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On the Town: Founders’ Day filled with sunshine and daisies

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It was apparent that spring is on its way last Saturday as 200 members and guests gathered for the Founders’ Day celebration of the Philanthropic Educational Organization at Oakmont Country Club.

Members are part of the Glendale Reciprocity Bureau, which is made up of 13 chapters, each identified by two initials, with the exception of Chapter KD-KO, which denotes two chapters that have combined.

The sunny day was a welcome respite from the weeklong rain. As the Marguerite daisy is the organization’s emblem, the theme was “P.E.O. Daisy Chains of Love.” Committee members had incorporated a 3-D paper replica of the flower on the name tags. The program cover was a watercolor likeness of a vase filled with daisies, courtesy of Paula Simmons, a member of Chapter VS.

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The group was founded in 1869 by seven young women at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Its purpose is to support the educational advancement of women. Students can apply for financial help through loans, scholarships and grants. They also can attend Cottey College in Missouri, which is owned by the sisterhood.

Mary Wickser, reciprocity president of Chapter AH, conducted the program and explained the history and principles of the organization. Robin Collins, VS, was chair of the luncheon. Helping on the committee were Pamela Brett, CJ, decorations; Mary Margaret Smith, HG, hospitality and greetings; Debby Steffens, JI, publicity; Anne Somers, OM, reservations and check-in; and Marianne Tomlin, IH, tickets.

Providing entertainment was the Brighter Side Singers, the show choir from Temple City High School, led by Kristi Fernthiel. They performed a selection of songs including a medley from the musical “My Fair Lady.”

Some of the Panhellenic’s 50-year-plus members attending were Jan Ashford, AH; Mary Catherine Empey, GD; Anne Quinn, GD; Mary Galleher, IH; Anne Peplow, KD-KO; Coralee “Corky” Gausman, MZ; Pat Stoops, MZ; and Becky Gelhaar, OM.

The day culminated with all members singing the “Daisy Song,” a parody of the tune “Bicycle Built for Two,” led by Sue Siebels, VS.

Area women honored by YWCA

YWCA Glendale officials have announced the women who will be honored at the 20th annual Legacy Luncheon scheduled for April 5 at the Oakmont Country Club.

The event raises funds for the YWCA’s programs for low-income families, including its emergency shelter for women and children who are escaping abuse.

Six women will receive the Heart and Excellence Award for their commitment to helping women and children in their communities and for their status as role models for all women.

Jeannie Flint, of Glendale, spent 28 years as a leader in the Glendale Unified School District, mentoring women who nurture and educate children. Since retiring in 2004, she continues to volunteer with many organizations that help emotionally-challenged children and support survivors of domestic violence through YWCA Glendale.

Nancy Guillen, of Burbank, has volunteered in Burbank and Glendale for more than 32 years, donating her time and money to causes affecting children and raising awareness about cancer. She has served on the boards of the Glendale Latino Assn. and Family Promise of the Verdugos and as a member of the Glendale Kiwanis and the Burbank Chamber of Commerce.

Janet Hamilton, of La Cañada Flintridge, has dedicated countless hours to helping the homeless, women in the armed services and the elderly in La Cañada and Glendale. She is a volunteer with Ascencia, L.A. Philharmonic, Soroptimist International of Glendale, the Philanthropic Educational Organization and the Montrose Church.

JP O’Connor, of Burbank, has been training leaders of all ages for decades and has dedicated her life to empowering people through access to education, the arts and health resources. She has spent decades alongside her mother, the late Mary Alice O’Connor, supporting many charitable causes through the National Charity League. A cancer survivor, she has worked closely with the American Cancer Society San Fernando Leadership Council to raise funds and awareness for cancer research and education.

Nancy Stone, of La Crescenta, was instrumental in the development of the Service Learning Project at several local high schools, was a founding member of the CV Alliance to help address drug and alcohol issues with teens and has volunteered with the National Charity League, Las Candelas and Ascencia.

Georgiana Wu, of Glendale, a registered nurse and medical technologist, has volunteered her time raising funds for children with developmental disabilities and life-altering illnesses and was instrumental in passing policies that make the Glendale Adventist Medical Center safer for patients as well as expanding access to vital services for the greater Glendale community.

Luncheon tickets are $100. For more information, visit glendaleywca.org.

JOYCE RUDOLPH can be reached at rudolphjoyce10@gmail.com.

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