proceedings - nedchapters.com . the empowered woman by sonny carroll the empowered woman, she moves...

PROCEEDINGS

The Empowered Woman

By Sonny Carroll

The Empowered Woman, she moves through the world

with a sense of confidence and grace.

Her once reckless spirit now tempered by wisdom.

Quietly, yet firmly, she speaks her truth without doubt or hesitation

and the life she leads is of her own creation.

She now understands what it means to live and let live.

How much to ask for herself and how much to give.

She has a strong, yet generous heart

and the inner beauty she emanates truly sets her apart.

Like the mythical Phoenix,

she has risen from the ashes and soared to a new plane of existence,

unfettered by the things that once posed such resistance.

Her senses now heightened, she sees everything so clearly.

She hears the wind rustling through the trees;

beckoning her to live the dreams she holds so dearly.

She feels the softness of her hands

and muses at the strength that they possess.

Her needs and desires she has learned to express.

She has tasted the bitter and savored the sweet fruits of life,

overcome adversity and pushed past heartache and strife.

And the one thing she never understood,

she now knows to be true,

it all begins and ends with you.

http://artist.to/writer-sonnycarroll/

NORTHEAST DISTRICT CHAPTER P.E.O. SISTERHOOD

Organized November 3, 1990

Twenty-Fourth Annual Convention

Doubletree by Hilton, South Portland, Maine

May 2 & 3, 2015

Hostess Chapters

Maine Seacoast Chapters – D, E, G, J, L Maine

Representative of International Chapter

Patricia Brolin-Ribi, AM-ID, PSP ID, Recording Secretary of International Chapter

District Officers

President Ann Dederer K-ME

Vice President Linda Lussier A-RI

Organizer Tamara Le C-NH

Treasurer Marcy Weeks L-ME

Secretary Katrina Maloney H-NH

Past District Presidents

Shirley C. Hall I-ME 1990-1992 *

Mary Beth Smith D-RI 1992-1993

Margaret M. Robinson C-OH 1993-1994

Doreen C. Burbank J-NH 1994-1995

Janet S. Wentworth C-ME 1995-1996

Grace U. Layman H-NH 1996-1997

Prudence L. Ross K-NH 1997-1998 *

Karen M. Donaghay C-RI 1998-1999

Carol J. Weingart G-VT 1999-2000

Jean Grout C-NH 2000-2001

Roberta Holt O-NH 2001-2002

Betsy Silcox A-VT 2002-2003

Anne Foraker B-NH 2003-2004

Ellen Moore F-RI 2004-2005

Carol Kramer P-NH 2005-2006

Linda Powell J-ME 2006-2007

Marlo Bradford B-ME 2007-2008

Rosemary Baldwin C-ME 2008-2009

Karla Driscoll C-RI 2009-2010

Lou McLaren A-VT 2010-2011

Helen Draper H-NH 2011-2012 *

Linda Brackett A-NH 2012-2013

Joan Galloway G-RI 2014-2015

*Chapter Eternal

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2014-2015 DISTRICT COMMITTEES Amendments & Recommendations

Sae-Im Smith, I-NH, Chairman

Betsy Dake, F-RI

Susan Sielke, H-NH

Finance

Elaine Hubert, A-VT, Chairman

Mary Beth L’Esperance, G-RI

Dot Kasik, J-ME

Membership

Susan Holak, C-NH, Chairman

Jayne Tessitore, F-VT

Sandra Rivard, G-ME

Noella Peacos, G-RI

Nominating

Joan Galloway, G-RI, PDP, Chairman

Judy Jones, F-ME

Cindy White, N-NH

Susan Gordon, D-RI

Lou McLaren, H-VT PDP

Cottey College

Charlotte Signor, K-NH, Chairman

Helen MacDonald, E-RI

Molly Lovell-Keely, L-ME

Susan Bond, A-VT

Paid Assistant Treasurer

Stephanie Giese, G-VT

FORUM Editor

Lola Orcutt, B-ME

NEDC Website

Lou McLaren, H-VT, Editor

Lisa Ambrosio, O-NH, Webmaster

Historian

Barbara Rainville, H-VT

Grouping

Linda Lussier, A-RI

2014-2015 CONVENTION APPOINTMENTS Parliamentarian

Patricia Brolin-Ribi

Representative of International Chapter

Credentials

Lou McLaren, H-VT, PDP, Chairman

Mary Beth Smith, D-RI, PDP

Angela Yardy, K-ME

Audit Committee

Amy Bell, G-VT, Chairman

Susan Taylor, G-VT

Barbara Rainville, H-VT

Committee to Approve the Minutes

Marlene Baldwin, H-NH

Marian Daley, H-NH

Susan Sielke, H-NH

Guards

Linda Weinmann, A-ME, Head Guard

Jennifer Coughlin, A-ME

Susan Brooks, A-ME

Robyn Ball, K-ME

Linda Powell, J-ME, PDP, Adviser

Tellers

Cathy Sell, F-ME

Vivian Hodgkins, F-ME

Mary Berger, F-ME

June Pounder, E-NH

Linda Powell, J-ME, PDP, Adviser

Music Technician

Molly Lovell-Keely, L-ME

Song Leader

Dot Kasik, J-ME

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SEACOAST GROUP HOSTESS CHAPTER COMMITTEES

Co-Chairmen

Mary Kay Colbath, L-ME and Barbara Daggett, L-ME

Celebration Banquet Officer Baskets/Name Tags Hospitality Room Chapter D-ME Chapter G-ME Chapter J-ME

Sunday Luncheon Meeting Room Set-Up Delegate Bags Chapter L-ME Chapter L-ME Chapter E-ME

Celebration of Life BIL/Guest Activities

Chapter J-ME Chapter E-ME

Art Gallery

Brigid DiDonna & Terri Todd, D-ME, Mary Ann Kennedy & Priscilla Campbell-Wyman, E-ME

Co-Chairmen: Susan Nolde, L-ME & Carrie Yakola, J-ME

RULES OF CONVENTION Music preceding each meeting is for your listening pleasure.

Please be seated so that all may enjoy it and be ready for the Call to Order.

ADMISSION:

1. Delegates and visitors must register before attending convention business meetings or workshops. Visitors

must sit in the visitor’s section.

2. Admission to convention will be by password or official badge.

GENERAL:

3. Remain seated during the processional and recessional.

4. Those appearing on the program are to be seated in the front row before the opening of the meeting in which

they are to appear.

5. If unable to hear, please signify by raising your hand.

6. Convention assistants and guards will carry necessary messages except during speeches or devotions.

7. Enter and leave the meeting only between programs. No one will be seated during the report of the guards or

during a program.

SPEAKING & VOTING

8. A member of convention addressing the chair shall come to the microphone and announce her name, chapter

letter, city and state before being recognized.

9. When speaking to an amendment, no member shall speak more than once or longer than two minutes on the

same question. Total consideration on a proposed amendment shall be limited to seven (7) minutes.

10. Two copies of a motion from the floor, including amendments to an amendment, must be submitted in writing

(using the official NED form), and sent to the dais.

11. Amendments adopted at convention will take effect at the close of convention unless otherwise indicated by

proviso.

QUESTION BOX & MINUTES

12. A question box will be available on Saturday. Submit questions prior to the close of the Saturday afternoon

meeting. Questions will be answered during the Sunday business meeting. Include name, address or email

since time may not allow for all questions.

13. Addresses, remarks and answers to questions given by the representative of International Chapter or the

Organizer, shall not be taped, duplicated or distributed.

14. Minutes of this convention shall be approved by a special committee appointed for this purpose.

TECHNOLOGY:

15. No pictures may be taken nor may phones, electronic devices or laptops (with the exception of a laptop for the

secretary) be used during the business meeting. Place phones on silent mode.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE:

16. The Celebration of Life is a time for loving reverence. Please honor this with silence upon entering the

meeting room and during the service. (No food or drink in meeting room).

17. Turn off phones and electronic devices.

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2015 NORTHEAST DISTRICT CONVENTION

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

May 1 – 4, 2015

Friday, May1, 2015

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. NEDC Executive Board Meeting, Suite #718

3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. NEDC Board Meeting with Patricia Brolin-Ribi, Ste #718

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Pizza Party & Game Night (All are welcome), Sebago Rm

Saturday, May 2, 2015

6:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Breakfast Buffet Included (for hotel guests) Breakfast Area

9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Registration, Scavenger Hunt Begins, West Foyer

10:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m. Hospitality Room Open, Monhegan Rm

9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. Rehearsal: Period of Instruction, Lighthouse A

9:45 a.m.– 10:30 a.m. Rehearsal: Celebration of Life, Lighthouse A

10:30 a.m.- 11:15 a.m. Rehearsal: Guards/Tellers, Lighthouse A

11:15 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Rehearsal: 2016 Invitation to Convention, Lighthouse A

12:00 p.m.–12:45 p.m. Lunch – On your own

12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. NEDC P.E.O. Gallery of Art Open, Cumberland Rm

11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m. PDP and International Rep. Luncheon, Whaleback Rm

12:45 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Delegate Orientation (attendance required), Lighthouse A

1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Musical Prelude, Lighthouse A

2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Convention Business Meeting, Lighthouse A

4:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. International Convention Delegates Meeting, Whaleback Rm

4:45 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. Special Work with the Organizer & Proxies, Sebago Rm

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Reception & Cash Bar, Lighthouse A

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. P.E.O. Celebration Banquet, Lighthouse A

Sunday, May 3, 2015

6:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Breakfast Buffet Included (for hotel guests), Sebago Rm

8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Hospitality Room Open, Monhegan Rm

8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Registration, West Foyer

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. NEDC P.E.O. Gallery of Art Open, Cumberland Rm

8:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Musical Prelude for Celebration of Life, Lighthouse A

9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Celebration of Life, Scavenger Hunt ends, Lighthouse A

9:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Convention Business Meeting, Lighthouse A

12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. Lunch, Sebago Rm

1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Convention Business Meeting, Lighthouse A

3:30 p.m. Convention Adjourns

Monday, May 4, 2015

8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. NEDC Executive Board Meeting, Oxford Room

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Choose Your Attitude

2015 CONVENTION AGENDA


1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Musical Prelude – (Please stand & put your hands together) ................................... Molly Lovell-Keely, L-ME

Processional– (Please remain seated) .................................................................................. Mary Berger, F-ME

Convention Call to Order: ................................................................................... Ann Dederer, K-ME, President

Invocation .............................................................................................................................. Lola Orcutt, B-ME

Pledge of Allegiance ............................................................................................... Linda Brackett, A-NH, PDP

Canadian National Anthem ...................................................................................................... Dot Kasik, J-ME

United States National Anthem............................................................................................................ Dot Kasik

Welcome to Convention .................................................................................................................. Ann Dederer

Report & Introduction of the Guards ........................................................................... Linda Weinmann, A-ME

First Report & Introduction of the Credentials Committee ....................................... Lou McLaren, H-VT, PDP

OFFICIAL OPENING OF CONVENTION .................................................................................... Ann Dederer

Singing of the Opening Ode ................................................................................................................ Dot Kasik

Objects & Aims ............................................................................................................................ Linda Brackett

Introductions .................................................................................................................................... Ann Dederer

Representative of International Chapter, Patricia Brolin-Ribi, AM-ID, PSP ID,

Recording Secretary of International Chapter.

PDP’s

NEDC Executive Board

Convention Assistants

NEDC Standing Committee Chairmen, Nominating Committee, Paid Assistant Treasurer, FORUM

Editor, Webmaster

Convention Co-Chairmen & Hostess Chapters

Tellers

Song Leader

Past President’s other S/P/Ds

District Visitors

Mistress of Ceremonies

Music Technician

Song “Remember my Name” .............................................................................................. Molly Lovell-Keely

NEDC Delegates Introduction .................................................................... Katrina Maloney, H-NH, Secretary

Adoption of Convention Rules & Program ............................................................................... Katrina Maloney

Introductions to the Committee to Approve the Minutes................................................................. Ann Dederer

Appointment of the Parliamentarian ................................................................................................ Ann Dederer

Granting of Charter to New Chapter .................................................................... Tamara Le, C-NH, Organizer

Star Story ...................................................................................................................... Members Chapter R-NH

Correspondence......................................................................................................................... Katrina Maloney

Keynote Address ................................................................................................................... Patricia Brolin-Ribi

Playtime “I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles” ........................................................................... Molly Lovell-Keely

State of the District Report .............................................................................................................. Ann Dederer

Report of the Nominating Committee ..................................................... Joan Galloway, G-RI, PDP, Chairman

Election of Officers .......................................................................................................................... Ann Dederer

Election of Delegates to Convention of International Chapter ........................................................ Ann Dederer

Philanthropy Chapter Awards ........................................................................... Marcy Weeks, L-ME, Treasurer

Period of Instruction ........................................................................................................................... Tamara Le

Announcements .......................................................................................................... Mary Kay Colbath, L-ME

Song “Celebration” .............................................................................................................. Molly Lovell-Keely

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Celebration Banquet - Lighthouse A & B .......... Delegates, Visitors, Friends & Family

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2015 CONVENTION AGENDA Sunday, May 3, 2015

8:45 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Celebration of Life .......................... Linda Lussier, A-RI, NEDC Vice President & Members of Chapter J-ME

9:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Musical Prelude .................................................................................................................... Molly Lovell-Keely

Call to Order ................................................................................................................................... Ann Dederer

Report of the Guards ................................................................................................................ Linda Weinmann

Second Report of the Credentials Committee ................................................................................ Lou McLaren

Introduction of PDPs & Out-of-District Visitors (previously absent)............................................. Ann Dederer

Devotions ................................................................................................................................ Betsy Dake, F-RI

District Officer Reports & Paid Assistant Treasurer ....................................................................... Ann Dederer

Report of Disbanded Chapters ....................................................................................................... Ann Dederer

Philanthropy Speaker ..................................Mary Berger, F-ME (For Terry Haynes, State of Maine Treasurer)

Playtime “I’m Coming Out” ................................................................................................ Molly Lovell-Keely

Report of Amendments & Recommendations Committee ..................... Sae-Im “Sam” Smith, I-NH, Chairman

Playtime “Footloose” .......................................................................................................... Molly Lovell-Keely

Remainder of Amendments & Recommendations Report ..................... Sae-Im “Sam” Smith, I-NH, Chairman

Playtime “Icky Sticky Bubble Gum” .................................................................................... Molly Lovell-Keely

Report of Finance Committee ........................................................................... Elaine Hubert, A-VT, Chairman

Reports of Other Standing Committees .......................................................................................... Ann Dederer

Announcements ........................................................................................................... Mary Kay Colbath, L-ME

12:00 p.m. Adjournment for Lunch

12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.: Lunch ...................................................................................................... Sebago Room

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Musical Prelude .................................................................................................................... Molly Lovell-Keely

Call to Order ................................................................................................................................... Ann Dederer

Final Report of the Guards ....................................................................................................... Linda Weinmann

Final Report of the Credentials Committee .................................................................................... Lou McLaren

Scavenger Hunt Drawing ................................................................................................................ Ann Dederer

Recognition of 50+ Year Members & Golden Girls Song ........................................ Marcy Weeks & Dot Kasik

Chapter Anniversaries & Happy Birthday Song ....................................................... Marcy Weeks & Dot Kasik

Recognition of Chapters with Initiates ...................................................................................... Katrina Maloney

Report of Winning P.E.O. Philanthropy Display ........................................................................... Marcy Weeks

Report of Visitor Registration ........................................................................................ Barbara Daggett, L-ME

Question Box .................................................................................................. Tamara Le & Patricia Brolin-Ribi

News from International ....................................................................................................... Patricia Brolin-Ribi

President’s Final Remarks ............................................................................................................... Ann Dederer

Song to Executive Board ...................................................................................................... Molly Lovell-Keely

Installation of Officers .......................................................................................................... Patricia Brolin-Ribi

Presentation of the Past President’s Credential ..................................................................... Patricia Brolin-Ribi

Presentation of the Past President’s Pin ....................................................................................... Joan Galloway

Incoming President’s Remarks............................................................................ Linda Lussier, A-RI, President

Invitation to 2016 Convention: Merrimack Valley Group ............................................. NH – C, D, F, J, M & Q

Final Remarks of Representative of International Chapter ................................................... Patricia Brolin-Ribi

Announcement of NEDC Committee Appointments ..................................................................... Linda Lussier

Final Announcements .................................................................................................. Mary Kay Colbath, L-ME

Benediction & Adjournment .......................................................................................................... Linda Lussier

Recessional “Both Sides Now” ............................................................................................. Molly Lovell-Keely

6

REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE

The Credentials Committee has examined the credentials for the members of convention and

submits the following report:

Members of Convention:

Chapters in district 43

Chapters necessary to establish quorum 22

Chapters represented at convention 42

Chapter delegates 84

District chapter officers 5

Past district presidents 13

Chairmen of Standing Committees 4

Total Members of Convention 106

District Chapter Officers

Ann Dederer K-ME President

Linda Lussier A-RI Vice President

Tamara Le C-NH Organizer

Marcia Weeks L-ME Treasurer

Katrina Maloney H-NH Secretary

Past District Presidents

Mary Beth Smith D-RI

Margaret Robinson C-OH

Janet Wentworth C-ME

Grace Layman H-NH

Jean Grout C-NH

Ellen Moore F-RI

Linda Powell J-ME

Marlo Bradford B-ME

Rosemary Baldwin C-ME

Karla Driscoll C-RI

Lou McLaren H-VT

Linda Brackett A-NH

Joan Galloway G-RI

Chairmen (or Acting Chairmen) of Standing Committees

Sae “Sam” Smith I-NH Amendments & Recommendations Committee

Elaine Hubert A-VT Finance Committee

Charlotte Signor K-NH Cottey College Committee

Susan Holak C-NH Membership Committee

Barbara Rainville H-NH History

Lou McLaren, H-VT, PDP, Chairman

Mary Beth Smith, D-RI, PDP

Angela Yardy, K-ME

7

Delegates to Convention 2015

Maine First Second

A Bangor Susan Carlisle Rhonda Hess

B Bangor Margrette Fenderson Lola Orcutt

C Belfast Gail Smith Frances Torresen

D Portland Kathleen Grossman Betty Yock

E Kennebunk Patricia Musser Brenda Loucks

F Rockland Carol Ransom Caroline Harris

G Brunswick Sandra Terry Rebecca Macus

I Camden Norma Kay Wendt Sue Hopkins

J Kittery Ade Monareh Carrie Yakola

K Ellsworth Kathleen Salkaln Margaret Delehanty

L Portland Laura Abbott Dianne Rodrigue

New Hampshire

A Hanover Jane Darby Vesta Smith

B Concord Christine Sokol Jenifer Evans

C Dover Konni Atwood Susan Holak

D Hampstead Ann Evangelista Judith Cantone

E Claremont Viola Lunderville Joan Bleau

F Amherst Sally Hooper Barbara Fletcher

G Meredith Nancy Barth Jane Flynn

H Keene Jane Pearre Susan Sielke

I Hanover Sarah Robson Ginger Boitnott

J Derry Jean Williams Barbara Johnson

K New London Leigh Clayton Jane Taylor

M Nashua Karen Potter Mae Herron

N Concord Tamar Cerafici Sara Lutz-Blackburn

O Plymouth Susan Berry Lynn Decker

P Wolfeboro Carol Carilli Irene Kimball

Q Kingston Janet Geremia Deb Albee

R Portsmouth Marcia McLaughlin Kathy Beacon

Rhode Island

A Providence Barbara Bicknell Susan Erinakes

B Kingston Phyllis Richards Marcia Tenney

C North Kingston Helen Rinaldi Joyce Tomecko

D Newport Susan McCoy Jill Kelly

E Barrington Helen MacDonald Priscilla Gill

F Providence Bonita Sauer Betsy Dake

G Lincoln Margaret Mathias Rebecca Schulte

Vermont

A Burlington Rebecca Brayden Susan Hood

B Burlington Jeanine Hoyenski Caroline Edmunds

C Burlington Katharine Stockman Susan Davis

E Richmond

F Burlington Sharon Beebe Diane Goulet

G Montpelier Theresa Conant Patricia Janssen

H Middlebury Nancy Merolle Louise Crawford

I Manchester Sarah Brown Luanne Hardy

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M I N U T E S

NORTHEAST DISTRICT CHAPTER, P.E.O. SISTERHOOD

MAY 1, 2, 3, 2015

PROCEEDINGS

Friday, May 1, 2015

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. The Northeast District Executive Board meeting was held in the President’s

Suite at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, South Portland, ME.

3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. The Northeast District Executive Board met with the visitor from

International Chapter’s Executive Board, Patricia Brolin-Ribi, recording secretary, in the

President’s Suite.

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. A “Pizza and Games Party” was held in the Sebago Room.


11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. The PDP and International Representative Luncheon was held in the

Whaleback Room.

12:45 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Delegate Orientation was held in the Lighthouse Ballroom. Proposed

amendments to the Northeast District Bylaws, to be voted upon during convention, were reviewed.

The proposed budget was reviewed and explained.

12:00 p.m. – 6:00 The NEDC P.E.O Gallery of Art was open in the Cumberland Room.

MINUTES


The 24th Annual Convention of The Northeast District Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood convened

at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 2, 2015 at the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel, South Portland, ME. The

Seacoast Group, Maine Chapters D, E, G, J and L served as hostesses.

“We are Family” by Sister Sledge was played during the processional for the executive board,

Representative of International Chapter, standing committees and past district presidents.

The meeting was called to order by President Ann Dederer at 2:05 p.m.

Lola Orcutt, Chapter B-ME, delivered the invocation.

Linda Brackett, Chapter A-VT, PDP, led the Pledge of Allegiance, after which Dot Kasik, Chapter

J-ME, led the singing of “O Canada” and Heather Thompson, J-ME, led the “Star Spangled

Banner”.

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The president welcomed all on behalf of the Executive Board of The Northeast District Chapter.

Head Guard Linda Weinmann, Chapter A-ME, gave the report of the guards. The president

introduced the guards Jennifer Coughlin, Chapter A-ME, Susan Brooks, Chapter A-ME and Robyn

Ball, Chapter K-ME and their adviser, Linda Powell, J-ME, PDP.

The first credentials report was given by Chairman Lou McLaren, H-VT, PDP, who first presented

and thanked the other members of the committee: Mary Beth Smith, D-RI, PDP and Angela Yardy,

K-ME.

Chairman Lou McLaren reported 107 members of convention entitled to vote. On behalf of the

committee, Lou McLaren moved the report be adopted. There being a majority in the affirmative,

the report was adopted.

A quorum being present, the president declared the 24th convention of Northeast District Chapter

opened in due form and ready for the transaction of business.

Dot Kasik, Chapter J-ME, led the singing of the Opening Ode, followed by the reciting of the

Objects and Aims, led by Linda Brackett.

Ann Dederer, president, introduced and welcomed Patricia Brolin-Ribi, as the Representative of

International Chapter. Patricia Brolin-Ribi is a member of Chapter AM-Idaho, Past President of

Idaho State Chapter, and currently serves as Recording Secretary of International Chapter. She is a

past Trustee and Chair of the P.E.O. Foundation.

The president introduced the 13 past district presidents in attendance and instructed the district

secretary to send greetings and love to the seven past presidents unable to attend.

The president introduced the members of the executive board: Linda Lussier, A-RI vice president,

Tamara Le, C-NH organizer, Marcy Weeks, L-ME treasurer and Katrina Maloney, H-NH secretary.

The president introduced convention assistants: Jennifer Chohan, Chapter K-ME, and Laura

DeCarlo, Chapter K-ME, the president’s daughter and step-daughter. The president then introduced

standing committee chairmen, the Nominating Committee Chairman, the Paid Assistant Treasurer,

the FORUM Editor and the webmaster.

In addition, Convention Co-Chairs, Mary Kay Colbath and Barbara Daggett from Chapter L-ME

were introduced and noted that other convention appointments were listed in the convention

program and will be included in the proceedings.

Hostess chapters, tellers and the song leader, Dot Kasik, J-ME were introduced

Three past presidents from other state chapters who are now members of Northeast District Chapter

were welcomed. Marcia McLaughlin, Chapter R-NH, PSP, NJSC (2008-2009), Lynn Reinhard,

Chapter R-NH, PSP, PASC (2002-2003), and Rosalind Whalon, Chapter E-ME, PSP, PASC (1990-

1991).

The president also recognized out-of-district visitors Mary Watson, Chapter AL-Portland, Oregon,

and Linda Scopaz, Chapter P-Pelham, New York and warmly welcomed and encouraged visitors to

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attend all business meetings and convention activities.

The president introduced and thanked, Mary Berger, F-ME, who provided introductions during the

processional, and Music Technician, Molly Lovell-Kelly, L-ME.

The song, “Remember My Name” by Irene Cara was played.

Katrina Maloney, secretary, welcomed the delegates and encouraged them to enjoy the experience

of convention, to go away refreshed with the spirit of P.E.O. and to be ready to “pass it along” to

others. Those delegates attending their first district convention were asked to stand.

The secretary moved the adoption of the rules of convention, as printed on page 3 in the program.

The motion was seconded and adopted.

The secretary moved the adoption of the printed program with necessary changes. The motion was

seconded and adopted.

The members of the Committee to Approve Minutes of Convention, Marlene Baldwin, H-NH,

Marion Daley, H-NH and Susan Sielke, H-NH, were introduced and thanked for assisting the

secretary with the minutes.

The president announced that Patricia Brolin-Ribi, Representative of International Chapter, would

serve as convention parliamentarian.

The president recognized Tamara Le, organizer, and members of Chapter R Portsmouth, NH,

organized October 12, 2014. Tamara Le moved that a charter be granted to Chapter R-NH. The

motion was seconded and adopted.

Tamara Le presented the charter and Patricia Brolin-Ribi brought greetings from International

Chapter. Members of the new chapter presented a Star Story of their beginnings. The new chapter’s

delegates were escorted to their seats in convention.

The secretary read the correspondence from Maria Baseggio, President of International Chapter of

the P.E.O. Sisterhood.

Following the introduction by the president, the Representative of International Chapter Patricia

Brolin-Ribi presented the keynote address. The president thanked her for her inspiring message.

Following the keynote address, the song, “I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles” by Doris Day was played.

Convention assistants and tellers blew bubbles for the enjoyment of members of convention.

The president presented the State of the District Address.

The president announced that references to requirements for nomination and election of officers

were posted on the district website with the convention registration materials and introduced the

chairman of the nominating committee.

Nominating Committee Chairman Joan Galloway, Chapter G-RI, PDP, introduced the other

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committee members Judy Jones, Chapter F-ME, Cindy White, Chapter N-NH, Susan Gordon,

Chapter D-RI and Lou McLaren, Chapter H-VT, PDP and gave the report of the Nominating

Committee. The president thanked the committee for its work.

The next order of business was election of officers.

There being no further nominations from the floor, the nominations were declared closed. There

being no objection, the written ballot was dispensed with and a voice vote was taken. The entire

slate as presented was elected as officers of Northeast District Chapter for the ensuing year.

President: Linda Lussier, A-RI

Vice President: Tamara Le, C-NH

Organizer: Marcy Weeks, L-ME

Treasurer: Lola Orcutt, B-ME

Secretary: Betsy Dake, F-RI

The president announced the installation of new officers would take place during the third business

meeting of convention, Sunday afternoon, May 3, 2015.

The next order of business was the election of delegates to 2015 Convention of International

Chapter.

President, Ann Dederer, announced that local chapters were duly notified of Article III, Sections 1 –

5 of Northeast District Chapter Bylaws and Standing Rules pertaining to the elections of delegates

to Convention of International Chapter.

The secretary read the list of nominees: Sue Winters, I-ME, Bonnie Sauer, F-RI, Ade Monareh, J-

ME, Judith Harwood, I-VT, Ann Heimarck, A-NH, and, Lynn Decker, O-NH. It was moved and

seconded the nominees be elected delegates to Convention of International Chapter from Northeast

District Chapter.

There being no objection, the written ballot was dispensed with and a voice vote was taken. The

delegates were elected.

The president announced that three past district presidents are entitled, according to the constitution,

to attend Convention of International Chapter. The secretary read the names of past district

presidents entitled to meals and housing at Convention of International Chapter: Ann Dederer, K-

ME, Margaret Robinson, C-OH and Ellen Moore, F-RI.

The treasurer recognized those chapters that successfully sponsored recipients for the following

philanthropies:

ELF – P & Q-NH, B-RI and E, G, H-VT;

PCE – A, B, C, E, J, K, L-ME, H, I, Q – NH, C (2), E, F (2)-RI, E, G-VT;

IPS (Partner in Peace) K-ME, D, F-NH, A-RI;

PSA (Laureate Chapters) B, K-ME, B, Q-NH, A-RI;

PSA RECIPIENT – Q-NH;

STAR – G-ME, G-NH, C & F- RI, C & H- VT;

Scholarship Fund established in P.E.O. Foundation: D-RI

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The organizer presented the Period of Instruction titled “The Bouquet.” She was assisted by

President, Ann Dederer, Marlo Bradford, B-ME, PDP and Ellen Moore, F-RI, PDP. The president

thanked the organizer and participants for the informative presentation and informed members of

convention it would be available on the district website following convention.

The president announced that the Question Box was located at the back of convention hall and

would be removed at 5:00 p.m. Saturday. She thanked the Audit Committee, Amy Bell, G-VT,

Susan Taylor, G-VT, and Barbara Rainville, H-VT, for their work and stated that the Audit Report

was posted on the door to convention hall. In addition she announced that the proposed budget was

to be voted upon Sunday morning and encouraged members of convention to review it prior to

voting. The Celebration of Life Service was to be held in the convention hall with the musical

prelude beginning at 8:45 a.m.

Convention Co-Chair, Mary Kay Colbath, gave announcements.

The president declared the convention adjourned until Sunday, May 3, at 9:45 a.m. with a musical

prelude beginning at 9:30 a.m.

The song “Celebration” by Kool & the Gang was played.

RECESS

4:49 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – The Scavenger Hunt continued.

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – The Reception & Celebration Banquet took place in Lighthouse Ballrooms

A & B. Ann Dederer served as the Mistress of Ceremonies. The program included entertainment

by the Deering-Portland String Ensemble during the Reception; a presentation by Robyn Ball,

Chapter K-ME, Scholar Award Recipient, and dinner entertainment by The Dance Company who

performed The Best of Broadway.

Sunday Morning, May 3, 2015

8:45 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. – The Celebration of Life Service took place in Lighthouse Ballroom A. The

service was presented by members of Chapter J-ME and Linda Lussier, NEDC Vice President.

SECOND MEETING

Sunday Morning, May 3, 2015

President Ann Dederer called the second meeting of the 24th Convention of the Northeast District

Chapter to order at 9:50 a.m.

Head Guard Linda Weinmann gave the report of the guards.

Lou McLaren gave the second credentials report: 106 voting members of convention were reported.

On motion of the chair, the second report was adopted.

Betsy Dake, F-RI, delivered the Devotions.

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The president noted that the annual reports of the district officers, and the annual report of the paid

assistant treasurer, were to be found on pages 8 through 12 of the convention program. She

announced that these reports would be included in the proceedings of convention.

By general consent, the Annual Report of Membership of Disbanded Chapters was not read but will

be included in the proceedings of convention.

Mary Berger, F-ME, read a presentation from Terry Hayes, the Treasurer of the State of Maine,

who was the recipient of a Program for Continuing Education grant, and an Educational Loan Fund

loan and was unable to be present at convention due to a prior commitment.

The song “I’m Coming Out” by Diana Ross was played.

The president recognized Sam Smith, I-NH, Chairman of the Amendments and Recommendations

Committee who introduced the members of the committee: Betsy Dake, F-RI, Susan Sielke, H-NH

and the adviser, Karla Driscoll, C-RI, PDP.

Chairman Sam Smith announced editorial changes to the proposed amendments: Page 2,

amendment # 7, strike the letter “s” from the word “Foundations” in the proposed wording; page 6,

amendment #21, strike the letter “t” on the first line of the explanation; page 7, amendment # 27,

strike the word “the” preceding the word “local” on the first line of the explanation.

Ann Dederer, president, instructed the members of convention in the procedure for presentation of

amendments, discussion and voting. She requested that all members of convention be in their

assigned seats and asked visitors to leave one vacant row behind the delegates.

The president announced that adopted amendments would take effect at the close of convention.

Patricia Brolin-Ribi, international representative, gave news from International Chapter.

A & R Chairman, Sam Smith presented the 2015 proposed amendments to the Bylaws and Standing

Rules of Northeast District Chapter.

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS AND STANDING RULES

OF NORTHEAST DISTRICT CHAPTER

(Page numbers refer to the 2014 printing of

The Bylaws and Standing Rules of Northeast District Chapter)

1. Submitted by the Executive Board of Northeast District Chapter

(page B-1) Amend Article II, Section 4, by striking out the words “housing and” so that if adopted

the section would read:

Hostess chapters, grouped geographically, shall arrange meals for members of convention.

The amendment was adopted.

The following nine amendments were considered as a block.

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(page B-2) Amend Article II, Section 8, by striking out sentence 2.


(page B-2) Amend Article III, Section 2, subsection C, by inserting the words “including the

convention at which the delegates are elected,” following the word “Chapter,” so that if adopted the

subsection would read:

C. Only those nominees who are or have been members of a Convention of Northeast District

Chapter, including the convention at which the delegates are elected, shall be eligible.


(page B-5) Amend Article V, Section 3, subsection B by striking out the word “biennially” and

inserting the words “every four (4) years” so that if adopted the subsection would read:

B. To visit or direct her proxy to visit local chapters every four (4) years, giving the chapters at

least thirty (30) days notice;


(page B-6) Amend Article VI, Section 2, subsection D by striking out the word “secretary” and

inserting the word “president” so that if adopted the subsection would read:

D. To file with the president an electronic copy of her report given in district chapter convention;


(page B-8) Amend Article VII, Section 4, subsection B, paragraph 3 by striking out the words

“through state reciprocities” so that if adopted the subsection would read:

3. To coordinate local chapter gifts to the Wheatlake Suite;


(page B-9) Amend Article VII, Section 4, subsection B, paragraph 5 by adding the words “(see also

Article IX, Section 1E of NEDC Bylaws)” following the word “approval” so that if adopted the


5. To select and submit applications for the Northeast District Cottey College Scholarship Fund to

the Trustees of the P.E.O. Foundation for final approval (see also Article IX, Section 1E of the

NEDC Bylaws);

M-7


(page B-9) Amend Article VII, Section 4, subsection B, paragraph 7 by inserting the words “submit

to the paid assistant treasurer any requests to” following the word “To” so that if adopted the


7. To submit to the paid assistant treasurer any requests to distribute funds from the Cottey Travel

Fund after obtaining executive board approval; and


(page B-10) Amend Article VIII, Section 2, subsection B, paragraph 1, by inserting the word

“service” following the word “Life” so that if adopted the subsection would read:

1. The hostess chapters shall pay for the Celebration of Life service, any decorations, favors, and

entertainment they wish to provide for convention.


(page B-11) Amend Article VIII, Section 4, subsection D by adding the words “ to the executive

board, which will send approved expenses to the paid assistant treasurer” following the word

“incurred” so that if adopted the subsection would read:

D. Reimbursement of expenses must be substantiated with receipts or other documentation and

submitted within three (3) months of being incurred to the executive board, which will send

approved expenses to the paid assistant treasurer.

The block of amendments (numbers 2-10) was adopted.

The following two amendments were considered seriatim.


(page B-4) Amend Article V, Section 1, by inserting a new subsection B as follows:

B. To oversee and guide the work of the paid assistant treasurer;

NOTE: If adopted, the subsequent subsections will be re-lettered to conform.


(page B-5) Amend Article V, Section 4, by striking out subsection C and inserting a new subsection

C as follows:

C. To work with the paid assistant treasurer as necessary;

The amendments were adopted.

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(page B-5) Amend Article V, Section 2, striking out subsections F and G and inserting a new

subsection F as follows:

F. To oversee the review of local chapter yearbooks, bylaws and standing rules and ensure that the

appropriate comments are forwarded to the presidents of local chapters;



(page B-5) Amend Article V, Section 2, subsection H by striking out the word “arrange” and

inserting the word “oversee” so that if adopted the subsection would read:

H. To oversee the Celebration of Life service for Convention of Northeast District Chapter; and




(page B-5) Amend Article V, Section 3, by striking out subsection A.


(page B-5) Amend Article V, Section 4, by inserting a new subsection E as follows:

E. To prepare the schedule of the official visits for the following year.



(page B-5) Amend Article V, Section 3, striking out subsection D and inserting a new subsection D

as follows:

D. To confirm that displays of the P.E.O. Philanthropies and the local chapter yearbooks are

prepared for Convention of Northeast District Chapter;




(page B-5) Amend Article V, Section 4, by striking out subsection B.

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(page B-6) Amend Article VI, Section 2, by adding a new subsection C as follows:

C. To provide the Finance Committee with the information necessary for its work;




(page B-5) Amend Article V, Section 4, by striking out subsection D.


(page B-6) Amend Article VI, Section 2, by inserting a new subsection D as follows:

D. To have the treasurer’s books audited at the end of the fiscal year by an accountant, or an

auditing committee, appointed by the district president.



(page B-10) Amend Article VIII, Section 2, subsection A, by inserting a new paragraph 3 as

follows:

3. Audio/Visual needs during the convention;



(page B-10) Amend Article VIII, Section 2, subsection A, paragraph 4 by inserting the words

“NEDC webmaster” following the word “treasurer” so that if adopted the paragraph would read:

4. Housing for one night, Saturday banquet dinner, and Sunday lunch for chair of Nominating

Committee, editor of the FORUM, paid assistant treasurer, NEDC webmaster, not otherwise

members of convention;


The president asked the members to stand at ease. The song “Footloose” by Kenny Loggins was

played while members batted balloons.

The president called the meeting back to order. The chairman read the explanations for the

following proposed amendments.

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(page B-10) Amend Article VIII, Section 2, subsection A, by striking out paragraph 7.



(page B-11) Amend Article VIII, Section 4, by inserting a new subsection D to read as follows:

D. The district chapter shall pay all expenses of maintaining the district website.



(page B-11) Amend Article IX, Section 2, subsection A, by striking out sentence 2 and inserting a

new sentence 2 as follows:

The Fund shall be used to help offset the travel costs for a prospective student and one (1) adult

chaperone (if necessary) for one (1) round trip to Cottey College.



(page B-13) Amend Article XI, Section 1, subsection A, sentence 3, by striking out the words “and

historian” following the word “organizer” so that if adopted the sentence would read:

A copy of this letter and/or report shall be retained in the local chapter president’s box and copies

sent to the following: nonresident members, resident members who are unable to attend meetings

regularly, and to the organizer of the district chapter.


28. Submitted by Executive Board of Northeast District Chapter

(page B-15) Amend Article XIV, by striking out Section 2.



(page B-15) Amend Standing Rules by striking out Rule 1 and inserting a new Rule 1 as follows:

A copy of the requirements for local chapter yearbooks shall be posted on the district website and a

copy shall be kept in the local chapter president’s box.


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(page B-15) Amend Standing Rule 5, by striking out subsection B.


At the direction of the A&R Committee, the A&R chairman moved the adoption of the following

resolution:

Resolved, That the 2015-2016 Executive Board of Northeast District Chapter be authorized to

correct article and section designations, punctuation and cross-references, and to make such other

technical and conforming changes as may be necessary to reflect the intent of Northeast District

Chapter.

The resolution was adopted.

The president thanked the members of the committee and the Study & Research Adviser, Jeanette

Mooney, for their work.

The president introduced the Finance Committee chairman Elaine Hubert, A-VT, who introduced

and thanked the other members of the committee: Mary Beth L’Esperance, G-RI, Dot Kasik, J-ME,

and adviser Rosemary Baldwin, C-ME, PDP.

The chairman presented the committee’s report (Reports page 21), including information regarding

review of accounts, study of audit, preparation of budget and recommendation for surplus funds,

allocation of dues, and payment of required expenses for NEDC representatives to the 2015

Convention of International Chapter.

The chairman moved the adoption of the report. By general consent, the vote was divided into three

parts:

(1) adoption of the budget,

(2) transfer of surplus funds,

(3) the remainder of the report.

Each part was voted upon favorably by a majority and the report was adopted.

The president stated that the adoption of the report approved the report of the treasurer.

The president thanked the members of the Finance Committee for their careful attention to the

financial details of Northeast District Chapter this past year.

The president announced that the Reports of the Historian, the Cottey College Committee and the

Membership Committee are included in the convention program on pages 16-18 and will be

included in the proceedings of convention.

The international representative gave additional news from International Chapter.

Marcy Weeks, treasurer, recognized “Golden Girls,” those sisters with 50, 55, 60 and 65 years of

membership and thanked them for being such an inspiration. (For list, see Program page 28.)

Dot Kasik, song leader, lead the members in singing the theme song from “The Golden Girls”

television show.

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Mary Kay Colbath, co-chair of the convention, gave announcements.

The president declared convention adjourned until 1:30 pm.

RECESS

12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – The Scavenger Hunt was completed.

12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Luncheon in Sebago Room and Lighthouse Ballroom B.

THIRD MEETING

Sunday, May 3, 2015

The president called the third meeting of the 24th Convention of the Northeast District Chapter to

order at 1:30 p.m.

Head Guard Linda Weinmann gave the report of the guards.

Lou McLaren, Credentials Committee Chairman, reported no change in total members of

convention. There were 106 members of convention.

The president thanked Lou McLaren and the committee for its work during convention.

Marlo Bradford, B-ME, PDP presented a speech titled “P.E.O. The Bigger Picture.”

The president thanked Barbara Daggett, Registrar, and the registration committee for keeping

excellent records during the registration process.

The president asked Cottey College graduates to stand and be recognized.

The winner of the Scavenger Hunt was announced.

The president thanked Molly Lovell-Keely for serving as music technician.

The treasurer recognized chapters with birthdays of 10, 20, 30, 60, 65 and 80 years. Chapters

celebrating 10 years were K-ME & G-RI; 20 years was I-VT; 30 years were E-RI & E-VT; 60 years

was C-ME, 65 years was B-VT and 80 years was A-ME.

The song leader led the members in singing “Happy Birthday” to the chapters.

Katrina Maloney, secretary, recognized chapters that initiated new members this year:

A-ME: 4, B-ME: 1, F-ME: 5, K-ME: 1 total ME: 11

B-NH: 2, D-NH: 2, F-NH: 4, H-NH: 1, I-NH: 2, K-NH: 2, O-NH: 4, P-NH: 6, Q-NH: 1, R-NH: 7

total NH: 31

A-RI: 1, B-RI: 1, C-RI: 1, D-RI: 1, F-RI: 1, G-RI: 2 total RI: 7

A-VT: 2, B-VT: 2, C-VT1, G-VT: 1, H-VT: 1, I-VT: 2 total VT: 9

The organizer announced the winning philanthropy display and that $263 would be sent by the paid

assistant treasurer to the STAR Scholarship.

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The president thanked the 2017 hostess chapters of the Ocean State Group for their creative and

colorful displays.

Barbara Daggett, L-ME, convention registrar, presented the Report of Visitors to Convention:

Maine, 75; New Hampshire, 33, Rhode Island10, Vermont 4; out of district visitors: 3; BILs: 43; for

a total of 168 visitors to convention.

Representative of International Chapter Patricia Brolin-Ribi and Organizer Tamara Le answered

questions from the question box.

In her outgoing president’s remarks, Ann Dederer thanked convention co-chairmen and hostess

chapters for their hard work and dedication in the planning and organizing of convention. She also

expressed her gratitude to International Representative Patricia Brolin-Ribi, past district presidents,

executive board members, committee chairmen, the FORUM Editor and the webmaster.

The song “How do I say Goodbye” by Michael Smith was played.

With great regret, the president announced the departure of Katrina Maloney from the executive

board, and wished her well in her future endeavors. The newly elected treasurer and secretary were

escorted to the dais.

By general consent, guests were admitted into convention hall for the installation ceremony, the

presentation of the past president’s credentials and pin, and remarks by the incoming president.

The president welcomed and introduced the guests, Ed Dederer BIL to the president, Jeff Quimby,

son of the president, and Jillian Baker, granddaughter of the president.

The next order of business was the installation of officers. Katrina Maloney, secretary, called the

roll of the newly elected officers of Northeast District Chapter. Patricia Brolin-Ribi installed the

officers:

President: Linda Lussier

Vice President: Tamara Le

Organizer: Marcy Weeks

Treasurer: Lola Orcutt

Secretary: Betsy Dake

Linda Lussier, newly elected Northeast District Chapter President, accepted the gavel and asked the

Representative of International Chapter to present the past president credentials to Ann Dederer.

Members of Chapter B-ME made a presentation to Ann Dederer and thanked her for her service.

Members of Chapter K- ME made a presentation to Ann Dederer. Ann Dederer thanked the

members of her chapter.

Emma Remick, K-ME, presented Ann Dederer with a quilt made by the members of Chapter AZ-

CA, which is the southwestern-most chapter in the United States.

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Jillian Baker, the president’s granddaughter presented her with a bouquet of flowers.

Joan Galloway, past president, presented the past president’s pin to Ann Dederer and escorted her to

her seat with the other past presidents while the song “At Last” by Etta James was played.

The newly installed president gave her incoming remarks and announced her theme, “P.E.O.: A

Voice of Inspiration”.

Guests were escorted from convention hall by the guards.

By unanimous consent, convention rule #15 was suspended to allow photographs during the next

item of business. An invitation to the 25th Convention of Northeast District Chapter to be held at

Doubletree by Hilton in South Portland, Maine on April 30th and May 1st, 2016 was extended by the

Merrimack Valley Group Hostess Chapters C, D, F, J, M & Q, New Hampshire.

President Linda Lussier accepted the invitation to the 25th district convention on behalf of the

Northeast District Chapter.

The president announced that convention rule #15 was back in effect and photographs were not

allowed.

Representative of International Chapter, Patricia Brolin-Ribi gave closing remarks. President Linda

Lussier thanked her for coming and wished her “safe travels” home.

The president announced that members of convention would be notified when proceedings of

convention would be available on the district website and reminded them that they must print out a

complete copy of the Northeast District Bylaws and Standing Rules to be retained in the local

chapter president’s box, but it was not necessary to print out a complete copy of the proceedings.

There was no unfinished business.

President Linda Lussier announced committee appointments for the 2015-2016 year, which had

been approved by the newly elected executive board. She explained the committee list would be

available at the end of the receiving line and would also be posted on the district website.

The convention co-chairman reminded convention participants to complete their evaluation forms

so future hostess chapters could use them in planning conventions.

The president gave the Benediction and closed the 24th Northeast District Convention of the P.E.O.

Sisterhood at 3:10 p.m.

Katrina Maloney,

Secretary

Convention delegates and visitors were dismissed following the recessional of the executive board,

Representative of International Chapter, and past presidents. A receiving line for newly elected

officers, immediate past president and the Representative of International Chapter was formed in

the lobby.

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REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT

The duties and responsibilities of this office have been fulfilled in accordance with the P.E.O.

Constitution and Bylaws and Standing Rules of Northeast District Chapter. Committees were

appointed with ratification by the executive board. A 2014 post-convention executive board

meeting was held to complete the transfer of officer’s supplies to their successors and to sign

necessary documents.

This year the board changed its meeting schedule to video conference meetings once each month.

This officer presided over each monthly meeting. The board evaluated, prioritized and executed the

needs of the District throughout the year. The board also worked closely with the Past District

Presidents to facilitate a new spirit of cooperation. This was never more apparent than when

working with the Amendments & Recommendations Committee to propose many needed changes

to the district bylaws. Memos from International Chapter were shared with PDPs and their opinions

and knowledge were sought after and valued by this officer.

In July, this officer attended the LEAD Conference in Des Moines, Iowa which focused on

addressing issues facing executive board leaders. Cottey College President Dr. Judy Rogers

presented paradigms of leadership, concluding that executive board members must be a

combination of managers and visionaries.

This officer worked with board members to review our strategic goals and set new goals that will

continue to set a clear course for the future of the district. While performing official visits, this

officer has shared and learned valuable ideas. This officer attended ME, NH, VT Reciprocity

meetings as well as RI Founder’s Day Luncheon.

Local Chapter Officer Training Sessions (LOTS) were developed by this officer and training took

place for corresponding secretaries and treasurers in 2014. In 2015 training sessions for presidents,

vice presidents and recording secretaries will complete the rotation of officer training sessions.

With the advent of the Board Buddies Program, this officer has seen a willingness of local chapter

members to reach out to board members with their questions. This officer experienced a

tremendous increase in direct communication with district chapters.

In October, the board was pleased to welcome a new chapter to the district, Chapter R-NH. This

officer thanks Marcia McLaughlin, PSP, NJSC, R-NH for having the vision to select the charter list

and Tamara Le, Organizer for creating such a special organization day.

The FORUM was reinvented to become the new FORUM

Chapter News where chapters may share ideas and celebrate

each other’s successes. Through this officer’s President’s

Messages, incorporating the FISH philosophy into chapter

life was stressed. Two steps were particularly important, 1.)

choosing your attitude and 2.) play. Through local chapter

president’s letters, this officer read first-hand how chapters

focused on fun and love. In turn this strengthened the bonds

of sisterhood and chapter membership grew.

9

This officer met with convention hostess chapters to discuss her vision for the 24th annual district

convention. Fulfilling this vision has been the mission of these chapters and the convention co-

chairmen, Mary Kay Colbath and Barbara Daggett, L-ME. After presiding at the 24th Annual

Convention of the Northeast District Chapter, and reviewing the Proceedings and bylaws, this

officer’s duties will be complete.

Serving on the district board has been an empowering experience. A few years ago, this officer

never believed that she would ever become President of Northeast District Chapter. However,

through the love and support of her family, her executive board sisters and her chapter sisters, she

has been privileged to take this enriching journey. Working together to empower women through

positivity and creativity has been a fulfilling experience.

Ann Dederer

REPORT OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

The duties and responsibilities of this office were performed as prescribed by the P.E.O.

Constitution and the Bylaws of the Northeast District Chapter.

This officer attended the 23rd Convention of Northeast District Chapter, executive board meetings,

three New Hampshire Reciprocity meetings, and visited one chapter as proxy organizer. This

officer also gave two Local Chapter Officer Workshops for Corresponding Secretaries, one in New

Hampshire and one in Rhode Island.

This officer received and answered or referred inquiries from the Northeast District website Contact

Us form. She reviewed yearbooks and bylaws/standing rules of all local chapters and sent

recommendations as needed. She also updated the vice president’s operating manual. She

answered questions and concerns from local chapters in a timely manner. All assignments for the

2015-2016 NEDC Committees have been completed.

As adviser to the Cottey College Committee, this officer attended the Cottey College Seminar in

Nevada, Missouri. She also reviewed the committee’s guidelines and received quarterly reports

from the committee chairman. She answered questions from the committee and saw that the duties

of the committee were fulfilled as specified in their guidelines.

This officer updated unaffiliated lists for all four states in the district. She provided these lists to

Unaffiliate Contacts, reciprocity officers and those organizing new chapters upon request. The vice

president provided Unaffiliate lists to the NEDC Membership Committee for the “Phone Everyone”

Initiative and posted the resulting data in the unaffiliated notes on the Membership Portal. She

oversaw the Reciprocity Groups, reviewed their bylaws and recommended changes accordingly,

kept in contact with those organizing reciprocity meetings and received minutes of reciprocity

meetings. A Grouping Report was compiled and appears in this program.

10

The most down to earth people are the most uplifting. ~ John Andrew Remick

In preparation for the Celebration of Life at NEDC Convention, Chapter Eternal forms and

International’s Memorial List were reviewed. Appropriate entries were made in the book of

Remembrance and on the Memorial Tablecloth.

The activities of the 2016 Convention Committee, comprised of the Merrimack Valley Chapters,

were monitored and advised. This officer’s Board Buddy Chapters were occasionally contacted by

telephone and email to promote a closer sisterly relationship between chapter and executive board

officer.

This officer wishes to thank the P.E.O. sisters in her own chapter, in other district chapters and her

sisters on the executive board for all of their help and support during this year.

Linda Lussier

REPORT OF THE ORGANIZER

The duties and responsibilities of this office have been fulfilled in accordance with the P.E.O.

Constitution and the bylaws of the Northeast District chapter. This officer attended executive board

e-meetings, NH Reciprocity and served as Advisor to the Membership Committee. Unfortunately,

poor winter weather prohibited travel to the RI Founder’s Day celebration.

In July, 2014, this officer along with NEDC President Ann Dederer, attend the LEAD (Leadership,

Education and Development) conference in Des Moines, Iowa. This conference allowed the S/P/D

presidents and organizers to meet and share ideas in the setting of the P.E.O. International

headquarters as well as tour Iowa Wesleyan College, the birthplace of P.E.O.

In August, emails were sent to all chapters scheduled for Official Visits in the autumn of 2014.

Visits were completed in September and October with the assistance of executive board members

and PDPs as Proxy organizers. Reports of visits were compiled and discussed at the November

board e-meeting. 2015 Official Visit packets were created and distributed.

From June to October, 2014 this officer continued to communicate, meet with and provide support

for the eventual, successful organization of R-NH of Portsmouth, NH.

In January/February, 2015 with NEDC State Reciprocities, district Membership Committee, PDPs

and local chapters, the Phone Everyone Initiative identified 182 unaffiliates. Attempts were made to

contact 82% wherein 49% were reached and 37% of those responded favorably resulting in a 76%

positive re-engagement return. This officer received and filed local chapter president’s letters.

In March/April of 2015, this officer in collaboration with NEDC

Executive officers and the Membership Committee developed and

created a Sister Spark Guide for use with visits to local chapters

seeing support on Membership issues. This officer conducted the first of many forthcoming training

sessions for the committee.

Throughout this officer’s term I have received Local chapter Self-Assessments, Introduction of

Woman Who is Not a P.E.O. and Notice of Member Moving forms. Hostess chapters for the 2017

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NEDC Convention were advised to prepare displays for the 2015 Convention. Routine phone calls,

emails and correspondence from chapters were handled in a timely manner. New chapter

organization in the Bangor, Maine area is in development for organization in 2016. Sister Sparks for

an Augusta, ME and Manchester, NH area chapters remain in need.

With the implementation of the Four-Year Official Visit Plan, this officer, along with the Northeast

District Executive Board, helped facilitate the first year of Board Buddy relationships which has

enhanced communication between chapters and the five executive officers.

This officer’s service for 2014-15 has brought new challenges and new opportunities. The support

and assistance of the entire NEDC Executive Board, Membership Committee, sisters of the

Northeast District and those of my own beloved C-NH, B.I.L. Quang and daughters Chelon &

Colette, have been invaluable. Thank you for your belief in me.

Tamara Le

REPORT OF THE TREASURER


Constitution and the Bylaws of the Northeast District Chapter. This officer attended all but one

executive board meeting, worked with the Paid Assistant Treasurer and served as the Chairman of

the P.E.O. Philanthropies. In addition, this officer acknowledged local chapter gifts to P.E.O.

International Philanthropies, Love Gifts, and gifts to the NEDC Cottey College Travel Fund.

Regarding NEDC participation in the P.E.O. philanthropies for 2014-2015, this officer reports NED

Chapters and individuals donated a total of $87,267:

ELF – NEDC chapters successfully sponsored six ELF recipients. The total amount

awarded through that sponsorship was $136,000. There were four loans repaid. NEDC

sisters have donated $7,310 to ELF this fiscal year.

COTTEY – NEDC sisters and chapters donated $8,668 to Cottey College, $1,850 to the

Cottey Travel Fund and $6,275 to the NEDC Cottey Scholarship fund.

IPS – NEDC Chapters K-ME, D-NH, F-NH, and A-RI have extended the hand of peace by

becoming Designated Award Chapters for the 2015-2016 academic year. Total gifts to IPS

from NEDC chapters this fiscal year was $9,340.

PCE – In the past year, NEDC chapters have sponsored seventeen recipients for grants

totaling $25,100. Total donations by local chapters this year was $23,494.

PSA – P.E.O. Scholar Awards are highly competitive. This year Chapter Q-NH had a

successful candidate selected as a Scholar for the 2015-2016 academic year. In addition, we

had five chapters that were Laureate Chapters. Total donations given by local chapters and

sisters this year was $9,245.

STAR – Six NEDC chapters successfully sponsored candidates for 2015-2016. Donations

from local chapters totaled $10,258.

P.E.O. Foundation – NEDC donations totaled $10,827. This year Chapter D-RI

established a fund.

NEDC Love gifts – Approximately $300 was donated this fiscal year. Thank you chapters!

12

This officer provided instructions to the finance and audit committees for the purpose of fulfilling

their fiscal responsibilities. As Proxy Organizer, one official visit was conducted with one chapter.

The time spent with the officers and members of this chapter was productive and the hospitality was

amazing. This officer prepared an official visit schedule for 2015-2016 with generous support from

the executive board and past district presidents of NED. This officer’s duties will be completed by

overseeing Credentials and Registration at 2015 NEDC Convention.

This officer concludes this report with appreciation for those she serves with on the Northeast

District executive board, and her sisters, mother and sister-in-law in Chapter L-ME for all their

encouragement and loving support.

Marcy Weeks

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY


Constitution and the Bylaws of the Northeast District Chapter. Current officer was elected to the

position in April of 2014.

Executive Board meetings were attended in July, September, November and December, 2014, and

March, 2015. A record of all e-votes were prepared, distributed and filed for each executive board

meeting. Minutes were taken, approved and filed for each meeting attended. Minutes were received

and filed from the secretary pro tem of meetings not attended.

The previous secretary provided transition support to help this officer perform her duties. The

entire executive board provided excellent support and guidance during this officer’s first year on the

board.

The 24th Northeast Annual Convention draft minutes were prepared and submitted to the president.

As final duties, this officer will record the minutes of the 24th Annual Convention of the Northeast

District Chapter. Post-convention duties will be fulfilled as requested.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as secretary. It has been an honor.

Katrina Maloney

REPORT OF THE PAID ASSISTANT TREASURER

The paid assistant treasurer performed the duties and responsibilities of this office as prescribed by

the P.E.O. Constitution, the Northeast District Chapter Bylaws, and the Northeast District Chapter

contract. Local chapter gifts to the philanthropies were received, recorded, and distributed to the

proper accounts within International, Cottey College, and the Northeast District. Honorarium and

memorial donation information for NEDC Cottey College Travel Fund and Love Gifts was sent to

the treasurer for acknowledgement.

With the approval of the president, operation expenses were paid. Monthly financial reports were

sent to members of the executive board and the finance committee.

13

Responsibilities of the paid assistant treasurer were transitioned from Lou McLaren, H-VT, PDP at

the midpoint of the fiscal year. Training was provided and on-going documentation is being

maintained.

Local chapter annual reports, dues and fees were received by 43 chapters and 11 members of

disbanded chapters. The paid assistant treasurer worked closely with the president to compare

chapter enrollment, initiation and reinstatement numbers, working with local chapter officers to

resolve any discrepancies. Additional attention was spent reviewing local chapter IRS-LC forms

and collaborating with local chapter treasurers to make corrections.

For the district, the Annual Report of the Treasurer was prepared and submitted to International,

along with the district’s dues and fees. The district’s IRS-SC form was completed online.

Various financial reports and records were provided to the Audit Committee. Year-end financial

reports were provided to the Finance Committee. The annual reports for the district convention

were completed.

Thank you to Amy Bell, G-VT, Barbara Rainville, H-VT and Susan Taylor, G-VT, for serving as

the Audit Committee. Thank you also to the Finance Committee comprised of Elaine Hubert, A-

VT, Chairman, Mary Beth L’Esperance, G-RI, Dot Kasik, J-ME and Rosemary Baldwin, C-ME,

PDP, adviser.

Thank you also to Lou McLaren and Ann Dederer, K-ME, NEDC President, for providing

invaluable knowledge and time during the transition.

Stephanie Giese

REPORT OF THE AMENDMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

COMMITTEE

In accordance with the duties defined in the Constitution, Bylaws and Standing Rules of the P.E.O.

Sisterhood and the Bylaws of the Northeast District Chapter, the Amendments and

Recommendations Committee submits the following report.

In August 2014 all folders and files were transferred from the previous committee to the 2015

Amendments and Recommendations Committee. Instructions and schedules were received from the

Study and Research Committee in October and the Committee Information form returned to the

S&R Adviser. In November 2014 the new A&R Manual provided directions for the committee’s

duties of preparing and presenting the Proposed Amendments for the 2015 NEDC Convention.

There are thirty proposed amendments to the Bylaws of the Northeast District Chapter that will be

presented at the 2015 NED Convention. The explanations of the proposed amendments follow:

Amendment 1 would remove from the hostess chapters for district convention the duty to arrange

housing for members of convention.

Amendment 2 would remove the direction to reference the Constitution, Part II, Article III, Section

5 in case of an emergency in determining quorum at district convention.

14

Amendment 3 would clarify the eligibility of delegates to attend Convention of International

Chapter include those who are attending the district convention at which they are elected.

Amendment 4 would change the reference of time between visits by the district organizer or her

proxy to the local chapters from every two years to every four years.

Amendment 5 would remove the requirement of the paid assistant treasurer to send an electronic

copy of her report to the district secretary and would direct her to send the report to the district

president.

Amendment 6 would remove from the Cottey College Committee the duty to coordinate local

chapter gifts to the Wheatlake Suite through state reciprocities.

Amendment 7 would add Article IX, Section 1E of the NEDC Bylaws as a reference for the Cottey

College committee.

Amendment 8 would direct the Cottey College Committee to submit to the paid assistant treasurer

any requests for funds from the Cottey College Travel Fund.

Amendment 9 would clarify that hostess chapters are responsible for paying for any decorations,

favors or entertainment they deem necessary for the Celebration of Life service during convention.

Amendment 10 would direct the executive board and committees to submit all receipts or other

documentation of expenses within three months to the executive board.

Amendment 11 would add the duty of overseeing and guiding the work of the paid assistant

treasurer to the district president.

Amendment 12 would remove from the district treasurer the duty to oversee and guide the work of

the paid assistant treasurer and direct the treasurer to work with the paid assistant treasurer as

necessary.

Amendment 13 would remove from the district vice president the duty of examining and forwarding

appropriate comments concerning the local chapter yearbooks, bylaws and standing rules to the

local chapters and direct the district vice president to oversee the process.

Amendment 14 would remove from the district vice president the duty to arrange the Celebration of

Life service and direct the vice president to oversee the process.

Amendment 15 would remove from the district organizer the duty of preparing the schedule of

official visits.

Amendment 16 would add to the district treasurer the duty of preparing the schedule of official

visits for the following year.

Amendment 17 would remove from the district organizer the duty to oversee the preparation of the

P.E.O. Philanthropies’ displays and that of the local chapter yearbooks and would direct the

organizer to confirm the readiness of such displays at Convention of Northeast District Chapter.

Amendment 18 would remove from the district treasurer the duty to provide the Finance Committee

with information necessary for its work.

15

Amendment 19 would add to the paid assistant treasurer the duty to provide information to the

Finance Committee necessary for its work.

Amendment 20 would remove from the treasurer the duty to have the district books audited at the

end of the fiscal year.

Amendment 21 would add to the paid assistant treasurer the duty to have the district books audited

by an accountant or auditing committee, appointed by the president, at the end of the fiscal year.

Amendment 22 would add to the Northeast District Chapter the responsibility to pay from the

General Fund the Audio/Visual expenses incurred during convention.

Amendment 23 would add to the Northeast District Chapter the responsibility to pay from the

General Fund the housing for one (1) night, the Saturday night banquet dinner, and Sunday lunch

for the NEDC webmaster.

Amendment 24 would remove the immediate past district president as being entitled to housing and

meals at Convention of Northeast District Chapter.

Amendment 25 would add the responsibility to pay maintenance of the district website to the

district chapter.

Amendment 26 would add the ability for one (1) adult chaperone to receive travel costs from the

Cottey Travel Fund, if necessary.

Amendment 27 would remove from the local chapter president the duty to send a copy of the

president’s letter to the district historian.

Amendment 28 would remove the provision which allows the Northeast District Chapter bylaws to

be amended without previous notice.

Amendment 29 would remove from the district vice president the duty to provide copies of

requirements for local chapter bylaws, standing rules and yearbooks, and direct the local chapters to

the district website for the yearbook requirements.

Amendment 30 would remove the provision which allows the Northeast District Chapter standing

rules to be amended without previous notice.

The Resolution must be presented each year to authorize the executive board to make editorial

corrections, as they deem necessary, to the bylaws and standing rules.

The proposed amendments were studied, compiled in parliamentary form in accordance with the

P.E.O. Manual for A & R Committees (November 2014 Revision) and approved by the Study and

Research Committee of International Chapter.

In March, copies of the proposed amendments were sent by the NED Executive Board by email to

each chapter in the district, members of the executive board, past district presidents, NED standing

committee chairs, chair of the Study and Research Committee and the representative of

International Chapter. Printed copies were mailed to anyone not confirming receipt of the email

communication.

16

Presentation and voting at convention, followed by final disposition filed with the International

Study and Research committee will complete the work of this committee.

Chairman Sae-Im “Sam” Smith, I-NH

Betsy Dake, F-RI

Susan Sielke, H-NH

Adviser, Karla Driscoll, C-RI, PDP

REPORT OF THE MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

The NED Membership Committee is established to foster chapter health, to nurture chapter member

committees and provide resources and encouragement to local chapters. It is comprised of a

membership chair for each state in the NED, a committee membership chair person, and an NED

board advisor, and a membership representative from P.E.O International.

Noteworthy achievements for the committee this year:

Invaluable frequent communication with committee Adviser, Tamara Le, Organizer

Monthly communications with chapter membership chairs and/or chapter presidents via

email distribution of copies of the The P.E.O Hot Spot publication

Monthly communications with NED state membership chairs via email distribution of The

Connection, published by P.E.O. International

Participation in the initiative from P.E.O. International: Phone Every One that involved

contacting unaffiliates in all of NED. Each membership chair was given a list of the

unaffiliates in her state with a request to contact lost sisters by telephone and/or by note and

to record their findings on an Excel Spread Sheet that was forwarded to the NED Organizer.

Final results of this ambitious initiative: 76 percent of attempts to contact unafilliates, 49

percent of unaffiliates successfully contacted - resulting in 37 percent of them taking

positive action.

Committee chair participation in a webinar with

membership chairmen from other northeast states and

P.E.O. International Northeast Regional Membership

Representative regarding information for planning a

successful campaign to ‘Let’s Go Find the Others’. Copies of the power point presentation

were distributed to state membership committee chairs.

17

Sometimes our purpose is to

Inspire, ignite and spark the flame.

~ C. Nordyke

A first training conference call among committee members and NED board adviser to

review plans for upcoming NED membership activities next year: a new program called

Sister Sparks

A realization and consensus among committee members for the value in having regularly

scheduled conference calls and/or virtual face to face conferences with each other.

The NED Membership Committee wishes to extend a special thank you to Linda Powell, J-ME for

her gracious help and support to the committee during the Phone Every One initiative.

This Chairperson expresses heartfelt thanks for each of the committee members who worked so

diligently to reach out to chapter membership chairs and presidents. Their loving concern, support,

understanding and flexibility during this year are truly valued and appreciated.

Committee Chairman, Susan Holak, C-NH

Noella Peacos, G-RI

Sandra Rivard, G-ME

Jayne Tessitore, F-VT

REPORT OF THE COTTEY COMMITTEE

The duties and responsibilities of this office were performed as prescribed by the Bylaws of the

Northeast District Chapter of P.E.O. The NEDC Cottey Committee is comprised of four members,

one from each of the four states representing the Northeast

District, and the NEDC Vice President as Adviser. Each

member serves four years. Duties and accomplishments the

members of the Cottey Committee completed in 2014-15:

Met quarterly by teleconference using a set agenda followed by meeting minutes, and

monitored closely by the Cottey Committee Guidelines, a valuable source and barometer for

Committee responsibilities, actions and progress.

Three members of the Cottey Committee attended the College Seminar in August, 2014. A

resulting PowerPoint presentation was circulated to P.E.O. chapters internationally by the

Cottey College Advisory Committee for use in all chapters.

Communicated with state chapters to:

-- Encourage 100 percent participation in the Cottey Referral Challenge.

-- Emphasize need for chapter contributions to Cottey travel fund as well as the scholarship

fund.

-- Promote distribution of Cottey marketing materials to local schools, clubs and community

associations.

-- Attend reciprocity meetings, and give a short report on “What’s new at Cottey” --

Encourage all chapters to have a separate Cottey representative, if possible.

-- Share college fair list and guidelines to enable local chapter attendance.

Used potential student updates from Cottey Enrollment Office to follow up with local

chapters. Clarified and defined report terminology of status categories.

Revised the Wheatlake Suite rotation schedule to 2028, and published schedule on NEDC

website. (This was done twice to communicate September deletion.)

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Completed process of Northeast District Cottey College Scholarship Fund application,

selection and submission to the Trustees of the P.E.O. Foundation for final approval. A

$3,000 scholarship was awarded a first year student from Maine.

Obtained executive board approval for a prospective student’s travel reimbursement. Other

travel weekends will now be considered for coverage.

Revised Cottey Committee Guidelines to reflect a change of due dates for scholarship

applications and deadlines for approvals, as well as improvements to communicating

scholarship recipients to Cottey in a timely manner.

Ordered materials and planned Cottey booth for NEDC Annual Convention in partnership

with Chapter D–RI.

The Cottey Committee extends thanks for the able assistance and support received from the NEDC

Cottey Committee Adviser, and the NEDC President.

Chairman Charlotte Signor, K-NH

Helen Macdonald, E-RI

Molly Lovell-Keeley, E-ME

Susan Robey-Bond, A-VT

Adviser Linda Lussier, A-RI

REPORT OF THE HISTORIAN

What a year for the new historian and NEDC! The welcoming of a

new chapter is a great thing. Chapter R – NH was organized on a

lovely day in October. 19 transfers and new sisters make up this

vibrant chapter that hit the ground running by recommending a

wonderful candidate for the STAR award. The P.E.O. Record

published the new chapter photo and member names in its March-

April 2015 edition. Check out the 2014 scrapbook for pictures and

information on the new chapter during convention.

Vermont Reciprocity Luncheon in early November at the Best

Western in Waterbury, Vermont was well attended by over 50 sisters

from all over the state. A wonderful program about our founding

sisters, written by Judy Harwood, was presented by her chapter, I-VT helped round out the

luncheon.

NED Chapter presidents shared challenges, adventures, triumphs, and achievements in their

President’s Letters. Tidbits will be shared by the historian in upcoming issues of the FORUM

Chapter News.

Barbara Rainville

19

REPORT OF THE FORUM CHAPTER NEWS EDITOR This was a new year for The FORUM! The newsletter took on a whole new look and name – The

FORUM Chapter News.

The Executive Board decided that the newsletter should go out each month and that it would contain

chapter news only. When the newsletter is finished it is sent out to each chapter president and

technology contact so that they can forward it to all their sisters. The newsletter is also posted in the

FORUM Chapter News section of the www.nedchapters.com website.

I have enjoyed working with Ann Dederer and the rest of the Executive Board and look forward to

working with the incoming President Linda Lussier.

Lola Orcutt

REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE

In accordance with the duties defined in the P.E.O. Constitution and the Bylaws of the Northeast

District Chapter, the Finance Committee submits the following report:

Reports of the district chapter officers and committees containing accounts of receipts and

expenditures of district chapter funds have been examined.

Audits of the books of the paid assistant treasurer of the Northeast District Chapter have been

studied by this committee and found in agreement with reports of the respective officers. The

financial report on other district chapter funds was examined in this study.

The budget for the current P.E.O. year 2015-2016, retroactive to April 1, 2015, has been prepared

after careful study of the receipts and expenditures for the past year and is submitted to the

convention for adoption. A copy of the proposed budget has been distributed to delegates and

discussed during delegate orientation.

Our district board and committee members have done well keeping within budget, resulting in a

financially healthy Northeast District Chapter.

The committee recommends that the surplus from the 2014-2015 P.E.O. year be transferred to the

District Reserve Fund.

The committee recommends the following allocation of the Northeast District Chapter dues for the

2015-2016 year:

Northeast District Chapter General Fund $14.50

International Convention Fund $3.00

Total Northeast District Chapter Dues $17.50

20

http://www.nedchapters.com/

The committee recommends that $7,724 be used from the International Convention Fund to pay

required expenses for NEDC representatives to Convention of International Chapter in Indianapolis,

Indiana.

Members of the committee would like to thank past district president Rosemary Baldwin and paid

assistant treasurer Stephanie Giese, and her predecessor Lou McLaren, for their dedication to our

sisterhood and knowledge of the finances of our district. They have provided constructive guidance

to the committee. The committee also thanks Ann Dederer and Linda Lussier for their thoughtful

inputs during budget preparation.

Chairman Elaine Hubert, A-VT

Mary Beth L’Esperance, G-RI

Dorothy Kasik, J-ME

Adviser Rosemary Baldwin, C-ME, PDP

21

“The importance of things can be measured by how much time we are willing to invest in them. The more time you give to something, the more you reveal its importance and value to you. If you want to know a

eir time. Time is your most precious gift because you only have a set amount of it. You can make more

give someone your time, you are giving them a

time is your life. That is why the greatest gift you can

~Rick Warren The Purpose Driven Life

Northeast District Chapter-P.E.O. Sisterhood

Proposed Convention of International Chapter Budget

April 1, 2015 through March 31, 2016

Beginning Balance of International Convention Travel Fund 9,034.38

Proposed budget income @ $3/member 4,122.00

Proposed Balance as of April 1, 2015 13,156.38

Less Expected Expenses:

Airfare and baggage fees for 6 delegates and 2 officers 3,604.00

Expenses for 2 officers @ $150 300.00

Stipend for 6 delegates @ $150. 900.00

Stipend for 3 entitled PDPs @ $75 225.00

District dinner for 11 @ $45 495.00

Rooms for 11 Wednesday night @ $130. 1430.00

Registration for 11 @ $50 550.00

Airport shuttle for 11 @ $20 220.00

Total Expenses 7724.00

Ending Balance in International Convention Fund 5432.38

23

SUMMARY OF RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES BY FUND

FY 2014-2015

Beginning

Balance

4/1/14

Receipts Expenses

Ending

Balance

3/31/15

GENERAL FUND 26,516.36 26,171.32 (23,200.70) 29,486.98

Cottey College 0.00 8,817.17 (8,817.17) 0.00

ELF 0.00 8,510.00 (8,510.00) 0.00

IPS 0.00 8,565.00 (8,565.00) 0.00

NEDC Cottey College

Scholarship 0.00 6,175.00 (6,175.00) 0.00

PCE 0.00 15,162.16 (15,162.16) 0.00

P.E.O. Foundation 0.00 8,300.00 (8,300.00) 0.00

Scholar Awards 0.00 9,470.00 (9,470.00) 0.00

Star Scholarship 0.00 10,043.17 (10,043.17) 0.00

MONEY MARKET ACCOUNT 22,079.87 6,515.32 (808.19) 27,787.00

District Reserve Fund 10,925.00 634.32 (64.19) 11,495.13

Cottey College Travel Fund 6,251.49 1,750.00 (744.00) 7,257.49

Int’l Convention Travel Fund 4,903.38 4,131.00 0.00 9,034.38

24

2014 – 2015 HONORARIUM & MEMORIAL GIFTS

Cottey College

A-RI In Memory of Myrtle Goodrich

E-ME In Memory of Earlene Clough

E-ME In Honor of Dean Lovell

F-VT In Memory of Allyson Ledoux

G-ME In Memory of Elinor T. Virden

G-ME In Memory of Louise W. Sheppard

H-NH In Memory of Jaye Aldrich

H-VT In Honor of Alex Wolff

H-VT In Honor of John Elder

M-NH In Memory of Harriet Gardent and

Joyce Younberg

Cottey College Scholarship

C-RI In Memory of Judy Davenport

G-VT In Honor of Joanne Hardy

Educational Loan Fund

A-NH In Memory of Louise Kremzner

B-VT In Memory of Robin Girr

C-VT In Memory of Reva Spengler

E-VT In Memory of Betty Bahrenburg

G-ME In Memory of Gwen Schone

G-NH In Memory of Doris Stone

I-VT In Honor of Ginny Daring

International Peace Scholarship

D-ME In Memory of Martha Irvine

D-NH In Memory of Elizabeth Cantone

D-NH In Memory of Thomas Cantone

D-NH In Memory of Karen Baker

E-VT In Memory of George Little

P.E.O. Foundation

A-ME In Memory of Barbara Giddings

A-VT In Honor of Susan Bond

B-ME In Memory of Pauline Carlisle

C-ME In Memory of Cynthia Glass

C-VT In Memory of Carolyn Melcher

D-ME In Memory of Joanne Cederna

D-ME In Memory of Helena Woodruff

D-ME In Memory of Priscilla Talley

H-VT In Memory of Barbara Douglas

R-NH In Memory of Winnie Pheteplace

Program for Continuing Education

A-ME In Memory of Helen Draper

A-NH In Memory of Helen Draper

A-NH In Memory of Charlene Hale

A-RI In Memory of Helen Draper

A-VT In Memory of Helen Draper

B-ME In Honor of Joan Galloway

B-RI In Memory of Helen Draper

B-VT In Memory of Helen Draper

Program for Continuing Education (cont’d)

C-ME In Memory of Helen Draper

C-NH In Memory of Helen Draper

C-RI In Memory of Helen Draper

D-ME In Honor of Diane Smith

D-NH In Memory of Kenneth Libby

D-NH In Memory of Maudie Libby

D-NH In Memory of William Craven

D-RI In Memory of Katherine O'Brien

E-NH In Memory of Helen Draper

E-VT In Memory of Helen Draper

E-VT In Memory of Marge White-Wilson

F-ME In Memory of Elaine Laird

F-NH In Memory of Helen Draper

F-NH In Honor of Leslie Platto

F-RI In Memory of David Galloway

G-ME In Memory of Richard Gelwick

G-NH In Memory of Eleanor Keller

G-NH In Memory of Eleanor Keller

H-ME In Memory of Helen Draper

H-NH In Memory of Helen Draper

H-VT In Memory of Alex Charlamb

I-VT In Memory of Helen Draper

J-ME In Memory of Helen Draper

J-ME In Honor of Chapter J-ME 20th

Anniversary

J-NH In Memory of Helen Draper

K-ME In Memory of Helen Draper

L-ME In Memory of Helen Draper

M-NH In Memory of Helen Draper

O-NH In Memory of John Carter Evans

Q-NH In Honor of Bernice Chavers

Q-NH In Memory of Helen Draper

Q-NH In Honor of Maureen Ferguson

Q-NH In Memory of Helen Draper

Q-NH In Memory of Winnie Pheteplace

Scholar Awards

E-RI In Memory of Betty Ann Hooker

A-NH In Memory of Allyson Ledoux

F-ME In Memory of Elizabeth Atwood

H-VT In Honor of Tim Parsons

STAR Scholarship

Q-NH In Memory of Harriet Brubacher

C-RI In Honor of Jenn Spira

K-NH In Memory of Margaret Kerr Miller

G-NH In Memory of Helen Bonardi

27

GROUPING REPORT 2015

The Northeast District is comprised of 43 chapters.

HOSTESS CHAPTERS FOR NED CONVENTION

2015 Seacoast Group ME-D, E, G, J, L (5)

2016 Merrimack Valley Group NH-C*, D, F, J, M, Q, (R**) (6)

2017 Ocean State Group RI-A, B, C, D, E, F, G (7)

2018 Green Mountain Group VT-A, B, C, E, F, G, H, I (8)

2019 Down East Group ME-A, B, C, F, I, K (6)

2020 North Central Group NH-B, G, N, O, P (5)

2021 Connecticut Valley Group NH-A, E, H, I , K (5)

*Chapter C-NH will leave the Merrimack Valley Group and join the Seacoast Group after 2016

NEDC Convention.

**Chapter R-NH will be added to the Merrimack Valley Group after 2016 NEDC Convention.

Hostess chapters are responsible for preparing the P.E.O. Philanthropy displays at the convention

two (2) years prior to the one they will hostess.

REPRESENTATION AT CONVENTION OF INTERNATIONAL CHAPTER

The Northeast District is permitted one (1) delegate for every seven (7) chapters, or major fraction

thereof. Therefore, six (6) delegates will attend and report to the other chapters in their group. The

six (6) groups and delegates are as follows.

Group 1: ME – A, B, C, F, G, I, K (7)

Group 2: RI – A, B, C, D, E, F, G (7)

Group 3: NH – C, D, J, Q, R & ME – D, E, J, L (9)

Group 4: VT – A, B, C, E, F, H, I (7)

Group 5: NH – A, E, H, I, K & VT – G (6)

Group 6: NH – B, F, G, M, N, O, P (7)

REPRESENTATION BY YEAR AND LOCATION

Year: 2015 (72nd) 2017 (73rd) 2019 (74th) 2021 (75th) 2023 (76th)

Location: Indianapolis Charlotte Des Moines

Dates: Oct 15 - 17 * 150 Years *

Group 1: I-ME K-ME A-ME B-ME C-ME

Group 2: F-RI G-RI A-RI B-RI C-RI

Group 3: J-ME L-ME C-NH D-NH J-NH

Group 4: I-VT A-VT B-VT C-VT E-VT

Group 5: A-NH E-NH H-NH I-NH K-NH

Group 6: O-NH P-NH B-NH F-NH G-NH

28

29

2014 GOLDEN GIRLS RECOGNITION LIST (25)

50 YEARS (5) 55 YEARS (6)

A-NH Vesta E. Smith D-ME Diane Smith

B-NH Geraldine M. Hall G-ME Dorothy B. Ault

Q-NH Georgette Comstock G-NH Saundra L. Bicknell

F-RI Joyce A. McGinn Q-NH Nancy Jo Johnson

I-VT Virginia M. Daring R-NH Ann Lamb

E-RI Emily Kiekhofer

60 YEARS (6) 65 YEARS (8)

A-ME Julie Ann Reeves A-ME Elizabeth H. Speirs

C-ME Mary V. Snyder F-ME Joan Nicholson

J-NH Sally Foulks H-ME Margaret M. Logan

A-VT Anne Kreisel A-NH Paula J. Barthel

C-VT Gretchen R. Willits H-NH Anne C. Nash

E-VT Mary M. Stuart E-VT Nancy Ross

E-VT Elizabeth B. Little

H-VT Mary Jane Washburn

International Chapter P.E.O. Sisterhood P.E.O. Membership

Northeast District Chapter

ANNUAL REPORT OF MEMBERSHIP OF DISBANDED CHAPTERS

March 1, 2015

Secretary Northeast District Chapter

1. Number active members March 1, 2014 (see last year's report) 19 Increase since March 1, 2014 2. By Initiation 0 3. By Transfer (members not previously enrolled in chapter) 0 4. By Reinstatement 1

5. Total Active membership during year 20 Decrease Since March 1, 2014 6. By Transfer 1 7. By Death of active member 0 8. By expulsion of active member 0 9. By becoming inactive March 1, 2015 0 10. Total decrease in active membership during year 1

11. Number active members March 1, 2015 19

12a. Number classified lost contact or 12b. Inactive members lost by death since March 1, 2014 2

Summary 13. Total number initiated from date of organization 93 14. Total enrollment from date of organization 138 15. Total number of inactive March 1, 2015 42

DISBANDED CHAPTERS

Chapter Date of Origination Date Disbanded D-VT Essex Jct-Burlington 06/16/1977 03/01/2006 H-ME Harpswell 02/06/1993 03/01/2014 L-NH Nashua 04/20/1991 03/01/2004

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REPORT OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE

The committee communicated by email and telephone this year due to an unavoidable personal

situation.

Letters requesting nominees to the Northeast District Executive Board were sent in January, 2015.

They were sent by email to all Northeast District Chapter presidents to be shared with their

respective chapters. Current Northeast District officers were asked for permission to place their

names in nomination for their successive office in 2015-2016. All but one consented; therefore,

nominees were needed for treasurer and secretary of the district.

The Nominating Committee places in nomination the following slate of officers of the Northeast

District Chapter for the 2015-2016 year.

President Linda Lussier

Vice President Tamara Le

Organizer Marcia Weeks

Treasurer Lola Orcutt

Secretary Betsy Dake

Joan Galloway, G-RI, PDP, Chairman

Judy Jones, F-ME

Cindy White, N-NH

Susan Gordon, D-RI

Lou McLaren, H-VT

INVOCATION

By Lola Orcutt, B-ME

Incoming NEDC Treasurer

Almighty God,

Thank you for bringing us safely together. We ask your blessing on this gathering of Sisters.

May each of us be fully present throughout these meetings, grateful for the shared strength that

binds us close. (BE THERE)

Inspire each of us to become a leader in the work of our Sisterhood. Help us to strengthen

relationships within our Chapters and beyond in our larger communities, that we may continue to

share P.E.O.'s message and empower women everywhere to achieve their goals. (EMPOWERING

WOMEN)

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Bring us together in Joy - to work and to play - that Joy may inform, inspire, and brightly color the

choices we make here. (PLAY)

Fill our hearts with kindness, each Sister for the other, and enable us to recognize in every gesture

of thoughtfulness the great gift of Sisterly love that we share. (MAKE THEIR DAY)

Bestow on each of us an alert and open mind as we engage in the work of Convention. Enable each

Sister to become more aware, more thoughtful, and more intentional in-the-moment as she

undertakes the work of P.E.O. (CHOOSE YOUR ATTITUDE)

Empower each Sister that she may return to her Chapter inspired, renewed in enthusiasm and

sparked with creativity for the work we have pledged to undertake. (EMPOWERING WOMEN)

We ask these things in your name...

Devotions on The Art of Empowering Women

By Betsy Dake, Incoming Secretary

If I were a carpenter, I'd find a way to empower using that skill. I'm using as much as

God has given - my mind, my voice, my heart, my art forms. This is the highest form of

expression on the planet from God, to me, to you.

Avery Brooks – American Actor

While I stand before you today as your newly elected Northeast District Secretary, I also stand

before you as a woman who has many other sides. Among other things, I am an

environmental planner, a daughter, a fiber artist, a sister, and a singer. These titles are some

of the small ways in which I define myself – both to myself and to others.

I've sung professionally for many years – in national tours of musicals, in church choirs, in

bands, on recordings and most recently at a conference, where I was asked to sing the

National Anthem. When I'm onstage singing, I know that I'm expressing myself to the

absolute utmost of my gifts and talents. When I'm singing, I have no fear – no worries, no

problems. There is nothing else going on in my life but that very moment. It is not myself or

even my voice that sings – it's my very soul.

I truly believe that every single person possesses a special talent within them – something

that they do that makes their heart and soul sing. Mind you, not every one of us is a

Michelangelo or a Beverly Sills, or an Emily Bronte. We don't have to be great sculptors or

painters or singers, or authors – frankly that's not how I define “talent” and it's not how I define

“art.” Your art and your talent is whatever that thing is for YOU – that makes you ridiculously

happy and fulfilled. It's the thing that you do that leaves you feeling so creative and so

engrossed that you've completely lost track of time - that point at which I believe that we

touch the hand of God.

As PEOs, we're called to do this every single time we recite the Objects and Aims - “to

radiate all light possible by conversation, by writing, and by the right exercise of any

talent we possess.”

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What better way can we empower ourselves, both as women and as PEOs than by finding

that thing that makes our souls sing, and radiates all light possible by doing it? We've been

treated to a huge demonstration of some of the art of our sisters in our stunning gallery

outside. But I know that every single one of you has some talent that you could demonstrate

that would show your sisters not only something wonderful about yourself, and what you can

do, but that would allow them a peek inside of you to that thing that defines YOU to yourself –

the way being a singer and a fiber artist defines me.

When you identify that art that is yours and yours alone, you will find that both the knowledge

of it and the practice of it is something that empowers you to grow as a PEO, as a person and

as a woman.

Today, I ask each and every one of you to look inside yourselves to identify that talent – that

art – that makes you YOU. That thing that defines you and empowers you to be the very best

YOU – the best woman – that you can be. And as sisters, I challenge each and every one of

us to support each other in the seeking, the growth and the celebration of those talents in

each of our sisters. To empower each other as PEO sisters to be the very best we can be.

It's something that we've been asked to do all this year by Ann's theme – and it's something

that as a PEO we're asked to do in our Objects and Aims.

I’ll close with a quote from author Scott Edmund Miller:

”Whether you dance, draw, make music, shoot field goals, build houses, tune engines,

or sit around all day watching television, you are an artist. Your single greatest work of

art is yourself. As with any art form, the more you understand and develop your

talents, the more empowered and masterful you become as an artist. "

Thank you.

STATE OF THE DISTRICT REPORT

I have long believed that the executive board members are your elected representatives and you are

our constituents. With that relationship comes accountability and so you should be well informed

regarding our accomplishments during the year and the state of the district.

Let’s start with technological advancements. The board has begun the use of “cloud storage” for

several reasons. It provides another method of back-up, preventing catastrophic losses. From

tablets to smart phones, notebooks to desktops, we’re using more devices than ever before. With

the advantage of syncing to all our devices, it allows us to have information at the ready when we

travel as well as fostering online collaboration allowing all officers to work on the same document

at the same time.

The NEDC website received some updates as well. Thanks to our webmaster, it is now accessible

to mobile devices such as iPads, and Apple and Android phones. We have added a Membership

Page with links to initiatives involving chapter participation, the Hot Spot newsletter, and the

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Membership Tool Box for local chapters. Under the Leadership Tab we have added local chapter

Board Buddy assignments. Finally, registering for convention was made easy and efficient through

the website.

The FORUM Newsletter was reinvented from a vehicle used expressly by the board to

communicate information to chapters to a wonderfully inspiring chapter newsletter sharing ideas

and celebrating each other’s successes called the FORUM Chapter Newsletter. It connects chapters

from Burlington, VT to Newport, RI with just the stroke of a key by our capable FORUM Editor,

Lola Orcutt. Along with the FORUM we have stayed connected with the NEDC Facebook page.

Participation has continued to grow closing the geographical distance between chapters.

Without the FORUM Newsletter, the board moved to direct communication via email. This

allowed us to deliver information in a more timely fashion. Direct communication proved to be

affective as well between the board and PDPs. By including the PDPs more in what is going on,

they become a precious resource. Through these communications, they have offered valuable

insights into not only the history of the district, but its future. We are, after all, a team!

The board moved from meeting four times per year to meeting monthly via video conferencing.

This has saved the district a considerable sum allowing us to use those funds to develop local

chapter officer training sessions or as we like to call them – LOTS! That’s because they are packed

with lots of information. Used with the newly created officer calendars, your jobs should be a

breeze. A lot of time and energy went into making serving as an officer effortless. To that end, we

instituted the Board Buddy system. I am so proud to tell you that this has been a great success. The

board has always desired to be readily accessible to chapter members, but there seemed to be this

mystique which prevented two-way communication – a perception that the board was somehow

intimidating. We hope we have since dispelled that perception. With board buddies, chapters

easily email, call or text for fast, convenient and courteous service. (SMILE & CURTSY)

Board members also received training by the Paid Assistant Treasurer, and viewed videos on

International’s website. By focusing on creating a stronger foundation for the Membership

Committee through training, in large part thanks to Tamara Le, our organizer, we can look to the

future benefits that this committee will provide for the district and those benefits are limitless

including a new concept called Sister Sparks which you will be hearing more about. The work our

committees do is integral to the success of the district and this is never more apparent than the

passion and dedication exhibited by the Cottey College Committee. This committee has been

recognized for its excellence, not once, not twice, but three times in the last two years.

This year chapters completed the Chapter Health Self-Assessment for the first time. Self-

examination requires brutal honesty and I am proud to say that chapters faced this task with a

positive attitude and quickly realized its value in helping chapters not only survive, but thrive well

into the future. We have made some needed revisions and incorporated information from other

forms to reduce paperwork. The information we gather from the assessments is invaluable and

helps us to see a snapshot of your chapter life. We thank you for embracing this new endeavor, and

for developing Action Plans filled with attainable goals that will provide opportunities to celebrate

your successes.

We enjoyed a smooth transition to our new Paid Assistant Treasurer, Stephanie Giese, of G-VT who

is doing a fabulous job. She has already offered suggestions to improve and streamline the process

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of managing the district’s finances which I am proud to say are in excellent shape in large part

thanks to the negotiation of multiple year convention contracts through a professional convention

planner who as a P.E.O. sister offers her services to the district free of charge. We have just

finalized the contract for 2017 convention in RI and are presently working on 2018 convention in

VT.

The board has acted upon suggestions presented at the Leadership Education & Development

Conference to find ways to streamline our duties. You will see some of this at work in the proposed

amendments tomorrow. The proposed amendments were a team effort between the board, PDPs

and the Amendments and Recommendations Committee.

I cannot speak to the state of the district without mentioning our membership health. As you know,

I believe that our membership health is not measured by the quantity of members, but rather by the

quality of members. However, we cannot ignore the large number of sisters that are becoming

inactive – mostly because we and they are uninformed. By reading your chapter’s bylaws where

you will see provisions to prevent inactives, by discussing that a member may choose to stay active

but become a nonparticipant, we can stay the course. Thankfully, we have sisters with vision and so

we welcomed Chapter R-NH in October. We made considerable progress in updating our

Unaffiliate Lists through participation in the Phone Everyone initiative with the help of Linda

Lussier, Tamara Le and The Membership Committee. Here’s an interesting statistic – when calls

were made to unafilliate sisters by NEDC sisters, there was a positive outcome 76% of the time. So

reach out to unaffiliated sisters, it is worth your time!

The success of the Northeast District Chapter depends on each one of us and on all of us

collectively. I want to quote Doreen Burbank, “We must remember, we are not four distinctly

different sates, we are one united district; one entity and if we want to be successful, we need to

forget about geographical boundaries and join together for the good of the district.”

OUTGOING PRESIDENT’S REMARKS

I am surprised to be standing here today as your president. Yes, surprised! If it weren’t for Marlo

Bradford who wouldn’t take no for an answer – well, actually four NOs, I wouldn’t be standing here

now! Thank you, Marlo for your persistence.

When I was first asked to serve, six years seemed like forever, but it has gone by very quickly.

Each year has been a learning experience. It has been an amazing journey of personal growth and

empowerment. I made new friends, shared dreams and disappointments, experienced personal

highs and lows and during all this time I was supported by the gracious loving care and concern of

my sisters on the board, in my chapter and throughout the district.

My fondest wish is that my board service would inspire others to serve. Others who like me

believed they could never do it. Well I did and so can you! Try something you never thought you

could do and you will be rewarded beyond your wildest dreams; rewarded with friendship,

kindness, knowledge and self-confidence. You challenged me to do the best that I could and I hope

that I have met that challenge.

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In P.E.O. there is the opportunity for each of us to accomplish something great because we dare; we

dare to dream, we dare to create, we dare to change. Our dreams become realities because we

support each other in bringing them to fruition. This sisterhood to which we belong is a precious

gift that we must continue to nurture. If you haven’t guessed it by now, I am passionate about

P.E.O.

Thank you to all committee members who have offered their time and talents to serve the district.

Thank you to local chapter officers and sisters for your faithful service to the Sisterhood. Thank

you to our Past District Presidents for your love and support and knowing when I needed a friendly

ear to bend, or a brain to pick. Thank you to my Chapter K sisters who have been there for me

every step of the way. Thank you to the hostess chapters D, E, G, J & L Maine who have worked so

hard and a great big thank you to the two best co-chairs ever, Mary Kay Colbath and Barbara

Daggett of L-ME – has this not been a fantastic convention?? Heartfelt thanks to my fellow board

members through the years with whom I have served; for your patience, your understanding, your

assurances and most importantly your faith in me. There is one very special P.E.O. whom I still

need to thank and that is Emma Remick, the woman who gave me the gift of P.E.O. – thank you!

I wish Linda and the incoming board the greatest success in the coming year.

I humbly thank you for the honor of serving the district as your president. I love P.E.O. and I love

all of you.

INCOMING PRESIDENT’S REMARKS P.E.O.: A Voice of Inspiration

As a third generation P.E.O., I am honored to be your elected president for the next year. I have

been extremely fortunate to follow Ann, who has served on the executive board for the last 6 years.

She has modeled the love of our sisterhood and its heritage for all of us, but I am especially

fortunate to have her as a mentor.

As many of you know that I am a retired public school music teacher. Singing has always been an

important part of my life. This experience prompted me to choose my theme: P.E.O.: A Voice of

Inspiration. Some of my greatest memories surround the beginning lessons I prepared for my

kindergarten and first grade students each year titled “How to recognize your singing voice”. These

young children had four voices that they needed to produce; a speaking voice, a yelling voice, a

whispering voice and a singing voice. Of course, I wanted them to find their singing voice.

The singing voice is a tool that many of us use unconsciously, but if we were to take a moment to

step-back from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it is plain to see that we live in a musical

world. We have music everywhere and it affects our lives, though sometimes we are too distracted

to recognize this fact. Singing surrounds us in our homes, in our cars, and from a wide range of

portable devices we use in between. In gatherings and celebrations singing goes hand-in-hand with

birthday parties, holidays, and ceremonies of worship and praise. Our own P.E.O. meetings include

the singing of our “Opening Ode”.

Many of us may enjoy singing when there is no audience only to return to our speaking voice when

others are around. We believe that our singing voice may not have a professional or pleasing sound

39

– this should not stop us -sing anyway! Why? Studies show that singing provides physical and

mental benefits. Singing clears the mind of clutter and negativity and helps promote lung

development and provide oxygen to the blood system and the brain. Singing strengthens the

memory and the power of concentration. When you sing, you are exercising your brain

We use our speaking voice every day. The human voice is a remarkably powerful tool. Melinda

Gates says: “A woman with a voice is by definition a strong woman. But the search to find that

voice can be remarkably difficult.”

How can we find our P.E.O. voice? A fifth voice? A voice for advocacy – philanthropy – service?

A voice of inspiration.

Our Opening Ode inspires us to look to the message of the Star. Our Objects and Aims inspire us to

be the best person we can be and inspire to greater good. Our P.E.O. Record inspires us with

messages from our International officers and news from our Philanthropies.

We are able to inspire others every day; family, friends, co-workers. When we nominate a woman

as a possible project recipient, we inspire her to go for her dream. We tell her what a wonderful

organization we belong to and how we can help. Additionally, we inspire our sisters to take an

officer position or committee/project chair, (or they inspire us)! In P.E.O. we have so many

opportunities to grow, to learn new skills, to come out of our comfort zone (like singing?) and do

something we have never done before. In our meetings we have programs which inspire us as

P.E.O.s to increase our knowledge. We have social meetings which allow us opportunities to

experience new things, some of which have been outings to museums, theater productions,

restaurants and shopping. As we spend time together, work together

and inspire each other, we bond closer as sisters. Our International

President, Maria Baseggio, as part of her President’s Message in the

September-October P.E.O. Record states: “This is one of the

strongest distinguishing factors about P.E.O. Many organizations

provide an environment that enable friendships to form. In P.E.O.

we take friendship to the next level by adding heartfelt, caring

concern that develops tighter bonds of fellowship among our

members. We enable women of all walks of life to achieve their

educational dreams by offering our financial assistance and

emotional support. We inspire our members and we inspire women

we hardly know as we learn of their educational pursuits.”

In the early days of our Sisterhood, our founders charted a course for the future to follow, and we

never cease to marvel that seven girls so young and inexperienced could have given us something

so enduring and worthwhile. They were inspired to set before us high ideals and a worthy

philosophy of life. They have left a heritage of which we can be justly inspired.

I am forever grateful to the P.E.O.s who saw potential in me and took the time to embrace the

opportunity to mentor, encourage, teach, inspire and nourish me. Through P.E.O. we can become

more aware of the opportunities in our lives – those everyday opportunities we have to encourage

others, show support, and to assist and inspire others in reaching their goals.

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2015 Northeast District Memorial List

MAINE

A Barbara W Brookings 01/19/2015

A Barbara W Giddings 08/16/2014

A Geneva C Rohn 01/25/2015

B Pauline C Carlisle 08/02 2014

C Betty Breslin 02/17/2015

C Cynthia E Glass 01/25/2015

D Martha Irvine 12/17/2014

F Elizabeth B Atwood 05/31/2014

F Elaine Laird 08/29/2014

F Nancy Dalrymple 11/24/2013

G Gwen Schone 07/09/2014

G Elinor Virden 11/26/2014

K Diana S Gordon 02/21/2015

NEW HAMPSHIRE

A Verna R Alexander 06/28/2014

A Charlene A Hale 11/10/2014

A Louise R Kremzner 12/26/2014

A Allyson D Ledoux 10/10/2014

B Eunice Van Wyck 07/30/2014

E Erma Sanders 02/18/2015

G Helen Brady Bonardi 05/16/2014

G Eleanor P Keller 09/28/2014

G Martha Lou Wood 02/08/2015

K Marion M Biron 12/08/2014

Q Harriet W Brubacher 10/05/2014

Q Winifred Pheteplace 10/29/2014

RHODE ISLAND

A Myrtle Goodrich 08/23/2014

A Jean S Martin 11/20/2014

VERMONT

A Marilyn Williams 09/19/2014

B Robin Girr 11/20/2014

C Janet C Page 03/05/2015

C Reva M. Spengler 09/18/2014

D Dorothy Fox 02/06/2009*

D Beatrice Lester 09/09/2010*

E Betty Bahrenburg 08/09/2014

E Elizabeth Little 03/27/2015

E Marjorie White-Wilson 09/19/2014

G Mavis L Hart 03/30/2014*

H Thelma Mac Collum 12/01/2014

* Sisters not previously memorialized, deaths only recently reported

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PHILANTHROPY CERTIFICATES 2015 NEDC CONVENTION

March 1, 2014 to February 28, 2015

ELF: Name University

P-NH Laura Chamberlain University of South Carolina Columbia

Q-NH Carolyn Kokko Cornell University

B-RI Sarah Nelson Elon University

E-VT Grace Morse University of North Florida

G-VT Ame Solomon Vermont Technical College

H-VT Laura Sisco American University of Beirut

PCE: Name Degree Field of Study

A-ME Audrey Laura Hanley BAS Nursing

B-ME Carol Ann Blethen AS Medical Office Management

C-ME Karen Eve Reynolds AS Health Information Management

E-ME Daphne W. Innes BAS Public Administration

J-ME Laurie Ann Jongsma AS Nursing

K-ME Viktoria Volodymyrivna Staples BAS Nursing

L-ME Melissa A. Hoffman BAS English Language and Literature

H-NH Tracy Dowd BAS Biology

I-NH Nicole Danielle Loughnane MAS Special Ed-Moderate Disabilities

Q-NH Christine Buco AS Physical Therapist Assistant

C-RI Diana Helen McLaughlin CT Education

C-RI Lizabeth A. Reocrds Leonard AS Veterinary Practice Mgmt.

E-RI Jessica Dansereau BAS Web Design and Development

F-RI Jennifer M. Irwin AS Physical Therapy Assistant

F-RI Tiffany M. Blackwood AS Nursing

E-VT Karen Nelson MAS Communications Management

G-VT Anne Soloman AS Nursing

STAR (For 2015 to 2016 Academic Year) IPS

G-ME Annie Rose Healion K-ME 2015-2016 Partner in Peace Chapter

G-NH Erin Helen Cashman D-NH 2015-2016 Partner in Peace Chapter (2)

C-RI Emily Beck F-NH 2015-2016 Partner in Peace Chapter

F-RI Wei Li A-RI 2015-2016 Partner in Peach Chapter

C-VT Emily Coffin

H-VT Hannah Hatch PSA Laureate Chapters

B-ME

Scholar Award K-ME

Q-NH Carolyn Kokko B-NH

Q-NH

A-RI

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If it is to be, it is up to me! ~ Doug Conant, CEO

Campbell Soup Company

O’ CANADA

O, Canada! Our home and native land!

True Patriot love in all thy sons command.

With glowing hearts we see thee rise,

The True North strong and free!

From far and wide, O Canada, we stand on guard for thee

God keep our land glorious and free!

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER

Oh, Say! Can you see, by the dawn’s early light,

What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming?

Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight

O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming:

And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.

Oh, say, does that Star Spangled Banner yet wave

O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

GOLDEN GIRLS (To TV show theme song)

Thank you for being our stars.

Travel down the road and back again.

Your heart is true,

you're a pal and a good egg too!

And if you threw a party, invited everyone you knew.

You would see the biggest gift would be from us

and the card attached would say,

thank you for being our stars.

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OPENING ODE (Lindly Tune)

We who are sisters in heart and spirit

give thanks to the star and its message,

May purity, justice, faith, truth and love

Make glad and holy the secret places of our hearts

Amen.

OBJECTS & AIMS

The objects and aims of this Sisterhood shall be general improvement, which shall

comprehend more especially the following points:

To seek growth in charity toward all with whom we associate, and a just

comprehension of, and adherence to, the qualities of Faith, Love, Purity, Justice and

Truth.

To seek growth in knowledge and in culture, and to obtain all possible wisdom from

nature, art, books, study, and society and to radiate all light possible by

conversation, by writing and by the right exercise of any talent we

possess. To aim at self-control, equipoise and symmetry of character, and

temperance in opinions, speech and habits.

It shall be the chief duty of each member to consider thoughtfully the full import of

P.E.O. This will include a sincere regard for our influence in the community, a careful

consideration of feeling when speaking, and a determination to do all we can at all

times and under all circumstances to express a loving concern for each sister.

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SECTION 11

BY LAWS AND

STANDING RULES

OF THE

NORTHEAST DISTRICT CHAPTER

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BYLAWS OF THE NORTHEAST DISTRICT CHAPTER

P.E.O. Sisterhood

ARTICLE I

NAME AND MEMBERS

Section 1. NAME. The Northeast District Chapter shall consist of the chartered local chapters

of sovereign states of Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Section 2. MEMBERS. The members of the Northeast District Chapter shall be the members

of the local chapters within these states.

Section 3. LOCAL CHAPTER LETTERS. Each local chapter in the Northeast District Chapter

shall be designated by its respective P.E.O. letter or letters and the state in which it

was organized.

ARTICLE II

CONVENTION OF NORTHEAST DISTRICT CHAPTER

Section 1. MEMBERS. The Convention of Northeast District Chapter shall consist of the

following active members, when present and registered:

A. Executive board,

B. Past presidents of the district chapter,

C. Resident past presidents of International Chapter,

D. Two (2) delegates from each local chapter within the district, the president

being a delegate when feasible, and

E. Chairmen or acting chairmen of all standing committees.

Section 2. DELEGATES. Each chapter shall send two (2) delegates to the Convention of

the Northeast District.

Section 3. TIME AND PLACE. The convention shall be held annually in the month of April,

May, or June at a place determined by the executive board.

Section 4. HOSTESS CHAPTERS. Hostess chapters, grouped geographically, shall arrange

meals for members of convention.

Section 5. REPORTS. Within one month following convention, delegates shall give a report of

convention business to their respective chapters.

Section 6. FORMAL ACTION. Any item passed by Convention of Northeast District Chapter

that must be implemented by local chapters shall become effective as ordered by

convention and must be implemented upon receipt of an official notice from the

district secretary.

Section 7. VOTING. Voting at Convention of Northeast District Chapter shall be governed by

the Constitution, Part II, Article IV.

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Section 8. QUORUM. Delegates from a majority of all chapters entitled to representation in

Convention of Northeast District Chapter shall constitute a quorum.

ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATION IN CONVENTION OF INTERNATIONAL CHAPTER

Section 1. DELEGATES. Delegates from Northeast District Chapter to Convention of

International Chapter shall be chosen in rotation from groups of seven (7) local

chapters or major fraction thereof. These groups shall be designated with

consideration for geographical location, and printed annually in the proceedings of

Convention of Northeast District Chapter.

Section 2. NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF DELEGATES.

A. In the year of Convention of International Chapter, local chapters entitled to

representation shall nominate a delegate and an alternate at the time of their

annual election. The nominee for delegate shall be the local chapter president

when feasible.

B. Names of nominees for delegates and alternates shall be submitted as

required by International Chapter.

C. Only those nominees who are or have been members of a Convention of

Northeast District Chapter, including the convention at which the delegates

are elected, shall be eligible.

Section 3. PAST PRESIDENTS OF NORTHEAST DISTRICT CHAPTER. The past

presidents' group shall determine the designation of past presidents of district

chapter, and their alternates, entitled to housing and meals at Convention of

International Chapter. The immediate past president shall be one of those

designated, when feasible.

Section 4. VACANCY IN DELEGATION.

A. A vacancy in the delegation shall be filled by the president of the district

chapter who shall appoint in the following order:

1. that same chapter’s elected alternate,

2. a member of the chapter entitled to representation,

3. a member of another chapter in the group, and

4. a member from the district chapter at large.

B. A chapter failing to have representation in its regular turn is ineligible to

nominate a delegate until its next regular turn.

C. A vacancy in the representation of past presidents entitled to housing and

meals shall be filled by the president of district chapter by the appointment of

an alternate designated by the past presidents' group.

Section 5. REPORTS

A. Each delegate shall give a report of the business and other highlights of the

convention to the chapters represented by her (or to chapters assigned by the

president of district chapter). The report shall be given in person, when

possible, and within six (6) weeks after the close of convention. A written

report may be authorized by the president of the district chapter in case of an

emergency.

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B. Past district presidents and district officers who attend Convention of

International Chapter may be called upon to make reports when needed.

C. The president shall be notified when each representative has completed her

assigned report.

ARTICLE IV

NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS OF NORTHEAST DISTRICT CHAPTER

Section 1. ELIGIBILITY. Any member of convention who has been an active member of the

P.E.O. Sisterhood for six (6) years and who has been duly elected and installed, and

served at least one (1) year as president of any local chapter shall be eligible for

election to an office in the district chapter, except as noted below:

A. No officer shall be elected to the executive board from a chapter already

represented on the board, if possible. Each state in the district shall be

represented on the executive board, if possible.

B. New chapters shall be represented in Convention of Northeast District

Chapter once before their members are eligible to hold district office.

C. To be elected to office, if not a member of the current executive board, a

nominee must be present at the time of the election.

Section 2. TENURE. No officer shall serve more than two (2) consecutive terms in the same

office.

Section 3. SEQUENCE OF OFFICERS. The sequence of officers shall be: president, vice

president, organizer, treasurer, and secretary.

Section 4. NOMINATION OF OFFICERS.

A. Nomination of officers shall be by a Nominating Committee of five (5)

members. They shall be the chairman and four (4) members. The immediate

past president shall be the chairman and one (1) member shall be appointed

from each of the four (4) states within the district, with the approval of the

executive board. All members shall serve for a term of one (1) year. The

current president shall not serve in any capacity on the committee.

B. A local chapter or member of the executive board wishing to recommend an

eligible member shall submit, with the candidate’s consent, her name and

qualifications to the chairman of the Nominating Committee by February 1.

The chosen nominee must be a member of the convention at which her name

is presented.

C. At convention, the committee shall present the name of one (1) nominee for

each office.

D. Further nominations may be made from the floor for each office preceding

the elective ballot for that office.

E. Each nominee shall be a member of the convention at which her name is

presented and shall have consented to serve, if elected.

Section 5. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Election shall be by written ballot. If there is but one

(1) nominee for each office called in sequence, by general consent the ballot may be

dispensed with and a voice vote taken for the entire ticket. If there are nominations

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from the floor for one (1) or more offices, a separate elective ballot for each such

office shall be taken. A majority of votes cast shall elect, and voting shall not be

limited to the nominees.

Section 6. VACANCY. A vacancy occurring during the year in any office, except that of

president, shall be filled by appointment made by the president and approved by a

majority of the executive board. The appointee shall have served as president of a

local chapter for one (1) term.

ARTICLE V

SPECIAL DUTIES OF DISTRICT OFFICERS

The executive board shall consult and advise during the annual interval and shall transact necessary

business. Appointments for the new term may be made and approved after election.

The following duties are in addition to those listed in the Constitution, Part II, Article VIII, and in

the Instructions to Officers of State, Provincial and District Chapters of the P.E.O. Sisterhood.

Section 1. PRESIDENT. The duties of the president shall be:

A. To appoint at the beginning of her term of office, with the approval of the

executive board, the paid assistant treasurer and the necessary members to

committees;

B. To oversee and guide the work of the paid assistant treasurer;

C. To appoint such special committees as may be authorized by the executive

board or by the Convention of Northeast District Chapter;

D. To serve as an ex-officio member on all standing Committees without vote;

except the Nominating Committee;

E. To appoint, when necessary, a proxy for organization of, or official visits to,

chapters;

F. To notify local chapters entitled to representation in Convention of

International Chapter by February 1 of the year the convention is held;

G. To send to each local chapter, within ninety (90) days after convention, a

letter setting forth information and plans for the year; and

H. To proofread the minutes of proceedings of convention and the bylaws and

standing rules of the district chapter within sixty (60) days following the

expiration of her term of office.

Section 2. VICE PRESIDENT. The duties of the vice president shall be:

A. To serve as an ex-officio member on the Finance Committee without vote;

B. To serve as adviser to the hostess chapters coordinating Convention of

Northeast District Chapter the following year;

C. To serve as adviser to the Cottey College Committee;

D. To present a grouping report for convention;

E. To supervise any Reciprocity Group within the district and keep an up-to-

date file on all unaffiliates in the district;

F. To oversee the review of local chapter yearbooks, bylaws and standing rules

and ensure that the appropriate comments are forwarded to the presidents of

local chapters;

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G. To oversee the Celebration of Life service for Convention of Northeast

District Chapter; and

H. To be responsible for the safekeeping of the Book of Remembrance, for

lettering in it, and for displaying it at Convention of the Northeast District

Chapter.

Section 3. ORGANIZER. The duties of the organizer shall be:

A. To visit or direct her proxy to visit local chapters every four (4) years, giving

the chapters at least thirty (30) days notice;

B. To visit or direct her proxy to visit new chapters for three (3) years following

their organization;

C. To confirm that displays of the P.E.O. Philanthropies and the local chapter

yearbooks are prepared for Convention of the Northeast District Chapter;

D. To serve as adviser to the hostess chapters for Convention of Northeast

District Chapter to be held two (2) years later; and

E. To serve as adviser to the Membership Committee.

Section 4. TREASURER. The duties of the treasurer shall be:

A. To serve as an ex-officio member on the Finance Committee without vote;

B. To work with the paid assistant treasurer as necessary;

C. To serve as the district chairman of the P.E.O. Educational Loan Fund,

P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund, P.E.O. Program for Continuing

Education, P.E.O. Scholar Awards, and the P.E.O. STAR Scholarship;

D. To prepare the schedule of official visits for the following year; and

E. Acknowledge in writing receipt of Love Gifts to the district chapter and

donations to the Cottey Travel Fund and to the Cottey College Scholarship

Fund

Section 5. SECRETARY. The duties of the secretary shall be:

A. To have the minutes of Convention of Northeast District Chapter approved

by the president who presided at the convention within sixty (60) days of the

close of convention and before the minutes are printed in the proceedings;

B. To have the proceedings of convention and the current bylaws and standing

rules of the district chapter compiled and printed within ninety (90) days

following convention;

C. To furnish copies of the proceedings and current bylaws and standing rules to

those named in the Constitution and to all members of standing committees

of the district chapter;

D. To provide proceedings electronically on the NEDC website; and

E. To notify local chapters of amendments and resolutions passed by

Convention of Northeast District Chapter that need immediate

implementation by the chapters.

ARTICLE VI

PAID ASSISTANT TREASURER

Section 1. APPOINTMENT. A paid assistant treasurer will be appointed annually by the

president with the approval of the executive board immediately following

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Convention of the Northeast District Chapter. She shall be an active member of the

P.E.O. Sisterhood. Appointment shall be made only after evidence of qualifications

has been submitted. Removal from office may be made by the same authorities for

sufficient cause.

Section 2. DUTIES. The duties of the paid assistant treasurer shall be to perform the following:

A. To pay all items on the warrant list as ordered by the executive board and

signed by the president, and shall send annual report forms to the local

chapter treasurers before February 1;

B. To perform all financial functions of the district treasurer;

C. To provide the Finance Committee with the information necessary for its

work;

D. To have the treasurer’s books audited at the end of the fiscal year by an

accountant, or an auditing committee, appointed by the district president;

E. To perform clerical duties for the executive board as required;

F. To file with the president an electronic copy of her report given in district

chapter convention;

G. To complete all required gift lists, as defined in the Instructions to Officers of

State, Provincial, and District Chapters of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, to be

included in the program and proceedings of Convention of the Northeast

District; and

H. To serve as an ex-officio member on the Finance Committee without vote.

Section 3. REMUNERATION. Expenses as authorized by the executive board shall be paid

from the general fund of the district chapter and outlined in the paid assistant’s

contract. Duties and remuneration shall be specified in an annual written contract as

determined by the executive board and Finance Committee.

Section 4. BOND. The paid assistant treasurer shall be named and covered by the Fidelity

Bond for the district chapter that is paid to International annually.

ARTICLE VII

STANDING COMMITTEES

Section 1. AMENDMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.

A. APPOINTMENT. The Amendments and Recommendations Committee shall

consist of three (3) members, each of whom shall serve three (3) years. One

member shall be appointed each year by the incoming president with the

approval of the executive board. The senior member in point of service shall

be chairman. If an entirely new committee must be appointed, the president

shall designate the chairman, second, and third members.

B. DUTIES.

1. To review the bylaws and standing rules of the district chapter;

2. To receive and consider proposed amendments and/or

recommendations as authorized in Article XIV, Section 1 of these

bylaws;

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3. To prepare, in proper parliamentary form, those proposed

amendments and/or recommendations together with any additional

ones deemed advisable by the committee and refer them to the

executive board for consideration;

4. To send at least thirty (30) days prior to Convention of Northeast

District Chapter, a copy of all proposed amendments and/or

recommendations to the following: each local chapter, members of

the executive board, members of all standing committees, past

presidents of district chapter, and representative of International

Chapter; and

5. To present all proposed amendments and recommendations at


Section 2. FINANCE.

A. APPOINTMENT. The Finance Committee shall consist of three (3)

members, each of whom shall serve three (3) years. One member shall be

appointed each year by the incoming president with the approval of the

executive board. The senior member in point of service shall be chairman. If

an entirely new committee must be appointed, the president shall designate

the chairman, second, and third members. The vice president, treasurer and

paid assistant treasurer of the district chapter shall serve as ex-officio

members on this committee without vote.

B. DUTIES.

1. To become familiar with the finances of the district chapter and to

consult with and advise the executive board on financial matters;

2. To prepare and present to Convention of Northeast District Chapter a

proposed budget and allocation of dues for the ensuing year for

consideration and adoption;

3. To recommend any necessary transfer of funds, investments, and

depositories to the executive board; and

4. To investigate travel costs and times of arrival and departure each

way for Northeast District Chapter delegation to Convention of

International Chapter; to recommend the most economical mode of

travel to the executive board; and to compute the amount required to

cover the travel expenses for those named in Article III of these

bylaws.

Section 3. HISTORY

A. APPOINTMENT. The History Committee shall consist of one (1)

member appointed annually by the incoming president with approval of the

executive board.

B. DUTIES.

1. To organize documents and photographs received from local

chapters concerning events taking place throughout the district

chapter;

2. To maintain scrapbooks for the district chapter;

3. To be responsible for pre- and post-convention publicity for the

district chapter;

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4. To maintain a file of programs for use by local chapters; and

5. To report at Convention of Northeast District Chapter.

Section 4. COTTEY COLLEGE COMMITTEE

A. APPOINTMENT. The Cottey College Committee shall consist of four (4)

members, each of whom shall serve four (4) years. There will be one (1)

member from each state within the district. One (1) member shall be

appointed each year by the incoming president, with the approval of the

executive board. The senior member in point of service shall be chairman of

the committee. The vice president shall serve as adviser to this committee.

B. DUTIES

1. To attend the seminar at Cottey College and to advise local chapter

Cottey College chairmen;

2. To promote fundraising and recruitment for Cottey College and to

advise local chapter Cottey College chairmen;

3. To coordinate local chapter gifts to the Wheatlake Suite;

4. To distribute, receive, and review applications for Northeast District

Cottey College Scholarship Fund from residents of the Northeast

District who have been accepted to Cottey College or are currently

enrolled in Cottey College;

5. To select and submit applications for the Northeast District Cottey

College Scholarship Fund to the Trustees of the P.E.O. Foundation for

final approval (See also Article IX, Section 1E of the NEDC Bylaws);

6. To attend the appropriate state reciprocity meeting(s);

7. To submit to the paid assistant treasurer any requests to distribute

funds from the Cottey Travel Fund after obtaining executive board

approval; and


Section 5. MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

A. APPOINTMENT. The Membership Committee shall consist of four (4)

members, each of whom shall serve four (4) years. There shall be one (1)

member from each state within the district. One member shall be appointed

each year by the incoming president with the approval of the executive board.

The senior member in point of service shall be chairman. If an entirely new

committee must be appointed, the president shall designate the chairman,

second, third and fourth members. The organizer shall serve as adviser to

this committee.

B. DUTIES.

1. To promote membership growth and to focus on membership needs;

2. To serve as adviser to local chapter membership committees;

3. To assist the executive board with membership development; and


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ARTICLE VIII

FINANCE

Section 1. DUES AND FEES.

A. DUES.

1. The annual dues of each active member shall be forty-three dollars

and fifty cents ($43.50), which shall be allocated as follows:

Twenty-six dollars ($26.00) for International Chapter dues (which

shall include six dollars ($6.00) for Cottey College) and seventeen

dollars and fifty cents ($17.50) for district chapter dues.

2. The district chapter dues shall be allocated annually as recommended

by the Finance Committee with the approval of the executive board

and presented to and approved by Convention of Northeast District

Chapter.

B. FEES. Each chapter shall pay twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per year to help

cover costs of official visits by the organizer and her proxies.

Section 2. CONVENTION OF NORTHEAST DISTRICT CHAPTER.

A. NORTHEAST DISTRICT CHAPTER. District chapter shall pay from the

General Fund and the convention registration fees the following expenses of

convention:

1. Rental of convention hall;

2. Printing of convention program and proceedings;

3. Audio/Visual needs during the convention;

4. Housing and meals for executive board, as defined in Northeast

District Chapter Policies;

5. Housing for one (1) night, Saturday banquet dinner, and Sunday lunch

for chairman of Nominating Committee, editor of the FORUM, paid

assistant treasurer, NEDC webmaster, not otherwise members of

convention;

6. Housing for two (2) nights, Saturday banquet dinner, and Sunday

lunch for convention co-chairs, not otherwise members of convention;

7. Housing for one (1) night, Saturday banquet dinner, and Sunday lunch

for local chapter delegates, and chairmen of standing committees;

8. Expenses of the organizer’s Period of Instruction and the P.E.O.

Philanthropies Program; and

9. Other necessary expenses, upon approval of the executive board and

Finance Committee.

B. HOSTESS CHAPTERS.

1. The hostess chapters shall pay for the Celebration of Life service, any

decorations, favors, and entertainment they wish to provide for

convention.

2. The executive board will provide guidelines to the hostess chapters

for meal expenses.

C. LOCAL CHAPTERS. Each local chapter shall pay for the travel and other

necessary expenses of its delegates to Convention of Northeast District

Chapter.

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D. VISITORS. Each visitor to convention, except members of the district

chapter, shall pay a registration fee of seven dollars and fifty cents ($7.50).

These registration fees shall be forwarded to the district paid assistant

treasurer.

Section 3. CONVENTION OF INTERNATIONAL CHAPTER.

A. The district chapter shall maintain an International Chapter Convention Fund.

The Finance Committee shall recommend an annual allocation from the

district chapter dues for this fund.

B. The district chapter shall pay from the International Chapter Convention

Fund the necessary expenses to Convention of International Chapter for its

president, vice-president (or alternate), and the local chapter delegates. This

would include hotel expenses for the night preceding the opening of

Convention of International Chapter. Reimbursement of expenses must be

substantiated with receipts or other documentation and submitted within three

(3) months of being incurred.

Section 4. EXECUTIVE BOARD AND COMMITTEES.

A. The district chapter shall pay all expenses incurred by the executive board in

transacting official business.

B. The district chapter shall pay all necessary expenses of standing committees,

as authorized by the executive board.

C. The district chapter shall pay all necessary expenses of the Nominating

Committee.

D. The district chapter shall pay all expenses of maintaining the district website.

E. Reimbursement of expenses must be substantiated with receipts or other

documentation and submitted within three (3) months of being incurred to the

executive board which will send accepted expenses to the paid assistant

treasurer.

ARTICLE IX

NORTHEAST DISTRICT COTTEY COLLEGE FUNDS

Section 1. NORTHEAST DISTRICT COTTEY COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP FUND.

A. PURPOSE. The Northeast District Cottey College Scholarship Fund shall

grant scholarships to attend Cottey College, when funds and applicants are

available, to qualified women who are residents of the Northeast District.

B. ADMINISTRATION. The Fund shall be administered by the P.E.O.

Foundation.

C. MAINTENANCE. The Fund shall be maintained by voluntary gifts from

individuals, chapters, gifts in honor and in memory of individuals or groups,

bequests and accrued interest that shall be deposited with the P.E.O.

Foundation.

D. FUNDING. Scholarships shall be funded entirely by the interest available

from the fund, as determined by the P.E.O. Foundation, to qualified enrolled

Cottey College students whose work has met the requirements of Cottey

College.

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E. AMOUNT. The amount of the scholarship shall be designated for each

semester by the committee, based on information provided by the P.E.O.

Foundation and approved by the executive board.

F. RECEIPT OF MONIES. The paid assistant treasurer shall receive monies for

the Fund and forward said monies to the P.E.O. Foundation.

Section 2. COTTEY TRAVEL FUND

A. PURPOSE. The Cottey Travel Fund shall benefit prospective Cottey College

students. The Fund shall be used to help offset the travel costs for a

prospective student and one (1) adult chaperone (if necessary) for one (1)

round trip to Cottey College. The Fund shall consist of all monies heretofore

set aside to said Fund, and shall be increased by voluntary contributions. The

paid assistant treasurer shall receive monies for the Fund and keep a Cottey

Travel Fund account.

B. ADMINISTRATION. The Cottey College Committee shall administer the

Fund, with the approval of the executive board.

C. APPLICATION. An applicant for assistance shall be a resident of the

Northeast District who is sponsored by a local chapter. The application shall

be obtained from the committee or the Northeast District Chapter website.

ARTICLE X

ORGANIZATION AND OFFICIAL VISITS

Section 1. ORGANIZATION OF NEW CHAPTERS.

A. REQUIREMENTS. The following requirements are in addition to those in

the Constitution, Part III, Article I:

1. Any person desiring to select a charter list shall write to the organizer

of the district chapter before any action is taken. After a request for a

chapter has been received and approved by the organizer, the group

shall meet regularly until organization. The period of time shall be

determined by the organizer with the approval of the president of the

district chapter.

2. Minutes of each meeting shall be kept and a copy sent to the

organizer.

3. In a community where one (1) or more chapters exist, there shall be at

least two (2) P.E.O. members on the charter list of a new chapter.

4. New chapters shall submit bylaws to the organizer for approval before

adoption.

5. No new chapter shall be organized within thirty (30) days preceding


6. The new chapter shall make provision for housing and meals of the

organizer or her proxy at the time of organization.

B. CHARTER INITIATES. Each charter initiate shall be recommended by a

letter to the organizer of the district chapter from three (3) active members of

the P.E.O. Sisterhood.

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Section 2. OFFICIAL VISITS TO LOCAL CHAPTERS.

A. Each local chapter shall have an official visit by the organizer or her proxy

every four (4) years. A local chapter may be visited more frequently at the

discretion of the executive board.

B. A new chapter shall be visited annually by the organizer or her proxy for

three (3) years and shall then be placed in its proper group.

C. Any chapter may request an official visit.

D. The local chapter shall make provision for housing and meals of the

organizer or her proxy at the time of an official visit.

ARTICLE XI

SPECIAL DUTIES OF LOCAL CHAPTER OFFICERS

The following duties are in addition to those listed in the Constitution, Part III, Article V and in the

Instructions to Officers of the Local Chapter.

Section 1. PRESIDENT. The duties of the president shall be:

A. To write an annual letter and/or report to the president of the district chapter

informing her of the activities and status of the chapter. The letter and/or

report shall be read and approved at a chapter meeting in February (or prior

to) and mailed before March 1. A copy of this letter and/or report shall be

retained in the local chapter president’s box and copies sent to the following:

nonresident members, resident members who are unable to attend meetings

regularly, and to the organizer of the district chapter.

B. To oversee the production of the chapter yearbook. The yearbook must be

produced for a twelve (12) month cycle starting in March, April or May of

each year.

C. To send to the vice president of the district chapter a completed NEDC

Chapter Eternal Form immediately following the death of a member.

D. To print in its entirety a copy of the Bylaws and Standing Rules of the

Northeast District Chapter and place the copy in the President’s Book. The

proceedings of the Northeast District Chapter may be accessed online from

the NEDC website.

Section 2. RECORDING SECRETARY. The duties of the recording secretary shall be:

To send in March to the vice president of the district chapter a copy of the chapter

bylaws and standing rules, if they have been amended during the fiscal year. If the

bylaws have not been amended during the fiscal year, then the vice president will be

notified of this.

Section 3. CORRESPONDING SECRETARY. The duties of the corresponding secretary shall

be:

To provide annually at Convention of Northeast District Chapter seven (7) chapter

yearbooks, one (1) copy to each of the five (5) district officers, the FORUM editor,

and the chairman of the Membership Committee of the district chapter.

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Section 4. TREASURER. The duties of the treasurer shall be:

A. To send chapter contributions made to the P.E.O. Philanthropies to the

paid assistant treasurer of the district chapter to be received by February

28/29.

B. To send dues and assessments to the paid assistant treasurer of the district

chapter to be received by March 10.

ARTICLE XII

RECIPROCITY GROUPS

Section 1. PURPOSE.

Reciprocity groups may be formed as stated in the Constitution, Part III, Article XIII.

Section 2. SUPERVISION.

Each reciprocity group so formed shall be under the supervision of the vice president

of the district chapter.

Section 3. BYLAWS.

Each reciprocity group shall adopt bylaws consistent with the laws of the P.E.O.

Sisterhood and subject to approval of the executive board of the district chapter.

Section 4. REPORTS.

A. By April 1, each reciprocity group shall send to the vice president of the

district chapter the following:

1. A report of the activities of the group during the year,

2. A copy of the bylaws if amended during the fiscal year. If the bylaws

were not amended during the fiscal year, the vice president shall be

notified of this.

B. By March 10 of each year, the financial report required by International

Chapter for the period March 1 through the last day of February, which shall

include receipts, disbursements, and balance on hand March 1, shall be sent

to the vice president of the district chapter; and

C. The names, addresses and telephone numbers of the president, secretary and

contact person shall be submitted as required by International Chapter

immediately after election.

ARTICLE XIII

PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, shall govern

all meetings in matters not covered by these bylaws, or the Constitution, Bylaws, and Standing

Rules of the P.E.O. Sisterhood.

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ARTICLE XIV

AMENDMENTS

Section 1. AMENDMENTS PROPOSED PRIOR TO CONVENTION.

A. Amendments to the Bylaws of Northeast District Chapter shall be proposed

only by local chapters, the executive board, or standing committees of the

district chapter, and shall be submitted in writing by February 1 to the

chairman of the Amendments and Recommendations Committee.

B. Such proposed amendments may be adopted by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of

members present and voting in Convention of Northeast District Chapter,

provided that copies of the proposed amendments have been sent at least

thirty (30) days before convention to each local chapter, members of the

executive board, members of all standing committees, and past presidents of

the district chapter.

STANDING RULES OF NORTHEAST DISTRICT CHAPTER

1. A copy of the requirements for local chapter yearbooks shall be posted on the district

website and a copy shall be kept in the local chapter president’s box.

2. With the exception of a past district president, only names received at least thirty (30) days

prior to convention shall appear on the Memorial Roll at convention. Additional members

shall be honored at the following Convention of Northeast District Chapter.

3. All committees shall obtain approval from the president of the district chapter before

sending any form letters.

4. The local chapter president’s annual letter and/or report may contain such information as:

increase or decrease in membership, average attendance, contributions to and promotion of

P.E.O. Philanthropies, other charitable work, program features, social activities, spirit of

cooperation, interest in chapter life, and special recognition and honors awarded chapter

members.

5. Amendments to the standing rules of Northeast District Chapter shall be proposed

only by local chapters, the executive board, or standing committees of the district

chapter, and shall be submitted in writing by February 1 to the chairman of the

Amendments and Recommendations Committee. Such proposed amendments may

be adopted by a majority vote of members present and voting in Convention of

Northeast District Chapter, provided that copies of the proposed amendments have

been sent at least thirty (30) days before convention to each local chapter, members

of the executive board, chairmen of all standing committees, and past presidents of

the district chapter.

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INDEX

SECTION I Page #

Annual Report of Membership of Disbanded Chapters 31

Annual Report of Treasurer to International Chapter 32

Annual Report to International Chapter of Membership 03/01/2015 30

Balance Sheet 25

Certification of Minutes and Approval of Proceedings M-16

Convention Agenda 5-6

Convention Schedule 4

Convention Songs 43

Delegates to Convention 8

Devotions 35-36

District Committees and Convention Appointments 2

Golden Girls Recognition List 29

Grouping Report 28

Honorarium and Memorial Gifts 27

Incoming President’s Remarks 39-40

Invocation 34-35

Local Chapter Gifts to P.E.O. Philanthropies 26

Memorial List 41

Minutes of Convention M-1 to M-15

NEDC Officers 2014-2015 1

NEDC Past District Presidents 1

Opening Ode and Object and Aims 44

Outgoing President’s Remarks 38-39

Philanthropy Certificates 03/01/2014 to 02/28/2015 42

Proposed Convention of International Chapter Budget 23

Proposed General Fund Budget 22

Report of Credentials Committee 7

Report of the Amendments and Recommendations Committee 14-17

Report of the Audit Committee 33

Report of the Cottey Committee 18-19

Report of the Finance Committee 20-21

Report of The FORUM Chapter News Editor 20

Report of the Historian 19

Report of the Membership Committee 17-18

Report of the Nominating Committee 34

Report of the Organizer 11-12

Report of the Paid Assistant Treasurer 13-14

Report of the President 9-10

Report of the Secretary 13

Report of the Treasurer 12-13

Report of the Vice President 10-11

Representation at Convention of International Chapter 28

Representation at Convention of International Chapter by Year and Location 28

Rules of Convention 3

Schedule of Official Visits 29

Seacoast Group Hostess Chapter Committees 3

State of the District Report 36-38

Summary of Receipts and Expenditures by Fund 24

The Empowered Woman by Sonny Carroll Inside Front Cover

SECTION II Page #

Bylaws and Standing Rules of the Northeast District Chapter BL-0 to BL-14

Proceedings of the 24th Annual Convention of the Northeast District Chapter and the Bylaws and

Standing Rules of the Northeast District Chapter may also be found at: www.nedchapters.com

http://www.nedchapters.com/

proceedings - nedchapters.com . the empowered woman by sonny carroll the empowered woman, she moves...

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