UTAH CHAPTER, P.E.O. SISTERHOOD Friday, May 3, 2013 Saturday May 4, 2013

Transcription

1 UTAH CHAPTER, P.E.O. SISTERHOOD Friday, May 3, 2013 Saturday May 4, 2013 PRE-CONVENTION EVENTS Thursday, May 2, :00 a.m. State Board/International Representative Meeting 12:00 p.m. Past State Presidents Luncheon 6:00 p.m. President s Open House 8:00 p.m. Meeting with Pages, Guards and Hostess Chapters 8:00 a.m. Registration Friday, May 4, 2012 MINUTES First Meeting Friday morning, May 3, 2013 The 78th Annual Convention of Utah State Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood convened at 9:00 a.m. at the Davis County Convention Center in Layton. A piano piece was played during the processional of the executive board, representative of international chapter, and past state presidents. The meeting was called to order by President Bobbi Nichols at 9:12 a.m. Head Guard, Carla Johnson, AL gave the report of the guards. Brenda Boren, M, delivered the devotions. Bobbie Doidge, A, PSP, led the Pledge of Allegiance, after which Lana Rooke, AL, led the singing of O Canada and the Star Spangled Banner. Carolyn Gilstrap, AE, PSP, led the singing of the Opening Ode, followed by the reciting of the Objects and Aims by Marilyn Coller, D, PSP. The first credentials report was given by Chairman Corrine Riekhof, R, PSP, who reported 84 members of convention entitled to vote. On behalf of the committee, Corrine moved the report be adopted. There being a majority in the affirmative the report was adopted. (Reports pg. R-37) A quorum being established, the president declared the 78 th annual Convention of Utah State Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood opened in due form and ready for the transaction of business. The president welcomed all on behalf of the Hostess Chapters F and AE and the Executive Board of Utah State Chapter. C-1

2 Secretary, Kimberly Albro, read the Rules of Convention and moved that the Rules of Convention, as printed in the program, be adopted. The motion was seconded and adopted. The president emphasized a few important rules of convention, including Rule #11 and Rule #12. She described the location of the question box, informing convention that it would be picked up at the close of convention on Friday. Secretary, Kimberly Albro, announced changes to the printed program and moved the adoption of the printed program with necessary changes. The motion was seconded and adopted. Convention Chairman, Linda Schiller, AE, was introduced along with her Co-Chairs, Lisa Pockrus, F, Judy Cooper, AE, and Nadine Dake, AE. She recognized the convention hostess chapters, F and AE who introduced themselves and welcomed convention attendees with a song. Vice President, Gail Brown, P, accepted the welcome. President Bobbi Nichols introduced and welcomed Beth Ledbetter, as the Representative of International Chapter. Beth, is a member of Chapter AE, Johnson City, TN, Past President of Tennessee State Chapter, and currently serves as Second Vice President of International Chapter. Following the introduction, Beth Ledbetter presented the keynote address entitled Are Your Roots Showing? President Bobbi Nichols thanked her for her inspiring message. The song With a Little Help From our Friends was sung in honor of Beth Ledbetter. Following a stand-and-mingle break, President Bobbi Nichols introduced Peggy Beach, Marce Weibel, and other members of Chapter AL who presented a tribute to the Past State Presidents. President Bobbi Nichols asked the past state presidents to stand. Marilyn Coller, D, PSP introduced the 14 past state presidents in attendance. They were honored by the singing of the song All You Need is Love and at the Friday luncheon. President Bobbi Nichols introduced the members of the executive board: Vice President Gail Brown, P; Organizer Gayle Lichti, Z; Treasurer Nancy Williams, Y; and Secretary Kimberly Albro, AE. She also recognized and introduced Assistant Secretary Linda Cropp, AE. She then introduced the pages Michelle Bennion, AL and Ann Hollowell, AL The president recognized members of her chapter, Chapter AL. Following a twenty minute recess, Organizer Gayle Lichti presented a Period of Instruction titled The Basics of Holding a P.E.O. office. Secretary Kimberly Albro read a letter from the President of International Chapter, Susan Sellers. C-2

3 The members of the Committee to Approve Minutes of Convention were introduced and thanked for assisting the secretary with the minutes. They are Jane Macfarlane, AC, PSP; Bobbie Ivy, O; and Cathie Meldrum, E. The president announced that Beth Ledbetter, Representative of International Chapter, would serve as convention parliamentarian. President Bobbi Nichols opened the convention to allow friends and family members of the Golden Girls to attend the presentation in their honor. Convention Rule # 11 was suspended until the adjournment for lunch. Chapter H, presented the tribute honoring the Golden Girls who have been members of P.E.O. for fifty years. Those who have been members for 65 and 70 years were also recognized. The president thanked Chapter H and congratulated the Golden Girls. Everyone joined in singing When I m 64 in their honor. Announcements were made by Convention Treasurer, Debbie Reeves. President Bobbi Nichols announced that The Golden Girls and Past State Presidents were the honored guests at the luncheon. She suggested that members review the proposed budget during lunch, since voting will take place after lunch. She reminded members to put any questions in the Question Box; paper for questions was available at the box. The P.E.O. Grace was sung, led by Karri Buresh, AE. The convention was recessed for lunch at 12:05 p.m. President Bobbi Nichols introduced Facilities Coordinator, Lisa Laird, P. She then introduced Registration Chairman, Lisa Pockrus, F. President Bobbi Nichols introduced the musicians Karri Buresh, AE, song leader and Nylene Douglas, AN, who served as pianist. Also introduced was DeAnn Graves, Y, who served as A/V assistant. The president thanked them for their service. Following the morning meeting of convention, a luncheon was held honoring the Past State Presidents and the Golden Girls. C-3

4 Second Meeting Friday afternoon, May 3, 2013 President Bobbi Nichols called the second meeting of the 78th Convention of Utah State Chapter to order at 1:32 p.m. and announced that the Convention Rule # 11 was reinstated and pictures were not to be taken. Head Guard, Carla Johnson, AL gave the report of the guards, the president introduced and thanked the guards, who will also serve as tellers, if necessary: Head Guard, Carla Johnson, AL, Nancy Hildebrand, Peggy Koschin, Teresa McLeod, Holley Richards all from Chapter AL. Carolyn Benson, AE, Barbara Greenaway, J and Ginny Hughes, AC. Corrine Riekhof, R, PSP, gave the second report of the Credentials Committee. 86 members of convention were reported. On motion of the chairman, the second report was adopted. Sheryl Bessinger, U, A&R Committee chair gave a special report regarding two amendments from 2012 that were referred to committee. The A&R Committee recommended that 2012 amendments 3and 4 be defeated and offered no replacement wording for these amendments. President Bobbi Nichols called for a vote on the recommendation. There being a majority in favor, the 2012 amendments 3 and 4 were defeated. The next business in order was election of delegates to Convention of International Chapter. Secretary, Kimberly Albro, read the list of nominees of delegates to Convention of International Chapter. Chapter E Delegate: Sue Dintelman Alternate: Kimberly Albro Chapter M Delegate: Brenda Boren Alternate: Rita Doumit Chapter R Delegate: Marion Ayers Alternate: Corrine Riekhof Chapter Y Delegate: DeAnn Graves Alternate: Cindy Jackson Chapter AI Delegate: Carol Kroesche Alternate: Leslie Stone Secretary Kimberly Albro, moved that the members whose names are on the list of nominees be elected delegates from Utah State Chapter to the 2013 Convention of International Chapter. The motion was seconded and the delegates and alternates listed were elected. President Bobbi Nichols called attention to the proposed budget and introduced the chairman of the Finance Committee, Barbara Jenkins, Y, who introduced the committee members Ann Jensen,O, and Therese Milad, AJ, and gave her report. The chairman moved the adoption of the report. By general consent, the vote was divided into three parts and a majority voted in favor of each of the following; 1. adoption of the budget, 2. transfer of surplus funds, 3. the remainder of the report C-4

5 The president stated that the adoption of the Report of the Finance Committee approved the Report of the Treasurer. The president thanked the members of the Finance Committee for watching our finances over the year and making recommendations as needed. President Bobbi Nichols announced that the Audit Report could be found in the kits and binders (Reports pg. R-12) and is posted in the display area. Audit Committee Chairman, Marilyn Coller, D, PSP, introduced the other committee members, Barbara Bunting, Y and Jeanne Liken, AM. She then gave her report and moved that it be adopted. The motion passed. Auditing Committee was thanked by the president. President Bobbi Nichols announced that the annual reports of the Utah State Chapter officers were in each delegate s packet (Reports pgs. R-1 R-5). She announced that the reports were filed with the secretary to be included in the Proceedings of Convention. The president announced that the standing committee reports could be found in the delegates packets (Reports pg. R-6 R-36 ) and will not be read but will be filed with the secretary to be included in the Proceedings of Convention. By general consent, the Annual Report of Membership of Disbanded Chapters I, K, S, AB, AF, and AG was not read but will be included in the Proceedings of Convention (Reports pg. R-9). Organizer Gayle Lichti gave the information on the grouping of hostess chapters for the P.E.O. Boutique and future state and international conventions (Information pg. I-4). Gayle moved the report be adopted. The motion carried and the report will be included in the proceedings. The report of the Amendments and Recommendations Committee was given by Sheryl Bessinger, U, who first introduced the other members of the committee: Karen Post, A and Therese Milad, AJ. In preparation for the speaking to amendments to the Bylaws and Standing Rules of Utah State Chapter, the president instructed the convention in the procedure for presentation of proposed amendments and voting. She announced that adopted amendments would take effect at the close of convention (as specified in the Bylaws and Standing Rules of Utah State Chapter). A & R Chairman Sheryl Bessinger presented the explanation of the 2013 proposed amendments to the Bylaws of Utah State Chapter. Page numbers refer to the 2012 Bylaws and Standing Rules. PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS OF UTAH STATE CHAPTER THE FOLLOWING TWO AMENDMENTS WERE CONSIDERED SERIATIM 1. Submitted by the Executive Board of Utah State Chapter. (Page B-6) Amend Article V, Section 4, subsection A, by striking out number 1 and inserting a new number 1 so that if adopted it would read: C-5

6 1. Consist of three members, one of whom shall be a Past State President of Utah; 2. Submitted by the Executive Board of Utah State Chapter. (Page B-3) Amend Article IV, Section 1, subsection D, by striking out the words past state president and inserting the word member, so that if adopted it would read: D. One member to the Membership Committee annually, the chairman being the senior member in point of service. A written ballot was taken and the amendments were defeated by a count of 38 affirmative and 42 negative. 3. Submitted by the Chapter F, Utah Cottey Graduate Scholarship Fund Committee (Page B-12) Amend Article VIII, Section 5, by striking out the title and inserting a new title, so that if adopted it would read: Section 5 RUTH ORTON SCHOLARSHIP FUND Note: If this amendment is adopted, Article IV, Section 1, subsection G; Article V, Section 17; and Article VIII, Section 5 will be written to conform. The amendment was adopted. 4. Submitted by the Chapter F, Utah Cottey Graduate Scholarship Fund Committee (Page B-12) Amend Article VIII, Section 5, subsection C, sentence 1, by striking out the words local chapter and inserting the words Utah Cottey College two-year graduate, so that if adopted it would read: C. APPLICATIONS. Applications for the scholarship shall be submitted by a Utah Cottey College two-year graduate and shall be reviewed by the Chapter F, Utah Cottey Graduate Scholarship Fund Committee. The committee will consider the needs of the applicant, GPA, goals, and determine the amount of the scholarship. Applications of the women selected to receive the scholarships shall be sent to the trustees of the P.E.O. Foundation for final approval. The amendment was adopted. 5. Submitted by the Executive Board of Utah State Chapter (Page B-13) Amend Article IX, Section 2, subsection B, number 1, by striking out the word and after the words Finance Committee and adding the words and the facilities coordinator, so that if adopted it would read: C-6

7 1. Three meals, one of which shall be a BIL dinner, for chapter delegates, members of the executive board, chairman of the Amendments and Recommendations Committee, chairman of the Finance Committee, the Assistant Secretary, and the Facilities Coordinator; The amendment was adopted. *************************************** At the direction of the A&R Committee, the A&R chairman moved the adoption of the following resolution: RESOLUTION Resolved, that the Executive Board of Utah State Chapter be authorized to correct article and section designations, punctuation and cross-references and to make such other technical and conforming changes as may be necessary to reflect the intent of the Utah State Chapter. The resolution was adopted. *************************************** MOTION TO RESCIND A VOTE OF UTAH STATE CHAPTER Submitted by the Executive Board of Utah State Chapter It was moved, seconded and adopted by the Executive Board of Utah State Chapter, to recommend to Utah State Chapter to rescind the proposed amendment to the Procedure for P.E.O. Chapter Meeting, Item of Business #1. CALL TO ORDER, to add additional instructions to the chapter to wait for the tap of the gavel before standing, which was approved at the 2012 Convention of Utah State Chapter. A & R Chairman, Sheryl Bessinger, moved the adoption of the Resolution The motion to rescind is adopted. President Bobbi Nichols thanked the committee. The next business in order was the report of the nominating committee. Chairman of the Nominating Committee Marilyn Coller, D, PSP, introduced the committee and presented the report. The next order of business was election of officers. There being no further nominations from the floor, the nominations were declared closed. There being no objection, the written ballot was dispensed with and a voice vote was taken. The entire slate as presented was elected as officers of Utah State Chapter. President: Gail Brown, P; Vice President: Gayle Lichti, Z; Organizer: Nancy Williams, Y; Treasurer: Kimberly Albro, AE; Secretary: Brenda Boren, M. C-7

8 The president announced that the installation of new officers would take place on Saturday afternoon. After a fifteen minute break, a short workshop skit was presented titled Form-ula for Success. The skit presented information on where to find some key forms necessary for P.E.O. business, including: which forms to use for donations, transfers, and how to introduce a friend who is not a P.E.O. Vice President Gail Brown gave a resume of the presidents letters. The president recognized Fran Fouts, A for her hard work on the calendar sales. President Bobbi Nichols then recognized Chapters J and W and co-chairs Jane Mathis, J and Ruth Stone, W for their efforts on the P.E.O. Bazaar. She also thanked Chapters N and P for providing lunch and Chapter H for hosting the coffee bar. The president thanked the reciprocities for their outstanding work. Ogden Area Reciprocity was led by Jane Mathis, J; Nancy Lancaster, AN; and Diane Doelfs, AN; Suzanne Patterson, AN; Salt Lake Area Reciprocity was led by Linda Kuhlman, Q; Patti Washburn, R; Shawn Clarke, T; and Alice, Stephenson, V. President Bobbi Nichols thanked the Communications Team, Teri Lane, O; Rebecca Conant, AH; and Kathy Biele, AI; and their assistants for their exceptional work with the Sister To Sister Newsletter and training the board and committee chairs on Google Docs this year. She announced that Teri Lane, O is moving to Wisconsin and Rebecca Conant, AH is retiring from the team. DeAnn Graves, Y has taken over as team leader. Also on the team this year are: Kathy Biele, AI Sue Dintelman, E; Jackie Nicole Darrington, Q; Joan Cahoon, T; and Shawn Clarke, T. Announcements were made by Convention Treasurer, Debbie Reeves. The president announced that the convention hostess chapters for 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 and the state officers serving as President in those years will meet in the room next door along with the Facilities Coordinator, Lisa Laird. She declared the convention recessed at 3:12 p.m. until 9:00 a.m., Saturday, May 4, Following the afternoon meeting of convention, a celebration banquet was held at 6:30 p.m. for convention attendees and their guests. C-8

9 Third Meeting Saturday morning, May 4, 2013 President Bobbi Nichols called the third meeting of the 78th Convention of Utah State Chapter to order at 9:14 a.m. and reminded the convention that the Rules of Convention were back in order. Head Guard Carla Johnson, AL gave the report of the guards. Corrine Riekhof, R, PSP gave the third credentials report. 86 members of convention were reported. Devotions were given by Rindy Olsen, AL, PSP. Karri Buresh, AE, led the song She s Got A Ticket To Ride in honor of President Bobbi Nichols. President Bobbi Nichols announced $1, was raised at the Celebration Banquet. Convention #11 was suspended. Chapter X presented a Tribute to Our Newest Members and presented them each with a pin box and a copy of the P.E.O. Creed. The president thanked Chapter X and announced that our newest members were to be honored at lunch. The newest members were honored with the singing of Hey Jude. Convention Rule #11 was reinstated. Beth Ledbetter, Second Vice President of International Chapter, shared the latest news from International Chapter. Vice President, Gail Brown, gave an update on the Bazaar Task Force findings. Organizer, Gayle Lichti, gave a chapter recognition report. President Bobbi Nichols then introduced the chairmen of the philanthropy committees and thanked them for their hard work. They were: P.E.O. Educational Loan Fund: Kay Whetstone, AM P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship: Joyce McNally, D P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education: Sue Dintelman, E P.E.O. Scholar Awards: Nancy Mathews, E P.E.O. STAR Scholarship: Cindy Jackson, Y Cottey College Chairman: Jennie Carlston, D. There was one Program for Continuing Education Project Recipient asked to speak. She was: Krista Hansen, introduced by Sue Dintelman, E. President Bobbi Nichols thanked the speaker on her accomplishments. The president then introduced the chairmen of the state projects and thanked them for their service. They were: Helen Abbott Fund: Wendy Sather, P C-9

10 Gump and Ayers Scholarship Fund: Barbara Alexander, AD Susan W. Coda Memorial Scholarship Fund: Joette Hessick, AJ Ruth S. Clayton Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund: Colene Warren, T Carole S. Putnam Memorial Scholarship Fund: Carole Shutts, D Ruth Orton Scholarship formally known as Chapter F, Utah Cottey Graduate Scholarship Fund: Becky Lindsay, F Four recipients of state scholarships were asked to speak. They were Helen Abbott recipient, Ashley Ward, introduced by Saundie Stone, X; Carol S. Putnam Memorial Scholarship recipient. Danielle Stephenson, introduced by Carole Shutts, D; Ruth S. Clayton Memorial Nursing Scholarship recipient, Shauna Bennee, introduced by Colene Warren, T; and Gump & Ayers recipient, Michelle Fausett introduced by Barbara Alexander, AD. President Bobbi Nichols thanked the speakers and wished them the best in their future and said we support them in all their endeavors. The president then announced that the luncheon would be in honor of our newest members and our project recipients. She encouraged all in attendance to acknowledge these women and make them feel welcome. Announcements were made by Convention Treasurer, Debbie Reeves. The president encouraged everyone to stop and look at the scrapbooks, project displays, and chapter yearbooks on display in the lobby. Following the singing of the P.E.O. Grace, the president declared convention in recess at 12:08 p.m., until the Time of Remembrance beginning at 1:30 p.m. with prelude beginning at 1:15 p.m.; meeting to reconvene at 2:45 p.m. with the prelude beginning at 2:30 p.m. The Time of Remembrance Service was held at 1:30 p.m. in memory of Utah State P.E.O.s who entered Chapter Eternal during the past year. Fourth Meeting Saturday afternoon, May 4, 2013 President Bobbi Nichols called the fourth meeting of the Utah State Chapter to order at 2:37 p.m. and stated that the rules of convention are now in order. Carla Johnson, AL, gave the report of the guards. Corrine Riekhof, R gave the final credentials report, 86 members of convention were reported (Reports, pg. R-37). The president thanked Corrine and her committee for their work during convention. The president thanked Gail Brown and her committee for the lovely tribute to our Chapter Eternal members. C-10

11 The next business in order was the question and answer session. International Representative, Beth Ledbetter, and Organizer, Gayle Lichti, answered questions from the question box. Convention Registrar Lisa Pockrus gave the following report: Number of visitors to convention: 199. Number of BILs in attendance/registered: 49. Total: 248. President Bobbi Nichols expressed her thanks to Lisa Pockrus, Convention Co-Chair and Registrar, and the all the convention committees for their hard work. President Bobbi Nichols made her closing remarks to convention by explaining that there are all kinds of beans, and now she is one of them a has bean. She thanked her P.E.O. sisters for allowing her to serve them the past 7 years. She shared some inspiring words from a sculpture garden at Park Station in Farmington. If you ve never dreamed before, dream again. If you ve once had hope, here take it. Believe in love and celebrate life. Find a purpose and pass it on. The next order of business was the Installation of Officers. Carla Johnson escorted newly elected Secretary Brenda Boren to the dais. Convention Rule #11 was suspended. By general consent, guests were admitted into convention hall for the installation ceremony, the presentation of the past president s credentials and pin and remarks by the incoming President. Secretary Kimberly Albro called the roll of the newly elected officers of Utah State Chapter. Beth Ledbetter, Representative of International Chapter, installed these officers. President: Gail Brown Vice President: Gayle Lichti Organizer: Nancy Williams Treasurer: Kimberly Albro Secretary: Brenda Boren Gail Brown, newly elected Utah State President, accepted the gavel and asked Beth Ledbetter, Representative of International Chapter to present the past president credentials to Bobbi Nichols. Marilyn Coller, D, PSP presented the Past State President s pin to Bobbi Nichols and escorted her to her seat with the other past state presidents. President Gail Brown gave her incoming remarks commenting about her 3-generation P.E.O. family is much like a P.E.O. chapter and announced her theme is Step Up for P.E.O. Convention Rule # 11 remained suspended and photographs allowed during the invitation to 2014 Convention. C-11

12

13

14 DEVOTION Keep the Faith May 3, 2013 As I prepared what I was going to share with you today, I took a few moments to reflect upon the opening remarks of our State President Bobbi after she was installed last May. She said "I'm one of those What if... kind of people. I like to imagine how things could be. Sometimes it gets me into trouble but most of the time it lets me begin a dream." Her "Just Imagine..." theme has carried us through the year and we are gathered here for the next two days to celebrate our P.E.O. Sisterhood. What a great time it will be! The phrases "What If.." and "Just Imagine..." made me think of another word... Faith. Faith can be hard to define. It s talked about a lot but we are not really able to see it or touch it as an object. Martin Luther King Jr. said "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." Most of us have felt it in our hearts and seen it at work in our lives at one time or another. Leah Shirey, Past President of CA State Chapter, said "Faith is hope and expectation...an attitude of the mind, a quality of the heart and a spiritual necessity." And in the book of Hebrews, Chapter 11, we find that familiar verse "Now Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen". Faith in P.E.O. started with our seven founders and it continues today, each time we initiate a new member. Faith, symbolically, is at the top or point of our P.E.O. star and is given first consideration in explaining our five virtues. We describe Faith as the solid rock upon which our sisterhood is built. We find in it our past achievements, present success and future hope. We ballot on Faith in our sisters who have proposed a name for membership. The initiate comes to us with the Faith that her new sisters will guide her in becoming a P.E.O. and the chapter must have Faith in not only what this sister can do for us but more importantly, what we can do for her. To be a P.E.O. means to always put your Faith into action. Helen Steiner Rice, often referred to as the "poet laureate of inspirational verse", wrote a poem entitled "Climb 'til Your Dream Comes True". I would like to share it with you. Often your tasks will be many, And more than you think you can do. Often the road will be rugged And the hills insurmountable, too. But always remember, The hills ahead Are never as steep as they seem, And with Faith in your heart, Start upward And climb 'til you reach your dream. For nothing in life that is worthy Is ever too hard to achieve If you have the courage to try it, And you have the Faith to believe. For Faith is a force that is greater Than knowledge or power or skill, And many defeats turn to triumph If you trust in God's wisdom and will. For Faith is a mover of mountains, There's nothing that God cannot do, So, start out today with Faith in your heart, And climb 'til your dream comes true! Helen Steiner Rice So Keep the Faith Faith in our sisterhood, Faith in each other and Faith in where our imagination will take us. Brenda Boren, M C-14

15 OPENING REMARKS BY PRESIDENT On behalf of Hostess Chapters F and AE and the officers of the Executive Board of Utah State Chapter, I welcome you to Utah's 78th annual convention of the P.E.O. Sisterhood. It is an honor and a privilege to share in the events that will occur during this convention. My hope is that all visitors and voting members will leave this convention with a feeling of inspiration and enlightenment. Just imagine where we can take P.E.O. WELCOME TO THE 2013 UTAH STATE CONVENTION Thank you chapters F and AE for that wonderful welcome to the 78th Annual Convention. We have been Imagine-ing all year what kind of fun, fellowship and opportunities to learn that we will enjoy this year. Now we can see the results of your hard work and dedication, and hope you ve formed a closer bond in the process. In your honor, the woman that is a part of Bobbi s logo has been nicknamed FAE. Thank you from all of us! TRIBUTE TO PAST STATE PRESIDENTS Peggy Beach, Marce Weibel, and other members of Chapter AL A skit, using the theme of the Broadway play Newsies, was presented by members of Chapter AL. Information about the past state presidents, obtained from a survey of the PSPs, was used in the skit. Including, but not limited to the following: The PSPs have a combined 755 years of membership in P.E.O., an average of 36 years per member. 61% of the past state presidents have a family member that is also a member of P.E.O. For about 1/3 of the past state presidents their least favorite office while serving on the state board was treasurer TRIBUTE TO RUTH ORTON Presented by: Becky Lindsay, F "Today we honor the memory of an outstanding P.E.O. member from Chapter F, Ruth Orton. In 2007 Ruth met with our State P.E.O. President and Vice President who identified a need to provide funds for Utah graduates of Cottey College to complete their B.S. or B. A. degree, regardless of when they graduated from Cottey. Ruth provided all of the funding to establish the Chapter F, Utah Cottey College Graduate Scholarship now renamed the Ruth Orton Scholarship. From the time of her initiation into P.E.O. in 1977, she gave generously to all of the P.E.O. scholarship funds and to Cottey College. C-15

16 Ruth was a bright, enthusiastic supporter of the Utah Symphony & Opera, Weber Pathways and the Ogden Nature Center. She was a legendary hiker, traveling worldwide, sometimes with her grandchildren and sometimes with the Power Hikers of Ogden. We want to acknowledge the Orton family members who are present at our luncheon: Daughter Patsy and husband, Ramon Johnson; daughter Nancy Pinto-Orton, a P.E.O. member from Maryland; son Cliff and wife, Andrea; and granddaughter, Sarah Orton. Thank you for helping us honor your mother and grandmother." Period of Instruction: PERIOD OF INSTRUCTION and WORKSHOP The Basics of Holding a P.E.O. Office, presented by Organizer, Gayle Lichte. Gayle gave a PowerPoint presentation about the basics of each local chapter office. Workshop Form-u-la for Success, presented by Vice President, Gail Brown; Treasurer, Nancy Williams; and Secretary, Kimberly Albro. A skit was performed to help members learn how to use a few special forms and where to find each form. RESUME OF PRESIDENTS LETTERS NOTE: Names in bold are the chapter presidents as of February Chapter A Theme: Many Bright and Beautiful Women (Linda Newell) Programs included affordable healthcare, Maysa Kergaye a Muslim Woman, the Mandi Project, Jan Diedrich a policewoman, and An American Woman in China: Chapter B (Price) Theme: Life, Dreams, Memories and Other Gifts (Sherry King) Our programs tugged at our heart strings and enlightened us at the soft side and the creativity of our sisters. We had our memories jogged and even learned the real names of some famous women and their inventions. All of our programs were true gifts from our sisters. Chapter C (Vernal) Theme: Reaching for the Stars (Glenna Scott) Programs included a visit from their local Cottey student, Italian opera selections sung by the daughter of a chapter member, presentation on trips taken by chapter sisters to Ireland and Scotland, a costume party before their October meeting, and piano students gave a recital. C-16

17 Chapter D (SLC) Theme: Ignite Your P.E.O. Spark! (Jennifer Carlston) Programs included a history of the chapter and its members, the creativity of pop-up books, American citizenship and a new response to roll call. A question is asked before roll call and each member replies with an answer to that question. The responses brought laughter and, later on, conversations. Chapter E (SLC) Theme: Here, There and Everywhere (Sue Dintelman) Programs included a visit to the Natural History Museum, holiday decorations by Every Blooming Thing, a member s trip to Dubai, the U of U Osher Life Long Learning Institute, and the Six Women Who Saved Westminster College. Chapter F (Ogden) Theme: Imagination through Education (Helgard Wolfram) Programs included appraisal of antiques, a lecture about birds, quilts and quilting, financial planning and many sessions of convention planning. Chapter H (SLC) Theme: Learning from Our Community (Nanette Epstein) Programs included quilting, the Children s Center, organizing made simple, Emily McNary from Cottey College, natural cleaning products, Brad Wiggins Director of U of U Burn Camps, the Olympics, physical therapy, the benefits of preschool education United Way, and stained glass. Chapter J (Ogden) Theme: The World Around Us (Jane Mathis) Programs included a sister s trip to Jerusalem, a presentation of First Ladies Martha Washington and Eleanor Roosevelt, H2U health programs at Ogden Regional Hospital, and the Lantern House in Ogden. Chapter L (SLC) Theme: Inspirations (Joan Nabors) Programs included a concert by the Whistling Rufus String Band, the trials of becoming an American citizen (same as woman as Chapter D), Middle Eastern studies, and trips by chapter members. Chapter M (Ogden) Theme: P.E.O. the Ultimate Social Network (Aloha Whitney) Programs included learning about arthritis, a sister s trip to India, membership, and Pinterest. Chapter N (SLC) Theme: Time Spent (Lynette Edwards) Programs included personal memories from WWII including accounts from a member from Scotland, personal writings from a very accomplished member, social work, collection of ceramic trinket boxes, members biking and hiking activities, and recommendations of books for the holidays. C-17

18 Chapter O (SLC) Theme: Women Helping Women Reach for the Stars (Bobbie Ivey) Programs included preventing child abuse, visit to the new Utah Museum of Natural History, making bracelets for the new initiates presented at last year s convention, bird watching and other pleasures, Osher (courses to take to keep our minds active), Greek music, and cooking for one or two. Chapter P (Ogden) Theme: Getting to Know You (Kristen Bell) Programs included short autobiographies by new and seasoned members, sisters travels, scrapbooking with photo books, visited the Ogden Nature Center, and a presentation by St. Anne s Shelter and Lantern House. Chapter Q (SLC) (Kristin Madden) Programs included a video on Pamela s Closet, readings of a sister s poems which will soon be published, learned about each other, earthquake preparedness, a trip to Cuba, and a woman in business. Chapter R (SLC) Theme: Curious R s (Bettie Barlow) Programs included an afternoon tea and piano concert, a gemologist from O.C. Tanner talking about caring for jewelry, and updating our wardrobes. Chapter T (Magna/WVC) Theme: Just Imagine What a Woman Can Do... WOW (Women on Women (Joan Cahoon) Programs included an opera singer, a woman of medicine, an aviator, an author, a visit by Karen Mayne, one of our state legislators, a member who teaches for Teach America, and Female Witnesses to the Nativity, by Afton Smith. Chapter U (Logan) Theme: The Fabric of Friendship (Sheryl Bessinger) Programs included learning about each other in a clever way (bring yourself in a bag), teenage girls in Uganda, behind the scenes of the musical Cats. Created a chapter reading list by sharing good reads. Chapter V (SLC) Theme: Nourishing Body, Soul and Mind (Glenda LeHoux) Programs included learning about the Creekside Retirement Center, exploring Jane s Home and learning about the Golden Rule Project, collecting items for and learning about the Crossroads Urban Center from Linda Hilton (Chapter H), attracting and feeding backyard birds, and studying the art of quilting. Chapter W (Bountiful) Theme: Soaring to Great Heights through Education (Bobbie McNellis) Favorite program was pictures and stories of a sister s vacations. C-18

19 Chapter X (SLC) Theme: Happy 50 th Birthday Chapter X Friends for Eternity (Martha Wamboldt) Programs included stained glass in military chapels (attended by several BILs), an insightful story from Maysa Kergaye about life as a Muslim woman in the U.S., and learning about each other through a brag bag session. Chapter Y (SLC) Theme: The Spirit of Utah Wilderness (Kathy Alderson) Programs included the ABC s of P.E.O. learning P.E.O. etiquette, Wasatch hiking, making an audio CD, and monthly Sister Snapshots. Chapter Z (Provo) Theme: Sisters Share a Special Bond (Polly Broughton) Programs included book talks where the books are available for sale afterwards, great things from the garden auction for fresh vegetables and goodies, sessions getting ready for the P.E.O. Bazaar. Chapter AA (Ogden) Theme: Growth in Knowledge and in Culture (Karen Trewet) Programs included raising alpacas, shared by Sheryl Brown of Chapter P, holiday flower arranging, the history of Ogden, and an update on what the city council has planned for Ogden City. Chapter AC (SLC) Theme: Taking Direction (Lola Petermann) Programs included a woman s travels to India, a librarian sharing books from around the world, a demonstration on pole dancing as exercise, and a talk on the customs, policies and procedures of P.E.O. as they were at the time our sisterhood was founded and in the years shortly afterwards. Chapter AD (Sandy) Theme: P.E.O. Potpourri (Mike Richerson) Programs included Ben Behunin with pottery, cactus and tropical plants, getting your medical affairs in order, and a program from a sister who is a homicide detective. Chapter AE (Sandy) Theme: Famous Last Words Epitaphs and clever quips from history s favorite personalities (Debbie Reeves) Programs included using technology, being thankful, handwriting analysis, and a lecture and slide show by the Nature Conservancy. Chapter AH (Bountiful) Theme: A Year of Caring and Sharing (Diane Boyd) Programs included show and tell where members brought something special to them, Nan Walton s book about dogs and their handlers which will be published soon, quilt trunk show, a sister s trip to the Orkney Islands, a timeline of P.E.O. from the Civil War to 2002, and a private symphony by a member and her daughters. C-19

20 Chapter AI (SLC) Theme: The Time that is Given Us (Patti Pitts) Programs included Tai Chi, Greek cooking, Bierstadt to Warhol Myths and Memory of the West, clean energy alternatives, and the Sundance and S.L. Film Society. Chapter AJ (Park City) Theme: Life is an Adventure (Kim Carson) Programs included the lives of hummingbirds, the beauty of Southern Utah and Turkey, nuclear bombs in Los Alamos, the local USU Swaner Nature Center, and learning more about each other. Chapter AK (Cedar City) (Dana Covey) Programs included sharing the influence our Mom s have had on our lives, myths and misinformation of infectious diseases, a reading of the Butterscotch Affair, and unwrapping mysterious presents, guessing what the presents were and how happy we were to receive the gift. Chapter AL (Sandy) Theme: Inspirit Your Sisters (Inspirit raise the spirits of, buoy up, cheer up, embolden, hearten, inspire, and encourage) (Ann Hollowell) Programs included talks about Israel, China, and Tibet. An ornament exchange was held in December. Chapter AM (St. George) Theme: Serve Our Star with Love (Donna Hayes) Programs included a presentation by an author, a member talking about her life as a Double E (Electrical Engineer), a slide show on a sister s experiences, and volunteering with Children of Peace International Chapter AN (Syracuse) Theme: Connect, Explore, and Inspire (Diane Doelfs) Programs included self defense, the history of our country s flag, snowshoeing, and all about the many virtues that are necessary for our lives. C-20

21 CELEBRATION BANQUET An Evening with Dueling Pianos May 3, 2013 Davis County Convention Center Layton, UT Social Hour: 5:30 6:30 p.m. Welcome and Introductions: Bobbi Nichols, President, Utah State Chapter P.E.O. Invocation: Rev. Dave Crockett Dinner Remarks from International Visitor: Beth Ledbetter, Second Vice President, International Chapter P.E.O. Helen Abbott Scholarship Recipient: Tanisha Romero Entertainment: Dueling Pianos All Request Show All proceeds donated to P.E.O. projects C-21

22 DEVOTION May 4, 2013 Heavenly Father, Bless us as we gather together to celebrate P.E.O. at the 78th Annual Utah State Convention. We are grateful to you for our organization, its love, ideals, and sisterhood. And, we are grateful, too, for the imaginations of the women with which we share these bonds. These imaginations have been the genesis of our essence. Our imaginations are what will continue to keep our P.E.O. sisterhood vibrant and growing for many generations to come. It has been said that imagination is more important than knowledge because knowledge is limited, but imagination encircles the universe. Bless us always that we may continue to exercise and ENJOY our imaginations. Amen. Rindy Olsen, AL, PSP TRIBUTE TO NEW MEMBERS New members were asked to come forward. Each new member introduced herself and stated the chapter into which she was initited. The P.E.O. Creed was read, after which Saundie added, You are here today because someone believed in you Welcome to P.E.O. Each new member was given a pin box and a copy of the P.E.O. Creed P.E.O. CREED I BELIEVE in P.E.O. and in all that it stands for, not alone in fact, but in act. I BELIEVE in my sisters, in the honesty of their intentions, in the purity of their motives, in the integrity of their character, and in the loyalty of their friendship. I BELIEVE in the sweetness and helpfulness of friendship, and in the joy of serving others. I BELIEVE in the virtues Faith, Love, Purity, Justice, and Truth, and in the hope that lures us on. I BELIEVE that life does not consist in the abundance of the material things we possess, but in the abundance of things we are and do. C-22

23 I BELIEVE that it is within our power as P.E.O.s to help each other, that the rough places may be smooth, and the crooked places straight, the burden less heavy and life a continual joy and blessing, ever increasing, growing richer and richer. I BELIEVE in the present of our Sisterhood with its opportunities, in the future with its obligations, in the divine joy of living here and hereafter, in the enlarged and ever enlarging sphere of usefulness that is opening up before us each year. By Effie Hoffman Rogers MEMBERS OF CHAPTER ETERNAL Ruth G. Bracy, A Catherine C. Perry, C Eleanor Cottingham, D, PSP Ruth L. Orton, F Maxine Williams, F Luellyn Withrow, F Marie Cunningham, H Laurie Heden, H Janice Clute, J Joyce E. Hugg, M Marilyn Cronin, N Gloria Forcht, N Marjorie Starkweather, N Harriet Ambrose, P Patricia Eager, Q Jeane Humphreys, T Linda Luckart, T Verla L. Bramble, AA Joann Dauma, AA Elizabeth B. Kopper, AD Edith D. Fallentine, AE Susan Flatberg, AE Peg Armstrong, AJ Jennilee Thayer, AK, PSP/NV Dena Archer, AM C-23

24 PRESIDENT S CLOSING REMARKS I was just thinking, looking out at all of you, that there are all kinds of beans. You know who you are. There are chili beans, green beans, lima beans, even jellybeans. But I m the best kind of bean. I am now a has-bean. I accused Marilyn of this last year when she left the board and now it s my turn. There s no way I could be here without all of you. Some of you have been behind me all the way. Some of you have been by my side the whole time. Some of you have held me up when I thought I couldn t do it but thanks to all of you I made it through the whole 7 years. I thank you all for getting me where I am right now. I was given the gift of P.E.O. in 1985, when Nancy Ramsdell sponsored me and later initiated me into Chapter AE. And just imagine, here I am presiding over Chapter F and AE s convention. It s almost like coming full circle. Back then, I couldn t have imagined I would be up here today. P.E.O. has meant so much to me. I ve learned and grown from all my experiences. It has enriched my life in so many ways and all because of you. Yes, we are a philanthropic educational organization; we are women helping women reach for the stars; because of us, millions of dollars have been donated to our philanthropies, but more important, we are sisters. And that s something that money can t provide. Sure, you can buy chili beans, green beans, lima beans, jelly beans, but you can t buy a sister. And that s no hill of beans. To all my P.E.O. sisters, thank you for allowing me the honor of serving you these past 7 years; my deepest gratitude for giving me the opportunity for personal growth and enrichment. I truly have gained so much more than I have given. In closing I d like to share something with you. A dear friend of mine, Arleen Bedingfield, took me to lunch one day to see the wonderful fountain at Park Station in Farmington. Not only is there a fountain but there are some whimsical sculptures. The collection of sculptures is entitled Imagine and along with them are these inspiring words: Bobbi Nichols If you ve never dreamed before, dream again. If you ve once had hope, here take it. Believe in love and celebrate life. Find a purpose and pass it on. C-24

25 REMARKS BY NEWLY INSTALLED PRSIDENT I was initiated into P.E.O., Chapter Z, in Cheyenne, WY in 1982 at the age of 20. I had just finished my sophomore year in college. My grandmother was initiated in 1948 and my mother was initiated in That makes my two sisters and I third generation Chapter Z initiates. I also have two aunts and a cousin who were initiated in this chapter. In total, I have 11 family members who I can also call sister. I ve been thinking about how my family closely resembles a P.E.O. chapter. There are two in Chapter Eternal. Two are inactive. One is a Past State President of Wyoming and still very active in P.E.O. One lives in two places, is active in her chapter at home, and involved in a P.E.O. Group at her winter residence. A couple of us were listed as unaffiliates for several years before we felt we could commit to participating in chapter life. Some have moved around the country, transferring to other chapters. One is in a stage of life where she can only attend meetings occasionally, but her chapter keeps in touch with her. Another moved to a town where there is no chapter close by. There are several unaffiliates in the area, so the Organizer is considering forming a new chapter. Doesn t that sound like your chapter? My family and P.E.O. go back 65 years. Back in 1948, when my grandmother was initiated, there was only one scholarship (ELF est. in 1907) and Cottey College (given to P.E.O. in 1927). Since then, more scholarship opportunities have come to light. My grandmother was a relatively new initiate when the International Peace Scholarship was announced in One of my aunts was new to P.E.O. when the Program for Continuing Education was established in Since I was initiated, the P.E.O. Scholar Awards (1991) was developed for those women pursing a Masters degree in their chosen field. Since I came on the state board in 2007, the Scholar Awards changed their scope for women pursuing a higher education from a Masters degree to a doctoral level (PhD). The STAR Scholarship was implemented in 2009 for our outstanding high school seniors. Another big change from International came when they established their website, and since then most if not all of the states and Canada have followed suit. That definitely brought us into the 21 st century! When I look back on this aspect of my family history, I can also look back on how P.E.O. has stepped up to meet the ever-changing educational needs of women. I can also look back and see that the one aspect of our organization that remains constant is the bonds of sisterhood. We are most certainly a group of women who support, lift up and encourage other women not only in educational pursuits, but physically and emotionally as well. For me personally, while growing as a woman, wife and mother away from my family, I have had many, many surrogate grandmothers, mothers, aunts and sisters step up to support me. Because I was usually the youngest member (or close to the youngest) of the chapters I ve belonged to, P.E.O. has also given me lots of opportunities to become a leader in small ways and now in a big way. It seems I was destined to step up for P.E.O. The next generation of my family includes my daughter, a niece and several cousins. These young women and girls are all under the age of 20 and still finding their way in the world. I have to wonder, Will they be interested in P.E.O.? Will P.E.O. be ready for these 21 st century women? If the past 144 years are any indication of our ability to adapt and change when C-25

26 necessary, then I can say with confidence that we are on the right track. I can t wait to find out what lies ahead for these girls! My challenge to all of us is to be ready and willing to step up for them so that they will want to become P.E.O.s and it will come to mean as much for them as it does for all of us. Gail Brown ACCEPTANCE OF INVITATION TO 2013 CONVENTION Thank you, Chapters D and AH, for that entertaining invitation to the 2014 Convention of the Utah State Chapter. It is my turn to Step Up for P.E.O. and I am honored to serve as President as we meet right back here next year. These sisters are working hard to put on an outstanding convention that I know you will enjoy. Thank you for all that you do for P.E.O. Gail Brown C-26