Pictured are Chapter B Officers for 2015-2016.
Chapter B members attend the 2015 New York State convention.
Chapter B members participate in “Wear Your Pin Day”.
Did you know that Chapter B, Newark Valley is a member of a larger international organization called P.E.O. There are many local chapters across New York State, the United States and Canada. In this region, there are nine local chapters.
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; and motivate women to achieve their highest aspirations. Their sisterhood proudly makes a difference in women’s lives with six philanthropies that include ownership of a college, Cottey College, and five projects that provide higher educational assistance in the forms of loans, grants and scholarships.
Chapter B, Newark Valley, has been very busy over the past year. They have supported the six philanthropies through the following: Cottey College, an independent liberal arts and sciences college for women in Nevada, Missouri is owned and operated by the P.E.O. Sisterhood since 1927; the Educational Loan Fund (ELF), a low interest revolving loan fund; the International Peace Scholarship (IPS), a need-based scholarship for citizens of a country other than the U.S. and Canada; the Program for Continuing Education (PCE), a need-based scholarship; the Scholar Awards (PSA), a merit-based award (must be within two years of completing a doctoral level degree); the STAR Merit-based scholarship, for high school seniors enrolling in a postsecondary institution upon graduation; and New York State specific scholarships and grants for college and advanced degree work.
Chapter B also awards a small grant to a graduating senior girl to assist as she goes on to higher education. They keep in contact with the award winners as they transition to college or technical school. They are also active in their communities as they support local food pantries, visit shut-ins, and assist women in need of help and encouragement.
As they wrap up the 2015-16 year, here are a few of their highlights:
In March 2015, new officers were installed. They include Kristy Scales, president; Sherrill Ward, vice president; Glenda Clark, treasurer; Ruthanne Orth, recording secretary; Lauren Botzenhart, corresponding secretary; JoAnn Byrne, chaplain; and Ellen Snapp, guard.
In June 2015, Kristy Scales, Tracy Keener, and Lauren Edsall attended the annual NYS P.E.O. Convention in Albany. Currently there are 80 P.E.O. Chapters in New York State.
Emma Graves, Newark Valley High School senior received Chapter B’s local award. She is now attending Tompkins Cortland Community College.
In the fall, Chapter B Newark Valley hosted the Fall Reciprocity Luncheon at the Owego Treadway. Chapters from Oneonta to Elmira, Ithaca and Binghamton were in attendance. New members, Mary Ellen Odom and Tracy Keener were initiated into their Chapter in November.
In December 2015, Chapter B gathered for a brunch meeting and to hear Marilyn Bell’s report on the P.E.O. International Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana.
January 21 was “Wear Your Emblem Day”, and members gathered at the Owego Kitchen to celebrate Founder’s Day. Sisters from not only Chapter B in Newark Valley, but also from Chapter BO and CL, Binghamton Chapters, spread the word and celebrated the day.
On March 2016, new officers were elected and installed. Kristy Scales, president; Sherrill Ward, vice president; Glenda Clark, treasurer; Ruthanne Orth, recording secretary; Lauren Botzenhart, corresponding secretary; Gigi Knight, chaplain; and Ellen Snapp, guard.
