The best description of Beta Sigma Phi comes from member LISA HOLZBOOG who said, “Unlike a college sorority, our organization has members of all ages and educational backgrounds. Our sisterhood is diverse and depends on the vitality of its members who share their ideas and enthusiasm.”
An encyclopedia salesman named WALTER ROSS introduced Beta Sigma Phi in 1932 as a book club and social network for women. They have been on Whidbey Island for 50 years and recently celebrated 76 years as an International Friendship Organization.
HOLZBOOG, 50th anniversary chairperson, belongs to one of four local chapters. She and her “sisters” from other chapters — RHONDA CONNALLY, LUCY STORY, LYNETTE RICHARDSON, ROSEMARY MORRISON and SHARON NICHOLSON —are ready for this weekend’s reunion.
Events planned include a social on Friday, July 18, at 6 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church; a reunion brunch on Saturday, July 19 from 10 a.m. to noon, with speaker TRUDY SUNDBERG; and a dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday night, honoring the “50s” for membership, wedding anniversaries or birthdays, plus honoring their husbands as Envoys of Beta Sigma Phi.
Holzboog can help you with tickets. Call 675-1288 or email her at lisa.holzboog@verizon.net. To become a member, go to www.betasigmaphi.org.
Brava, Cynthia!
I hope by now you have seen the first edition of OH Magazine, the one with MAYOR JIM SLOWIK on the cover. That’s CYNTHIA WOOLBRIGHT on page 4, at home in the editor’s seat. She is a young, hip, talented writer and graphic artist.
MARCIA VAN DYKE, publisher of the magazine produced by Sound Publishing and the Whidbey News-Times, said, “We’ve wanted to produce a modern, stylish community lifestyles magazine for some time and we’re fortunate to have Cynthia direct this process.”
“We want OH Magazine to become an essential in and of itself — your guilty pleasure you can’t wait to pick up and read,” said Woolbright.
Subscribers will automatically get copies of OH, as will select locations around town.
“You’ll find everything you need in OH,” added Van Dyke. “OH, for Oak Harbor, of course!”
New XO looks ahead
When Navy CMDR. RICHARD MEADOWS becomes commanding officer of VAQ-142 tomorrow, his XO, a woman, will be ready to assume her duties. In a year or two, when Meadows is reassigned, CMDR. COURTNEY SMITH will become the first female electronic attack squadron commanding officer.
Smith comes from the S-3 community and most recently served with the United States Strategic Command.
The Houston native said of accepting the executive officer spot, “It’s an honor to be selected for this position and I’m looking forward to becoming part of the Prowler community.”
For Smith, gender has not been an issue in her previous leadership positions and she doesn’t expect it to be one in this assignment.
“An effective leader inspires his or her followers, regardless of gender, race and so forth,” she said.
“The best advice I can give to any young person is to work hard toward achieving your goals and stay focused on what is important to you. Don’t let anything stand in your way.”
Lunch with the Gov
The Island County Economic Development Council and Whidbey Island Chambers of Commerce invite you to join them for lunch with GOVERNOR CHRISTINE GREGOIRE Monday, July 21, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Coupeville High School Commons, 501 S. Main Street, Coupeville.
Serendipity caterers will serve a summery lunch composed of four tasty salad variations: meat, pasta, northwest and strawberry. Cost for lunch is $15 and you must RSVP. Call 678-6889 or email ICEDC@whidbey.net.
Share your news with the rest of North Whidbey. Call me at 675-6611 or email lifeonwhidbey@yahoo.com.
