P.E.O. Chapter Presidents are, front row from left, Linda Cockrell (Chapter I), Rebecca Morgan (Chapter BK) and Cindy Chester (Chapter AP). On back row are Pam McCalister (Chapter BG), Margaret Berry (Chapter AG) and Nancy Rutledge (Chapter AU).
Six local chapters of the Philanthropic and Educational Organization for Women (PEO) gathered Saturday, Jan. 26 at First Presbyterian Church for their Founders’ Day Luncheon, celebrating the 150th anniversary of P.E.O.
Chapter AU hosted the luncheon, catered by Connie Jones and the members of Chapter BG. Reciprocity President Kathy Guin (Chapter AU) presided and Rosie Finical (Chapter AU) gave the invocation. Louisiana State Organizer Arleen Mayeux (Chapter AU) addressed the group and each chapter president introduced her chapter’s members. The Founder’s Day program was presented by Chapter BG under the direction of Vicki Parrish. Table decorations and nametags were provided by Chapter I.
Founded in 1869, P.E.O. is a U.S.-based international women’s organization of about 230,000 members with a primary focus on providing educational opportunities for female students worldwide. Among other projects, it owns and supports Cottey College, an independent college for women in Nevada, Mo.
P.E.O. has given over $321 million dollars in financial assistance to more than 105,000 women. There are currently six chapters in Natchitoches. For more information, contact Mayeux, at arleendm@bellsouth.net, Bette Maroney at bettemaroney@gmail.com or visit www.peointernational.org.
Chapter I On first row from left are Carole White, Carolyn Stothart and Ellis Melder. On second row are Vickie Gentry, Linda Cockrell and Susan Massia. On third row are Nicole Connell, Toni Rushing and Amelia Ferguson. On fourth row are Jill Barnhill, Phyllis Collins, Kay Gilson and Mary Margaret Miller. On fifth row are Glenelle Brown, Gwen Scott, Vicki Caldwell, Sharon Ebarb, MiMi Stoker and Scotti Rodgers.
Chapter AG On first row from left are Janet Flynn, Anne Taylor and Susu Burke. On second row are Bonnie Pace, Mildred McTyre, Margaret Berry, Anita Pierce and Jane Hall. On third row are Lanell Causey, Carol Steadman, Beth Hatch, Alma Alost, Jennifer Maggio, Kathy Carter and Soni Sers. On fourth row are Virginia Crossno, Frances Hoffpauir, Connie Scruggs, Sandra McCullen and Gayle Howell.
Chapter AP On first row from left are Janice Bolton, Chris Manning, Betty Hertzog, Elizabeth Madden, Marion Johnston and Carolyn Harrington. On second row are Ruth Anderson, Sharon Huey, Mary Lou Brown and Sara Kathryn Ahrens. On third row are Cindy Chester, Sue Weaver, Fran Bernard, Linda Lytle and Susan Long.
Chapter BK On first row from left are Rebecca Morgan, Em Horton, Mary Ann Nowlin and Mary Guidry. On second row are Karen Townsend, Joelle Evans, Jacque Horton and Cathy Seymour.
Chapter BG On first row from left are Donna Greene, Andrea Valentine, Bette Maroney and Kristine Coreil. On second row are Martie Cain, Ellen Tucker, Brenda Coker, Christine Ferrell and Marti Vienne On third row are Becky Wolfe, Anne Stevens, Christi Price, Diane Doughty and Peggy Gilbert. On fourth row are Pam McCalister, Connie Jones, Valerie Salter, Kathy Autrey, Vicki Parrish and Chris Evans.
Chapter AU On first row from left are Betti Alleman, Gayle Fitzhugh, Sue Sklar, Laura Lavespere, Becky Osborn and Peggy Williams. On second row are Kathy Guin, Lisa Prudhomme, Markay Cunningham, Carolyn Roy and Sue Hortman. On third row are Patricia Todd, Martha Maynard, Desiree Dyess, Brenda Pointer-Rinehart and Carolyn Rivers. On fourth row are Gina Pulls, Marilyn McMurtry, Rosie Finical, Judy Murphy, Janice Paul, Arleen Mayeux and Nancy Rutledge.