Penelope's Scroll - Daughters of Penelope

Julia Macris Collins, Grand Governor Zone IDear Sister’s: My involvement with the AHEPA Organization started in 1995. During this time myfather was the President of the hosting Chapter for the District Six convention. His Chapter did not have aDaughters Chapter and he asked me to start one.Since then I have become involved with different aspects of the organization up to and including mycurrent position of Zone I Grand Governor. I have made long and lasting friendships with numerous Sistersthat I would not have had the opportunity to meet. This organization has brought me closer to my Hellenicroots. Our organization allows us to share experiences and assist other s that may not be so fortunate. Ihave the opportunity now to become more philanthropic than I would have ever been before.The Daughters have been a force to push me to become a better person in the community. It has helpedme look at life in a different way. Now I know that I can make a difference. With the help from other Sistersand the AHEPA Organization we can make life a better place to live in peace.Kathryn Tripodis, Grand Governor Zone IIThis is my second year as Grand Governor of Zone II. I joined the Daughters of Penelope to belong to anorganization that values our Hellenism and preserves its ideals, ideals that we pass on. It also gave methe opportunity to get involved with a wonderful group of dedicated, talented and creative women and continuesto do so.Eva Jean Fomalont, Grand Governor IIIWhen Grand President Joanne Saltas asked the Grand Lodge officers to share our personal sentimentsabout being a Daughter of Penelope. The first thought that crossed my mind was my initiation into the AulisChapter 195 in Asbury Park, New Jersey District #5 in 1967. The second thought that popped into myhead was the realization that I have been a proud and active member of the Daughters for 46 years. Asan international organization it makes it simple for us to hold hands across the miles and share our ideasand ideals. When I moved from New Jersey to New Mexico it helped to make the transition easier when Iwas able to join Helen of Troy Chapter 19 in Albuquerque, NM District 17. I am proud of my Hellenic rootsand equally as proud of the Hellenic women’s organization the Daughters of Penelope which has been instrumentalin teaching me many valuable lessons throughout the years. I honor and value the wonderfulfriendships that I have made with the many sisters of the Daughters of Penelope.Diane Petersen, Grand Governor Zone IVWhen I joined the Daughters of Penelope, I never dreamed it would take me on such an exciting journey.A new world opened up to me by becoming a part of the Daughters of Penelope family; I acquired manylifelong Greek and Hellenic friends. We are a sisterhood that supports each other through times of sadnessand celebrates together in times of joy. A sisterhood that does many things together, from luncheonsand movies to conventions and cruises. When Alexandra Apostolides founded the Daughters of Penelope,perhaps she did so hoping it would become the beacon it has for Greek and Hellenic women to cometogether as sisters. THANK YOU ALEXANDRA !Anna-Marie Cariotis, Grand MOA AdvisorPreserving tradition, connecting to my Greek heritage, and philanthropy….these are three things I am passionateabout. The Daughters of Penelope offers me the avenue to achieve these objectives with a groupof like-minded women. This instant Sisterhood and sense of belonging are just a couple reasons why I ama Daughter of Penelope.6