CONTRIBUTED PHOTO P.E.O. Chapter MJ members Andrina Helgerson (left) and Dr. Anne Howsare Boyens were featured speakers at the February chapter meeting.

Chapter MJ of P.E.O. began the 2026 year by initiating Dr. Anne Howsare Boyens into P.E.O. at the Jan. 5 meeting. The meeting was held at Hope United Methodist Church in Marshalltown. Chapter members were delighted to learn that Howsare Boyens is related to Hattie Briggs, one of the original founders of P.E.O.

P.E.O. was founded on Jan. 21, 1869, by seven students at Iowa Wesleyan University in Mount Pleasant and has grown to be an international organization today. Its mission statement is, “P.E.O. – Where women motivate, educate and celebrate women.” As part of the evening’s program, chapter member Dr. Kristin Meyer read aloud the article, “Tidbits On Our Founders” by May Brooks Snider, who was a member of Chapter Original and who knew the founders firsthand. Members enjoyed learning more about the women who started P.E.O. as individuals.

The Junior Achievement program of the Marshalltown Community Schools was the focus of the program presentation for the evening. Jenny Allen and Tonya Gaffney, program leaders for the district, were the guest presenters. The Junior Achievement program is taught in all grades K-8, and is optional for students in grades 9-12. The three main teachings within the program are: 1.) Learning about jobs and careers, money and financial responsibilities; 2.) Businesses and communities work together and 3.) Choices made today affect a person’s future.

During the business meeting, members discussed an invitation to become a member club of the Marshalltown Federation of Women’s Clubs, and agreed to pursue the idea. Following the meeting, refreshments were served by the hostesses Janine Campbell and Lisa Cooper.