Online Kappa more than “fills the bill” for many of our members. Because we strictly adhere to the meeting format as set in The Book of Beta Sigma Phi, we are quite confident we’ve “attended a meeting”. We have programs and we have socials. And just like any land chapter, we’ve had some tough times along with the great times.

We recently had our first annual “gathering” in Las Vegas, and eleven of our twenty-one members attended. They were from England, California, New York, Ohio, Michigan, Texas and Washington, and we shared more in three days than most chapters share in three lifetimes!

Life, Learning and Friendship continue to be our guideposts, and we’ve learned a lot as we’ve moved ahead. It was a true privilege for our chapter to name me “Sweetheart” and “Woman of the Year” this past year, and it is now my privilege to serve you as your President.

Each of you is important and treasured for a different reason. Each of you is an individual unlike any other. Our chapter will continue to be a shining light as we work together, share our joys as well as our concerns and yes, even cry together.

A very happy Beginning Day, 2003 to each and every one of you. You are truly loved by your President.

I am thy sister,

Carrie

OLK and BSP are on the top of my list among the women's groups I'm involved in.

OLK

Although I've only met four of my OLK Sisters, I feel I've known all of you for a long time. The warmth, friendship, and genuine concern that I get from each and every one of you never ceases to amaze me. All of you have the ability to make me feel so welcome in your group and treat me like I was a part of your family. The leadership qualities I've seen in Darby and now in Carrie as President of OLK are far and above anything I've ever been associated with. I truly am honored and proud to be a member of this great organization.

BSP

BSP came into my life at a most critical time. I had the hardest time adjusting to change and living in California in general. I was so homesick for the East Coast - I wanted to move back in the worst way! I joined BSP in 1998 and it's the best thing I could have done. I have met so many wonderful women not only in my land chapter, but the women I've had the opportunity to meet since I've been on the Executive Board of San Diego Council for the past two years

Your Sister,

Mary R.

I have been in BSP since April of 1967. I have enjoyed the privelege oftransfer many times when my husband was transferred to a new duty station. It was wonderful knowing I had something in common with a group of women whowere already there. I truly enjoyed the early days of teas, balls and wearing the long dresses and hats just made membership all that more special.

Although I have enjoyed my land chapters most everywhere I have been, I truly have not enjoyed a chapter more than On Line Kappa. Until recently, I, like many of you, had not met most of our sisters. But that didn't matter. I knew each of you was a warm and caring individual who would cheer me on or laugh or cry with me and still like me for who I am. From the bottom of my heart I thank each and every one of you for being such an important part of my life. God Bless.

Teddy Bear Hugs,

Sue

As I approach my Silver Circle in Beta Sigma Phi,(2004) I looked back at the changes it has made in my life. I was asked to join BSP in 1979. At this time I had two small children and was a "stay at home mom". I missed adult female conversations so was excited but also anxious when my friend asked me if I would be interested. After just attending a single meeting, I knew that I wanted to be a part of this organization. Being a part of Beta Sigma Phi has made me a better person, more civic minded and a better public speaker to name a few things.(IT has even made me more assertive(sometimes either good or bad) Even though I haven't had the opportunity to transfer to another chapter in another state, this aspect is a very wonderful option. And probably above all else, Beta Sigma Phi is where you meet "the best friends of your Life" and I know that this is very true as it has happened to me".As for the addi tion of Online chapters I really feel that an online chapter compliments a land chapter. It is just another link in the "Web of Friendship" The main reason I joined an online chapter was because my land chapter was becoming stale and I knew if I didn't find a little excitment that I might drop BSP all together and I really didn't want to have it go that way. After looking into the many online chapters, I checked out Online Kappa and once again knew that this was something I wanted to be a part of. It was the "Lighthouse" that did me in. I dearly love them and being near the ocean. Once OLK decided to get together and meet in Vegas, I knew I had to be a part of the gathering. As I got off the elevator in "The Stardust Casino", and went around the corner to find my room, there was the "Beacon of Light and Friendship in Room 11803", and as I opened the door, I realized that inside were some more dear sisters that would become life long friends as we w ere connected by Beta Sigma Phi and Life, Learning, and Friendship. Thank you to all of our OLK sisterhood.

You are the very best!

OLK RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love,

Barb Beck

Online Kappa has greatly broadened my Beta Sigma Phi experience. Since I started a Friendly Venture, none of my Beta sisters were experienced in the sisterhood. The members of OLK have been a great resource to me as my chapter develops traditions and learns more about Beta Sigma Phi. As the President of a very new chapter (and a brand new pledge myself), I often felt lost and alone in my Beta journey. Then I found OLK, and everything changed. I found sisters who are eager to encourage me, and they always have a kind word to share. I have learned so much about Beta's past and present, and with sister like these, I can see a bright Beta future. OLK is informative and supportive, but the chapter is also a lot of fun! The diversity among the sisters means a great variety of programs and socials. Lots of laughs. Plenty of hugs. Online Kappa is a joyful part of my life as a Beta Sigma Phi.

===== Erica R. Goehring

~*~MA-Delta Pi~*~

Online Kappa~*~

OLK and BSP means to me FRIENDSHIP... These ladies are there day and night always ready to lend an ear when one is needed... Always there to encourage no matter how tough things are in their own lives... Just being a part of a group like this is a wonderful experience. I have friends here, especially in OLK that I will always cherish....

Valerie

what i like about bsp and what it means to me cannot be answered adequately. because i have changed through the years, it has changed and continually changes even now to fill my needs. from leaving home after high school, first job, marriage, children, changing work, moving around the country, university, divorce, remarriage, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, community activities, health problems, you name it, bsp has always been there to uphold me. and in the same way to uphold a worldwide sisterhood. in return, my land chapter and cyber chapter are my sounding board. bsp is the foundation of who i was, am and will be. in return i have been challenged continually both to grow and to try to help fulfill the needs of others in the communities in which i have lived whether it has been in goods or services. i may not be able to do much by myself, but together with my sisters we can accomplish what might be considered impossible. I AM A BETA SIGMA PHI.

Joella Toppi