Chapter NZ P.E.O. met Monday

Chapter NZ of the P.E.O. Sisterhood met for their regular meeting on Monday, Sept. 24, at the Glenna Voyles Doll House on the grounds of Midwest Old Threshers. Co-hostesses for the 1 p.m. meeting were Sharon Davis, Judy Kinney, Patty Carson and Nancy Vens.

Davis introduced Terry McWilliams, Administrator of Midwest Old Threshers, who welcomed the chapter. She then introduced Mary Bixler, volunteer at MOT, who shared about the gift of the Don and Wilma Bussey doll collection.

Wilma Bussey passed away in 1979, and her husband, after visiting Old Threshers and becoming acquainted with then-administrator Lennis Moore, donated the entire doll collection. It was received in 2002, during which time Glenna Voyles became involved with sorting, researching, cleaning and restoring the dolls. The dolls exhibited in the museum date from the 1830s to the 1960s.

At the close of the program, the co-hostesses offered refreshments of doughnut bites and fresh cider.

The business meeting was called to order by President Lana Moeller, with 24 members present. Chaplain Lea McCormick shared the scripture. Recording secretary Jan Lange read the minutes from the previous meetings. Treasurer Deb Mascarenas gave the financial report. Corresponding secretary pro-tem Betty Lowe read several notes and a letter from Kate Raun, Iowa State chapter president.

In old business, 41 members and guests attended and enjoyed the hayride and bonfire picnic at Liz and Rich Garrels' home on Sunday, Sept. 9. Co-hostesses for that event for Laura and Curt Bjork, Jennifer and Jeremy Clark, Steph and Robb Gardner and Missy and Jeff Sitar.

'The Sisterhood” membership committee is organizing visits to members in care centers and have scheduled an outing to Mt. Pleasant antique shops with lunch at Walt's Taproom on Thursday, Oct. 4. Members are to contact either Betty Lowe or Sheila Allender for more information.

Chapter NZ had volunteered to provide a tree for the Mt. Pleasant women's Club 'Trees of Christmas” on Dec. 8 and 9. A committee has been formed with Joyce Dennison as the contact person.

Henry County Sesquicentennial Committee member Elizabeth Garrels reported that the committee is deep in plans for not only the fall 2019 convention, but also the 150th birthday celebration on Jan. 21, 2019. Invitations and a schedule of events for the day will be coming soon.

The next county fundraiser will be a tip night at the Pizza Ranch on Wednesday, Oct. 31. Volunteers were secured and members are encouraged to bring their families and guests to dine out that evening.

Vice President Connie Geiser thanked the co-hostesses and announced that the next regular meeting will be in the home of Karen Brimhall on Monday, Oct. 22 at 1 p.m. Co-hostesses are Jan Ranklin, Kathie McWhirter, Melissa Peitz, Pattie McClure, Waunita Hobbie and Gayle Trede.

The program will be”Celebrating: Leadership,” with Lowe acting as facilitator. The fall dinner with the four Henry County chapters will be Monday, Oct. 29 at 5:30 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. at the Howe Activity Center on the campus of Iowa Wesleyan University. Members are encouraged to attend and make a reservation by Oct. 22. The dinner will be hosted by Chapter OX.