LAUREATE ALPHA EPSILON
WELCOME to the “Land of Enchantment” from Laureate Alpha Epsilon chapter Albuquerque City Council of Beta Sigma Phi.
My presentation will be in three parts: The Land; The Chapter; The Members
The Land:
The State of New Mexico is 342 miles across, 370 miles top to bottom with the 5th largest land area—121,589 sq. miles; the 36th in population—2,009,000; 45th in population density--16+ per sq. mile AND with .2% water. The top Five population centers are Albuquerque (Rio Rancho and South Valley)with 660,000; Las Cruces--94,000; Santa Fe—74,000; Roswell—47,000; Farmington—44,000.
Our Highest peak is Wheeler Peak at 13,161 ft.—our lowest is 2,842 ft. at Red Bluff Reservior. Congress admitted New Mexico as the 47th state of the union January 12, 1912 to be followed in March by Arizona.
Before the first European contact in the 16th century, the First known inhabitants were of the Paleo-Indian culture—Later Native Americans of Mogollon and Anasazi cultures then the Pueblo peoples of Navajo, Apache and Ute. Signs and artifacts of these culture exist today in museums and archeological sites throughout our state.
In 1540-1542, an enormous expedition was lead to explore for the mystical Seven Cities of Cibola as described by a religious missionary. The first governor appointed in 1598 of a new colony “New Mexico” by the Spanish government was Jaun de Onate on the Rio Grande north of what is today Albuquerque. Santa Fe was established in 1608 as a trade center to use the water and mountain passes explored earlier. Albuquerque was established in 1706 further down the river to expand the trade routes to the west, north and south and named to honor the viceroy of “New Spain” Francisco Fernandez de la Cueva, the 10th Duke of Alburquerque. In 1821 following the War of Independence, New Mexico became a part of Mexico. A portion East of the Rio Grande seceded from Mexico in 1836 to join Republic of Texas. The extreme northeastern part of New Mexico was originally ruled by France who sold it to the US as a part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. The Mexican-American War of 1846-1848 brought American Southwest and California to the US. In 1850, the seceded part of Texas became New Mexico and in 1853 the Gadsden Purchase completed the southern border of the United States to essentially that of today. The first atomic bombs were designed and manufactured in Los Alamos and first tested at the White Sands Missile Range.
For more informational details search Wikipedia—New Mexico on the web.
About LAUREATE ALPHA EPSILON:
In 1990, several sisters of Preceptor Iota—6-- who were eligible to progress to Laureate degree met to pursue forming a daytime traditional chapter. We invited others eligible who had the desire to meet during the day.
In May 1990, we were chartered with 11 members of whom 4 remain in our chapter today. Over the years, we have participated in local City Council events, on the Executive Board and Advisory Board.
Basic interests were—
- Daytime meetings
- First and Third Tuesday’s
- First meeting for business and programs
- Second meeting for lunch out and socializing
- A social calendar would be maintained
- Programs would be arranged on the yearly theme and scheduled
- Business meeting Hostess to provide Ways’n’Means door prize—tickets
- Chapter dues would be adjusted as needed
Traditions:
- Beginning Day is 4th Sunday of August
- October Social
- Honor’s Luncheon (CC with last year’s Pres honored)
- Christmas gift exchange at first meeting in December
- Third Tuesday of January celebrate Chapter Birthday
- “Sister Chapter” party (CC)
- Sweetheart Dinner/Dance in February (CC)
- March, Election of Officers
- Founder’s Day (CC) our President is Woman of the Year
- First meeting in May is salad luncheon with installation of Officers
- Other socials held as needed
Our President, PAM McCARTY, joined Beta Sigma Phi 1963 in Colorado. She and Bill moved around thus Pam went MAL for several years. When On Line chapters became available, Pam resumed her activities with our Sisterhood. In 2002, the McCartys moved to Albuquerque at which time she visited and joined our chapter. Since that time she has served as President, Recording Sec., Treasurer and hostess many times.
MAUREEN CUE, charter member of LAE and has served as Vice-Pres many times as well as president and secretary. She was born and raised in Albuquerque. Upon returning from her honeymoon in 1957, she pledged Beta Sigma Phi. She has been an active member and progressed through the degrees up to the Master’s degree. In 2007 she was honored for 50 years of ‘sisterhood’ with the Golden Circle. Her home has always been open for socials and meetings.
Our newest member, SANDRA MITCHELL, joined us in May, 2009 transferring from California. She visited several chapters in Albuquerque before deciding we were a ‘fit’. She has opened her home for meetings and socials. She joined Beta Sigma Phi in Berkeley, CA in 1956 right out of high school. Moving to Albuquerque in 2007, she has suffered with leg and hip problems. She is also a care-giver for her mother who lives near by. As you can tell by her pic, she is Vivacious with a capital V.
JANICE SWOPE, Treasurer, is a charter member of LAE. She has served as Pres, V-Pres, Rec. Secy, and Treasurer in our chapter. She has also served as City Council Pres, 2nd V-P, Rec. Secy, and currently is Treasurer. Janice was introduced to Beta Sigma Phi by her sister-in-law in 1966 and joined in April of that year in Independence, MO. In spring of 1968, the Swope’s moved to Albuquerque and by fall had become active with Xi Alpha Kappa. She has progressed to Master’s degree and is an avid-rabid supporter of all things Beta Sigma Phi.
Our corresponding secretary, FREDA JARRETT, is a charter member of LAE. She has served as Pres. and Corresponding Secretary several times. In 1958 Freda joined a chapter in Phoenix. She was a member of Xi Alpha Kappa when I joined them and has progressed to Master’s. She is a great hostess and welcomes us sisters for meetings and socials. In 2009 Freda was honored with Golden Circle Ritual for 50 years of membership.
“Classic Lady” of our chapter is ALICE DORON. After moving from California in 2004 to be nearer her daughter, she joined our group of ‘merry sisters’. She joined Beta Sigma Phi in California in 1952. She has attended many State Conventions and participates in City Council and chapter events. At every meeting she attends she is beautifully coiffed, magnicently coordinated in attire and almost always wears a hat. I do believe she must have one closet for hats alone. She enjoys having friends and sisters over and most of all—eating out!
“Warm and Friendly” is MAE BETH HANSON. Mae Beth joined Beta Sigma Phi in 1960 while living in Lubbock, TX. She is a charter member of LAE. Mae Beth has served as President, Recording Secretary and Corresponding Secretary and has been very supportive of chapter and City Council. Her home is welcoming to ‘sisters’ and guest alike. Like many of our ladies, she is giving, caring and sharing in friendship and service. In 2010 she was honored with the Golden Circle ritual for her 50 years of loyalty to Beta Sigma Phi.
BETTY LOU HARVEY is our ‘energizer bunny’. Always on the go, ready for new adventures and great creative ideas. Betty Lou joined Beta Sigma Phi in Pottsville, PA in 1950. She has lived and traveled in many states coming to us in 2000-2001 from California. She has served as President several times. She has always graciously extended her transportation and her home for Sorority needs. She is very crafty and shares her talents with each of us. She has a collection of ‘trading post’ jewelry that is both beautiful and ageless. In 2010 she received the Diamond Circle ritual for her 60 years of membership and Sisterhood.
If you need a ‘compassionate friend’, let me introduce you to LIZ HENDREN. She has served our chapter as Recording and Corresponding Secretary. She has shared her family and long standing commitment to Church with us. She joined Beta Sigma Phi in Albuquerque in 1984 and our chapter in fall of 1991. She has opened her home to meetings and is supportive of our efforts in City Council.
MARIAN KULESA joined Beta Sigma Phi in 1975 while living in Hammond, Indiana. She and her significant other have been square dancers for many years and both play in the Shiner’s Band. Marian became a sister to us in 2004 and we have treasured her participation in chapter and City Council events. Every summer she returns to Indiana and parts East to visit ‘sisters’ and family. She plays several instruments as well as the piano.
“Yoga, anyone?” MAEBI RICHARDS has been teaching Hath Yoga for many years. In 1999 she pledged our chapter. She has served as Recording Secretary several times. Although she has classes, she attends as much of our meetings and City Council events as possible. Coming from Austria some 30 years ago she became a citizen of the US and was able to vote for the first time this last election.
Respectfully submitted,
Janice Swope
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