The Daughters of Penelope Celebrate 75th Anniversary
Saturday, November 16, 1929 at 9:00 pm the historic organizational meeting
of the Daughters of Penelope was held. Saturday, November 13, 2004 the
historic 75th Anniversary celebration of the Daughters of Penelope was held.
The first meeting was held in the San Francisco home of the founder, Mrs.
Alexandra Apostolides; the 75th Anniversary luncheon was held in the San
Francisco Historic Sir Francis Drake Hotel. Both events confirm how a dream
can become an enduring reality.
Maria Mastrokyriakos, one of the youngest members of EOS #1, was the event
chairman. The theme, “Let Us Honor the Past as We Embrace Our Future” was
accurately exhibited. It coincided with Grand President Demetra “Demi”
Kapolis’ yearly theme of “A Rich and Glorious Past with a Bright and
Promising Future.” Efthimia “Effie” Choppelas, one of the Charter Members
of EOS #1, was honored. This blending of past and future showed the
remarkable paradigm of the Daughters of Penelope.
Mary Chicos, Past National Penelope of the Year, opened the gala afternoon
event and thanked all those who had come from near and far to be at this
special annual EOS #1 Founders Day Luncheon. Vivian Leos, EOS#1 Chapter
President, welcomed everyone who enjoyed the wonderful camaraderie of the
many in attendance: Grand Lodge Officers, District Governors and Committee
Chairs.
Maria Mastrokyriakos, event chairman a dual member of the Daughters of
Penelope and the Grand Vice President of the Maids of Athena, was pleased to
greet the many Past Grand Presidents who attended. They included: Mary M.
Georgiafandis, Becky Demeris, Angie R. Speliopoulos, Joanne V. Hologgitas,
Connie A. Banis, and Joanne Booras.
“EOS means ‘The Dawn’, a poignant symbol of the journey that our
foremothers began for future generations,” remarked Ms. Mastrokyriakos. She
also thanked the Maids of Athena Antigone #95 who served on the event
committee.
Mrs. Choppelas’ remarks included her memories of the first years of the
Daughters of Penelope and how the Charter Members all worked together to
meet the goals of perpetuating the study of American ideals and to encourage
Hellenic study of the Greek ideals. “Alexandra wanted a women’s
organization that would in some way repay this glorious country—America—for
its many blessings,” stated Mrs. Choppelas. She served as secretary of the
newly founded EOS chapter, and continues today to serve her chapter.
However, at the age of 96 years, Mrs. Choppelas was most excited about her
recent accomplishment, “My driver’s license was renewed,” she proudly stated
“I’m driving for another five years.”
Grand President Demi Kapolis expressed how proud she was to be able to
address the group at this milestone event. “The good work we have done in
the past; the good work we continue to do in the present, is a fine example
of how we have evolved over these 75 years,” Grand President Kapolis
remarked. She emphasized the importance of publicizing events and that,
“The Daughters of Penelope, YOUR organization, is one of the finest premiere
women’s organizations in the world and is the ONLY non-profit, philanthropic
organization that is so diversified in its endeavors.”
Presentations included Chapter Penelope of the Year to Annette Vlahos and a
Proclamation from the City of San Francisco, presented by Vicki Liviakis
KRONTV News reporter, making November 16, 2004 Daughters of Penelope Day.
Kathryn Coumanis, Penelope House Director, also spoke to the group and
reminded them of the importance of supporting the Penelope House and to be
ever vigilante in the fight against domestic violence.
As the luncheon came to an end, as the beautiful music from the San
Francisco’s Lowell High School Choir concluded and as the raffle produced
excited winners, the feeling permeating the room was this dream of 75 years
ago—the Daughters of Penelope—will be celebrating many more anniversaries.
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