P.E.O. Record
Special Feature
One member’s story of why she chose to remain an active member even when unable to fully participate… Reasons abound! Janet Newhall Spoerl was asked to tell her P.E.O. story last year at New Jersey’s state convention. It is about reasons.
Reasons!
My first year at Iowa Wesleyan College (IWC), I was a student secretary in the English department chaired by Dr. Louis Haselmayer. My tasks included typing his weekly articles for area newspapers, tests and notices, and his history of P.E.O. Sitting by a second floor corner window of Old Pioneer, the oldest building in continuous educational service west of the Mississippi River, I found that
the P.E.O. history consumed most of my time. P.E.O. fascinated me. Who were the Original Seven who had walked this campus, sat on the stile, and organized a group of curious, innovative women? Daily, I walked by the P.E.O. rooms in Old Main on my way to music activities. I delighted in learning at IWC, and graduated in 1967.
While teaching in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, I met wonderful women, one of whom asked if I had heard of P.E.O., an educational group. Chapter MG had recently been organized; my friend Nancy helped me know others. I was initiated in 1971. P.E.O. became one of my commitments as I taught school and raised a family. I held every office in Chapter MG and participated in the myriad of social and “ways and means” activities. I know it was my bond with Nancy who kept P.E.O. vital for me. We were true sisters and even shared a teaching job. There is another reason!
Then I moved to New Jersey with my family. Chapter MG sent my name to local chapters and I started visiting. Chapter B seemed perfect; I dimitted and attended meetings. But, I missed teaching. I got a job in Montclair . . . getting to afternoon meetings was impossible. Then Chapter B moved to having some meetings in the evening. My attendance was sporadic. The sisters in Chapter B were consistent and kind, supportive and awesome with cards, notes and phone calls. Many years I sent my dues and added money for “ways and means,” but never attended a meeting. Eighteen years passed.
I never went inactive. Nancy, in Iowa, and I would talk. Going “inactive” didn't seem right. Barbara, in New Jersey, would call to chat. Life changes occurred. I designed a magnet school. The boys went to college and jobs. My husband Ron had a liver transplant. My son Scott was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2006. The P.E.O. sisters called and sent notes. P.E.O. yearbooks came in the mail.
In September 2007, I decided to go to the famous Saturday morning Chapter B Ice Cream Breakfast at Barbara's. Meetings followed. In March 2008, I became president of Chapter B. The reason—sisters cared.
P.E.O. sisters continue to bond and support. Seven sisters established a strong, vital organization. We must keep it going. Women helping women is the reason.
I am glad that I was encouraged and chose to remain an active P.E.O. when I was quite “nonparticipating” for so many years. Thanks, sisters, for being the reason!