The P.O.E. Sisterhood gathered at The Resort at Erie Landing in Port Clinton last week to enjoy a relaxing wine-tasting seminar and to report that 14 applications have been received for the club’s scholarship program. From left to right are Tina Hablitzel, Cheryl Kocher, Carol Wise, Skeets Witker and Pynn Pasheilich, as Resort Manager Mike Schenk pours wine. (Photo by D’Arcy Egan)

The local chapter of the P.O.E. Sisterhood knows how to have some fun, and the philanthropic women’s organization is also very good at helping hard-working local high school girls to successfully make the transition to college.

The fun last week was a wine-tasting adventure with Resort Manager Mike Schenk at The Resort at Erie Landing on Darr-Hopfinger Road in Port Clinton. The ladies also received a report from Pat George, the head of the group, that 14 local girls had submitted applications for a P.O.E. scholarship.

“For the first time, we had an application from a young lady attending Danbury High School,” said George, of Catawba Island. “The others were Port Clinton High School students. Two years ago, 10 girls received scholarships, and last year seven were awarded scholarships.”

The state officials of the national P.O.E organization will make the final decisions and award the scholarships.

“We’re eager to help girls that have worked hard and have good grades, but may not be in line for the tip-top scholarships each year,” said George.

The P.O.E. group has 49 members and meets twice each month. Every member is on a committee of some type, and helps to organize the social functions.

“We’re a close-knit bunch, and our members are generally about 40 to more than 90 years old,” said George. “These days, it’s been getting a bit difficult to find places large enough to accommodate us for lunch or a meeting.”

Under the guidance of Mike and Ginger Schenk, The Resort at Erie Landing has spread its wings. The private facility now hosts bands and other entertainment at the resort’s Recreation Center that is open to the public, as well as booking social events ranging from weddings to private parties, such as the P.O.E Sisterhood luncheon.

Mike Schenk is a wine connoisseur, and for the P.O.E. Sisterhood he provided information on Old World versus New World wines, and wine and food pairings.

The P.O.E. Sisterhood also owns and supports Cottey College, a private women’s college in Nevada, Mo.