December Meeting 12/18/2025

Deborah and Sarah Raessler welcomed us to their beautifully decorated home for our meeting. The program included singing Christmas carols and hearing about some of our members' favorite Christmas books. Eighteen members attended and we welcomed two guests: one unaffiliate and a prospective member. It was a fun and festive afternoon!

Sarah Raessler on violin and Deborah Raessler on piano

Background l.-r. Joyce Kozeliski, Tanya Lynn, Jan Smith

(Photo taken by Annette Oakley)

Left: Maggie McDonnell sharing a favorite Christmas book.

l.-r. Linda Petroff, Mary Jean Cardinale, Roberta Meyer, Geneva Fisher, Cindy Schreiber Huxley

(Photo taken by Annette Oakley)

Curious about Cottey?

 

Dr. Stephanie Niles, Cottey President, has shared a winter update that includes Highlighted Accomplishments, Financial Reporting Progress, and Spring Semester Highlights. You can read it here:

community.cottey.edu/controls/email_marketing/view_in_browser.aspx?sid=1449&gid=1&sendId=5740175&ecatid=13&puid=6d6829b9-6283-402e-a6af-05a888d35199

Bright Futures Scholar Athlete

 

Maggie McCleskey, one of our Just Incredible Bright Futures Scholarship recipients, has earned Academic All-RMAC (Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) First Team Honors. Maggie is a junior at Adams State University where she is a member of the Women's Cross-Country team. Her major is biology.

Ready for New Adventures in Minnesota

 Belinda, Charles, and Wesley arrived safe and sound at their new home in Albert Lea. They will be spending their first day there unloading the U-Haul in balmy 11-degree weather. Brrrr! Better bundle up....

Our International Peace Scholar

 

Khadijat Adeleye

JI is one of six Partners in Peace chapters who have supported Khadijat Adeleye over the past calendar year. From Nigeria, Khadijat is a Ph.D. candidate in the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She is a strong advocate for maternal grief care and is conducting research on improving grief counseling for bereaved mothers after pregnancy loss. You can read more about her work here:

https://www.umass.edu/graduate/news/empowering-mothers-through-bereavement-care

A Heartfelt "Thank You!"

 

Dearest Just Incredible Sisters in P.E.O. Chapter JI,

Charles and I thank you for your outpouring of love and support for us during the time we were preparing to move to Albert Lea, Minnesota! We really appreciate Kathy Burson orchestrating the meal train during our final week in Boulder. Thank you for your words of encouragement, your prayers, your meals during our packing phase, your gift cards (to Cracker Barrel, my favorite comfort-food restaurant) -- your Love! Time and time again, the sisters in this chapter show "love in action!" It was but one example of the gracious generosity and loving support you extend to each sister!

And thank you for the love you expressed during our holiday social this past Wednesday. I love the bright red cashmere scarf you gave to me, something to wrap around me in future days, a way to feel a big hug from each of you. And thanks to the officers for the beautiful brightly colored, lavish necklace which I will really enjoy wearing!

I may be moving to Minnesota, but my love and prayers will continue to walk with you! It's not goodbye; it's "until we meet again." 💓

LIPEO,

Belinda

P.S. You can check on us “virtually” any time by viewing our personal blog. https://alkula.blogspot.com/

P.P.S. Our new address is 1202 Garfield Ave., Albert Lea, MN  56007-3638.

Farewell to a Beloved Sister

 

Annette Oakley and Belinda Alkula

Photo by Jan Smith

Our annual Holiday Social was bittersweet in that it was also our farewell to Belinda Alkula. Belinda and her husband, Charles, are leaving on December 9th for their new home in Albert Lea, Minnesota. On behalf of the chapter, current president Annette Oakley presented Belinda with a cashmere shawl that we all hope will keep her warm during the cold winter months. Annette also presented Belinda with a necklace from the Executive Board, acknowledging Belinda's service to our chapter as president (2021-2023) and also as the creator and keeper of our blog. 

Belinda is hoping to transfer to one of the P.E.O. chapters in Albert Lea. Although her P.E.O. letters will change, she will always be Just Incredible! We will miss you, Belinda. Godspeed to you and Charles.

Today's Holiday Social!

 

The Smith's party table is set! 💓

Message from President Annette Oakley:

Oh, what a great Christmas Social! Thank you Communication Committee & Hosts Jan & Phil Smith: You out did yourselves! It was so GREAT to celebrate one other, embrace the season of loving, caring, joy, & send Belinda off on her new life adventure in Minnesota!

Those who were unable to attend were truly missed, but I am certain your ears were ringing as each of you was thought of with loving concern.

Looking forward to seeing everyone again on December 18 for our regular chapter meeting at the home of Deborah & Sarah!

Remember in this busy season to take time of yourself!

Love ALL my Sisters!

Annette

Alkulas Moving Week Begins!

 

Cooler Outside Parsonage

Breakfasts for the Week!

Treats for Wesley!

Thank you, Kathie Burson, for loaning us a big cooler that will be outside the parsonage front door this week -- ready to accept the delicious food that P.E.O. Chapter JI sisters will be delivering to Charles and me -- to fuel us as we complete the packing before our move to Minnesota on December 9th! 

We appreciative Kathie's thoughtfulness and gracious generosity in setting up a meal train for us! First thing this morning, Kathie delivered an amazing assortment of breakfast food items -- enough to fuel us for breakfasts all this week!  Her kitty Joey gifted our kitty Wesley with some delicious treats, too! Wow! 

Indeed, blessings abound! Charles and I really appreciate the loving care demonstrated by the Just Incredible sisters in P.E.O. Chapter JI.

Lovingly in P.E.O.,

Belinda

Book Club 2025 Update

January 8 (Moved to 2^nd week of January due to the holidays.) – Hostess Vicky Hughes – Book: The End of Drum-Time by Hanna Pylvainen

We will also be setting the schedule for book club meetings for 2025.

Kindly RSVP to Vicky.

Cottey Wellness Center Needs

Some P.E.O.s and Cottey Alumnae send care packages, gift cards and birthday wishes to Cottey students, and generously support state scholarships. Now there is another way chapters/alumnae can help young women attending Cottey. The Wellness Center on campus saw a need for a pantry to aid certain students struggling with the cost of necessities while in college. The panty offers food items as well as feminine products, toiletries, and other personal items, and a small offering of clothing for girls with limited budgets. Cottey girls come in all shapes, sizes, economic situations, and from different parts of the globe. Cottey is dedicated to helping them thrive, not just survive.

The Wellness Center staff uses Walmart gift cards to purchase what is needed at the time, and the pantry stays well-stocked. If you would like to contribute toward a gift card from JI, please send your donation to Kathie Burson by December 1st. 

Devotion shared at our November meeting by Chaplain Jill Hyde

 

Surround yourself with strong women, women more beautiful than you, smarter than you, and don't envy them, admire them. 

Surround yourself with good women who know how to listen, who know how to care, from whom you learn to relate to the world, women who teach you their power.

Surround yourself with women to weave an invisible web, a web for other women, so you don't let them fall, so they feel the collective hug, so they don't feel alone or crazy.

Surround yourself with women who embrace their shadow, who don't apologize for being light, who are aware of their beauty and that they are alive.

Surround yourself with irreverent and brave women, women fighters who open the way and tear down walls, women of reference, women who do not ask for permission, who build their homes with the same hand, with which they cradle and caress.

Surround yourself with women who help you live as you are, who give you confidence and affection, who remind you that they are all one. 

(Written by Roy Galán)

Sarah Raessler to exhibit at Louisville Art Association Fine Art and Craft Show and Sale November 21-24

Gallery hours:

Thursday, November 21        11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.     

Friday, November 22            11:00a.m.-9:00 p.m.

Saturday, November 23        10:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.

Sunday, November 24          10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Sarah will be volunteering on Thursday from 1:00-3:00 and on Saturday from 11:00-1:00. She will be exhibiting one painting (Cactus at Night) and will also have a table with her cards and glass cutting boards available for purchase.

A Post-Election Concert

On Saturday, November 16, 2024, nine JI members and one BIL attended the Resonance Women's Chorus's traditional Post-Election Concert. Tickets sold out in two days and the sanctuary of First Church in Boulder was packed.

A beautiful lyric from the song Something Inside So Strong:

 "My light will shine so brightly it will blind you."

Front-Back: Jill Hyde, Geneva Fisher, Annette Oakley, Sarah Raessler, Deborah Raessler, Tanya Lynn, Jan Smith, Phil Smith; seated behind Sarah in the blue sweater is Wendy Ahrendt.

 (Photo taken by Kathie Burson)

Annie Gaddy (center) enjoying the pre-show music by The Low Flying Knobs

Annie (one of the 120-voice chorus) singing the opening number, Somewhere to Begin

Mark your calendars now for the Resonance spring concert: April 26 and 27, May 3; details at resonancechorus.org

Quarterly Connection Gathering Today

L-R: Debbie Yeats, Marguerite Lipton, Geneva Fisher, Maggie McDonnell, Annette Oakley, Annie Gaddy, Tanya Lynn, Linda Petroff, Mary Kay Durbin

(Photo provided by Tanya Lynn)

Thank you, Linda Petroff, for organizing today's quarterly connection gathering at Louisville's Parma Trattoria & Mozzarella Bar. Every time, sisters get together, it is Just Incredible!

"New News" -- Tickets Available for Live-streaming of Post-election Concert, November 16, 5:00 p.m.

Annie Gaddy before a concert performance on May 5, 2024

 

Sound Circle and Resonance Women's Chorus have hosted post-election concerts every four years since 2004. We are ensembles with a point of view; this concert is focused on nourishing the hearts and souls of individuals who are not happy about the outcome of the election—and it is intended to feel welcoming and inclusive to all. Our intention with this concert is to create beauty, to nourish ourselves with joy, and to be present and in community with each other.

Click here to purchase tickets for live-streaming this concert. 💗

Message from Annie Gaddy

Hello, my sisters. In case there are any of you who want to attend the post-election concert and did not get tickets, this is your opportunity. The in-person concert sold out in 2 days so, for the first time, Resonance is offering an alternative. Here is the pertinent information. If anyone has questions or needs more information, I'd love to speak with you. As the words of one of our songs goes: "How can you sing in times like these? Have you read the news? By way of a reply I say that song is somewhere to begin....." 

Live-stream tickets for a post-election concert are on sale through the Resonance website. They are $15. Here’s the link to buy tickets.

Some things to know:

- The concert is Saturday, November 16 at 5:00 p.m. (Mountain Time). Make sure you’ve got your time zones right.

- It’s a live-viewing opportunity only. There won’t be a recording to watch afterward.

- It will run about an hour and a half (with no intermission). Sign in 15 minutes early for pre-show music.

- The Resonance website page has some helpful tips for navigating the ticket site. Be sure to read the "Three Important Things" before clicking to buy your ticket.

- You will need to set up an account on the ticketing page—and you will need to have that account info handy on concert day—name, email address, and password.

With a song in my hopeful heart,

P.E.O. love, 

Annie

Piano Available

 

Message from Maggie McDonnell

Maggie’s daughter, Maureen, wants to donate her piano to someone who would actually play it. This piano has been played by four generations in their family. Although not shown, it also includes a piano bench with storage. Do you or someone/an organization you know need a piano? Not required, but appreciated would be a small donation to Chapter JI for our projects. Contact Maggie for more information.

Something to consider

 

Poem to reflect upon when sad and confused

                 Shared by a P.E.O. sister

What is the message of the poem "Stars?"

In simple, yet lyrical language, the poem celebrates nature's majesty and its ability to put human lives and cares into perspective.

Belinda Alkula is moving December 9th

 

L-R: Belinda Alkula, The Rev. Dr. Charles Alkula

Belinda shares this message that was posted on her personal blog, which can be followed by anyone wanting to check in with how the Alkulas are doing ... virtually at any time, day or night: https://alkula.blogspot.com/. Belinda adds that she is eternally grateful for her connection to the loving, supportive, "Just Incredible" sisterhood she has experienced with P.E.O. Chapter JI. 💗

It was announced at the conclusion of worship this morning that we are moving to Minnesota in December. Charles has been selected to serve as the Director of Spiritual Care at Thorne Crest Senior Living Community in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Our last Sunday at St. Paul's UMC in Boulder will be December 8th.

We are looking forward to what God has in store for us as we transition to life in Minnesota. However, we are sad to say goodbye to so many dear people with whom we have formed deep connections these past 5 1/2 years in Boulder, Colorado.

Post-election Concert, November 16th, 5:00 p.m.

Please click on picture of advertisement below.

 

Annie Gaddy before a concert performance on May 5, 2024

Annie Gaddy is a member of the Resonance Women's Chorus. Their post-election concert is scheduled for Saturday, November 16 at 5:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 1421 Spruce Street in Boulder. Click here to purchase tickets. 💗

Happy 90th Birthday, Judy Lawrence!

 

L-R: Great Granddaughter Zia, Judy Lawrence, Great Granddaughter Rio

(Photo provided by daughter Maggie McDonnell)

Judy Lawrence at her 90th birthday celebration dinner at The Greenbrier Inn

(Photo provided by daughter Maggie McDonnell)

Maggie McDonnell's comment about her mother's celebratory dinner party: "We had fun and will cherish the moment."

The Gift of Daisies to Brighten Our World!

 

Message from Annie Gaddy:

"I grew the daisies in this photo from the daisies the chapter shared this past summer. I don't recall the reason -- perhaps they were on the tables at our chapter's family picnic. They have been a lovely reminder of my dear sisters all summer long. LIPEO, Annie"

Fundraiser at Longmont's Parry's Pizza Today (Update: Raised $469.05! )

 

L-R: Maggie McDonnell, Deborah Raessler

(Photo taken by Belinda Alkula)

L-R: Belinda Alkula, Annie Gaddy

(Photo taken by Kathie Burson)

Jan Smith

(Photo taken by Joyce Kozeliski)

Schedule for sisters working at fundraiser's information table

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.        Jan Smith & Joyce Kozeliski

12 p.m. - 2 p.m.        Linda Petroff

1 p.m.   - 3 p.m.        Kathie & George Burson

3 p.m.   - 5 p.m.        Belinda Alkula & Annie Gaddy

5 p.m.   - 7 p.m.        Maggie McDonnell & Deborah Raessler

7 p.m.   - 9 p.m.        Annette & Jim Oakley

Message from Joyce Kozeliski, Co-chair of Operations Committee:

There will be a table set up near the door for us. Greet customers as they enter, and tell them about our fundraiser. Let let them know if they tell their server they support P.E.O., Chapter JI,  20% of their bill will be donated back to P.E.O. You will have information about our projects at your table, and you can give them a copy. You will also have a tri-fold information flyer on the table.

Save the date: Post-election Concert, November 16, 2024!

 

Annie Gaddy before a concert performance on May 5, 2024

Annie Gaddy is a member of the Resonance Women's Chorus. Their post-election concert is scheduled for Saturday, November 16 at 5:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 1421 Spruce Street in Boulder. Details to come.

Gathering for Lunch, Program, Chapter Meeting Today

 

Happy Birthday to P.E.O. Chapter JI 💗

(Photo taken by Annette Oakley)

L-R: Vicky Hughes, Linda Petroff, Maggie McDonnell, Dorothy Yoder (Honored Guest), Roberta Meyer, Mary Jean Cardinale (Photo taken by Belinda Alkula)

L-R: Geneva Fisher, Jill Hyde, Annette Oakley, Joyce Kozileski

(Photo taken by Belinda Alkula)

Kathie Burson presented the program and taught everyone a sampling of French words and helped us tell a story in French! 

Chaplain Jill Hyde shared this lovely reflection by Donna Ashworth

L-R: Jill Hyde and Mary Kay Durbin acknowledge sisters' membership anniversaries.

(Photo taken by Belinda Alkula)

L-R: Annette Oakley, Mary Jean Cardinale

Mary Jean renewed her membership vows on the occasion of her 45th anniversary as a P.E.O. 💗

(Photo taken by Belinda Alkula)

L-R: Annette Oakley, Joyce Kozeliski, Mary Kay Durbin (Presenter, Growth Committee), Sarah Raessler (Photo taken by Belinda Alkula)

On a beautiful autumn day, sisters met at Kathie Burson's lovely home to enjoy lunch together, hear Kathie Burson's program which included her teaching us key French words which equipped us to tell a story in French, and have our monthly chapter meeting.

Our honored guest was Dorothy Yoder from Chapter IH in Monument, Colorado. She recently moved to our area.

As always, our sisters delighted in time spent with one another! And we really enjoyed the delicious refreshments provided by co-hostess Linda Petroff. Every time we gather, it is Just Incredible!!!

Book Club Gathering Today

 

L-R (Clockwise from host Deborah Raessler who is closest to the kitchen): Mary Kay Durbin, Linda Petroff, Maggie McDonnell, Annette Oakley, Sarah Raessler -- Photo taken by Belinda Alkula

Wonderful poem Deborah Raessler shared

 

Today, we gathered in the lovely home of Deborah and Sarah Raessler. We were treated to scrumptious nibbles and coffee, tea, and cider. We discussed this book: “Soil: The Story of a Black Mother’s Garden” by Camille Dungy. Deborah led the discussion and also introduced several books that related to the book's storyline. One book of poetry included the lovely poem pictured above. It was another Just Incredible chapter book club discussion!

Notes: 

Deborah shared this quote from the book. "It is more than hope my garden gives me. Examples of resilience keep me coming back to walk this path in gratitude and wonder."

The poem includes this word. Click here to hear how to pronounce it. -- di·a·pa·son -- /ˌdīəˈpāzn,ˌdīəˈpās(ə)n/ -- noun

1. 1.

   an organ stop sounding a main register of flue pipes, typically of eight-foot pitch.
2. 2.

   a grand swelling burst of harmony.

Today's "Step Up For Down Syndrome Walk" -- City Park, Denver

 

L-R (Foreground): Annette Oakley, Deborah Raessler, Philippa Raessler (Deborah's Granddaughter), Sarah Raessler, Jan Smith

L-R (Background): Jim Oakley, Kathie Burson, Dan Raessler (Deborah's Husband), Becket Raessler (Deborah's Grandson), Phil Smith, George Burson

L-R: Sarah Raessler, Deborah Raessler (Sarah's Mother), Dan Raessler (Sarah's Father)

L-R: Sarah Raessler, Annette Oakley

L-R: Phil Smith, Jim Oakley

Thanks to seventeen team members and nine donors, "Sarah's Just Incredible Crew" raised $1,013 dollars for the Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association. We appreciated Annie Gaddy loaning us the use of her canopy on this bright, sunny day. And the Just Incredible sign was donated by Sarah's parents. All in all, the experience was Just Incredible!