The following report was submitted by LuAnne Navarra, P.E.O. Chapter FL Corresponding Secretary.
On Tuesday, November 5, 2013, P.E.O. Chapter FL held a meeting and program at the St. Peter Lutheran Church, 601 N. Jackson Street, in Morrison, IL.
Co-Hostesses Jean Eggemeyer and Doris Robertson served a delicious dessert which was followed by a special program “The Nature of Companionship.” Director of Patient Experiences, Pamela Crawford, from CGH Medical Center of Sterling, IL, told Chapter members about the “Love on a Leash” Dog Therapy Program. Three ladies and their dogs entertained everyone, by sharing their stories and experiences being involved in the program. It is clearly evident by the temperment of these special dogs that the training the dogs and owners go through is quite extensive. They explained that not all dogs “fit” the Dog Therapy program. Each of these dog owners volunteer at least a few days a month to help patients.
Following the program a meeting was held, led by Chapter FL President, Nancy Vandermyde.
P.E.O. Chapter FL members enjoyed a pre-Thanksgiving dinner at the Oak Room Restaurant, 903 W. Morris Street, Morrison, on Tuesday, November 19. President Vandermyde led a meeting, after which, Chapter member Marla Buikema, shown at left, entertained wearing full Pilgrim costume. The program, “The Nature of Thanksgiving,” recounted the history of Thanksgiving and celebrated the lives of those individuals from England who have come to be known as Pilgrims.
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.