The P.E.O. Record January-February 2022

january/february 2022

OFFICERS OF International Chapter President Patricia L. Brolin-Ribi P.E.O. STAR Scholarship Chair, Jayme Resnik First Vice President Cathy Moss Vice Chair, Sheri Bailey Isabelle DuBois Wattles Second Vice President Alix Smith Susan Smith Sue Barker Organizer Kathryn S. Ebert P.E.O. Foundation Recording Secretary Jennifer G. Mitchell Chair, Nicole Berner Margaret “Peggy” Rose Standing Appointments Jennifer Bream Administrative Staff Kathy A. Soppe Finance Committee Executive Director Chair, (Barbara) Ann Bowen Ellen Fox Belinda Hargrove Director of Finance/Treasurer Dana Van Roekel Audit Committee Chair, (Barbara) Ann Bowen Director of Communications/Historian Kate Westercamp Ellen Fox Belinda Hargrove Director of Information Technology Dawn Clayberg Study and Research Committee Chair, Elizabeth McFarland Vice Chair, Christine Ankeney Director of Membership Jennifer Chittenden Judith French Karen Leftwich Ellen Busby The administrative staff has offices at the P.E.O. Executive Office. Glenda Dixon Cottey College Special Appointment President, Jann Rudd Weitzel, Ph.D., 1000 West Austin Blvd., Nevada, MO 64772 Parliamentarian, Barbara Rosi, PRP Boards of Trustees and Standing Committees Nominating Committee Chair, Cathy Manhart Cottey College Susan Penrod Chair, Kathryn Bayne Lori O’Keefe Vice Chair, Diann E. McChesney Jacqueline Dawson Secretary, Georgann Douglas Marylou Ruud James R. Bickel Cheryl Denslow Membership Committee Tamara Kenworthy  Chair, Rita Briggs Hope Zoeller Vice Chair, Kathleen Feldman Jack Ewing Lauri Cushing Joan Braddock Laura A. Parris Lydia Bangert Becky Clines Ariel I. Delaney Susan Harber P.E.O. Educational Loan Fund P.E.O. Leadership Development Committee Chair, Ann Lambert Chair, Debbie Kotecki Vice Chair, Nanci Rosensteel Julee Carucci Laurel Andrew Karen Fite Stephanie Halton Marti Ramsey To Reach P.E.O. Kristin Cresta Mail P.E.O. Executive Office, 3700 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50312-2899 P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund Chair, Jan Knuckey Phone 515-255-3153 Fax 515-255-3820 Karen Neylon Web peointernational.org (Go to Members Login, enter username Bobbie Gervais and password, then click Contact Us.) P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education To Reach Cottey College Chair, Debra Dumler Beverly Prewitt Mail 1000 W Austin Blvd., Nevada, Missouri 64772-2790 Donna Corbin Phone 417-667-8181 Fax 417-667-8103 Email [email protected] P.E.O. Scholar Awards Web cottey.edu Chair, Rebecca Daniel Terry Northcutt To Reach The P.E.O. Record or Submit Material Lisa Cooley Becky Frazier, Editor Mail 3700 Grand Ave., Des Moines, Iowa 50312 Phone 515-255-3153 Fax 515-255-3820 Email [email protected] Layout and design of The P.E.O. Record by Allison Vial

Celebrate Founders’ Day! January 21 Show Your A S YO U P L A N FO R C H A P T E R P R O G R A M S , take advantage of Involvement in P.E.O. the accessible catalog of workshops and presentations from the 2021 Convention of International Chapter. Get your chapter fired up and Wear your pin learn how you can honor the vision of our founding sisters by watching the membership committee’s “Ignite to Invite” video. Discover best Wear a P.E.O. t-shirt practices through any of the Connection Cafés. Explore professional videos such as “Celebrating Local Chapters” or connect with our Share an impactful Facebook mission through the stories of Project Night Speakers. Simply go to the post from International’s page Convention of International Chapter Resources page, which can be with your followers found on the member website by going to News & Events and selecting Convention of International Chapter. T ake any opportunity to start a conversation about P.E.O.— who we are and what we do “P .E.O. provides educational opportunities for women. We do this by offering scholarships, grants, awards and loans to help women enhance their lives through learning.” Share Our History I N C LU D E A P R O G R A M A B O U T T H E FO U N D E R S . Resources about the seven women who started our Sisterhood and the birth of our organization are available on the member website at https://members.peointernational.org/founders. Share one of your favorite stories from the new history book “We Who Are Sisters.” WWW.PEOINTERNATIONAL.ORG January–February 2022 | THE P.E.O. RECORD 1

PRESIDENT’S|message Patricia L. Brolin-RibiPresident, International Chapter At the beginning of every biennium the executive board and s we commemorate our executive director review P.E.O.’s 10-year strategic plan to Founders and welcome determine the biennial goals which will move that plan forward. 2022, we celebrate P.E.O.’s This biennium is no exception. Our planning session this past past and look forward with October was productive and enlightening. As we reviewed where eager anticipation to the future. we stand on the components in our 2019-2029 plan, and where As we do, I want to thank our our local chapter members and state, provincial and district (s/p/d) sisters who have stepped up leaders are at this moment, we were challenged to know which with compassion through items to advance and how best to do that. We must acknowledge your loving concern for one the COVID-19 pandemic left P.E.O.s a bit overwhelmed and anxious another and through your as many sisters faced life changes and some are still dealing with efforts to support our project lingering issues. In terms of P.E.O., that means finding new ways to applicants as they pursue their stay connected with our sisters and learning new technologies and educational goals. Your efforts procedures just to be able to hold meetings and accomplish the and willingness to Raise the business of P.E.O. For some members and chapters, adapting has Bar to the Stars in these ways been easier than for others who have not yet had the opportunity are inspiring. to meet in person. Our discussions about how to proceed, as well as conversations with members across the U.S. and Canada, led us to recognize the importance of allowing our sisters time to regroup, catch their breath, and simply enjoy the two foundational tenets of P.E.O. – the loving concern we share with each other and the support we offer through our projects. To encourage that, for this biennium, International Chapter and P.E.O. leaders will support local chapters and members to focus on re-engaging and finding joy in P.E.O. To that end, the executive board has agreed on this single simple and yet powerful goal for our members and local chapters for the 2021-2023 biennium: This biennium, we encourage everyone to reconnect and renew, making our chapters places where sisters engage, show loving concern and find joy after the challenges of the past two years. International Chapter will support you to inspire each other and our project applicants to Raise the Bar to the Stars. We hope you will share your success stories for reconnecting and renewing on social media using the hashtag #peoraisethebar. International will post selections on the P.E.O. International member website, on social media and in The P.E.O. Record. We love sharing the stories of how P.E.O.s encourage women to be their best. 2 THE P.E.O. RECORD | January–February 2022 Women helping women reach for the stars

PRESIDENT’S|message As with any goal, it will be important for our members to take seriously this opportunity to reconnect and renew. At the end of the biennium, we want to be able to celebrate how much of a difference our bond of sisterly love and concern make for each other and share the impact P.E.O. makes for women pursuing their educational goals. We look forward to hearing how you reconnect and renew, as individual members and as chapters. Even as we offer this simplified version of our International Chapter goals for our members and local chapters, be assured that International Chapter will continue to advance the four components of the existing 2019-2029 10-Year Strategic Plan, as follows: Strengthen Promote Champion the Provide Chapter Philanthropic Advancement Innovative Vitality Shared Services Vitality of Women P.E.O. P.E.O. is P.E.O. P.E.O. committed thrives to provide embraces celebrates resources to when local our shared women chapters philanthropic helping women support reach for the stars mission globally organizational efficiencies and growth For each of these four areas, the International Chapter executive board, our leadership team, and wonderful staff team at the executive office are developing exciting strategies and tactics to move them forward. We will be cascading those to the s/p/d officers and will keep you all posted on our progress. As we go forward together to reconnect and renew, how will you Raise the Bar to the Stars? With P.E.O. Love, Patti WWW.PEOINTERNATIONAL.ORG January–February 2022 | THE P.E.O. RECORD 3

Contents The P.E.O. Record | January–February 2022 | Vol. 134 | No. 1 Special Features 8 22 8 P.E.O.s on the Air—Sisters in Radio, Television 14 & Podcasting 10 2021-2023 International Boards & Committee 14 A Sister’s Love for P.E.O. Remains through Fog of Dementia BY CORKEY WAITE 18 Pandemics’ Impact on P.E.O. BY K ATE WESTERCAMP 21 P.E.O. Helps Restore Historic Buildings BY JEANNE TOMLIN GERBSCH 22 How the P.E.O. Sisterhood Helped a Young Ballerina Land on Her Feet BY VICKI BURDICK 26 Isabel Barton Rocks BY BARB THELEN AND RITA THELEN 28 The P.E.O. Pyramid of Giving BY DANA VAN ROEKEL 26 FOLLOW US Instagram: Twitter: LinkedIn: @peointernational @PEOSisterhood International Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood Facebook: PEO International 4 THE P.E.O. RECORD | January–February 2022 Women helping women reach for the stars

IN THIS|issue In Every Issue P.E.O. Philanthropies and Foundation 2 President’s Message 7 P.E.O. Foundation Raise the Bar to the Stars 2021 Distribution of Undesignated Funds BY PATRICIA L . BROLIN-RIBI 30 P.E.O. Educational Loan Fund 6 Your Letters Let’s Go Find the ELF Applicants 17 Tech Tip BY ANN LAMBERT New Resources on the P.E.O. International Member Website 31 Cottey College BY ANNIE JENKINS Cottey College by the Numbers 20 P.E.O. Leadership Development 32 P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund Leading Yourself from Intent to 2021-2022 P.E.O. International Peace Impact in P.E.O. Scholarship Fund Named Awards BY DEBBIE KOTECKi BY JAN KNUCKEY 25 P.E.O. International Membership Committee 33 P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education Supporting Our Mission in the Simplest Way Possible— To Love and Be Shown Love Paying Your Dues BY BECKY CLINES BY DEBBIE DUMLER 37 Centennial Chapters 34 P.E.O. Scholar Awards 38 Award Winning Ideas 40 P.E.O. Authors The Legacy of a P.E.O. Scholar Award 42 Where in the World BY TERRY NORTHCUTT is The Record? 35 P.E.O. STAR Scholarship 44 Fundraising Marketplace 48 About P.E.O. Shifts in Perspective Help STAR Students 49 To the Point Shine During Pandemic BY SHERI BAILEY 50 Cottey College Learn with Cottey Events and Reminders 1 Celebrate Founders’ Day! January 21 7 New Member Website Password and Security Features 16 New Year, New Fresh and Inspiring Communication from International Chapter! 24 Pay Your P.E.O. Dues Before February 28 36 Connect with P.E.O. International on Social Media The P.E.O. Record (ISSN 0746-5130) is published bimonthly by the P.E.O. Sisterhood, 3700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312-2899. Periodical class postage paid at Des Moines, Iowa, and at all additional mailing offices. Subscription price is $5.00 per year. Single copies are $1.00. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The P.E.O. Record, 3700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312-2899. Printed in USA. Canada Publications Mail Agreement No. 40586518. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to IMEX, P.O. Box 4332, Station Rd., Toronto, ON M5W 3J4. Submission of material to The P.E.O. Record is your consent to our right to edit and publish it, either all or in part, in any P.E.O. print or digital communication medium. The content matter may or may not reflect the opinions of the Sisterhood. Complete submission guidelines appear on the “Members Only” section of P.E.O.’s official website, peointernational.org. The P.E.O. Record welcomes members’ submissions to the address on the inside front cover. WWW.PEOINTERNATIONAL.ORG January–February 2022 | THE P.E.O. RECORD 5

your LETTERS P.E.O. Sheila Gray (first row, Letter of Gratitude far right) was thrilled to meet FROM NEW P.E.O. a group of Cottey students I just feel compelled to share these thoughts with and Shaun West, director of you this morning. It’s taken me some time to student life (second row, far understand the purpose of P.E.O. I only know that I’m very grateful God worked thru you to get me left), on a flight to Hawaii involved with it for my own personal growth. Never before have I felt comfortable getting together with Connecting with Cottey a group of women just for the purpose of sharing Students on Flight to Hawaii a “sisterhood.” I’ve always developed friendships within work organizations, but this organization is While landing in Hawaii for a vacation with my husband, different. It is about “trusted relationships,” based a young man helped us fill out our agricultural card. He upon the principles of faith and moral character. I mentioned this was his third trip to Hawaii in a month! Not a feel safe within this group of women. Unfortunately, businessman, he worked for a small, women’s college in the many times women’s groups have a “behind the Midwest! That’s how I discovered I was on the same flight with back” or “catty” atmosphere about them. I’ve never one of the Cottey College sophomore trips. Since they couldn’t felt safe sharing personal feelings within that type travel internationally because of COVID-19, they postponed the of group or letting my “guard down” to trust any trips to the end of the semester and went to Hawaii in smaller of the women within those organizations. But, this groups. I jumped at the chance to talk with the students for a group seems different. Its purpose is to foster the few minutes when we deplaned, finding out about suite life and development of confident, caring and loving women, changes to the school year due to the pandemic. They were as who bolster and support one another, not compete excited as me to spend 10 days in the paradise that is the state or take advantage. What a blessing and a breath of of Hawaii. Also, Shaun West, the Cottey director of student life, fresh air in a very polluted society to have such a has no idea that he was spared a nine-hour interrogation about group of ladies to call friends. all that is Cottey College if we had introduced ourselves at the Thank you for identifying me as a possible member. beginning of the flight! So glad that Cottey figured out a way to I’m deeply appreciative and honored to be a part of it. give the students a great travel experience in a safe environment. — Sue Willke, BW, Wexford, Pennsylvania — Sheila Gray, T, Fort Thomas, Kentucky License Plate Frame is Moving Billboard for P.E.O. I was away from my home community recently, shopping at a plant nursery when I Sandra Thompson’s was approached by a woman asking if it was my car that had the license plate frame P.E.O. license stating “P.E.O., Educating Women.” I proudly answered “Yes, I am a P.E.O.!” She said plate frame she wanted me to know that she has two daughters who have benefited from P.E.O.’s Educational Loan Fund. Because of P.E.O., both women have become medical doctors, sparks one finishing a residency in Salt Lake City and another who is at Mayo Clinic, both as conversations anesthetists. She said her daughters would not have been able to accomplish this without with strangers the help of P.E.O. “It made all the difference,” she said. She was quite emotional as she told me again and again how grateful she was for P.E.O. and what a wonderful organization it is. We talked more about P.E.O. before and P.E.O.s departing and that conversation has stayed with me, knowing I needed to share it with my P.E.O. sisters. How alike amazing is our P.E.O.! How incredible to know the impact we have had on the lives of these two women, who are now a part of the medical community that is so critical for our world today. My P.E.O. license plate frame is like a moving billboard for P.E.O. and has sparked more than one conversation since I put it on my car, prompting interest in P.E.O. or acknowledging sisterhood wherever I travel, and I am so proud to broadcast our goal of advancing the lives of women everywhere through education! — Sandra Thompson, Q, Montevideo, Minnesota 6 THE P.E.O. RECORD | January–February 2022 Women helping women reach for the stars

Iowa Wesleyan: $10,000 FOUNDATION P.E.O. Foundation Trustees For care of P.E.O. Memory Room are pleased to announce  the 2021 Distribution of P.E.O. Educational Loan Fund $200,000 P.E.O. STAR Scholarship Undesignated Funds Cottey College $505,033 $298,035 Total: $2,078,100 P.E.O. P.E.O. International Scholar Awards Peace Scholarship This distribution was made possible by the loving generosity of P.E.O.s $360,000 Fund and their families and friends.  $200,000 P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education $505,032 new Member WeabsnidteSPeacsuswriotrydFeatures IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN PRIVACY January–February 2022 | THE P.E.O. RECORD 7 AND SECURITY FOR MEMBERS IN AN EVER-EVOLVING ELECTRONIC AGE, the P.E.O. International member website passwords were updated on January 1, 2022 and will continue to be updated annually on the first day of the year. In addition, the login process for the International member website now requires that you complete a reCAPTCHA, an image identification, with an audible option or the visually-impaired. The P.E.O. International member website passwords were updated on January 1, 2022. All passwords will have the current year added to the end. For example, the new password for members will be formatted like this, with the original password filling in the blanks: _ _ _ _ _2022. Your state, province or district (s/p/d) website passwords may have also changed on January 1. Check with your s/p/d board for more details. WWW.PEOINTERNATIONAL.ORG

COVER|story P.E.O.s ON THE AIR Sisters in Radio, Television & Podcasting As you get to know the P.E.O.s in your chapter or flip through the pages of The P.E.O. Record, you’re sure to recognize what a wide variety of special interests and areas of expertise those in our organization possess. We’re continuously impressed with how P.E.O.s use their talents—whether it’s a casual hobby or a career built over a lifetime—it’s all part of the beautiful mosaic that makes up our Sisterhood. In this issue of The Record, we’re excited to share stories of P.E.O.s who have taken their special interests and expertise to radio and television airwaves, and to the wide world of podcasting. These sisters explore topics ranging from career advice, aging and politics to ghosts and storytelling. WHO: Roni Burgener, IN, Louisville, Colorado WHAT: “Big Girl Money” podcast Roni Burgener, a fourth-generation P.E.O. and engineer, had been working in tech for only six months when the corporate world began to pummel her with some hard-to-learn lessons. She soon learned that no matter what rocky road you’re on, there’s a woman who has been there and all you have to do is find her. Thankfully, Roni found that woman early in her career, Wendy Bohling. Wendy’s advice helped her through discrimination, bad bosses, infuriating meetings with HR, pay negotiations Roni (left) with and coping with everyday work life. Through all her co-host this turmoil, Roni couldn’t stop thinking about how incredibly ill-prepared she was to deal Wendy Bohling with all these challenges and how many other women must be feeling WHO: Kay Henderson, GH, Des Moines, Iowa the exact same way. WHAT: “Iowa Press” TV show Roni has never known a world without P.E.O. She remembers going to pancake breakfasts and holiday galas. She joined her mom and Kay Henderson, GH, Des Moines, Iowa, is the aunt’s chapter, Chapter IN in Colorado, when she was 19 and has host and moderator of “Iowa Press,” the Iowa been an active member for seven years. For Roni, growing up with PBS public affairs program. P.E.O. instilled in her a core value—women should help women reach for the stars. Kay first appeared on “Iowa Press” in As Roni was dealing with challenge after challenge at work, the October of 1987. For the past 20 years, she P.E.O. in her couldn’t stop worrying about all the other women in has been the national political director for corporate America dealing with these same issues. Roni had an Learfield news networks in Iowa, Missouri, instant career advice hotline through her mentor, Wendy. What Minnesota and Wisconsin. She has served two about women who didn’t have a Wendy? terms as president of the National Association That’s when it hit Roni—they should start a career advice podcast of State Radio Networks’ news directors for women. Fast forward to today, they have now released more than group. Kay received the Iowa Broadcast News 80 episodes of their award-winning show, “Big Girl Money.” Association’s 2002 Jack Shelley Award, an The pair blends their intergenerational wisdom to deliver career annual recognition of “outstanding contribution advice and leadership skills in a practical and humorous way. Each to the cause of professional journalism.” episode they feature guest interviews, career advice, leadership skills and more. You can hear an interview with another P.E.O. in episode In addition to her work in Iowa broadcasting, 43, titled Joan Motley – Doctor and Two Time Cancer Survivor. Kay has appeared on the “PBS NewsHour,” For Roni, producing the podcast has been a beautiful lesson in NBC’s “Meet the Press” and ABC’s “This Week” perseverance, positivity and staying open to unexpected friendships. as well CNN, Fox News and MSNBC. She encourages all P.E.O.s to never stop thinking about the new and creative ways they can be women who help women reach for Each week, “Iowa Press” invites newsmakers, the stars. policy makers and elected officials to join capitol reporters in a weekly discussion. The program airs Friday evenings and Sundays at noon on Iowa PBS. Past episodes of “Iowa Press” are available online at iowapbs.org. 8 THE P.E.O. RECORD | January–February 2022 Women helping women reach for the stars

COVER|story WHO: Cheryl Beversdorf, N, Arlington, Virginia Deidre Dawn WHAT:  “Aging Matters” radio program and Dina Pam TV show WHO: Dawn Larsen, N, Florence, South Carolina, Deidre Larsen McCormick, JR, Branson, Missouri, Dina Larsen Gillman, “Age is just a number, not a label.” That’s the Cottey College, class of 1994 and Pam Atha closer for a radio interview program called “Aging Matters” that broadcasts each week WHAT: “Ozarks Haints N Hooch” podcast on Arlington, Virginia’s community radio station, WERA-LP Arlington 96.7 FM. Produced and Three sisters and Cottey alumna join another native Ozark woman hosted by P.E.O. Cheryl Beversdorf, N, Arlington, to present the podcast “Ozarks Haints N Hooch,” about Ozark lore Virginia, the interview show features experts who and history. talk about timely aging topics of interest to older adults and their families. These four women from the Ozarks gather bi-monthly, remotely from three different states, to offer stories about Ozark ghosts, Cheryl got the idea to produce her own radio monsters, superstitions, people, places, lore and history—with a show in 2016 when Arlington Independent bonus twist, a cocktail themed to the feature story. They did an Media, a local not-for-profit media organization episode about Cottey College in November 2020. that brings independent information, art and entertainment to television viewers, decided Dawn, Deidre and Dina are sisters who grew up in Forsyth, to open a radio station. Missouri. Dawn lives in Florence, South Carolina, is a singer/ songwriter, performer and theater professor. Deidre lives in Cheryl took the required course to become Forsyth, Missouri, and is the assistant general manager for a radio producer and submitted an application Tanger in Branson. Dina lives in Forsyth, Missouri, and owns to produce and host a program called “Aging her own childcare business. Pam Atha, from West Fork, Arkansas, Matters.” Each week she interviews individuals now lives in Nashville, Tennessee, and is a choreographer, teacher and representatives from organizations who talk and performer. about informative and entertaining topics that affect the lives of older adults and their families. WHO: A bigail K. Perry, AM, Foxboro, The goal of the show is to educate listeners Massachusetts about how to live better and longer. WHAT: “STORY EFFECT” podcast Since January 2017 she’s produced more than 200 shows covering a broad array of interests Abigail K. Perry, AM, Foxboro, Massachusetts, to older adults: health and wellness, housing, is a Certified Story Grid Editor with literary financial planning, retirement, local government agency, publishing, teaching and film production services, transportation, employment, social experience. She graduated from Syracuse activities, volunteering and more. Some programs University (Newhouse) with a B.S. in TV, radio feature issues not often discussed like senior and film and worked multiple internships in dating and finding new relationships, elder publishing after college. She earned her master’s mediation, digital learning, hoarding, end of life degree in secondary education and created curriculum for creative choices/funeral planning, learning how to play writing and film courses that she taught for a handful of years. an instrument and singing as an older adult. All As the host of her podcast, “STORY EFFECT,” Abigail has the programs can be heard any time on demand by pleasure of sharing the joy, lessons and wisdom stories have given visiting www.mixcloud.com/AgingMatters/. and taught others. Each episode, Abigail interviews a variety of guests on the top stories that touched their lives–pulled from tales In September 2018, “Aging Matters” debuted across all mediums. as a half-hour TV series, broadcast twice weekly “STORY EFFECT” is a podcast that celebrates the butterfly effect on Arlington, Virginia, channels and streams live of stories on our communities, cultures and selves. In May 2020 Past online and is available on YouTube. President of International Chapter Brenda J. Atchison was a guest on Abigail’s podcast talking about the power of saying “yes.” Cheryl (left) hosts both radio and TV programs about aging WWW.PEOINTERNATIONAL.ORG January–February 2022 | THE P.E.O. RECORD 9

2021-2023 INTERNATIONAL committeesBOARDS& P.E.O. Executive Board Patricia L. Cathy Moss Alix Smith Kathryn S. Ebert Jennifer G. Brolin-Ribi First Vice Second Vice Organizer Mitchell President President President Recording Secretary P.E.O. Executive Office Staff Kathy A. Soppe Dana Van Roekel Kate Westercamp Dawn Clayberg Jennifer Executive Director of Director of Director of Chittenden Director Finance/ Information Director of Tr e a s u r e r Communications/ Technolog y Membership Historian P.E.O. Educational Loan Fund Trustees Ann Lambert Nanci Rosensteel Laurel Andrew Stephanie Halton Marti Ramsey Kristin Cresta Chair Vice Chair Women helping women reach for the stars 10 THE P.E.O. RECORD | January–February 2022

BOARDS&committees P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund Trustees Jan Knuckey Karen Neylon Bobbie Gervais Chair P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education Trustees Debra Dumler Beverly Prewitt Donna Corbin Chair P.E.O. Scholar Awards Trustees Rebecca Daniel Terry Northcutt Lisa Cooley Chair P.E.O. STAR Scholarship Trustees Jayme Resnik Sheri Bailey Isabelle Susan Smith Sue Barker Chair Vice Chair DuBois Wattles January–February 2022 | THE P.E.O. RECORD 11 WWW.PEOINTERNATIONAL.ORG

BOARDS&committees P.E.O. Foundation Board of Trustees Nicole Berner Margaret Jennifer Bream Chair “Peggy” Rose Finance Committee/Audit Committee Parliamentarian (Barbara) Ann Bowen Ellen Fox Belinda Hargrove Barbara Rosi Chair Study and Research Committee Elizabeth Christine Ankeney Judith French Karen Leftwich Ellen Busby Glenda Dixon McFarland Vice Chair Chair Nominating Committee Cathy Manhart Susan Penrod Lori O’Keefe Jacqueline Marylou Ruud Chair Dawson 12 THE P.E.O. RECORD | January–February 2022 Women helping women reach for the stars

BOARDS&committees Membership Committee Rita Briggs Kathleen Feldman Lauri Cushing Laura A. Parris Becky Clines Susan Harber Chair Vice Chair P.E.O. Leadership Development Committee Debbie Kotecki Julee Carucci Karen Fite Chair Cottey College Trustees Jann Rudd Weitzel Kathryn Bayne Diann E. Georgann Douglas James R. Bickel Cheryl Denslow McChesney Secretary President Chair Vice Chair Tamara Kenworthy Hope Zoeller Jack Ewing Joan Braddock Lydia Bangert Ariel I. Delaney WWW.PEOINTERNATIONAL.ORG January–February 2022 | THE P.E.O. RECORD 13

SPECIAL|feature A Stihstrero’suLgovhe for P.E.O. Remains Fog of Dementia by Corkey Waite hen my friend, she had quit smoking 25 years earlier. of Mary Todd Lincoln who she felt Jean Kendall, AP, She adored her brother, Jack, enjoyed strongly, had “not been treated kindly Winona, Minnesota, fishing at the summer cabin, proudly by history.” was diagnosed with called herself a daddy’s girl and Alzheimer’s disease preferred cats over dogs. Now, wheelchair bound, and in 2009, she asked me completely dependent for every to be her legal health-advocate. Now, in the winter of her journey, aspect of her being, I visit Jean often, Widowed for eight years and her what remains most is a continued taking her on long strolls in the park children living in distant states, dislike for country music, a deep and adjacent to the skilled-care facility Jean understood she needed some abiding love for her late husband, where she lives. No matter what immediate guidance. I agreed, making Dave, going outside regardless of kind of weather Minnesota delivers, it clear that I would help her navigate weather—and P.E.O. Jean has a going-out-for-a-roll coat immediate decisions and with the and a hat to go with it. Fewer than a understanding that she and her In 1959, Jean was encouraged to dozen silver strands peek through her family would come to an agreement accept an invitation to join P.E.O. still thick and shiny, strawberry-red for a more sustainable arrangement by her friend, Helen Hobart, who hair, always Jean’s favorite physical moving forward. But “stuff” and at the time was Dean of Women at feature. The lines in her face illustrate family dynamics happen, so 13 years Roanoke College, Jean’s alma mater. the weariness of nearly 90 years of a and four facilities later, Jean is still in Chapter V, Salem, Virginia, was filled life well-lived, but glows with the spirit Winona, and I am still her healthcare with women who so impressed Jean, of the gracious woman who remains power of attorney. she found it difficult to call them by inside. It is not at all a stretch their first names. to imagine a time when she was I set out to learn everything I could chosen to be Apple Blossom Queen. about dementia in general, and She held each of the offices in order, Alzheimer’s in particular. Jean starting with guard, and told me more Jean listens to her husband’s voice and I had been friends for many than once that her least favorite through headphones, an old recording years, but I listened anew to her office was treasurer: “I’ve never from 1990 converted to MP3. Her stories and made note of treasured enjoyed working with figures.” face melts into a warm smile. She memories. Along the way, I learned nods. “That’s right,” she says quietly to meet Jean where she was at the Over time, Chapter V grew so but unmistakably. “We did.” It’s moment—not where I wanted her to large, they had trouble finding a enough to soften the stonehearted. be, especially in circumstances that place to meet, so Jean requested were becoming increasingly confusing permission to select a charter for Then The P.E.O. Record arrives in and overwhelming for this once another chapter; in 1970, Chapter the mail, and I read it to her cover to well-organized and highly successful AE, Salem was born, with Jean as cover, finding something to discuss businesswoman. Widely traveled, its first president. Three years later, on every page. The issue is filled with profoundly curious and ever the Jean remarried and moved to New convention news and amendments. welcoming hostess, Jean at one Jersey, became a member of Chapter Over Jean’s P.E.O lifetime, she time, could easily engage in AB, Madison, and began putting her was delegate to six state and one thoughtful conversation covering minor in drama to good use when it international convention. art and culture, city planning and was her turn to provide the program. marketing, bridge games and Having found her element, her style of “What do you think?” I query. “Do traveling, music and Shakespeare, programing continued when she and you want to go to next month’s German beer and good Scotch. her husband retired to Minnesota and convention?” Jean shakes her head, Jean became a member of Chapter no. It’s time to pass the baton. As the fog of dementia enveloped AP, Winona, her final P.E.O. home. Of Jean, I paid close attention to what all the programs Jean presented over Jean Kendall passed away on resonated with her, and noted when the years, by far, her favorite was her November 20, 2021. Corkey was things fell away. She had forgotten one-woman show featuring the life by her side, holding her hand. 14 THE P.E.O. RECORD | January–February 2022 Women helping women reach for the stars

SPECIAL|feature Jean as Mary Todd Lincoln Jean and Dave Now, in the winter of her journey, what remains most is a continued dislike for country music, a deep and abiding love for her late husband, Dave, going outside regardless of weather—and P.E.O. WWW.PEOINTERNATIONAL.ORG Jean Kendall January–February 2022 | THE P.E.O. RECORD 15

New Year, New Fresh and Inspiring Communication from International Chapter! We know the two most enduring benefits of belonging to P.E.O. are the bonds of sisterhood and our shared philanthropic mission. In 2022, International Chapter plans on sharing inspirational stories with you through periodic emails that highlight sisterly love and the impact our philanthropies have on women all over the world. Enjoy features about recipients from the International Chapter projects and stories showing the amazing loving concern and encouragement shared among sisters. A little fun will be mixed in with quick tidbits of news, too! Rest assured, we’ll remain respectful of your inbox while providing this meaningful connection. Make Sure Your Email is Correct To ensure email messages land in your inbox, take a minute to verify your email address. Simply go to the Membership tab on the P.E.O. International member website and select “Member Update.” After you input your member ID, your current information will appear and you can easily review and update your contact information. R E M I N D E R : your Member ID is printed on the back page of this magazine within the mailing area. **ABC-DE LOT**F-123 MIX COMAIL AA\\IA 1234567 P.E.O. ID number Chapter letters\\ state or provincial 0_123_456789 0123 4 567890 1234567 abbreviation MARGUERITE MERRYWEATHER 12345 STARDUST DR DAISYTOWN IA 12345-6789 16 THE P.E.O. RECORD | January–February 2022 Women helping women reach for the stars

TECH | tip NEW RESOURCES on the P.E.O. International Member Website by Annie Jenkins, Digital Communication Specialist, P.E.O. International The P.E.O. International member website is frequently updated with new resources. Here are some of the latest updates that will be helpful to you and your chapter members. Inclusion Resources Page The next two resources are not exactly new, but they are exciting enough to deserve some extra attention! In the top navigation bar, you will now find a link to an Inclusion Resources page that contains a collection of Find a P.E.O. Chapter videos, documents and past articles from The P.E.O. Record you can use for your own benefit or as an The Chapter Map Tool debuted at the beginning of 2021, educational opportunity with your chapter sisters. and since then, more than 16,000 P.E.O.s have accessed it! (Source: Google Analytics) This mapping tool allows Local Chapter Programs Page members to see communities and the chapters located within them in a new way. Members are using the map On the new Local Chapter Programs page, you will find to locate a chapter, connect inactive members and invite many of the videos from Convention of International Chapter, prospective members into P.E.O. plus a collection of P.E.O. history programs. There are videos to watch and discuss along with activities to do together, Find this resource under the Membership tab, then so you can choose what will work best for your chapter. Find a P.E.O. Chapter. Find this page under the Resource Library tab, then Local Chapter Members and Local Chapter Programs. P.E.O. Zoom Backgrounds Simplified Member Updates In 2020, so much of our lives, including our P.E.O. lives, moved to Zoom. You may have noticed some of your The Change in Membership (CIM) form and the Address, chapter sisters using special P.E.O. branded backgrounds Email and Phone Update online forms were merged into during your virtual meetings, and these are available to one streamlined form that members and chapter officers all members! Along with Zoom backgrounds, there are can use in making information updates. This improvement also computer and cell phone wallpaper designs available offers members an intuitive online experience when making for download. updates to their own information, as well as for chapter corresponding secretaries to report membership changes. Find these items under the Resource Library, Find this form under the Membership tab, then Local Chapter Members, Brand Resource Center, Member Update. then Logos and Images. News from P.E.O. International and website banners Any time you are on the P.E.O. International member website homepage, pay attention to the News from P.E.O. International updates on the left hand side and rotating banners at the top of the page. These sections are updated multiple times each month and are where you can find any recent news or updates. WWW.PEOINTERNATIONAL.ORG January–February 2022 | THE P.E.O. RECORD 17

SPECIAL|feature Pandemics’ ImpactbyKateWestercamp, Historian, International on P.E.O. ChapterofTheP.E.O.Sisterhood ortunately for many of us, the COVID-19 pandemic is that we must continue our meetings and state gatherings the only personal experience we’ve had with a worldwide even tho we were in the midst of war, and thus be prepared pandemic. However, it is not the only pandemic the P.E.O. to serve our country to the utmost since we were organized Sisterhood has dealt with in our 153-year-history. and trained for that purpose; the next few months after that More than 100 years ago, the world experienced the when the ban had been placed for months on all meetings 1918 influenza pandemic. The first civilian cases of the and a great, distress had arisen in many quarters because Great Influenza epidemic in Canada were reported in the meetings could not be held and no progress made, I found “We shall hear in a later report how splendidly we have given an account of ourselves as ‘Patriots Every One,’ and we shall hear how wonderful we rallied after the epidemic was over and made good all the time lost.” — Margaret Durward, President, 1919 Supreme Chapter autumn of 1918, according to Parks Canada. In the U.S., myself writing much that sounded contradictory to my it was first identified in military personnel in the spring of earlier statements; my main theme became ‘Hold the line 1918. It is estimated about 500 million people, or one-third just where we are. We are large enough and strong enough of the world’s population, became infected with the virus, to overcome temporary lapse.’ We shall hear in a later report according to the Centers for Disease Control. how splendidly we have given an account of ourselves as ‘Patriots Every One,’ and we shall hear how wonderful we To tell stories of P.E.O. history, we are fortunate to have rallied after the epidemic was over and made good all the proceedings from past conventions and archived copies time lost.” of The P.E.O. Record as valued resources. They are both great sources of information that give an inside look at The P.E.O. Record what was happening within our Sisterhood at any given at the time had time throughout history. reports from local chapters. This is The Proceedings of the Twenty-Third Session of the where we get an Supreme Chapter P.E.O. Sisterhood, held October 16-19, inside look at what 1917, in Omaha, Nebraska, tell us that, as of March 1, P.E.O. chapter life 1917, there were 14 Grand Chapters, 663 local chapters was like and what and 18,344 active members. Through 1917-1919, our members were Sisterhood grew with the organization of Wisconsin experiencing. Grand (State) Chapter, 74 local chapters and the initiation of 3,309 new members. Michigan State Chapter was then Our Sisterhood organized in 1919. was stronger as those important It is surprising to find limited content about the Influenza letters of P.E.O. epidemic within the proceedings of the 1919 Grand Chapter helped us come Convention. As our nations were also in the midst of World together through War I at the time, the 1919 proceedings did include a Report the two major of War Work Done. international events of that In the 1919 Convention of Grand Chapter Convention time: World War I Proceedings, Margaret Durward, President, Supreme and the 1918 influenza pandemic. Chapter, is quoted as saying, “Much of the correspondence P.E.O.s always raise the bar to the stars and we’ll come has been directed toward two great efforts, each a seeming out of the COVID-19 pandemic upholding our letters, P.E.O. contradiction to the other; during the winter and spring of 1918 an effort to show many states and many local chapters 18 THE P.E.O. RECORD | January–February 2022 Women helping women reach for the stars

SPECIAL|feature March 1919 September 1919 Just like in 1918 1919 into 1919 and in 2020 still through today, the importance COVID-19 pandemic of our letters, P.E.O., has helped us come together. March 1, 2019: 223,902 March 1, 2021: 213,511 1918 influenza President at beginning of the pandemic: Brenda J. Atchison, California Membership March 1, 1917: 18,344 75th biennial Convention of P.E.O. Sisterhood March 1, 1919: 20,798 President Virtual President at beginning of the pandemic: September 20-25, 2021 First convention held Margaret Durward, Colorado after the beginning of the pandemic 24th biennial Convention of P.E.O. Sisterhood Denver, Colorado September 30 - October 3, 1919 WWW.PEOINTERNATIONAL.ORG January–February 2022 | THE P.E.O. RECORD 19

P.E.O. LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Leading Yourself from Intent to Impact in P.E.O. Are you lingering in the “Land of Good Intentions” or are you leading yourself on the “Path to Positive Impact” in P.E.O.? No matter what your role is in our organization, from an experienced chapter by Debbie president to a brand new sister, having the skills to take a good intention from the Kotecki, Chair, thought stage all the way to successful results is essential. What good are your best ideas Leadership if you don’t have a clear and simple path to move them forward to meaningful contribution? Development Committee The impact of your service in our Sisterhood is unfolding NOW, as it will continue to be throughout your lifetime. This can either happen by default, wandering without direction, OR it can unfold with purpose due to your powerful planning. Use these four key stepping stones to map out your own Path of Positive Impact: Define Your Best Contribution Track Your Efforts • Determine what brings you a spark of energy, excitement • Y our personal promises are just as important and joy about the work of P.E.O. as those you’ve made to someone else, so be accountable to yourself. • Consider what is naturally easy for you…this is your sweet spot and what you are wired to do! What do others praise • C reate a tracker for your efforts using a phone app, you for? excel chart, calendar with stickers or draw some stepping stones to color in when you take an • Come up with a list of fun-sounding ideas you’d be action step! interested in taking from thoughts in your mind to actual fruition. Some examples are: learn more about one • Review your progress and celebrate small victories, of our philanthropic projects, tell a friend about P.E.O. adjusting your steps as needed to make them even and introduce her to a few sisters, encourage a project easier to accomplish. recipient, etc. • Share what you are doing with another sister for • Choose just ONE you’d like to move from the idea state encouragement. toward real positive impact over the next six months. Visualize Your Future Impact Create Simple Action Steps • Keep a big picture vision of your intention front and • Break your desired contribution down into baby steps… center! Why do you want to take this good intention so small that your success is ensured! all the way to a true positive impact? • B e realistic and go easy on yourself, recognizing the • At your 100th birthday party, what would you like your time you have to give them. P.E.O. sisters to be saying about your positive impact of contributions? • Keep them bite-sized and enjoyable. What I love about P.E.O. A printable “P.E.O. Intent to Impact Plan” worksheet and all the guidance you need to work 1. 2. through these steps for yourself is now available in the module “Leading Yourself from Intent My current viewpoint (years as a member, officer, long-time chapter member who has done it all, etc.) to Impact in P.E.O.” This is posted on the P.E.O. International member website under the Leadership tab, “Inspiration” competency section. What I do well (things that feel easy and enjoyable) 1. 2. This resource has various formats and is perfect for use as: My P.E.O. intention (one P.E.O. related thing you’ve been meaning to do) • an interactive workshop for groups • a great chapter program My action steps for this intention (small baby steps; broken down into easy to do chunks) • an individual sister’s personal planning • • Imagine the cumulative power of all P.E.O. sisters leading themselves to accomplish just one • positive step toward our mission’s forward motion! Let us linger no longer in the “Land of Good • Intentions” and instead lead ourselves in our own positive contributions of impact! My tracker system 1. Way I’ll remind myself to do the current action step 2. Way I’ll track and record what I’ve done 3. Where is there space for notes? 4. Where I will keep my tracker? 5. When I will review my progress Visualizing my P.E.O. legacy A look back from the future from my chapter’s celebration of my 100th birthday. What I’d like to hear said about my P.E.O. legacy: What “my P.E.O. Legacy” puzzle box cover picture shows: 20 THE P.E.O. RECORD | January–February 2022 Women helping women reach for the stars

SPECIAL|feature by Jeanne Tomlin Gerbsch, DG, Noblesville, Indiana Emily Whelchel restored the terra cotta façade on the former Indianapolis Coca Cola Bottling Plant EMILY WHELCHEL , DG , NOBLESVILLE , INDIANA, HAS A PASSION FOR RESTORING H I S T O R I C B U I L D I N G S . She attended Purdue University where she earned a Bachelor of Science (2014) and Master of Science (2016) in civil engineering, with an emphasis in structural engineering. During her sophomore year at Purdue, Emily began working with ARSEE Engineers in Fishers, Indiana, through a co-op experience. Following graduation, Emily started full time work there where her responsibilities include investigating and repairing building exteriors as well as analyzing and designing wood, concrete and steel structures. Emily traveled to Christchurch, New Zealand, to learn about repair of earthquake damaged structures and her thesis project studied the long-term performance of concrete crack sealers and deck surface sealers on concrete bridge decks. Emily has worked on four of Indiana’s historic county courthouses, including one in Decatur County that is famous for the tree that grows out of the top. She has helped restore the centerpiece of the Circle City, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument as well as the historic Scottish Rite Cathedral. Mentoring engineering students and engineers new to her firm is important to Emily. A favorite project of Emily’s is the recent restoration of a terra cotta façade on the former Indianapolis Coca Cola Bottling Plant, which has been transformed into the new Bottleworks District in downtown Indianapolis. This area is now home to restaurants, boutiques, a movie theater and hotel where visitors of all ages can spend time enjoying the capital city. Emily serves as Chapter DG’s corresponding secretary and was recently married to Ryan Whelchel, who is also an engineer in central Indiana. Emily was principal flutist in the Purdue Wind Ensemble and has provided beautiful music programs for our chapter. We are proud of how Emily is making a difference in our state! WWW.PEOINTERNATIONAL.ORG January–February 2022 | THE P.E.O. RECORD 21

SPECIAL|feature SiYsHtoeourwnhgothoBdeaPHll.eeErl.piOne.ad a Land on Her Feet From the left: Audrey Burdick, Vicki Burdick, Ellen Bartz As every mom knows, Women helping women reach for the stars there is nothing more precious than your children. You worry for their health, safety and happiness. I agonized over what to do and wondered who I could trust with my child’s wellbeing. One answer quickly came to my mind, my P.E.O. sisters. 22 THE P.E.O. RECORD | January–February 2022

SPECIAL|feature by Vicki Burdick, DT, IN MARCH OF 2020, THE CORONAVIRUS, WHICH HADN’T EVEN BEEN Carmel, Indiana NAMED COVID-19 YET, WAS STARTING TO DOMINATE THE HEADLINES. At the same time, my 20-year-old daughter, Audrey, was offered her first © Jason Lavengood professional ballet contract with The Cleveland Ballet. On March 16, 2020, Audrey signed the contract. On March 16, 2020, the world went into lockdown. © Jason Lavengood My jubilation for her accomplishment turned to disappointment and fear. I was disappointed in the realization that after 17 years of training and auditioning, it was highly unlikely Audrey would get the chance to dance for the Cleveland Ballet in 2020, and if she was able to fulfill her contract, I was fearful to send my young daughter to a strange city where we knew no one. One by one, art institutions began to shut their doors indefinitely. Our hopes began to fade. Then, in mid-June of 2020, we received an email saying that The Cleveland Ballet was taking a different path, thinking outside the box, and making arrangements to bring ballet to Northeast Ohio in spite of the pandemic. Audrey was to report to the studio in three weeks! She and I looked at apartments online, but the reviews were less than stellar and we didn’t know the city well enough to know where to even look. With the ballet offices closed during that time, we were basically on our own to figure it out. I knew that, like the Cleveland Ballet, I had to think outside the box. As every mom knows, there is nothing more precious than your children. You worry for their health, safety and happiness. I agonized over what to do and wondered who I could trust with my child’s wellbeing. One answer quickly came to my mind, my P.E.O. sisters. I immediately went on the P.E.O. International website and searched the directory for all the P.E.O. chapters in Cleveland, Ohio. I then emailed every Cleveland P.E.O. chapter president and explained my situation. Within minutes I heard back from 90 percent of the chapters and within just hours, I heard back from them all. I am brought to tears as I remember reading the emails. The presidents immediately forwarded my request to their chapters and soon chapter members from all over Northeast Ohio began emailing and calling me offering rooms in their homes, their rental properties and anything we could possibly need. One P.E.O. sister, Ellen Bartz, Q, Cleveland, Ohio, called to tell me that she had a duplex rental that was available just 15 minutes from the ballet studio. Ellen, a mom to children close in age to mine, understood my trepidation and put my mind at ease. The following week, Audrey, my husband, Brandt, and I met Ellen at the duplex. God had answered our prayers. It was a beautiful home in an amazing location and her landlord would be a P.E.O. so I knew she would be taken care of like I would take care of her. Over the last year, Ellen has become one of my dearest friends. She has looked after Audrey like only a mother would. She regularly checks in on her, invites her to events, brings her food and always shows her love and kindness. She is the true definition of what it means to be a P.E.O. sister. Audrey is now thriving in Cleveland. She loves the city and her home. I feel comfort knowing she is exactly where she is supposed to be and thanks to some creative thinking by the Cleveland Ballet, and the generosity of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, Audrey is truly living her dream. WWW.PEOINTERNATIONAL.ORG January–February 2022 | THE P.E.O. RECORD 23

Pay Your P.E.O. Dues Before February 28! Your dues support P.E.O. and life-changing educational opportunities for women. Y our dues keep you an active member of the Sisterhood where you can continue to benefit from P.E.O. chapter life and strengthening relationships with your sisters. Even if you can’t be an active participant, paying your dues shows you support the mission of P.E.O. P .E.O. is a philanthropic organization where women CELEBRATE the advancement of women; EDUCATE women through scholarships, grants, awards, loans, and stewardship of Cottey College and MOTIVATE women to achieve their highest aspirations. As an active member of P.E.O., you have full access to our members-only website, which includes a number of personal and professional growth resources, such as Leadership Development. Submit dues to your local chapter treasurer before February 28, 2022. You may pay your treasurer early, in case you might forget, get busy or be out of town. 24 THE P.E.O. RECORD | January–February 2022 Women helping women reach for the stars

MEMBERSHIP By now, you have heard announcements about paying I encourage you, if you have not already done so, to dues in a chapter meeting, on your state or international complete this annual task. Even if you are not as involved website, via email or even on social media. That must in your chapter as you once might have been, or you are mean we are approaching the end of February! I am certain not able to attend as many meetings as you might like right that many, (all right, most) of us equate dues with writing now, you are thanked and appreciated for continuing to a paper check and receiving a yellow membership card in return. Some of this process has now been modernized support our mission. Your chapter treasurer will thank you, and your simple act will continue our 153-year tradition but the process is the same: announcements, more of supporting education for women in all of its forms. announcements, reminders, more reminders and finally, everyone in the chapter has paid their dues and we can In the beginning of our P.E.O. journey we promise to devote our time and our energy to this sisterhood. What move ourselves straight into elections and transitioning could take less time and energy, but have the greatest officers into their new roles. Paying our annual dues, though, is much more than just impact, than paying our annual dues? the act of writing a check and collecting a membership card. While all of the funds and where they go are important, it is our local dues that truly support In the beginning of our P.E.O. journey we promise the mission of our Sisterhood. Those to devote our time and our energy to this sisterhood. local chapter dues cover the cost What could take less time and energy, but have the for the signs we greatest impact, than paying our annual dues?   hang around the neighborhood advertising an annual garage sale which raises funds for our scholarships. They go to paying for a Supporting booth at a craft fair where we can display our handmade Our Mission goods, and, in turn, sell those items so that the profits can support our loans and grants. Our local chapter dues allow us to purchase the napkins and the centerpieces for an afternoon tea where we introduce our friends and family to the Sisterhood. They in the pay for greeting cards and stamps that are sent to non- participating members with the hope that continued contact will encourage them to come back to participating Simplest Way in chapter life. Our local chapter dues go to nametags that Possible – we wear when we are meeting new friends and beginning Paying the path to initiation of new members. Our dues finance Your Dues the easy-up tents or banners with our logo on them that we use in our communities to spread the word about the educational opportunities that we offer and lead to finding project recipients. These reminders we hear each year at this time are not just about writing a check so we remain active members. It is not just about making sure you have that yellow membership card so you can attend the next state, provincial or district convention. This is a physical and by Becky Clines, P.E.O. financial act that demonstrates to all of our sisters your International Membership devotion to this great sisterhood. P.E.O. has given Committee over $383 million in financial assistance to women all over the world. None of this would have been possible without each and every one of us participating annually by paying our dues. We set the example for all of our members by paying these on time and continuing to grow this sisterhood one event, and one dollar, at a time. WWW.PEOINTERNATIONAL.ORG January–February 2022 | THE P.E.O. RECORD 25

SPECIAL|feature by Barb Thelen and Rita Thelen, CV, Tucson, Arizona 26 THE P.E.O. RECORD | January–February 2022 Women helping women reach for the stars

SPECIAL|feature Isabel was “thrilled and humbled” P.E.O. sister Isabel Barton, CV, Tucson, Arizona, was recently to receive a P.E.O. Scholar Award awarded a prestigious National Science Foundation CAREER grant for $500,000. This grant will be administered by the University of Arizona, where she is employed as an assistant professor in mining and geological engineering, focusing on geometallurgy. She is only the second female member in the department’s 130 year history. The grant, which commenced in June, will allow Isabel to continue her research as well as develop a series of short videos, explaining resource concepts to non-scientists. Little do most of us realize how much Arizona, Isabel intended to earn her as actively as I would like, due to the of our modern lives are made possible Master of Science but when a chance demands of my job, being a P.E.O. sister by mineral resources. Isabel reminds came to do research at a copper- is important to me for the support and us, “Every time we turn on a lightbulb, cobalt deposit in central Africa, unity that it represents as well as the type something into a computer she opted to do that instead. In good that the members do.” or drive to the grocery store, we’re Africa, she saw some of the most unconsciously relying on a vast amount beautiful rocks she had ever seen Chapter CV sisters of metals, fuels and industrial minerals and decided to pursue a Ph.D. in Mary Feldsien, Isabel that have to come out of the ground geology at the same mining camp site. Barton, Linda Placek, and be processed into usable form. Leanne Adams They are getting harder to acquire as Isabel began to realize how lucky she 6,000 years of human societies mining had been when another coincidence In 2014 Isabel married Mark Barton, and using nonrenewable resources has in 2013 came her way. She was told also a geology professor, and they depleted the supply noticeably.” by a colleague that P.E.O. Chapter CV honeymooned in southern Utah where in Tucson, Arizona, was looking for a they became acquainted with the How did Isabel reach Ph.D. student to nominate for the P.E.O. Colorado Plateau, which, as the years Scholar Award. She interviewed with went on, played a significant role in this stage in her life? CV member Jane Hall, the chapter shaping Isabel’s career path. nominated her and ultimately, she Isabel, who was homeschooled and was selected as a recipient. Isabel Isabel hopes that her research had no TV in her house, became an says, “I was thrilled and humbled.” “...will be a part of the technology avid reader at a young age. She says, and knowledge needed to keep “I read everything I could get my hands P.E.O. was new to Isabel. She began to supplying our society with the on. The only books I remember not spend more time with Chapter CV and resources that we depend on. liking were the ones I should be reading realized she was missing something in We can’t keep on ignoring the for school.” That changed in 8th her life. In 2014 she became a member value of the earth’s resources.” grade with a science textbook which of the Sisterhood and says, “It’s one covered geology and ignited her of the smarter decisions on my track love for that field. She went on to record. Even though I can’t participate attend a collegiate high school and included several geology courses Isabel traveled to central among her other requirements. Africa to do research at a She soon realized she was planning copper-cobalt deposit a career “on the rocks.” In her senior year, Isabel was awarded a National Merit Scholarship and chose to begin her college career at the University of Oklahoma where “there were nice rocks in the vicinity, it was a comfortable distance away and it had a good geology program.” She began her studies in the petroleum industry but soon switched to a more rock- oriented field, the study of the geology of ore deposits. Proceeding on to graduate school at the University of WWW.PEOINTERNATIONAL.ORG January–February 2022 | THE P.E.O. RECORD 27

SPECIAL|feature 3rd Community support PRIORITY State, provincial, 2nd district chapter PRIORITY projects P.E.O. 1st International PRIORITY Chapter Projects by Dana Van Roekel, P.E.O. International Director of Finance/Treasurer TPhyerPa.Em.Oi.d of Giving 28 THE P.E.O. RECORD | January–February 2022 Women helping women reach for the stars

SPECIAL|feature he P.E.O. Sisterhood has a long and rich tradition of philanthropy. As of February 28, For over 150 years, P.E.O.s have joined forces to support women’s 2021, over $22 million education through the International Chapter projects. In addition, was held in local state, provincial and district (s/p/d) chapters have established projects chapter accounts. This for scholarship funds and other worthy causes. Both International and is an average of over s/p/d projects further the work of the P.E.O. Sisterhood and depend $3,800 per chapter, primarily on chapter and member support. Though most of the charitable with 222 local chapters work of P.E.O. is fulfilled through these projects, chapters also seek to having a balance of raise awareness of P.E.O. through involvement in their communities. over $10,000. How much is too much? The P.E.O. Finances and Service Policy states that the primary purpose A general rule is to of our chapters is to support the philanthropic projects of the P.E.O. maintain one year of Sisterhood. This not only reinforces our mission statement, but is also operating expenses the basis for our IRS group exemption. In order to maintain this group in the local chapter exemption, chapters must illustrate support of our common purpose treasury. Unless a through use of their financial resources. chapter is saving for convention expenses The P.E.O. Finances and Service Policy does not provide specific or a special gift, there direction. Instead, it is a basic framework to raise awareness and should be no reason to encourage chapter discussion. In order to guide chapter decisions, maintain excess funds. consider the P.E.O. Pyramid of Giving, a three-tiered pyramid representing the three levels of contributions—International projects, s/p/d projects and local chapter interests. A chapter should consider their giving on these three priority levels. The base of the pyramid represents the largest portion of a chapter’s giving and this should be to the International Chapter projects. The middle section of the pyramid represents the contributions to s/p/d projects. The smallest portion of the pyramid is the tip—the portion of chapter giving that is available for local chapter scholarships and other community support. Though the exact amount or percentage of giving may be different among chapters, the shape of the pyramid should guide chapter decisions and help to focus support on the projects that are the strength of our Sisterhood. Helen Keller once stated, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” P.E.O. has proven the worth of this statement by helping nearly 117,000 women finance their education with over $385 million through our International Chapter projects.* Our concentrated efforts will ensure the continued success of the P.E.O. philanthropic projects, and more importantly—our shared mission to help women reach for the stars! *as of July 2021 P.E.O. Finances and Service Policy In keeping with the mission of P.E.O., the focus of chapter funds and fundraising activities shall be International Chapter projects, followed by state/provincial/district projects. In order to protect International Chapter’s exemption with the United States Internal Revenue Service, chapters must demonstrate the mission of P.E.O. through financial support. Therefore, P.E.O. dollars, offered and earned by members in the name of P.E.O., should be considered primarily for approved P.E.O. projects and/or the P.E.O. Foundation with minimal chapter funds used for outside philanthropic or local educational activities. To strengthen P.E.O.’s visible influence in the community, chapters and chapter members are encouraged to offer their talents and skills, time and service for local philanthropic and educational endeavors. WWW.PEOINTERNATIONAL.ORG January–February 2022 | THE P.E.O. RECORD 29

P.E.O. EDUCATIONAL LOAN FUND|ELF Let’s Go Find the ELF Applicants by Ann Lambert, Chair, P.E.O. Educational Loan Fund Board of Trustees Does this sound familiar? Your new project committee has formed and is raring to go. But now, where to find potential Educational Loan Fund (ELF) applicants? This topic was one discussed during the ELF live booth sessions at the Convention of International Chapter, and what ensued was a brainstorming of wonderful ideas. Read on to learn how many chapters have successfully found and sponsored women for an ELF loan. IDEA 1 IDEA 2 IDEA 4 Network in your community Work with a local community Spread the word at your local college, university or junior college chapter events Ask the principal at your local school to see if you may post an ELF flyer Meet with the financial aid officer. D istribute ELF flyers at your (available in the ELF section of the Explain the criteria for an ELF chapter fundraisers to which P.E.O. International member website) applicant and ask that they consider you invite community members. in the teachers’ lounge. This might recommending goal-oriented When your chapter holds a social help you connect with teachers women. Leave some flyers and event to which non-members who are working on an advanced ask if you may hang them on are invited, make available ELF degree or teaching assistants bulletin boards in the office. information. pursuing further education. If the college has women’s groups IDEA 5 Reach out to an area assisted living on campus, such as an honor or skilled nursing facility and your society or sorority, ask if you Learn more about ELF local hospitals. Many ELF applicants may drop off flyers or even are women pursuing education in give a presentation to the group. Use the programs available on the the area of health care. Oftentimes, ELF website at your local chapter CNAs are attending school to attain IDEA 3 meetings. This will help chapter the LPN or RN degree. members to identify women who Speak with the guidance department Work with other local chapters in might qualify for an ELF loan. head of your area high school to see your state/province/district (s/p/d) Use your chapter if they know of any recent graduates sisters to help who would now be in their last C ontact your s/p/d ELF project chair you “role play” two years of undergraduate work. and ask her to send you information how to talk Remember that an ELF loan can about self-referrals from the P.E.O. about ELF be used toward a certificate, so if International website. Remember that to prospective you have a local vocational school, you may conduct your interviews via candidates. reach out to see if there are women telephone and virtual conference, so who will be pursuing an advanced it is not necessary that you be in the It is evident that P.E.O. sisters are certificate or licensure program same town as the potential applicant. a fantastic resource for ideas! after their high school graduation. A sk your s/p/d ELF project chair to We hope that sharing this rich list S hare ELF information with neighbors, help you make a connection with a of ideas will provide a spark for your co-workers and house of worship local chapter that has consistently local chapter, and we would love members with daughters pursuing sponsored ELF applicants. Your s/p/d to hear more ideas about how their education. sisters from that chapter will be able chapters have successfully found C onsider chapter members as well as to give you tips and tricks that they and sponsored applicants. Together, their daughters and granddaughters. have learned through experience. “let’s go find the ELF applicants!” R each out to women your chapter S ome local chapters have pooled previously sponsored for another their resources and bought P.E.O. grant or scholarship. advertising space in a local Oftentimes these women still community magazine. need additional funding to Use the P.E.O. press release complete their degrees. materials (available on the P.E.O. International member website) 30 THE P.E.O. RECORD | January–February 2022 to write a press release to send to your local newspaper. Women helping women reach for the stars

social media FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM YOUTUBE VIDEOS COTTEY COLLEGE 98,286 3,391 3,441HASREACHED HAS REACHED HAVE BEEN WATCHED STUDENTS CURRENTLY ENROLLED WHO RECEIVED PEOPLE SINCE JULY 1* PEOPLE SINCE JULY 1* TIMES SINCE JULY 1* 52%A P.E.O. SCHOLARSHIP of students 8:1 Student to *asofSeptember30 currently faculty ratio enrolled receive institutional Average class size: 9 merit aid Student Debt at Graduation athletics CoColtlteegy e The average debt for a graduate with 30.1% by the Numbers a baccalaureate degree is LOWER than the national average. of Cottey students STUDENTS in fall 2021 IN FALL 2021 are part of COME FROM Cottey’s 32states 18countries making up 7.9% eight of student body athletic programs CTOOTBTEEDY CEOBNTTIN-UFESREE. $3,320,759 wasraisedtocreateaCenterforCampusLifeinthelowerlevelofthe chapel, (including adding outdoor gathering spaces, refreshing the upper level to include a side chapel and prayer and meditation space and support building maintenance) and the fund is still growing! 14NUMBER OF faculty STUDENT DIVERSITY (ETHNICITY AND RACE)NON-WHITE BACCALAUREATE MAJORS 44 number of 20.5% Enrollment full-time faculty Largest degrees are psychology, 25.2%Increase in first-time students biology, health and biomedical 35 of those 44 (first-year and transfer): sciences, criminology and business are females 7.1%Increase in enrollment overall: administration-management 73% of current students have 12 12 of those 44 declared their Bachelor of Science are international or Arts major (up to 93% of current resulting 27% of faculty being born/raised 303Total enrollment for fall 2021: students are in BA/BS major; some outside the U.S. have yet to declare their major) Cottey and the P.E.O. Sisterhood have been partners in the education of women for 94 YEARS! WWW.PEOINTERNATIONAL.ORG January–February 2022 | THE P.E.O. RECORD 31

P.E.O. INTERNATIONAL PEACE SCHOLARSHIP FUND|IPS 2021-2022 P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund Named Awards by Jan Knuckey, Chair, P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund Board of Trustees The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship (IPS) Fund Board of Trustees is pleased to introduce three named award scholars for the 2021-2022 academic year. The Ventura Neale Trust Fund, Jean Negus Malmo IPS Endowment Fund and Marian K. Hume Memorial IPS Scholarship Fund are endowed funds. IPS named award scholars receive $12,500 toward completion of their graduate degrees and return home to their countries to Foster Global Peace through Education. Wenqi Zhang Lily Freeston Madiha Syeda Jean Negus Malmo Ventura Neale Marian K. Hume Named Scholarship Named Scholarship Named Scholarship Chapter BL Chapter M Chapter AF Seattle, Washington Miami, Florida Cleveland, Ohio The Jean Negus Malmo Named Lily Freeston, a first-time applicant Pakistan is home to Madiha Syeda, Scholarship was awarded to Wenqi from the United Kingdom, was a renewal recipient and second- Zhang, a renewal recipient from China selected for the Ventura Neale Named year doctoral student in educational continuing her pursuit of a doctorate Scholarship. Lily, an award-winning leadership, culture and curriculum at in education at the University of filmmaker, journalist and Fulbright Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. Madiha Washington, Seattle, Washington. In Scholar, fuses her talents with her grew up attending inadequate schools China, girls are encouraged to become passion for empowering women which generally lacked math and future teachers, but discouraged whose voices aren’t often heard science teachers yet she excelled in all from serving as educational leaders to share their stories. Some of her subjects, receiving science instruction such as principals. Believing she could short films have focused on disability, from her father and studying math excel as a leader, Wenqi took pre- domestic violence and sexual assault. on her own. With a desire to become service principal training to become Her goal is to elevate her filmmaking an educator herself, Madiha escaped an assistant principal but found her abilities through a master’s degree in child marriage, graduated from training in China to be rudimentary. documentary media at Northwestern university and launched a life-long Her doctoral study at the University University, Evanston, Illinois, and love of teaching. Madiha’s dream is of Washington is preparing her with produce and direct longer, more for all Pakistani students to have a solid theoretical approaches and in-depth films for global audiences better educational experience than advanced methodology to design that impact policy and influence real she had and to respect people of the a program which aims to build a change by drawing attention to topics world, irrespective of religious, cultural community of principal candidates that affect vulnerable girls and women. and geographic boundaries. At Miami from different cities and ethnicities. Lily states, “I hope to establish my own University she is learning how to Her career goals upon her return voice as a female filmmaker and shine revise the teacher training curriculum home are to establish the first Chinese a light on women who are silenced.” in Pakistan and to internationalize university-based principal preparation education. Upon returning home, she program (PPP) to support more will work at the National Teacher’s female principal candidates and Training Institute, training college to empower her students to strive professors, as well as serving as a for educational equity. Wenqi has curriculum design expert at a non- enjoyed meeting P.E.O. members via governmental organization that Zoom. She shares, “I asked these nice uplifts women’s education. Madiha women why they became P.E.O.s. says that her IPS scholarship saved Through our interactions I realized, her academic life and that she enjoys all these women from a variety of sharing her educational achievements backgrounds come together for with her P.E.O. family because “they the same goal—to support women.” know that I owe them my success.” 32 THE P.E.O. RECORD | January–February 2022 Women helping women reach for the stars

aBrnPerdaCcnfiEpadGimieRrnialetynatzin P.E.O. PROGRAM FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION |PCE Tom and om and Brandi Reazin were the typical high school sweethearts. Brandi Reazin Brandi was the cheerleader; Tom the football player. They married a year after Brandi graduated from high school and had dreams of ReaKzaicni starting a family, watching them grow and living happily ever after. A couple of years into their marriage they had a son, Troy, then two To years later, a lovely daughter, Kaci, was born. They soon were told that Kaci had a life-threatening condition called lissencephaly. and Be Shown Lissencephaly literally means “smooth brain.” This is a rare, gene-linked brain malformation characterized by the lack of by Debbie Dumler, Chair, “folds” in the brain. Many children can survive up to about age P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education 10 but do not progress in their development beyond age 3-5 months. Board of Trustees Kaci’s diagnosis changed Tom and Brandi’s plans for their lives. Tom had always wanted to go into law enforcement. He spent some time on the Pratt, Kansas, police force living his dream and providing for his family. Brandi attended college seeking a degree in business and accounting. After Kaci’s birth, Brandi devoted 100 percent of her time caring for her children. Brandi learned everything she could about Kaci’s condition, care and prognosis. During hospital stays, Brandi attended to her and even learned procedures so she could care for her at home. Because of the large medical bills, Tom quit his law enforcement job and took a job that allowed him to get better health insurance. Brandi was encouraged to think about a career in nursing. She would say, “I don’t think I could care for someone else.” In the meantime, Tom had a revelation. Prayer and reliance on God were mainstays in their lives. Tom decided to go into ministry as a local pastor in the United Methodist denomination. This necessitated him going to school for several years. Life seemed to keep challenging the Reazins. Kaci’s condition declined. She had more hospital stays. After one of these, their house caught on fire. Tom’s athletic ability helped him get everyone out of the house. He saved Kaci’s special wheelchair and her oxygen tanks. They lost almost everything else. Brandi was finally convinced to seek a career in the medical field. She knew she would need something in her days after Kaci. She started her CNA certification in 2014 and set her sights on becoming an LPN. Kaci’s condition worsened and Brandi put the LPN degree on hold. In October, 2015, Kaci passed away at the age of 9. With Brandi’s return to school, Chapter C, Lyons, Kansas, recommended her for a P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education (PCE) grant. Brandi graduated as an LPN in July, 2017. Brandi is thankful for her PCE grant. She spoke about her journey at the 2018 Kansas State Convention, even though it terrified her. After working at the local hospital, she is presently the school nurse in Lyons and helped the school district navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Tom is a minister in Ellinwood and Salem, Kansas. Tom and Brandi’s love for Kaci spurred them on to adopt two siblings. Caleb and Lizzie became Reazins in 2019. Five years after losing Kaci, Brandi reflected on her past. “To say I would change this path that we’ve had would be denying myself and our family opportunities to love and be shown love. It hasn’t always been easy and I miss Kaci more than I ever knew possible. But I also love who we are now and the family God has blessed us with. It’s hard to put into words how you can miss someone so bad it hurts and be thankful for that path at the same time.” WWW.PEOINTERNATIONAL.ORG January–February 2022 | THE P.E.O. RECORD 33

P.E.O. SCHOLAR AWARDS|PSA Have you ever stopped to consider the long-term impact and legacy of a P.E.O. Scholar Award? The Elizabeth Perrill has demonstrated what that can look like by donating African Legacy women’s pottery to various museums as part of their permanent collections. Elizabeth used money from the Scholar Award to return to South Africa of a to continue her work with Zulu ceramic artists. These women had guided P.E.O. conversations with Elizabeth during extended interviews that began in 2004. Scholar Her work with these women helped them to balance economic concerns (selling Award their pottery) with cultivating their artistic talents. To celebrate this community of artists, Elizabeth developed a touring exhibition that has been featured in by Terry Northcutt, the African Art Center in Durban, South Africa, the Faulconer Gallery at Grinnell P.E.O. Scholar Award College, the Indiana University Art Museum and the University of North Carolina Greensboro’s Gatewood Gallery. Afterwards, many of the pots found new homes Board of Trustees in museums. These women potters are benefitting from Elizabeth’s work, and museum goers are gaining better insight into another culture. Elizabeth Perrill used her P.E.O. Scholar Elizabeth was awarded the Scholar Award to pursue a Ph.D. Mncane Nzuza Award in 2006, graduating in 2008 in African art history with a focal with her Ph.D. in African art history. exhibition Her dissertation was entitled of her work. “Contemporary Zulu Ceramics 1960s–Present.” She became a November 10, 2006. Vukani professor at the University of North Museum, Eshowe, Carolina at Greensboro, which was KwaZulu-Natal, a women’s university until the 1960s. South Africa As a P.E.O. and a Scholar working with these women artists, she relates that she finds satisfaction teaching at a college that previously was exclusively for women. Recently, she was promoted to full professor effective August 2021 and is publishing a book, “Burnished: Zulu Ceramics Between Rural and Urban South Africa,” which will be out in the spring of 2022. Elizabeth was also awarded a prestigious Millard-Meiss Publication Grant to support the spring 2022 release of this book being published by the Indiana University Press. When asked which one of her many accomplishments she was most proud of, she replied easily. From 2012- 2018 she was the Consulting Curator of African Art, North Carolina Museum of Art where she oversaw the re-establishment of a permanent exhibit of African art. The exhibit now is three times the size of the previous one and has twice as many works including those acquired during her tenure. This work also led to the creation of a full-time African curator, a position that has been filled previously by consultants. Elizabeth believes this is an important job and is proud to be a part of its creation. According to museum director Lawrence J. Wheeler, this expanded African art gallery and interactive learning space honors the diverse art forms of the continent’s history, present day and future. When Elizabeth is not working, she is caring for a 10-year-old daughter and sometimes being a “roadie” to support her avant-garde musician husband. She laughingly says, “Here I am a Ph.D. and I’m carrying amps on stage!” She also raises vegetables and flowers in a backyard garden. A non-resident member of Chapter NL in Storm Lake, Iowa, she likes to keep in touch with the women in her mother’s chapter. Perhaps one day, her daughter will be awarded a grant, loan or scholarship from P.E.O. and become a third-generation P.E.O. Elizabeth has clearly made a difference…now imagine the difference all our other former scholars have made to impact the world from performing cancer research, going to space, being a television commentator—and the list could go on. P.E.O. continues helping women reach for the stars and having an impact on the world. 34 THE P.E.O. RECORD | January–February 2022 Women helping women reach for the stars

STAR SCHOLARSHIP| STAR Shifts in Perspective Help STAR Students Shine During Pandemic by Sheri Bailey, Vice Chair, P.E.O. STAR Scholarship Board of Trustees “Only in darkness can you see the stars” – Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The coronavirus pandemic impacted everyone, but perhaps none more so than students in their final year of school. Sporting events, drama productions, musical performances and club activities were cancelled. Milestones such as graduation, prom, participation in conferences or overseas trips did not take place as envisioned. Volunteer opportunities were often limited. But the young are resilient and innovative. By shifting their perspective, many of last year’s STAR applicants rose above the challenges created by the pandemic to demonstrate leadership in their school and community. Tamar Sella Callan Randall Paige Hazen Stephanie Njeri Sponsored by Chapter L Sponsored by Chapter PI Sponsored by Chapter S Sponsored by Chapter IF Cincinnati, Ohio Norwalk, Iowa Washington, D.C. Saint Louis, Missouri Tamar learned to sew in When COVID-19 hit, Callan An avid runner, Paige found Stephanie volunteers Girl Scouts. Her passion and her sister, Marin, began her senior cross-country with Vitendo4africa, an is converting thrift store looking for ways to keep season postponed due to organization working with clothing into fun, new themselves busy. As cooking COVID-19. Looking for a immigrants and refugee outfits. Tamar put this is one of their passions, different way to engage in families in Saint Louis. talent to use during the they began “Zooming” the running community, When the pandemic closed pandemic by founding the with families they knew and she created and directed schools and virtual learning Cincinnati Public School demonstrating how to make a virtual 5k, 10k and half became the norm, immigrant Mask Project. Recognizing simple meals. Searching marathon race fundraiser parents experienced a need, she spent hours for content students could with the proceeds of challenges balancing work at the sewing machine do during quarantine, their the event going to an and assisting their children making masks for family elementary school principal international public health with homework which and friends. Serving as approached them about NGO – PATH. Specifically, was often impacted by publicity manager, she hosting a mass Zoom for the event proceeds went language barriers. Through quickly recruited 45 students in grades 3 to to the COVID-19 Response Stephanie’s leadership and volunteers, provided them 5, teaching them how to Fund, which partners with organization skills, she led with donated fabric and prepare and cook various businesses and governments a group of four high school gave tutorials on how to foods. When over 200 to improve testing, treating students to launch an online sew the masks. As the students indicated they and managing the outbreak. Zoom tutoring program for number of masks required wanted to participate, the Paige managed all aspects students in grades 3 to 8. grew, so did the number sisters created their own of the fundraiser, including By helping students with of volunteers she recruited. YouTube Channel called the promoting the race via homework, tutoring in math Liaising with school “Quarantine Crew.” From social media, distributing and reading, Stephanie’s administrators and local making brownies, to sewing race materials and working problem solving led to 87 communities, she expanded a button, the girls created a with representatives of the percent of the participants the operation to include six-week plan that provided NGO. She also designed and indicating improved the entire Cincinnati life-skill activities for ordered race merchandise. performance in their School District. elementary-aged students to Raising over $2,000 for school work. do at home. This innovative the fund, Paige’s ability program received an award to pivot made a difference from the local school board while still engaging in as well as coverage by the her passion to run. local news station. It has been said that leadership is not a position or a title, it is action and example. These STARs and their ability to shift their perspective are shining examples of true leadership during a time when many felt helpless due to the coronavirus pandemic. WWW.PEOINTERNATIONAL.ORG January–February 2022 | THE P.E.O. RECORD 35

ON SOCIAL MEDIAConnect with P.E.O. International Facebook Twitter PEO International @PEOSisterhood Instagram LinkedIn @peointernational International Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood 36 THE P.E.O. RECORD | January–February 2022 Women helping women reach for the stars

CENTENNIAL|chapters Chapter AQ Kennewick, Washington Chapter CG Gilroy, California ORGANIZED: April 15, 1921 ORGANIZED: March 26, 1921 CELEBRATED: June 15, 2021 CELEBRATED: September 12, 2021 First row, from the left: Bea Berry, Helen Wilson, Joyce First row, from the left: Deloris Dhein, Mary Henry, Oats, Jean Fraser, Liz Barker, Chris Thackaberry, Lyneice Daniene Marciano, Tina Bundros, Leona Reif, Jan Paterson, Scott, Elaine Kutschkau, a future P.E.O. Paula Flores, Muriel Brem Second row: Kathy Lein, Theo Dobie, Pat Dalpaz, Mary Second row: Debe Steiber, Elsie Shaw, Janet Paterson, Puckett, Beverly Norell, Kathy Owen, Peggy Gardner, Toshi Turcotte, Roxie Thomas Jan Wood Third row: Diane Rassmussen, Betty Zittleman, Sue Sherril, Donna Kittson, Judy Smith, Judy Duncan, Peggy Buchmiller, Liz Ralston Chapter CK Grand Island, Nebraska January–February 2022 | THE P.E.O. RECORD 37 ORGANIZED: May 21, 1921 CELEBRATED: October 19, 2021 First row, from the left: Adriene Baxter, Eunice Alexander, Wendy McCarty, Ginger Bode, Randi Pennell, Vicki McDermott, Barb Engberg Second row: Sandy Eakes, Carolyn Bailey, Janet Janulewicz, Kay Grimminger, Pat Lincoln, LaNita Roeser, Audrey Pitcher Third row: Lisa Wright, Karen Rathke, Lynn Larson, Arlene Wassinger, Linda Merrick, Sandy Milton, Rhonda Ulmer, Sandy Arnold, Sue Stinson, Taryn Wright, Deborah Voorhees WWW.PEOINTERNATIONAL.ORG

AWARD-WINNING |ideas Six chapters M any Rewards Reaped in Southern California raised BHfromoaParutricipvtatiioenqatsute funds for and awareness In October 2021, Chapters EY, JS, UO, of P.E.O. at a PB, VA and WD from the Orange County Harvest Boutique Coastal Reciprocity Bureau (OCRB) in Southern California joined local vendors and artists at a Harvest Boutique held at Halecrest Park in Costa Mesa, California. Sisters had a marvelous time as chapters creatively organized tables with many items to purchase—homemade baked goods, jewelry, plants, autumn décor— the list was endless. They displayed P.E.O. informational brochures, posters, banners and table signs. In addition to raising approximately $4,500 for the P.E.O. projects, this was a stellar opportunity to interact with the community and tell them about our fabulous organization. Sisters were especially pleased to speak with a number of students who are currently attending junior college. When we tell young women about the scholarship opportunities that are available through P.E.O., we have a chance to make a difference as this may make a lasting impact on families, communities and the world. Six chapters in California’s OCRB made a difference at the Harvest Boutique! Accessory AffairFUN AND FUNDS AT THE Chapter AH in Mentor, Ohio, was looking for a new OhioV’saAricocuesstsaobrlyesAafftaCirhfaupntderraAisHe,r fundraiser to generate money for the P.E.O. projects. The Accessory Affair was born. At their September meeting sisters donated gently used or new purses, jewelry and scarves. A local church was kind enough to donate space for the set up and sale. There was a raffle for six high-end items while everything else was reasonably priced. There was a $10 purse table and a $5 purse table.  All jewelry and scarves were priced at $2. Chapter AH was thrilled to not only raise $1,500 for the projects, but have a fun day together. 38 THE P.E.O. RECORD | January–February 2022 Women helping women reach for the stars

Chapter LH, CAhsapttreroHnosatsut Hero Davenport, On September 23, 2021, Chapter IN, Southlake, Texas, was Iowa, honored to host Wally Funk, aviator, astronaut, hometown hero celebrated and friend. Wally “launched” a lively and interesting program sharing experiences of her youth, lifetime “pearls of wisdom” Mary and, of course, her most recent experience in a flight to space. Hanson’s 50 years in Pioneering aviator Wally Funk joined Jeff Bezos, president and P.E.O. with a CEO of Amazon and three others on their first flight aboard “Pot of Gold” Astronaut Wally Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket near Van Horn, Texas, on donation Funk presented July 20, 2021. After landing at the conclusion of the successful a program to space flight, Wally exited the capsule exuding pure joy with FINDING GOLD WITH fundraiser Chapter IN, arms outstretched. She had accomplished her lifelong dream Southlake, Texas of viewing the earth from space. 50 Years in P.E.O. Wally was quick to tell the sisters of Chapter IN that her mother was a faithful How do you have a fundraiser in member of P.E.O. in Taos, New Mexico. She was a lovely lady of refinement and the time of COVID-19? How do you culture and always encouraged Wally to have faith, to be brave, well mannered celebrate a beloved member’s 50 and to never lose sight of her goals. years of active membership in P.E.O.? Can you combine the two? Mary At 82 years old, Wally Funk is full of energy and love for the world around her. She Hanson, LH, Davenport, Iowa, has is an inspiration! As the members of Chapter IN, Southlake, Texas, left the meeting always been a passionate leader in that day they knew they had met a delightful, skilled and unique individual! Wally says, her chapter’s fundraising efforts, “Always look up! The view is endless and there is more out there for us to explore!” served many terms as treasurer and is the core of the budget CELEBRATING FOUNDERS: and auditing committees. At the chapter’s first in-person meeting International and Local held in August in the backyard gardens of Ruth Ottesen, they set We all know about the Founders of P.E.O., out “Mary’s Pot of Gold” and asked but there are also founders of our individual members to donate in her honor. chapters. A Mother’s Day picture on Mary’s daughters, both P.E.O.s, joined Facebook inspired members of Chapter via Zoom and shared childhood UB in Sunnyvale, California, to honor the memories of meetings in their home. founder of their chapter, Marylyn Camphouse. As members dropped their cards Chapter UB was organized in 1967 after more than a year of meeting and and checks in the “pot” and shared fulfilling the requirements to become a new chapter. Marylyn recruited stories, the pile grew. unaffiliates in the area, many of whom had been initiated into their mother’s chapters and had not been active in P.E.O. More cards arrived in the mail and the fund grew to $1,400. Mary said P.E.O. Susan Foster and Judy Wakeman, both charter members of Chapter UB, asked was the greatest gift a friend ever current members to write a note to Marylyn, thanking her for being the charter gave her but there was one more holder. Lovely notes were written, with some members who knew Marylyn, and surprise. Her husband said he has others who had not met her—all expressing the positive effect Chapter UB seen for all these years how much has had on their lives and expressing their thanks to her. The notes, along with P.E.O. has meant to her and he would pictures gleaned from the historian’s albums, were put into a book that was sent match the money that her sisters to Marylyn, who now resides in Wisconsin, where she is near her children. When had donated! Mary has figured out the book arrived, Marylyn, who is now 93, was in the hospital. Her daughter took how much will go to each project the book to her and videotaped her as she went through the pages—each one and how much we love her and expressing thanks for making Chapter UB possible. Marylyn was moved by the appreciate her years of service to tribute and soon was out of the hospital. P.E.O. And she is not finished yet! Since the founding of P.E.O. in 1869, nearly 6,000 chapters have been formed— each of those chapters also has a founder who took it upon herself to create a new chapter. We owe a debt of gratitude to each of these wonderful sisters. WWW.PEOINTERNATIONAL.ORG January–February 2022 | THE P.E.O. RECORD 39

P.E.O.|authors Michelle Gangemi Cinda Klickna and Helen Weisbruch HU, Springfield, Illinois, wrote CK, Hinsdale, Illinois, wrote “Out of the Beaks of Birds: Our “Sunday at Castle Rock Park” Crazy, Pesky…Verbs” JOYce Ochs Kay Forsythe E, Louisville, Kentucky, HE, Rockwall, Texas, wrote “The Country Doc wrote “Jimmie Bean” With a City Practice” Elizabeth Irene Martinez Gail A. Rust BS, Santa Fe, New Mexico, wrote BZ, Brookfield, Wisconsin, wrote “A Jaguar in the Library” “Lessons for Living Your Best Life: Journey of Self Discovery through Charlotte Dehnert a One Woman Show” Q, Lander, Wyoming, wrote “Lester Tracey Brown Calloway Hunt: He Put Wyoming’s Bucking Horse On the Map” CE, Lansdale, Pennsylvania, co-authored “Nature-Centered GaGa (Jean) Gabardi Leadership: An Aspirational Narrative” and Judilee (Judy) Butler Barbara Ann Burns IA, Buena Vista, Colorado, wrote “The Last Hurrah: A Phoebe Korneal Mystery” BP, Anaheim, California, wrote “Suite Alice” Kate Barker Emily Roberson AL, Portland, Oregon, co-wrote “Principled” BV, Little Rock, Arkansas, wrote “Lifestyles of Gods and Monsters” Joyce McQuiggin Mary Ann Carter IP, Dubuque, Iowa, wrote “Thoughts for ‘Didn’t Ask to Be Born’ New Teens” AE, Vancouver, British Columbia, wrote “Are You There Gin? It’s Me, Peggy Cobb Mary Ann at 80” B, Atlanta, Georgia, Mary Brooke Casad wrote “Design and Sign” AB, Sulphur Springs, Texas, wrote “Bluebonnet Visits Mount Vernon, Texas” 40 THE P.E.O. RECORD | January–February 2022 Women helping women reach for the stars

P.E.O.|authors Rebecca M. Giles Donna Kempin A, Biloxi, Mississippi, wrote FQ, Kansas City, Missouri, “Coastal Mississippi Alphabet” wrote “Revenge in Venice” Colleen Aycock Eleanor Herz Swent AM, Albuquerque, New Mexico, wrote IC, Oakland, California, wrote “The Magnificent Max Baer: The Life of “One Shot for Gold: Developing a the Heavyweight Champion and Film Star” Modern Mine in Northern California” Paula Warner Cornelia Paraskevas BB, Ord, Nebraska, wrote and illustrated GG, Dallas, Oregon, wrote “Exploring “Introducing Sandy Crane” Grammar Through Texts: Reading and Writing the Structure of English”  Connie “Constance” Krail-Self Amy Briant SN, Concord, California, wrote “Harem Conspiracy” TK, San Diego, California, wrote “The Book of Kell” Charlotte Matthews Jennie Marts GR, Harrisonville, Missouri, wrote “Wonder Up! How to Run Like a Girl”  HR, Colorado Springs, Colorado, wrote “Rescuing Harmony Ranch” Edie Jones Edith Vosefski FS, Sisters, Oregon, wrote “Walker’s Wisdom, His Journey LQ, Downers Grove, Illinois, wrote from Puppy to Big Dog” “The Nine Lives of Curious Edith” Jane Laurie Hirsch Anna Gouker EC, Dewey, Arizona, wrote NZ, Byron, Illinois, wrote “Murder is Brewing” “Don’t Ask Permission to Fly” Annette Valentine Brooke D. Taylor-Duckworth N, Nashville, Tennessee, wrote CT, University City, Missouri, wrote “Sufficient Sacrifice” “Unimaginable: Life After Baby Loss” WWW.PEOINTERNATIONAL.ORG January–February 2022 | THE P.E.O. RECORD 41

Where in the W r Dorothy Falk and Joanne Lehmann CS, Portage, IN, in Sweetwater Creek, CO Michelle Aldridge, PPP, AB-SK, in Montreal, QC Louise Kalousek and Clare Macdonald, R, Toronto, ON-QC, in Elora, ON Rosanne Pam Collins, PSP, CT, and Margaret Corey, MH, Lliteras, PSP, D.C., in Cape May, NJ Decatur, IL, and Leslie Debra Fay, JF, Viera, Wilt, AM, FL, in Santiago de Knoxville, Compostela, Spain IL, in Las Vegas, NV Amy Lujan, D, Juneau, AK, in Maui, HI Vickey Resner, KZ, Iowa City, IA, in Albuquerque, NM Genita Garcia, JF, Viera, FL, at Machu Picchu, Peru Linda Blomgren, BY, Lincoln, NE, in Antigua, West Indies 42 THE P.E.O. RECORD | January–February 2022 Women helping women reach for the stars

rld is The Record? Bobbie Gervais, Show us where you’re been BR, Saline, MI, reading the latest issue of in Nuremberg, The P.E.O. Record! Snap some Germany pics and send them in—you could be featured in a future Lori Knepper, IA, Newton, issue of the magazine. Visit KS, in Salamanca, Spain our Facebook page to see a gallery of more submissions. Betsy Horne and Alexa Horne, VX, Imperial, CA, with future sister Frida Kossmann in Saint Johann, Austria Send photos to [email protected]. Anne Koleson, GM, O’Fallon, IL, Beth Chamberlain, LT, in Dubrovnik, Croatia Danville, IL, in Tahiti Natalie Young-Aranita, CG, January–February 2022 | THE P.E.O. RECORD 43 Bremerton, WA, Marquitta Holtsclaw, T, Spruce Pine, NC, and Sandy Grimmer, HT, Pacific Grove, CA, in Dubrovnik, Croatia WWW.PEOINTERNATIONAL.ORG

FUNDRAISING|marketplace Members may view all items for sale at https://members.peointernational.org/fundraisingmarketplace 44 THE P.E.O. RECORD | January–February 2022 Women helping women reach for the stars

FUNDRAISING |marketplace Members may view all items for sale at https://members.peointernational.org/fundraisingmarketplace WWW.PEOINTERNATIONAL.ORG January–February 2022 | THE P.E.O. RECORD 45

FUNDRAISING |marketplace Members may view all items for sale at https://members.peointernational.org/fundraisingmarketplace 46 THE P.E.O. RECORD | January–February 2022 Women helping women reach for the stars

FUNDRAISING |marketplace Members may view all items for sale at https://members.peointernational.org/fundraisingmarketplace WWW.PEOINTERNATIONAL.ORG January–February 2022 | THE P.E.O. RECORD 47

P.E.O.’s mission is to celebrate the advancement of women; educate women through scholarships, grants, awards, loans and stewardship of Cottey College; and motivate women to achieve their highest aspirations. The P.E.O. Sisterhood is a nonprofit organization that has “W e are a sisterhood helped more than 116,000 women* pursue educational of women who goals by providing over $383 million* in educational understand the assistance, making a difference in women’s lives through importance of caring six philanthropies and a foundation: and nurturing each other, which creates a P.E.O. Educational Loan Fund (ELF) A loan fund established in 1907 to bond of love for who we are and what we lend money to qualified women students to assist them in securing a do. And our unity of higher education. Has loaned $229.5 million.* purpose—our P.E.O. projects—keeps us P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship fund (IPS) A fund established focused on the mission of funding and in 1949 to provide scholarships for international women students to finding recipients pursue graduate study in the U.S. or Canada. Has provided $43.5 million for these projects.” in scholarships.* —DEVON GEDNEY P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education (PCE) Established in 1973 AR, WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA to provide need-based grants to women in the U.S. or Canada ••••• whose education has been interrupted and who find it necessary to return to school to support themselves and/or their families. “A s an IPS recipient, Has given $65.1 million in grants.* I loved the Sisterhood. I felt loved and P.E.O. Scholar Awards (PSA) Established in 1991 to provide substantial protected in a foreign land. I felt at home merit-based awards for women of the U.S. and Canada who are far from home.” pursuing a doctoral-level degree at an accredited college or university. Has awarded $30.1 million in scholarships.* —SHILLA ADYERO 2014-2015 P.E.O. INTERNATIONAL PEACE P.E.O. STAR Scholarship (STAR) Established in 2009 to provide SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT FROM UGANDA scholarships for exceptional high school senior women to attend an accredited postsecondary educational institution in the U.S. or Canada in the next academic year. Has given $14.9 million in scholarships.* Cottey College A nationally ranked, fully accredited, independent, liberal arts and sciences college for women located in Nevada, Missouri, has been owned/supported by P.E.O. since 1927 and offers baccalaureate and associate degrees in a variety of majors. Cottey College, a debt-free institution, welcomes women from around the world. The P.E.O. Foundation is a nonprofit corporation established in 1961 to encourage tax-deductible giving to the educational and charitable projects of the P.E.O. Sisterhood. It is a service to the Sisterhood. Individual donors may make tax-deductible gifts to the projects or through the P.E.O. Foundation. Visit www.peointernational.org. Look for the “Giving Opportunities” link on the home page. *As of April 2021 48 THE P.E.O. RECORD | January–February 2022 Women helping women reach for the stars