Dramatic Increase of COVID-19 Cases in Boulder County

 

For Immediate Release 12/27/2021 Media Contact Shawn Hollister, 303-441-4579 shollister@bouldercounty.org

Increased Demand for COVID-19 Testing Leads to Long Wait Times in Boulder County Boulder County, CO - Cases of COVID-19 have risen dramatically over the last week, likely caused by the Omicron variant, creating a significant increase in demand for testing.  Between Dec. 15 and Dec. 22, the number of tests administered increased by 332% at the Stazio community testing site in Boulder and 238% at the Boulder County Fairgrounds in Longmont.  Boulder County Public Health urges community members seeking testing to plan ahead, exercise patience and expect delays. “Positive cases of COVID-19 in Boulder County have risen nearly 160% in the last week. As a result, we have seen a huge uptick in demand for tests, creating long lines and significant wait times. Unfortunately, we expect extended wait times to continue throughout the holidays. We are aware of the delays and are working with our partners to remedy the situation and ensure a positive experience at community testing sites,” said Chris Campbell, Boulder County Public Health Emergency Management Coordinator.

Lunch Outing December 29th -- POSTPONED (Decision Made 12/27/21)

 

"Quarterly Connections Group Petroff" had planned a lunch outing at LuLu's BBQ in Louisville on Wednesday, December 29th, starting at 1:00 p.m.

Group Captain Linda Petroff had invited all the Sisters in our chapter to join in the fun! 

However, today the decision was made to postpone it. Since folks have been travelling and spending time over the Christmas holiday with people outside their normal "bubble," out of an abundance of caution, it was decided to NOT meet this week. We will wait to see how the COVID-19 numbers are looking in a few weeks.

Thank You from the President, P.E.O. Chapter JI

 

What a delightful surprise! The Executive Board of the P.E.O. Chapter JI graced me with this lovely gift bag today, complete with a lovely card, engraved mirrored bowl, and a gorgeous silver necklace with festive baubles ... and ... another set of interchangeable baubles. Wow! I am overwhelmed with these beautiful gifts!

It has been an honor to serve as the president of P.E.O. Chapter JI this past year. And I look forward to our working together in 2022, as we lovingly support one another ... and continue our work to do all we can to provide educational opportunities for women. 🧡

Lovingly in P.E.O.,

Belinda Alkula

Lunch Outing December 29th -- POSTPONED (Decision Made 12/27/21)

 

"Quarterly Connections Group Petroff" has planned a lunch outing at LuLu's BBQ in Louisville on Wednesday, December 29th, starting at 1:00 p.m.

Group Captain Linda Petroff invites all the Sisters in our chapter to join in the fun! Please R.S.V.P. to Linda if you are planning to attend.

New Book Club News

The next book club gathering will be one week later than usual. It will be Wednesday, January 12, 2022, starting at 10:00 a.m. "The plan" is to meet at our hostess Cindy Weber's home ...  if the COVID-19 numbers aren't perilously high (after folks gather together for holiday celebrations). Having it one week later, gives us more time to assess how the numbers are looking. Also, it gives us one extra week to get the book read. We will discuss "The Rose Code," by Kate Quinn.

February 2nd, we will discuss hostess Tanya Lynn's book selection, "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo." The decision to meet in person at her home or via Zoom will be made at a later date.

2021 Holiday Social

L-R: Maggie McDonnell, Belinda Alkula, Joyce Kozeliski, Jill Hyde, Linda Petroff, Geneva Fisher, Annie Gaddy, Kathie Burson ... and Tanya Lynn, Annette Oakley

 

L-R: Annette Oakley, Marylee Zurick (standing), Maggie McDonnell, Belinda Alkula, Joyce Kozeliski, Jill Hyde

L-R: Joyce Kozeliski, Jill Hyde, Linda Petroff, Annie Gaddy

L-R: Kathie Burson, Roberta Meyer, Jan Smith, Cindy Weber

L-R: Jan Smith, Tanya Lynn (standing), Cindy Weber

Foreground: Our Host Jan Smith

Background, L-R: Annie Gaddy, Jill Hyde

L-R: Marylee Zurick, Geneva Fisher, Joyce Kozeliski, Jill Hyde

We had a great time at this year's holiday social, hosted by Jan Smith! Every year, Jan opens her lovely home to the Sisters in our chapter, and we are so very grateful for her gracious generosity!

Before we ate, we recited together this mealtime affirmation, written by Lila Herrmann, and a prayer.

Affirmation for Mealtime:

I am thankful, grateful, and blessed for the people in my life.

I am thankful, grateful, and blessed for the purpose in my life.

I am thankful, grateful, and blessed for the joy in my life.

I am thankful, grateful, and blessed every day of my life.

Prayer: 

Oh, Holy God, we thank you for the food before us, the friends beside us, the love between us, and Your Presence among us. Amen.

You can see from the presents on the table that we took gifts to be exchanged. And, again this year, there was some gift-stealing involved in a spirited game where each gift that was unwrapped could be kept or exchanged for someone else's gift. The rule is that each gift could be stolen twice, and it then resided with the Sister who stole it the second time.

2021 Holiday Social Prep

 

L-R in Foreground: Cindy Weber, Annette Oakley / L-R in Background: Maggie McDonnell, Jill Hyde

L-R: Jill Hyde, Maggie McDonnell

Many thanks to our Sisters who catered our amazing holiday luncheon which included fabulous soup made by Maggie McDonnell; an assortment of crackers; a meat, cheese, and fruit board; and a stellar assortment of homemade cookies and shortbread! We enjoyed choices of a sparkling fruit punch, hot tea, coffee, and bottled water. Additionally, in front of our place settings at the table, we delighted to see an assortment of nuts and chocolates, which we were encouraged to sample ... with the "holiday guarantee" that they were calorie-free. (Ho, ho, ho!)

Great Visit with Judy Trautwein!

 

L-R: Judy Trautwein, Karen Lockwood, Annette Oakley, Linda Petroff  -- Picture taken by Belinda Alkula ... (Unfortunately, Kathie Burson and Jan Smith had already departed.)

Today, a few of our Sisters met Judy Trautwein at Express Vino by Brewing Market in Lafayette! Judy just moved from Columbus, Nebraska, where she was actively involved in P.E.O. It was fun to visit with her and share stories about how each of us migrated to Colorado. We hope we see her again ... soon! 🧡

Message from P.E.O. International

 

Support the P.E.O. projects and earn special recognition for your chapter! Chapters interested in participating in any of the chapter recognition programs must have their donations and paperwork submitted to their state/provincial/district chapter by January 31, 2022, to be included in the spring selections.

Tis the Season!

L-R: Marylee Zurick, Jill Hyde

Our Sisters Marylee and Jill were seen sporting festive holiday hats!

Happy Holidays!

Colorado Executive Board's Virtual Holiday Happy Hour

The Colorado P.E.O. Executive Board hosted a virtual holiday happy hour tonight. Jill Hyde and Belinda Alkula represented our P.E.O. Chapter JI. For 45 minutes, we shared our favorite holiday traditions with one another. It was great fun!

Private Screening of the Latest James Bond Movie

Our Sister Marylee Zurick's rotary club reserved a movie theater at Boulder's Century Movie Theater tonight so that their members' families and friends could enjoy seeing this awesome action-packed movie. Marylee and her husband invited Sisters Belinda Alkula and Lyn Dwornik to be their guests, and wow, did they ever have a great time together! 

Thankful for P.E.O.'s Positive Influence

 

In this season of thankfulness, members of the P.E.O. Executive Board of International Chapter are each taking a moment to share their personal thoughts. Today we have a message from Patricia L. Brolin-Ribi, President, International Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood.

Thankful for a Loving Concern for One Another

 

In this season of thankfulness, members of the P.E.O. Executive Board of International Chapter are each taking a moment to share their personal thoughts. Today we have a message from Cathy Moss, First Vice President, International Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood.

Becoming "Still Enough"

Thankful for the Joys and Blessings of P.E.O.

 

In this season of thankfulness, members of the P.E.O. Executive Board of International Chapter are each taking a moment to share their personal thoughts. Today we have a message from Alix Smith, Second Vice President, International Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood.

Thankful and Grateful for the P.E.O. Sisterhood

 

In this season of thankfulness, members of the P.E.O. Executive Board of International Chapter are each taking a moment to share their personal thoughts. Today we have a message from Kathryn S. Ebert, Organizer, International Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood.

Thankful for the P.E.O. Sisterhood

In this season of thankfulness, members of the P.E.O. Executive Board of International Chapter are each taking a moment to share their personal thoughts. Today we have a message from Jennifer G. Mitchell, Recording Secretary, International Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood.

Holiday Social, December 8, 11:30 a.m.

 

Dear Sisters, please join us for our in-person Christmas Social. We will gather at the home of Jan Smith on Wednesday, December 8 at 11:30 a.m.

Please bring a Christmas gift for our traditional "steal the present" game -- $20 is the suggested value.

The Communications Committee will provide lunch and delicious Christmas treats. 

We ask all members to be safe in the days prior to our social. If possible, don't attend any indoor events with a large number of people. We want to feel safe with members of our Chapter. We are all vaccinated, and have our booster shots. If you don't have your booster, there is still plenty of time to get it before December 8.

If you feel unsure about being exposed, there are many locations to get a COVID-19 test. Most pharmacies and the Lafayette Public Library are offering free tests. Here is the link to information about free tests at the Lafayette Public Library (scroll down to see it): 

https://www.lafayetteco.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=6459.

We look forward to seeing everyone for our celebration, as we begin our holiday season. 

Love to all, 

Communications Committee

Cindy Weber's Granddaughter Born Today!

 

Vivianna Antonia Eileen is here!

Cindy wrote "we are blessed with a very healthy and sweet little girl. Our family is now even and complete! Welcome to the world, you perfect little girl." She was born today at 7:52 a.m. She weighs 6 pounds 8 ounces and is 19.5 inches long.

Founders' Day Brunch, January 22, 2022

 

The 2022 Founders' Day Celebration Brunch will be at the Colorado National Golf Club on Saturday, January 22nd. The price is $35 per person (nonrefundable). If interested in attending, please R.S.V.P. to Vice President Annette Oakley, and send a $35 check, payable to P.E.O. Chapter JI, to Treasurer Jill Hyde -- before the December 15th deadline.

Full Recap of the 75th Convention of International Chapter

 

The November-December issue of The P.E.O. Record will begin arriving in mailboxes the week of December 1. The issue was delayed to allow time to include a full recap of the 75th Convention of International Chapter, including remarks from Patricia L. Brolin-Ribi, president of International Chapter, and Brenda J. Atchison, past president of International Chapter. You will also find convention photos, amendment voting results and more.

P.E.O. Philanthropies Program Presented Today

Before our monthly P.E.O. Chapter JI meeting today, Kathie Burson gave a marvelous program about P.E.O. Philanthropies: 

(1) How they are organized, 

(2) administered, 

(3) funded, 

(4) and our individual role in relation to them. 

The chart is an overview of the P.E.O. philanthropies. (An "x" that is highlighted in yellow signifies that our chapter has been involved with promoting/supporting a woman who received financial support to pursue her educational goals.) 

We are blessed that Kathie took the time to prepare and present this program to our edification. Thank you, Kathie!

Colorado Executive Board's Virtual Holiday Happy Hour

The Colorado P.E.O. Executive Board is hosting a virtual holiday happy hour on December 1st , 5:00-5:45 pm. If interested in participating in this fun event, please let Jill Hyde know. Jill has offered to register our Sisters who want to attend. Ho, ho, ho!

Serendipitous Meeting Today!

L-R: Marylee Zurick and Lyn Dwornik

A surprise meeting at the local Staples resulted in these two Sisters from the P.E.O. Chapter JI getting in a great visit and then having dinner at Smashburger. Will wonders and blessings never cease?! Yea!

Boulder P.E.O. Chapters' Bazaar

 

The 8th annual holiday bazaar took place at The Mountain View United Methodist Church in south Boulder. It was wonderful! Everyone was talking about "the pickles." Every year, one of the chapters sells the most marvelous pickles. This year, they made 200 bottles, and all were sold!

Perhaps P.E.O. Chapter JI will have a table at next year's bazaar. I wonder what our Sisters could make or bake. (We have a year to think about it.)

Farewell Luncheon for Marylee Z.

 

Foreground, End of Table (L-R): Jan Smith, Maggie McDonnell, Marylee Zurick, Debbie Yeats, Roberta Meyer, Geneva Fisher, Jill Hyde (other end of table), Marguerite Lipton, Annie Gaddy, Belinda Alkula, Lyn Dwornik, Kathie Burson

Front of wooden ornament for Marylee (Marylee's name at top left)

Back of ornament

Cracker Jack Treat Bags for Everyone

We met at Murphy's Tap House in Louisville for a farewell luncheon for Marylee Zurick today. It was wonderful to be together to celebrate the gift of Sisterhood with Marylee! Sisters brought cards and remembrances to her. We enjoyed a delicious meal, as we talked and laughed and remembered. Certainly, everyone wishes her well as she begins a new "life chapter" in Austin, Texas! (And she promises to Zoom in and be with us every once in a while, too!) 

In our toast to her, we mentioned that, just as every Cracker Jacks treat bag includes a prize, the "prize of our chapter" has been Marylee, with her bright, joyful personality. People in the Austin, Texas, area are in for a real "treat," because a prize is about to land on their doorsteps!

"Group Petroff" Luncheon Today

 

L-R: Linda Petroff, Roberta Meyer, Belinda Alkula, Maggie McDonnell

The "Group Petroff" met for lunch at Mici Handcrafted Italian Restaurant in Lafayette today. There were smiles all around when these Sisters got together for good food and conversation!

Newly Revised Book Club Discussion Schedule

 

Please note this newly revised schedule for book discussions in the upcoming months. (It was revised so that Cindy and Annette could switch their months to discuss the books they selected for discussion.)

"Food" for thought

 

Thank you, Geneva Fisher, for sharing this with us!

"Group Gaddy" Quarterly Connection Gathering

Foreground - Clockwise: Jill Hyde, Annie Gaddy, Belinda Alkula, Vicky Hughes, Joyce Kozeliski

Charcuterie Board: Foreground - Clockwise: Butterfinger Candy Bars, Black Licorice, Apple Slices, Glow-in-the-dark M&Ms, Grapes, Almonds

Group Captain Annie Gaddy orchestrated today's gathering. 

"Group Gaddy" met at Jill Hyde's lovely home for good conversation, coffee, hot spiced cider, an assortment of sparkling fruit-flavored water, and fabulous "nibbles!" Annie shared her homemade Scottish shortbread. (She kindly shares the recipe in the blog post just below.) Jill presented a seasonal charcuterie board (with a fun autumnal/Halloween theme).

It was wonderful to spend time with one another! We talked about "The three P.E.O. Secrets," what we do to keep ourselves "young," and remembrances of the best jobs in our lives. The blessings bag was passed around, as we celebrated some of the many blessings in our lives, one of which is our P.E.O. Sisterhood!

Members of this small group are Annie Gaddy, Vicky Hughes, Jill Hyde and Joyce Kozeliski. The only group member who couldn't be there was Judy Lawrence. Belinda Alkula was happy to join in on the fun as the group's guest.

Thank you, Marylee Zurick, our "Social Hyjinks Captain," for organizing our 2021-2022 small groups!

Annie Gaddy's Fabulous Shortbread Recipe

This Scottish shortbread recipe was given to me when I was in school in Switzerland. My fellow students came from all over the world, and my friend, Julie, was from Scotland.

This is a family recipe Julie received from her great-grandmother,

and I've been making it since 1977. Enjoy.

4 c. flour

1 lb butter (room temperature)

1 c. sugar

1 T cornstarch

Sift flour, sugar & cornstarch and add to butter. Knead with hands.

Press into a large cookie sheet. Cut in squares and prick each square

twice with a fork. Chill for half an hour in the freezer. Slide tray into

oven preheated to 375. Bake for 5 minutes, and reduce heat to

300 degrees to bake for 40 minutes more.

"Group Petroff" Invites Sisters to a No-host Lunch

Group Captain Linda Petroff is inviting Sisters in her small group, "Group Petroff," to join her for a no-host lunch at the "Post Chicken and Beer," 105 West Emma Street, Lafayette, Tuesday, October 26th, starting at 12:30 pm. 

As hostess for this event, she has extended an invitation to all the Sisters in our P.E.O. Chapter JI to join her small group that day. Yea!

If you would like to join “Group Petroff’s” luncheon that day,  please R.S.V.P. your “yes” to Group Captain Linda Petroff.

P.E.O. Chapter JI -- Small-groups Streamlined

Greetings, Just Incredible Sisters!

Our most marvelous "Social Hyjinks Captain," Marylee Zurick has streamlined our small groups. And I couldn't be more pleased. The revised small-groups chart is listed above.

But, wait ... there's more good news!

The "new news" is this ... 

- We are suggesting that whenever one of the small groups is planning to meet, the group's captain will email Belinda Alkula and let her know about the details of the planned gathering. The group captain, on behalf of the small group, will serve as the hostess who can then issue a "welcome" to any of the other Sisters in our chapter to join that small group's planned activity. 

- Belinda will share this news in a blanket email to our chapter's Sisters, asking them to R.S.V.P. to that group's captain/hostess for the event ... if they intend to join in on the fun. (Please always R.S.V.P. to that group captain, so it will be easier for her to orchestrate the event.)

Wow, Sisters! We will have so many fun times to meet in a small-group setting! This COVID-19 pandemic is not going to stop us from connecting with one another, whether it be on Zoom, at an in-person small-group gathering, or via emails, texts, phone calls, notes, etc.

Love always finds a way ...

Lovingly in P.E.O.,

Belinda Alkula, President, P.E.O. Chapter JI