TORRINGTON – P.E.O. Chapter AU marked its 50th anniversary Oct. 15, honoring the founding members who established the organization on May 21, 1975.
Chapter President Laurie Hager Zumwalt led the celebration, paying tribute to pioneer charter members Marilyn Axt, Lynn Pace and Lovie Harpstreith, who attended the event. Charter members Connie Maxfield and Jean Montgomery Settles were unable to attend.
“All of these women’s initial belief in our P.E.O.’s mission has made this all possible,” Zumwalt said.
Five decades of growth
Chapter AU has initiated or welcomed 124 members through transfer over 50 years. The chapter currently maintains 45 active members, with some serving as non-resident members due to relocations, college attendance and the passing of longtime participants.
Marilyn Olson, who shared the chapter’s history, outlined key milestones including Torrington’s hosting of the 1990 Wyoming State Convention. Harpstreith and Axt served as co-chairpersons for the event.
The chapter created a fundraising cookbook featuring members’ favorite recipes. A “Parade of Tables” event united all three Torrington P.E.O. chapters for a community fundraiser where individuals decorated themed tables and sold luncheon tickets.
Educational mission
Chapter AU maintains an Educational Memorial Fund (EMF), providing scholarships through Eastern Wyoming College (EWC) for women returning to education after leaving high school or taking a break from college. The fund supports students for four semesters at EWC and may continue through a four-year college program.
“When a loved one or friend passes away our members can choose to donate to the EMF,” Olson said. “And sometimes the families of some members name EMF as one of the memorials to contribute.”
Community support
Members provide support through home-cooked meals during illness or family loss. In earlier years, the chapter operated a kindergarten carpool for members’ children.
“Throughout my years of membership in Chapter AU the most important thing stands out to me is how we all have developed a very special and close relationship with all of our members,” Olson said. “If anyone needs help, a shoulder to cry on or just to listen to we are all there for each other.”
The chapter’s annual Christmas auction serves as its primary fundraiser, supporting the operating budget for the year. Members hold a brief business meeting before gathering around a food table with Christmas treats. They enjoy Joan’s Irish Coffee or Nancy Griggs’ famous punch from a recipe handed down from charter member Jean Montgomery, then participate in a gift auction.
“The money we raise is amazing,” Olson said. “You wouldn’t believe how much a set of tea towels or house decorations cost these days.”
Honoring a legacy
The celebration included a tribute to Martha Shoemaker, described as “always cheerful, humorous, a devout Christian, and a friend to everyone.” Shoemaker frequently closed meetings with lines from Robert Frost’s “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”: “And I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.”
Distinguished guests included Paula Rueb, past P.E.O. Wyoming State President from Chapter AU; Sharon Holloway, current P.E.O. Wyoming State Recording Secretary; Cheryl Riggs, P.E.O. President of Chapter M; and Diane Nye, P.E.O. Vice-President of Chapter AK.
Chaplain Marilyn Cotant closed the ceremony with a devotion.
“Thank you all for being with us this afternoon,” the program concluded. “Safe travels to all of you and may you have a great day enjoying your friends and family – because P.E.O. is family.”
