PICTURED FROM LEFT ARE TALLY ALLISON, SUSAN WARNER, DIANE LAPICK AND JANET KOTTMAN. Four women have completed their training for full membership in the Mariposa chapter of Delta Nu Iota of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. The training period is followed by a ritual that reinforces the values of sisterhood and relating to the community and world. The traits of courage, vision, humility, loyalty, fellowship and service are tools at the core of every woman’s life and are the focus of the Ritual of Jewels.

This is the second of six levels that members can achieve within their sorority. Each degree of Beta Sigma Phi represents both personal and group achievements. From its founding in 1931 with just seven members in Abilene, Kansas, to over 250,000 world-wide members now, the sorority emphasizes women finding closeness through shared experiences within and beyond their community.

In anticipation of the approaching holidays, Delta Nu Iota’s 18 members have donated household goods to Mountain Crisis, as well as Toys for Tots and Coats for Kids. Members will also be following the chapter’s annual tradition of bell ringing for the Salvation Army Dec. 5 and 12 and celebrating their own Christmas party on Dec. 8.