PEO Glendale Reciprocity recently held its Founders Day at the Elks Club in Glendale in celebration of the 154^th birthday of the organization. Glendale Reciprocity is made up of 12 chapters, each identified by alphabetical letters. Representatives from three Burbank chapters that are merging with Glendale Reciprocity also attended the luncheon.

PEO is a Philanthropic Educational Organization that was founded by seven women at the beginning of the women’s movement. It has evolved into a sisterhood working toward a common cause – that of empowerment of women and higher learning. Scholarships are available for young women attending accredited colleges and women returning to higher education after being a non-student for several years. Applicants applying for scholarships do not need to be a member of PEO or related to a member of PEO. The sisterhood also owns and supports Cottey College, a liberal arts college for women in Missouri.

Pat Steen, MZ, president of Reciprocity, gave the invocation. Fiddler’s Green provided a musical interlude followed by a presentation by Kathleen Gill, California State Chapter treasurer, honoring the past and forging the future of the organization. The event was chaired by Anne Barhydt Krall, KU.

Following lunch, Donna Ziel, a Glendale resident and past president of the California State Chapter, was introduced. Glendale and La Crescenta women who have been members of PEO for over 50 years were honored. These included Leni Richardson, AH; Marge McNaught and Emily Whytock of Chapter FF; Elizabeth Nardoni, GD; Suzanne Rebal, HG; Anne Peplow and Sue Ann Tate, Chapter KD/KO and Jane Adrian KU. La Cañada resident Margie Fields, OM, was also recognized as was Deanna Jennings, EO, of Burbank for their 50 years of service to the organization.

Women interested in discovering more about membership in the organization or students wishing to apply for scholarships can learn more at www.peocalifornia.org.

Submitted by Debbie HINCKLEY