Members of the Brocton Preceptor Beta Epsilon Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi met on Tuesday evening, Jan. 14 at the home of Lois Smith for their first meeting of the 2020 year. Smith also served as Co-Hostess. President Nancy Furman presided over the meeting.

Margie Boltz, Vice President, noted that she received a communication from International that three of our members are eligible for Honors and Degrees. Marie Zambotti and Valerie Lis have been 25 year members and will join the “Silver Circle.” Zambotti is eligible for the Master’s Degree, Lis the Order of the Rose Degree and Nancy Munson is eligible for the Laureate Degree.

The Social Committee announced that our Valentine Queen Dinner will be held at Brazzill’s On Main Restaurant in Westfield on Saturday evening, Feb. 22. The group and their guests will meet for cocktails at 6 p.m. Last year’s Queen, Janice Hipwell, will collect the votes for this year’s Queen at the next meeting. On Sunday, Jan. 26, members and guests will meet at 21 Brix for “Soupin’ Sunday” at 11am.

Members voted to make a donation to the Luca Calanni Foundation in memory of Luca, who passed away recently from complications of the flu. His grandparents, Roger and Kathy Calanni are residents of Fredonia and Kathy is a member of the Dunkirk/Fredonia Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi. The ladies also made a donation to Centaur Stride of Westfield.

The Ways and Means Committee is making plans for the 18th Annual Towel Bingo, which will be held on Sunday, March 15 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Brocton American Legion. Gina Hesslink and Lis will be in charge of the Chinese Auction table.

The ladies have voted to order new shirts in time for the Towel Bingo in a teal color.

Lis, who is Co-Chairman of the upcoming New York State Beta Sigma Phi 2020 Convention, will be attending a meeting on Feb. 8 with the Committee. The Convention will be held in Celoron the weekend of Sept. 26, 27 and 28. It will mark the 50th Anniversary of the Torch.

A congratulatory card was sent to Judy Shuler of Fredonia on the release of her new book, “Safe Harbor.” She is the author of several books and she has interviewed several local people for this recent book about lasting friendships. Two of them are Bill Hipwell and Dave Zambotti, husbands of two members of our Chapter.

Dana Haskin gave a most interesting program on the “Benefits of Weighted Blanket Therapy.” She noted that some of the benefits are helping with sleeplessness, stress, anxiety, restless leg syndrome and a sense of calm. They are throw-sized blankets but come in a variety of sizes, according to weight so they can also be used by older children. She brought one of the weighted blankets for display.

The next meeting will be held at the home of Josie Lantz on Tuesday evening, Jan. 28 at 6 p.m. The ladies will enjoy “Movie Night.”