Natchez — Xi Alpha Phi Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi International began a new year in August by celebrating the new theme for the year, New Paths to Friendship.

The chapter executive board hosted an old fashion friendship tea party as their beginning day social at the home of chapter president, Shirley Wilson. Special guests were members of McComb chapter, Laureate Epsilon, and included Lesley Worthy, Betty Morgan, Penny Brown, Nancy Richardson and Myra Chapman.

Each guest received tea party charm favors from Wilson. Preceding the social each Xi Alpha Phi member was given a copy of the new chapter yearbook which will be entered in the Beta Sigma Phi International yearbook contest.

Following the serving of refreshments, Ann Flewelling received the Ms Xi Alpha Phi Award. She was given an engraved jewelry box and certificate presented by Gwyn Bacot, last year’s winner of the award.

Beth Webb received congratulations and a special gift for winning state woman of the year at state convention in June.

Wilson announced service, social, and ways and means projects for the coming year. Members will continue to support our soldiers through special projects such as “Cell Phones for Soldiers” and “Homes for Troops–Josh Wells.”

Other veterans’ projects will include visits and donations to the veterans’ homes in Jackson and Monroe, La. Members will continue to support Pleasant Acre Day School, Natchez Humane Society, St. Andrews Thrift Store and will collect eyeglasses for the Lions’ Club recycle eyeglasses project.

Social activities planned for the sorority year will include site-seeing and shopping trips to Vicksburg, Baton rouge and Monroe.

In early December a program titled, Old Paths to Education–Jefferson College, will be presented by Historic Jefferson College Branch Director Robin Person. The program will include a nature walk and information on new color signs, which will soon be installed on the nature trail.

Jeanette Webb will hosted the Sept. 9 meeting. The cultural program was “Paths of Ansel Adams–Photography.”