A 50th anniversary of the introduction of Beta Sigma Phi Woman’s International Sorority in Sidney was celebrated Monday, July 1, by members of Sidney’s Preceptor Beta Kappa chapter. This women’s sorority is not affiliated with colleges or universities but was begun in 1931 as an opportunity for women to enjoy social, service, and educational opportunities during the Depression when funds for higher education and sorority membership were difficult to obtain for many women. Over 2000 women in countries throughout the world now enjoy the membership of Beta Sigma Phi.
In 1974 Lorrie Roach Introduced the idea of Beta Sigma Phi in Sidney and the first chapter of 17 women became active throughout the Tri-Towns. Over the past 50 years generous donations of time and funds have been contributed by the Beta Sigma Phi women to food banks, community, youth and senior citizen assistance needs, animal shelters and other animal care groups. Each fall the women host a popular Brook’s Chicken BBQ fundraiser to enable them to support their service activities.
A favorite yearly event is sponsoring a tea to honor a woman in the Tri-Town area who has made significant contributions to her church, community or other organizations. Nominations are currently being sought for the 2025 First Lady honoree. Contact Margaret Porter at 607-563-2725 with any suggestions.
There is a second Beta Sigma Phi chapter in Sidney, as well as three chapters in the Oneonta area, and Beta Sigma Phi chapters in the Binghamton region. In joint planning with the Oneonta chapters, the 16 members in the Sidney Preceptor Beta Kappa chapter are organizing a third convention at the Otesaga Hotel in Cooperstown for October 2026. Over the years Sidney members have had wonderful travel opportunities to conventions in every major city in New York state and Maine, Pennsylvania, Nova Scotia and New Orleans. In 2011 several members and their spouses flew to Kansas City, Missouri to celebrate Beta Sigma Phi’s 80th anniversary at the Beta Sigma Phi International Headquarters.
The women of Sidney’s Preceptor Beta Kappa chapter gather monthly for a short program, a business meeting, refreshments and a social opportunity for the members. For additional information contact Lorrie Roach at 607-563-2563.
