Chapter G Hosts Tea Party
The enthusiastic members of Chapter G, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, sent out tea party invitations to women who they knew well and who they thought might be interested in learning about P.E.O. The emphasis was on younger women.
Twelve guests accepted invitations and joined with 22 members of Chapter G for a tea party. A luncheon with a selection of tea sandwiches, fruit, scones and a variety of homemade cookies was served. Decorative china pots of steaming tea graced each table. Conversation was non-stop as members and guests enjoyed this luncheon and social time.
Nancy Morgan, past Pennsylvania state chapter president, spoke about the history of P.E.O. Other members briefly described Cottey College and each philanthropy. One of the newer members spoke about the fellowship enjoyed by P.E.O.s and what Chapter G has meant to her.
Guests lingered after the tea party to ask additional questions and chat. The tea party concept gave Chapter G a wonderful opportunity to tell a group of talented and interesting young women about P.E.O.
In the Know on P.E.O.
“Be in the Know on P.E.O.” was the name of a 2011 Founders’ Day program for Chapter GQ of Shelton, Washington. Betty Holt, 57-year member, played the talk show host who interviewed 69-year member Mary Beth Morris, who played Founder Alice Bird. The short skit was set in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, in 1869. Alice, dressed in a vintage dress from the late 1800s, explained the purposes of P.E.O., the goals of the seven Founders and her ambition to become the first woman lawyer in the United States. The program was enjoyed by all.
Chapter AY’s “Reach for the Stars” Fundraiser
Chapter AY, Tacoma, Washington’s “Make It and Take It” auction fundraiser has been an annual event for several years. In years past, each sister made items and took them to auction with confidence that money would be raised for the P.E.O. projects. Sometimes friends and neighbors were invited and a group of about 40 people gathered to buy the items. Last year Chapter AY’s budget committee challenged the Make It and Take It committee to raise $2,000. The committee took the challenge to heart and proceeded with commitment and enthusiasm. The committee decided that they needed to invite more people and bring more items to the auction. Each sister pitched in to help in some way, whether it was bringing in holly, baking cookies or washing dishes.
They chose a much larger venue—a church gathering hall—for the event. They sent invitations to more friends, neighbors and P.E.O.s from neighboring chapters. They offered guests punch and small nibbles as they browsed and bid at the silent auction tables before eating. A lunch of salad with croissants was provided for $5 per person. Some sisters paid for their guests to eat, which allowed more guest dollars to be spent on auction items. Dessert doubled as centerpieces at each table—the chapter baked holiday cookies which were wrapped in festive clear bags with a twist of star wire.
Packets were assembled which contained a star-shaped bid paddle for the live auction as well as a booklet about The P.E.O Sisterhood. Guests were also given an explanation of why it was so important to raise money for the projects.
A highlight of the afternoon was a visit from Santa. For a small fee, attendees could have their picture taken with Santa by the Christmas tree.
Chapter AY surpassed their goal—they raised $4,200!
Chez LaMar—B&B with a Twist
Chapter FA, Pinetop, Arizona, in the White Mountains, is located in a destination resort area at 6,500 feet with two distinct recreational seasons. In the winter, skiers enjoy the snow on the Apache Indian Reservation at Sunrise Ski Resort. Summers bring the extreme high temperatures to Phoenix, Tucson and the surrounding lowlands, so the cool pines and lakes of the mountains beckon the flatlanders.
Chapter FA has a Bed and Breakfast operated by Marty LaMar and her BIL, Ron. Both of them love to cook, and after Ron retired and while Marty was still working, he decided to pursue his interest in cooking. Marty, already a fine cook in her own right, was the official taster for Ron’s expanding skills. They have a talent for cooking something different and special and now, for guests.
Having advanced skills that merit the titles of gourmet for each of them, in P.E.O. tradition they wanted to share their talents. They have made their finely crafted meals a part of their P.E.O. activities—donating a meal for the chapter’s silent auction.
With their B&B a going operation, Marty and Ron wanted to do more for the chapter, to help raise funds for the various P.E.O. projects so they added a gourmet dinner to the B&B cuisine! For an additional donation to P.E.O., their guests can enjoy an outstanding gourmet dinner, a fine breakfast and then a day of golf, hiking, skiing or just touring.
Marty and Ron divide up the duties, with Marty handling the table setting, salads and desserts. Ron takes care of the entrees and cleanup.
Now, in addition to The Painted Desert, the Petrified Forest, and the Apache and Navajo Reservations and cultural centers, fine dining awaits those P.E.O.’s who choose to vacation in northeastern Arizona. When guests make their reservations at “Chez LaMar,” they are offered the opportunity to enjoy a gourmet meal as well.
Why P.E.O.?
“Why P.E.O.?” was the theme of Decatur, Illinois, Chapter MH’s 2011 Founders’ Day celebration. The program featured a DVD with testimonials from sisters representing each of the seven chapters in Decatur. One small group presided over a candle-lighting ceremony honoring our Founders. Julie Paulson, president of chapter MH, was MC of the luncheon and concluded the program by saying, “’Why P.E.O.?’Hopefully this morning you have been answering that question and have shared some of your favorite memories with P.E.O. sisters. These are some of the reasons why P.E.O. continues to be a vital organization and an important part of our lives. No matter what life has to throw at you, both joys and sorrows, our P.E.O. sisters are there to walk with us along the way."
cutline: Chapter MH sisters, from the left: Thelma Raupp, Lesa Mills, Mary Alice Johns, Dare Patterson, Cathy Mansur, Amy Scott, Mary Ward, Sue Thomas
P.E.O. Founders’ Day Baby
Chapter F, Wilmington, Ohio, celebrates Founders’ Day in a unique way. As part of the Founders’ Day celebration, the chapter holds a baby shower—each member brings items for a baby girl. The first baby girl born at Clinton Memorial Hospital in Wilmington on or after Founders’ Day is presented with an overflowing basket of baby gifts along with an explanation of what P.E.O. is about—perhaps she or her mother is a future P.E.O. Chapter F has made this a tradition and has honored the “P.E.O. Founder's Day Baby” for the past five years.
