Laureate Mu chapter of Beta Sigma Phi installs new officers

Members of Laureate Mu chapter of Beta Sigma Phi met at the home of Elsie Rowell on May 3.
The hostess presented the program “Oh, Jelly Bean,” leading the group in a discussion on why we love jelly beans. After a survey it was discovered that the favorite flavor of those present was licorice.
She gave a history of the candy, explaining that jelly beans probably first surfaced in 1861 when Boston candy maker William Schrafft urged people to send his jelly beans to soldiers during the American Civil War. In 1976 a product by the brand name Jelly Belly was introduced. The first flavors included very cherry, lemon, cream soda, orange, root beer, and licorice, among others.
Well-known jelly bean fans include the late President Ronald Reagan and talk show host Larry King. In 1967, Reagan, then the governor of California, started eating jelly beans to quench his pipe-smoking habit. In 1981 during his inaugural festivities, three-and-a-half tons of red, white and blue jelly beans were served. The blue was added to the jelly bean family by Jelly Belly especially for this occasion.
To conclude the program, members guessed the number of jelly beans in a jar.
Prior to the meeting, officers for the 2016-17 year were installed as follows: Shirley Griffin, president; Rowell, vice president; Phyllis Triggs, secretary; and Glenda Atkinson, treasurer.
Committee chairmen were also selected: program, Brenella Joubert; yearbook, Griffin and Nancy Tislow; scrapbook, Connie Jaubert; cultural outings, Jaubert; publicity, Rowell; service, Gloria Stutes.
Atkinson reported that she had purchased Mother’s Day greeting cards to be mailed to daughters of members. Stutes collected toilet tissue to be delivered to Miss Helen’s Soup Kitchen.
The year’s budget was reviewed by Griffin and approved.
It was decided that the group would travel to Breaux Bridge on May 20 for a cultural outing.
The hostess served refreshments to all in attendance, including Atkinson, Griffin, Jaubert, Joubert, Stutes, Tislow and Triggs.