PEO holiday fundraiser

The local chapter of the Philanthropic Educational Organization had fun mixing business with pleasure at the recent December meeting. The meeting was held at the Shafter home of Priscilla Neufeld.

The regular business meeting was followed by an auction of holiday specialty items donated by JT members. Nancy Neufeld presided over the auction, which consisted mostly of homemade items, including delicious baked goods, quilts and holiday decor.

Most of the proceeds from the auction will go to the JT scholarship fund, which provides college scholarships to eligible girls attending Wasco or Shafter high schools.

Adding to the festivities was the revealing of a patriotic-themed quilt assembled by talented and creative members Penny Skeels and Anna Balentine. The quilt will be presented to Karen Holtermann at the end of her term as president. Individual members quilted stars to embellish the border of the quilt.

The meeting was the last one of an eventful year, which included hosting a High Tea, a lighthouse tour, lunch at the Guild House, a visit to Cambria and the awarding of scholarships.

The organization also supports our scholarship recipients, who attend colleges away from home, by sending them "Thinking of You" gift boxes throughout the year.

JT chapter members look forward to another year of new activities, scholarship awards and service projects.