P.E.O. Record
California Here We Come!
Report of the 69th Convention of International Chapter
California, the state of contrasts from hot deserts to cool mountains and central farmland to Pacific Rim urban centers, beckoned P.E.O.s to the 69th Convention of International Chapter. Our meeting place was in sunny San Diego from September 9-11, 2009, where 3,926 total convention registrants arrived. It was the largest gathering of delegates and visitors to an International convention ever. Eureka!
Required Seminars and Learning Labs
Wednesday morning, delegates were required to attend three seminars to prepare them for the work of Convention. They enjoyed a fun and lighthearted look at our projects entitled “Hooray for Hollywood!” through five vignettes. To see Dr. Judy Rogers dressed up as a fairy godmother in the Cottey College vignette was not to be missed! They also learned about parliamentary procedure and how an amendment is handled at Convention in a clear and concise manner. Finance and budget information was presented to delegates and discussion ensued about how our investments shrank during the tough economy. Cuts to the budget were explained.
During the afternoon, delegates chose between four learning labs. Topics included a planned giving seminar, being a strong leader as well as being a supportive follower, building our confidence by getting rid of damaging negative thoughts, and being an “inspired” philanthropist for women’s education.
Delegates and visitors explored the exhibits set up to showcase our five International projects as well as a display dedicated solely to membership. The California Room showcased all that the state has to offer and had a special display on Orange County where Barbara Andes lives.
The shopping opportunities between seminars, labs and Convention were fabulous. The Daisy Crazy store featured unique items by California artists and designers and the Herff Jones store featured P.E.O. jewelry.
The Little Girl was at Convention, the one who is featured in our very own book. She provided Convention news and photos on the P.E.O. website. Wendy Awkerman Lyons, the author of “The Girl Who Reached for the Star,” was available to sign copies of the book.
Opening Night Ceremony and Projects Program
The ceremony began with the state, provincial and district presidents and organizers carrying their flags into the auditorium. The procession began with the guards followed by the executive board assistants, Executive Board of International Chapter, past presidents of International Chapter, boards of trustees of International projects and other board and committee members. Barbara Andes, president, International Chapter, began introductions of all those on stage. Ann Fields, immediate past president, International Chapter, delivered the invocation. The presentation of colors and singing of “O Canada” and “The Star Spangled Banner” followed. Barbara Andes delivered her president’s greeting followed by Mary Anne Christianson, President, California State Chapter, who welcomed us to California. Elizabeth Garrels, first vice president, International Chapter, responded to the welcome.
Lynn Rymarz portrayed Founder Franc Roads ElliottA special visit was paid to us by actress Lynn Rymarz, Chapter IM, Illinois, depicting one of our Founders, Franc Roads Elliott. In a memorized monologue she spoke to us about being more progressive in our thinking and carefully considering how we might make changes to P.E.O. for the betterment of the organization. “Franc” was seen wandering throughout the halls of the convention center in her period clothing during the following days.
Susan Reese Sellers, second vice president, International Chapter, presided over the projects program.
Project Program Speakers.Click to enlarge
Eileen Timmins, the Educational Loan Fund recipient speaker, sponsored by Chapter OF, California, used her ELF loan to return to school to earn her nursing degree. She specializes in the care of patients with diabetes. A second year student at Cottey College, Kyla Wall is student body president and spoke to us about her experiences on campus.
Limbikani Kamlongera, IPS recipient from Malawi, is working toward earning her doctorate of education from Grambling State University in Louisiana. She currently holds a masters degree in mass communication from Grambling State. She went into mass communication to use radio as a tool for change to get out her message of the importance of educating girls.
Crystal Johnson, PCE recipient sponsored by Chapter R, Brandon, Manitoba, told her story of graduating from high school and going to work instead of continuing her education. She used her PCE grant to attend Red River College in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where she earned a degree in municipal engineering technology.
Katherine Block is a P.E.O. Scholar Awards recipient who was sponsored by Chapter BH, Tucson, Arizona. She is four months away from earning her Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences from the University of Arizona. Katherine’s main interest is drug discovery.
The projects program was a highlight of Convention. We were once again reminded of how our projects change the lives of women and their communities through our support as women pursue their education.
Celebration of Life
“Celebrating the Seasons of Life” was the title of the moving ceremony conducted by Rowena Henry, past president, California State Chapter, as we were reminded of those sisters who have entered Chapter Eternal. A slide show depicting the four seasons while beautiful piano music was played ended the ceremony.
Executive board assistantsClick to enlarge
Thursday’s Business Meetings
Maria Baseggio, organizer, International Chapter, presented charters to Alberta-Saskatchewan Provincial Chapter, Manitoba-Northwest Ontario Provincial Chapter and Chapter Q, Chugiak, Alaska. Our keynote speaker was Ruth K. Sims, Senior Vice President and Principal at Noel-Levitz, who spoke to us about the need for change in P.E.O. to remain a viable and thriving organization. Barbara Andes delivered her State of the Sisterhood address and spoke about how the time has come for changes in our sisterhood as we are experiencing a downward trend in membership. Officers for the 2009-2011 biennium were elected. An enthusiastic report on the STAR Scholarship Pilot Project was given by Marilyn Mancini, past president, Alabama State Chapter. The presentation of amendments began with Barbara James, chairman, Study and Research Committee.
On Thursday afternoon, more amendments were presented as we worked in sisterly love to find a solution to our electronic voting bugaboos. We now have a sixth International project, the STAR Scholarship! A highlight for us was to hear Karen M. Blair, past president, California State Chapter, sing “We Are P.E.O.” The lyrics can be found on our website. Karen provided us with laughter, fun, relaxation and introspection through her music and entertainment choices.
Thursday evening was our chance to enjoy dinner out on the town. P.E.O.s walked a short distance to the Gaslamp District and Seaport Village. Others took the San Diego Trolley to Old Town to enjoy authentic Mexican food. The restaurant choices were abundant. My fellow executive board assistants, Charice Mason, Janet Martin and I decided to take a pedicab to the Gaslamp District. It fit three passengers…we made sure to tip the driver well as he worked hard to pedal us through town! After an enthusiastic recommendation by P.E.O.s who were leaving the restaurant, we decided to eat at Tabule. The food was delicious and the people-watching from their sidewalk patio was very entertaining! Restaurants and businesses in the Gaslamp District displayed “Welcome P.E.O.” signs in their windows.
Friday’s Business Meetings
Our speaker for Friday morning was Patricia Valentine, past president, Virginia State Chapter. Her talk was entitled “New Traffic Pattern Ahead.” She spoke to us about the feelings we might experience as we are forced out of our comfort zones and that, in the end, change just might be for the better. Jayne Pritko, past president Colorado State Chapter, presented the P.E.O. Foundation report. Assets of the foundation total $73 million. As the chairman and committee members donned Santa hats, it was announced that total distribution to our International projects for the 2009-2011 biennium is approximately $2.4 million! Discussion of and voting on amendments followed.
On Friday afternoon, Dr. Judy Rogers, president, Cottey College, addressed the convention. Cottey College is 125 years old! Dr. Rogers announced that a $35 million comprehensive campaign called “A Defining Moment” is beginning so that Cottey College will be able to move into the next phase of development. Amendments were completed.
The invitation to the 2011 Convention in St. Louis, Missouri, and the 2013 Convention in Dallas, Texas, were enthusiastically delivered. New executive officers were installed. As is the custom, state delegations serenaded their executive board officer after installation. The California delegation serenaded my mother to an old tune called “Anchors Away” set to new words under the creative direction of Evelyn Nelson, past president, California State Chapter. We all donned sailor caps and waved the California flag. Tears welled up in my eyes as we began singing the last stanza, “One last time we sing to her, our California Girl.” After the newly installed president of International Chapter, Elizabeth Garrels, delivered her remarks and Convention was adjourned, the executive board recessed to the Fleetwood Mac song “Don’t Stop Thinking about Tomorrow.”
Closing Banquetand California Night Entertainment
As we dined, “celebrities” wandered through the tables—Minnie Mouse, Lucille Ball, Tom Cruise and Marilyn Monroe. This prepared us for what was to come during “An Evening of Stars.” We were treated to a comedy routine followed by the main event, a Cher impersonator, who happens to be a P.E.O. from Chapter VS, Glendale, California! It was an evening of many laughs as Barbara’s BIL, Jerry Andes, was asked by Cher to dress up as Sonny with a wig and moustache. The two of them sang “I’ve Got You Babe.”
Closing Thoughts
Barbara Andes with Mary Louise RemyThroughout the entire convention Mary Louise Remy, past president, International Chapter, was present to lend support and encouragement to Barbara Andes.
Thank you to Brenda Atchison, Convention chairman and past president, California State Chapter, and the Convention committee for setting the upbeat tone for us. Thank you to the executive office staff who made it all appear to be so easy. I enjoyed being with and working with my fellow executive board assistants; my sisters Karen Westland and Nancy Towbin, my niece Katie Westland, my chapter sisters Janet Bridgford and Charice Mason, and family friend Janet Martin who came all the way from Texas to help us with our duties.
2007-09 Executive BoardDebate on the convention floor was vigorous, respectful, well-prepared and thoughtful. The delegates to this convention made many historic changes to our Constitution and Bylaws while holding on to others.It was a once in a lifetime experience to watch my mother, Barbara Andes, preside over Convention in her gracious manner. Her family and California sisters are filled with pride! My mother’s motto for the last biennium was “Together We Can.” After this convention I would say Together We Did!