LuAnne Navarra, P.E.O. Chapter FL Corresponding Secretary, submitted this report.
P.E.O. Chapter FL met for the annual Founders Day Meeting on Monday, May 5, 2014, at United Methodist Church in Sterling, IL. Four local Chapters from Sterling and Rock Falls, IL, were also present. Refreshments were served and an entertaining program was given by the hostess Chapter.
On Tuesday, May 6, P.E.O. Chapter FL held a meeting and program at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Morrison, IL. Chapter members Nancy Pannier, left, and Maisie Renkes served as co-hostesses. Following refreshments, a meeting was led by Chapter FL President Jean Eggemeyer. A program titled “The Nature of Gardening” led the program discussion involving all chapter members. Stories, poems, pictures, personal thoughts, and tips were shared and enjoyed.
The P.E.O. Illinois State Chapter Convention was held in Springfield, IL, Friday, May 30, through Sunday, June 1. Chapter FL President Jean Eggemeyer attended the annual three-day event.
On Tuesday, June 3, a meeting and program was held at the home of Nancy Vandermyde. Barb Bush and Linda Schlelgel served at co-hostesses. Following refreshments and a short meeting, President Jean entertained members with highlights of the Illinois State Convention.
Member Judy Manchester, left, and President Eggemeyer are shown below.
The State President’s theme was “The Nature of P.E.O.,” and the State logo had a bee in it. A “bee hive” display was an “on theme” way of and showing those chapters that had sponsored a Project Lulu Corkhill Friendship Fund recipient.
This P.E.O. Project fund gives temporary assistance for a variety of needs. There was a bee attached to the yellow ball/”hive” for each chapter that sponsored someone successfully. Chapter FL was included, because the Morrison Chapter sponsored an individual this year and has assisted others years in the past. The Lulu Corkhill fund also assists men, and Chapter FL presently is supporting a local resident. This is just one example of the P.E.O. Projects that Jean reported about.
P.E.O. is an International organization with several Projects, including
- P.E.O. Educational Loan Fund helps those needing financial aid for college. Chapter FL has aided students locally.
- International Peace Scholarship Fund provides grants to international women for graduate study in the U. S. and Canada.
- Program for Continuing Education provides grants to women with interrupted educational pursuits and presently granted a loan to a local student pursuing her Masters Degree.
- P.E.O. Scholar Awards benefit candidates pursuing a doctoral degree.
- P.E.O. Star Scholarships are awarded to qualifying high school seniors.
- P.E.O. Home Fund provides assistance to Illinois residents 65 years or older.
- Cottey College Scholarship Fund gives financial aid based on academic achievement. Chapter FL has provided stewardship to several Cottey students.
Morrison P.E.O. Chapter FL has assisted many women during the 74 years it has existed.
P.E.O. is one of the pioneer societies for women, and was founded on January 21, 1869, by seven students at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, IA. Today, P.E.O. has grown from that tiny membership of seven to almost a quarter of a million members in chapters in the United States and Canada. 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; motivate women of all ages to achieve their highest aspirations.