By MARGARET NERY

By MARGARET NERY
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
EAST PALESTINE -- "Sometimes it feels like we are doing the doggie paddle just to keep our heads above water," says Doris Linsley as she attempts to describe how hard members of Gamma Omicron Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha International Sorority work in an effort raise funds to support the group's community service projects.
But whatever they are doing must be working as the small but efficient group of women continues to provide financial support for a great many community betterment projects.
This year their accomplishments were reviewed as members gathered Sept. 21 for a 50th anniversary celebration at East Palestine City Park Community Center.
While the members used the occasion to reminisce about the time they have spent together, it also gave them an opportunity to look to the future when younger women will hopefully become involved.
Journey
The review left little doubt that the group has come a long way since its rather humble beginning.
With the Lisbon Gamma Zeta Chapter as an inspiration and Ruth Sansenbaugher as their leader, the sorority became an official part of Epsilon Sigma Alpha International Sorority on Aug. 1, 1953.
The 12 original members decided to meet socially twice each month, with each taking a turn to present a program. As time went by, they began to bring in speakers who presented enlightening programs on a wide variety of subjects, and gradually the organization changed from a socially oriented and educational club to one dedicated to following the city motto of making East Palestine a "Little City with a Big Future."
Charter members Sansenbaugher, Dolores Hutchison Mansell, Dona Braden and Bessie Sansenbaugher have remained active in the organization throughout the intervening years. They, with other members, have taken turns at holding various offices and conducting the fund-raisers
"But we have always been determined to improve ourselves and our community," says Mansell. Through participation in the group with that common goal in mind, she says that friendships have solidified over the years.
One of their most satisfying efforts came into fruition when members of Gamma Omicron realized early on that it takes hard work and lots of "dough" to support the organization's many philanthropic projects.
So each year they have made the dough and turned it into delicious homemade pies that are sold during the East Palestine Park Festival as the group's major fund-raiser.
"Happily we have never had to worry about selling the pies, as customers often place their orders well in advance," explains Mansell, who adds, "Surprisingly, some of our most popular pies are those made with grapes."
Undeterred by the thought of hard work, the tiny group of willing volunteers launched a series of other time-consuming fund-raising projects. Over the years they've sold such things as spices, pecans, fudge, pocketbooks, door plaques, aprons, calendars, candles and a number of other items. "We even went door-to-door selling light bulbs one year," says Mansell, and she adds, "You name it, we've done it."
As they reviewed past accomplishments during the anniversary event, the group conceded that one of the most personally satisfying undertakings was their "friendship" project.
Sansenbaugher elaborated by explaining that members of the organization purchase cosmetics and other feminine necessities that they deliver personally to the residents at the Kyes Receiving Home who "really need a friend and encouragement."
Making a difference
Because it recognizes the value of community service, the club each year singles out one resident or organization to be honored as the person or persons who made a difference in the city.
Jacquie Whitehead, who is serving as president of the organization for the third time, says this year's honoree has not yet but been chosen.
"However, last year we honored the Threshold Residential Group for its philanthropic work," Whitehead says. She explains the men dedicate their efforts to helping those at the home for retarded.
For her part, Whitehead admits that she gets a great deal of satisfaction from the friendship and support she receives from the entire group of women. She finds it amazing that they willingly continue to participate in so many fund-raising projects.
"We find a way to get things done, and despite the fact that most of us are growing older, we still take part in such things as the St. Jude Walk-a-Thon," says Whitehead. She explains that even those unable to walk the course help by getting others to participate or to pledge financial support for the worthy cause.
Amazingly -- or maybe because of the camaraderie and dedication -- the chapter has continued to flourish and grow while many other once-active sororities in the international are now defunct.
Although membership has never increased significantly, it has not dwindled. However, as members grow older they realize the organization can only survive and continue to be a community asset if younger women take up the gauntlet and assume the responsibility of financing community service projects.
With the motto that "To have a friend is to be a friend," the group is hopeful that it can recruit others, including members of the disbanded organizations, who are interested in good fellowship, education, and the welfare and growth of East Palestine.
nery@vindy.com
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