Grand Vice President Alumnae with any questions.

Cowlitz-Chinook Founders' Day‏

2010-04-25T07:13:00.000-07:00

Happy Founders' Day

2010-04-23T15:26:00.000-07:00

Dear Pi Phi friend,
We all lead busy lives with many demands for our time through our commitments and obligations to our families, work, church, friends and much more. However, within these demands lie opportunities. Opportunities to grow as individuals, learn from others and lead by example for our children.
Within our alumnae organizations and through our Fraternity, we also offer our members many wonderful opportunities — develop friendships with other Pi Phis, serve in leadership positions, develop personal and intellectual growth and make a difference in the lives of many others in our communities through philanthropic service.
Just as our founders formed a special bond and shared their dedication and passion with others in April 1867, we too can continue their efforts by choosing to be active members of Pi Beta Phi today and throughout our lifetime.
How can you get involved and become an active member of Pi Beta Phi? How can you get others involved and what more can you do for the Fraternity? It may be as easy as paying your alumnae dues, writing a RIF for a graduating senior preparing for fall recruitment or reaching out to a Pi Phi sister in need. Maybe you join the efforts of your alumnae organization and invite a friend to attend one of the upcoming events with you or serve as an AAC or CHC officer for the local collegiate chapter or as a Fraternity or alumnae organization officer. Big or small, there are many opportunities for us to become active members of Pi Beta Phi. Just imagine if each of us, all 136,291 alumnae members, were active and shared the passion of our founders; collectively, we could make a huge difference in our communities and in the lives of so many others! I encourage you to make time in your busy lives and become an active member of Pi Beta Phi today.
Please join me in honoring our founders and all Pi Phis who continue to live the core values of our Fraternity each day as lifelong committed members of Pi Beta Phi.

In Pi Phi,
Cindy Rice Svec
Grand Vice President Alumnae

Wenatchee Alumnae Club Emma Harper Turner Leadership Nominee

2010-04-12T20:06:00.000-07:00

Cathy Marboe and Connie Bean, the Wenatchee AC Emma Harper Turner Leadership Award nominee, at their Founders' Day celebration.

Denver Cluster Meeting

2010-03-30T06:12:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, March 13 Maja, Marnie, and Ashlee traveled to Colorado to meet with our wonderful leaders from the following alumnae clubs: Aurora, Evergreen, Colorado Springs, Denver, Evergreen, and Highlands Ranch. The meeting was held at the home of Lia Strahan of the Aurora Alumnae Club. It was a wonderful afternoon of sharing information and spending time with our sisters.

The Colorado alumnae leaders in attendance.

Colorado Spring Alumnae Club Emma Harper Turner Leadership Award nominee

Crazy sock game winners.

Thank you to those who spent their afternoon with us and we hope that you all will be able to join us at the Region Five Leadership Summit in Seattle, Washington on June 5, 2010.

Honey Mustard Chicken with Roasted Potatoes

2010-03-19T00:05:00.000-07:00

This recipe was submitted by Lia Gravino Strahan of the Aurora Alumnae Club and was served at the Region Five Denver Cluster Event on Saturday, March 13, 2010.

Honey Mustard Chicken with Roasted Potatoes

12 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
salt and pepper
6 tablespoons Dijon mustard
9 tablespoons honey
3 minced shallots
1 ½ tsp dried thyme
2 pounds red potatoes, cut in half
Olive oil and cooking spray

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Sprinkle chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place in 2 13x9 glass baking pans lightly sprayed with cooking spray.
Combine mustard, honey, shallot and thyme in a small bowl, whisk to form a paste. Spread over the chicken thighs, covering them completely.
Add potatoes to the pan and spritz with cooking spray (use olive oil spray). Sprinkle potatoes with salt and pepper.
Bake uncovered for 50 minutes, turning the potatoes once about halfway through.

San Juan Pocket Day of Service

2010-03-15T00:05:00.000-07:00

The San Juan Pocket's Day of Service was celebrated at a luncheon at member Victoria's home. Chairman Lisa Scott supplied a bounty of stickers and colored pens for decorating their bookplates. Lisa also updated the members on the Arrowmont task force on which she serves. The photo will appear in their local newspaper on March 11.

San Juan Pocket 10th Anniversary Celebration

2010-03-08T00:05:00.000-08:00

Members of the San Juan Pocket decorated bookplates for children's books as part of National Day of Service and their 10th anniversary celebration. Here they hold a memento listing their pocket's community service and other accomplishments over the past decade. Seated is Lisa Gamel Scott, Colorado Alpha, who has been president of the group since its founding March 20, 2000. Standing from left are Mary Buckley Bailly, Colorado Beta; Carole Munroe Howard, Oregon Beta; Lynn Devaul Constan, Pennsylvania Beta and Marilyn Kelso Chipps, Missouri Alpha. In honor of their anniversary, the ladies are purchasing a wireless mike for Lifelong Learning Lectures and other educational programs at the Pagosa Springs Library.

Seattle Alumnae Club Literacy Walk

2010-03-01T00:05:00.000-08:00

This year the Seattle Alumnae Club held its 5th annual literacy walk in Green Lake Park. Over 120 Pi Phis from two collegiate chapters and two alumnae clubs came to spread awareness, donate books, decorate bookplates, and just have fun. In the five years this event has been held, they have collected over 700 books and $1,300 for a total donation count of nearly 1,000 books. By partnering with the local organization Page Ahead, they are able to provide these books to children in Seattle and the surrounding areas. The day is enjoyed by all and has become something to look forward to for alumnae and collegians alike - a time to bring everyone together and do something to help their community all while enjoying a little exercise and some great company.

Key Lime Pie

2010-02-26T00:05:00.000-08:00

Alumnae Region Five Membership Specialist Ashlee Christofferson made a Key Lime pie using the recipe found on page 119 in "Angel Sweets & Arrow Treats," the Pi Beta Phi dessert cookbook. It was an extremely easy recipe and was very tasty.

Key Lime Pie
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
3 egg yolks
1/2 cup Key West lime juice
1 (9-inch) pie shell, baked
Garnish with whipped cream or topping (optional)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Blend milk, egg yolks and lime juice until smooth. Pour filling into pie shell. Bake 10 minutes. Cool 10 minutes. Refrigerate at least 2 hours. Top with whipped cream.

San Juan Pocket Christmas Luncheon

2010-02-22T00:05:00.000-08:00

When members of the San Juan Pocket gathered on December 7 for a Christmas luncheon and angel gift exchange in Pagosa Springs, CO, they did not forget the needy. Here they pose with some of the canned goods they donated to their local Operation Helping Hand food drive (left to right) Carole Munroe Howard, Oregon Beta; Maribeth Garnett Hill, Oklahoma Beta; Marcia Farley Thomas, Colorado Alpha; Donna Krueger Gregory, Colorado Gamma; Mary Buckley Bailly, Colorado Beta; Lisa Gamel Scott, Colorado Alpha and Marilyn Kelso Chipps, Missouri Alpha.

Portland Trail Blazers Speed Read

2010-02-16T07:11:00.000-08:00

The Portland Trail Blazers are donating $750 to First Book® on behalf of the Portland Alumnae Club and Lake Oswego-Dunthorpe Alumnae Club!
On February 9, 2010, Jerome Kersey, a former Trail Blazer, faced off against an alumnae member from each club and two Oregon Gamma collegians in an exciting Speed Read™ just before the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Missy Gerber, co-president of the Lake Oswego-Dunthorpe Alumnae Club, wore her Cat in the Hat outfit and led the cheerleading effort.
Club members Ashley O’Hollaren, Melissa Murray and Laura Garratt skillfully planned the event. International officers Heather Butler Skogen, Collegiate Regional Director-Region Seven; Maja Tanaka Berge, Alumnae Regional Director-Region Five; and Mari Lou Psihogios Diamond, Fraternity Housing Corporation member were in attendance.
Several members of the Oregon Gamma (Willamette University, Salem, Oregon) and Oregon Alpha (University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon) chapters drove up to Portland for the event.

Jerome Kersey participating in the Speed Read.

Pi Phi Ladies post Speed Read

Cowlitz-Chinook Pocket Dinner and Cookie Shine

2010-02-09T00:05:00.000-08:00

The Cowlitz-Chinook Pocket hosted a dinner and Cookie Shine on November 5. They covered the table with a light blue sheet, had some Pi Phi decorations and then spread a delicious array of cookies and candies across the table. They each signed the cloth with blue glitter pens and hope to continue adding memories to this "table cloth" at future Cookie Shines. Those in attendance were: Theresa Beisse, Carol Bern, Jackie Evenson, Jill Johanson, Marion Metke, Mary Pease, and Wendy Sweet.

Alumnae Leadership Summits 2010

2010-02-02T23:02:00.000-08:00

Plan on attending the Region 5 summit in Seattle, Washington on June 5, 2010. It is confirmed that Grand President Mary Tatum will be joining us!

2009 Nonprofit PR Partner of the Year Honorable Mention

2009-11-23T16:44:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-02T00:05:00.000-08:00

Portland Alumnae Club Recognition Tea

2009-11-01T10:01:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-31T09:37:00.000-07:00

Evelyn Peters Kyle

2009-10-29T03:51:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-10-20T00:05:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-19T00:05:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-15T00:05:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-14T00:05:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-13T00:05:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-12T19:52:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-21T00:05:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-18T00:05:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-17T00:05:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-15T00:05:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-14T00:05:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-11T00:05:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-10T00:05:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-09T00:05:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-08T11:10:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-07T00:05:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-09-06T17:29:00.000-07:00

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