Daughters of Penelope

Harmonia Chapter 366

Officers of the Daughters of Penelope for 2023

President - Gigi Roberts

Vice President - Cleo Velle

Treasurer - Pam Stratos

Corresponding/Recording Secretary - Mary Annn Bournos

------------------------------------------

Curious About the Daughters of Penelope?

The Daughters of Penelope was founded in San Francisco, California on November 16, 1929 for the purpose of helping women and families of immigrants of Greek descent to assimilate into our early 20^th century American society.

Now, almost a century later, the main focus is to promote the social, ethical, philanthropic, cultural and intellectual interest of its members, while preserving and promoting the ideals and traditions of Hellenism, namely a commitment to humanity, freedom and democracy, in each of our communities. Nationally there is a particular emphasis on improving the status and wellbeing of women and families. The organization is affiliated with AHEPA (the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association) and has local chapters in the United States, Canada, the Bahamas, Australia, Greece and Cyprus.

Our Charlottesville Chapter Harmonia #366 has been in existence for 36 years and currently has 19 members. New members are always welcome! Some of our activities over the past five years are listed herein.

Donations were made to Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, SHE (Shelter for Help in Emergency), PACEM winter clothing drive, City Schoolyard garden, Dogs Deserve Better, Emergency Food Network, Greene County Animal Shelter, The Haven, California wildfire victims, Salvation Army, Greece wildfire victims, International Rescue Committee, Hurricane Harvey victims, Adopt-A-Senior, Alzheimer’s Association, Avon Walk to End Breast Cancer, Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, Camp Holiday Trails, a needy family with a sick newborn, Humane Society of Nelson County, Louisa County Animal Shelter, SPCA, Toy Lift Charities, Wildlife Center of VA. Each local chapter also donates to the charitable commitments of the National organization. Our local principal fund-raising has been through member dues and the Kroger card program whereby we receive a percentage of money spent by the cardholder on groceries and other items.

Community Volunteer Activities: Fridays After Five, sponsor church coffee hour on our 35^th anniversary, visits to elderly/homebound chapter members, memorial service for deceased chapter members, church participation (Sunday School teacher and members of various committees)

Social and Cultural Activities/Projects: Members have enjoyed end-of-year summer picnics at a local winery, Christmas luncheons at Michie Tavern with attendance by District and National Officers, dinners at the Melting Pot and Burtons Grill during Restaurant Weeks, Keswick Garden Club Flower Show and lunch at the BBQ Exchange in Gordonsville, Bingo party, Christmas party at church hall, creation and sale of small cookbooks called Just Desserts.

- November 2019

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Founders Day coffee/meeting with District Governor Helen Dennie, PhD, November 2023