Submitted by Tina Vawter
Phi Beta Psi
Sheridan’s Theta Alpha Alpha chapter of Phi Beta Psi’s year in review shows just how much this philanthropic organization accomplished in 2023.
The Community Euchre Night fundraiser was a success. (Photo provided)
The chapter held a community Euchre Night in March, co-sponsored the Community Pork Loin Dinner with the Sheridan Lions Club in April, and hosted the annual Lasagna Dinner in September. All proceeds from these events went toward the chapter’s annual scholarship to a local senior and benevolence to the community.
Display at Pork Loin Dinner fundraiser. (Photo provided)
The serving line at the lasagna dinner fundraiser. (Photo provided)
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Phi Beta Psi provided 12 $100 Kroger gift cards in 2023 to help those in the community dealing with cancer. These cards can be used for medications, fuel to and from treatments or appointments, or groceries as needed. All recipients were most grateful for the gift cards.
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Secretary Suzanne Lyon (Photo provided)
Guest speakers throughout the year included:
- Superintendent Dr. Dave Mundy, who provided a State of the Sheridan Schools message and shared his journey with throat cancer and the importance of teens receiving the HPV vaccine as a preventative.
- Suzanne Lyon, member and former cardiac nurse, shared important information for Heart Health month. Examples of different types of pacemakers and defibrillators were explained and passed around for all to see.
- Calvin Roberson, Director of Operations, Office of Outreach at the IU Simon Cancer Center in Indianapolis spoke and shared information about the work of caring for individual cancer patients, as well as the global work of the Cancer Center.
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The chapter’s framed charter is now located in the community room at the Sheridan Public Library. Members felt it would best serve their chapter and community by being displayed in a public setting, such as the library, which is used by many local organizations.
Photo provided
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Theta Alpha Alpha celebrated its 68th anniversary. The chapter was born when Edna Purl, from Tipton, got together with friends to create it. Theta Alpha Alpha’s Mother Chapter is Theta Delta from Tipton and the Grandmother Chapter is Delta from Arcadia.
Arnola Pickett is the last Charter member, and Judy VanMeter has the most years in Theta Alpha Alpha (62 of the 68 years without ever going inactive!). Both Arnola and Judy were honored with lifetime memberships.
Judy VanMeter and Arnola Pickett were recognized for their many decades of service to the organization, being awarded Lifetime Memberships. (Photo provided)
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Members enjoyed their annual dinner at Ulen Country Club in July with special thanks to hostess, Judy VanMeter. Pam Drury and Sarah Godby attended the 100th-year celebration for the Delta Chapter in Cicero, and Suzanne Lyon and Sarah Godby attended the State Convention in Muncie.
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For the December meeting, several members enjoyed the annual Christmas party held at the home of Judy VanMeter. An Italian dinner was served along with Judy’s signature red velvet cake for dessert. Members enjoyed a trivia game and gift exchange before ending the evening.