One of the iron benches in the park area just south of City Hall was the focus on Oct. 30 of a community event that took more than a year of planning.

The women of Alpha Upsilon Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi celebrated the dedication of the bench in memory of deceased members of their sorority and in celebration of current members, all of whom are listed on the bronze plaques that grace the back of the bench.

Welcoming the friends and families of current and deceased members, Nancy Pallas

spoke of prior efforts to honor those sisters who have passed away and how, since the deaths of three members within little more than a year, the women decided to adopt a bench in the downtown area that would memorialize all of them. More than 50 people gathered to honor the chapter and especially the members whose lives were remembered: Ann Homer,

Dorothy Phillipson, Jacquie Frazier, Bettie Dean Smith, Helen Behnke, Brenda Maier, Janet Gwilt, and Coleene Watkins.

Elaine McKeough gave a dedicatory address that included reference to the history of the chapter.

“This sisterhood is an organization that has supported our community in a great variety of ways, from musical variety shows to area-wide dinner dances, to chili suppers, to so much more, all to benefit local charities and people in need,” she said.

She mentioned as well “the varied projects of fun and personal growth” the women have experienced.

“Without the local chapters of Beta Sigma Phi, Dowagiac would find itself impoverished of much good that occurs here,” she said. “And without the leadership and example modeled by the women of Alpha Upsilon Master Chapter, this community would not be the vibrant, welcoming, positive home it is.”

“We gather today, in memory of those sisters who have gone before us, and in celebration of the ongoing efforts by the current members who are here today in love and felicity, to dedicate this memorial to the history, camaraderie, and true friendship that shines in our lives.”

Alpha Upsilon President Sheryl Benkert-Burns, also welcomed everyone there and invited all to join in the closing ritual of the sorority, after which most of those gathered together enjoyed a meal and many fond memories.