WINSTON-SALEM ó Salisbury native Rachel Oestreicher Bernheim recently received the distinguished alumna award from Salem Academy. The distinguished alumna award recognizes outstanding service and achievement by an alumna either in her community and volunteer service and/or professional career and achievements.
Bernheim, who graduated from Salem Academy in 1961, went on to attend Sarah Lawrence College. During her career, she spoke before Congress and the United Nations on behalf of the Raoul Wallenberg Committee, a non-profit dedicated to preserving the legacy of Holocaust humanitarian Raoul Wallenberg.
Her philanthropic efforts include serving on the board of the American Symphony Orchestra, the American Division of Peace Board, and as a member of the Metropolitan Opera Club/Lotus Club.
She also continues the tradition of giving the yearly Oestreicher grant to Rowan Regional Medical Center, maintaining her familyís legacy of support for the hospital.
Beta Sigma Phiís 80th
The Salisbury-Rowan chapters of Beta Sigma Phi sorority celebrated its 80th Founders Day with a banquet at the Harold B. Jarrett Post on Lincolnton Road.
The Lambda Master chapter held a yellow rose and candlelight ceremony in remembrance of Brenda Foil, who passed away March 16.
The new theme for the 2011-12 year was announced as ěBuilding Our Future on Tradition.î
D. Anne Simerson received the International Founders award for her work on the Concord convention.
Woman of the year awards for each chapter were: Lambda Master – Loretta Burleyson, Xi Delta Chi – Penny Rice, Xi Alpha Delta – Dottie Setzer, Iota Psi – Gerri Butler, presented by last yearís woman of the year, Karen Smith.
Mrs. Butler is the oldest member of Beta Sigma Phi in the Salisbury chapter at age 94. She received a woman of the year pin, yellow roses and a girl of the year trophy.
Gail Young was recognized by the chapterís city council as woman of the year.
New city council officers are: president Millie Campbell, vice president Linda Tutterow, recording secretary Penny Rice, corresponding secretary Peggy Coxie, treasurer D. Anne Simerson.
The Iota Psi chapter of Beta Sigma installed new officers for the year 2011-12 at a ceremony at the Meadows in Rockwell following an ice cream social with the residents.
New officers are: president Gail Young, vice president Brittiny Gilbert, treasurer Vicki Lippard, corresponding secretary Gladys Joyce, recording secretary Fawn Sallee, city council representative D. Anne Simerson, alternate representative Brenda Gobble.
ëLittle Miss Perfectí
Olivia Elizabeth Kyles, age 9, won the ěLittle Miss Perfectîpageant at Myrtle Beach on Easter week-end, a show that is featured on WE-TV. She also won most photogenic, best dressed, prettiest eyes and smile.
Kyles is an honor roll student at Granite Quarry Elementary school and was recently a monkey in the production of ěThe Jungle Bookî at the Norvell Theater. She is also a student at Donnaís dancers studio owned by Donna Weinhold Cesario.
She will represent North and South Carolina in the national pageant in Orlando, Fla. in February 2012.
Womanís Club meets
ěLiteracy: Adventure of a Lifetimeî was the focus of the program presented by Bonnie Johnson, recipient of the Womanís Clubís Lillian Peeler Scholarship at RCCC. Johnson, who has chosen nursing as a second career, explained details of the program and expressed appreciation for the scholarship.
Ann Bingham led devotions. Angelia Bates, president, conducted the business session which included a report by Linda Jones.
Hostesses Barbara Lloyd and Angela Bates decorated the tables. Trinity Oaks catered the luncheon meal.
Faith School reunion
FAITH ó Jackie Maloney, principal of Faith Elementary, recently hosted the first Faith School Reunion. The school, which was established on the current site in 1928, has grown through the years as a community school. Local civic organizations (Faith Americian Legion, the Faith American Legion Auxiliary, the Faith Jaycees, Faith Civitans) continue to support it with donations and contributions.
Around one hundred former students attended the reunion which was held in the Faith School cafeteria. Marcelle Williams was the oldest former student present. He finished his Faith School days in 1934 and just turned 90 years old.
Zarah Gardner, who finished at Faith School in 1935, was the next to oldest former student present. Former principals Frank Feeney and Bob Shive also attended the reunion.
Two families that attended had three generations present: Paula Deal Hill, her son Scott and his daughters Miranda and Meghan as well as Sherry Gantt Eagle, her son Scott and his son Dylan.
The youngest Faith School former student present was Meghan Hill who finished in 2007.
A copy of the schoolís history was given out and the students brought pictures from their school days to share. Scott Eagle gave the blessing at the meal which was catered by Debbie Suggs.
Next yearís reunion will be Thursday May 3, 2012.
Piano recital
?The piano students of Susan McLain will be presented in a recital this afternoon at 3 p.m. in the sanctuary of First Methodist Church, 217 S. Church St.
The program, which encompasses Bach to Rachmaninoff, will feature Charlotte Kaufmann, Rosalyn DíMello, Lily Yatawara, Mary Kaufmann, Jennifer McLain, Dante Gibbons, Autumn Walser, Grace Yatawara, Kaylin Hunter, Margaret Kaufmann and Joshua Schiemann.