Dear Sisters,
As you most of you know I am currently in my third year of law school at the Charleston School of Law. I have been busy with exams and getting ready for the Christmas holiday. Since I have been unable to travel this month, I asked Tria Charnas, District 11 Maids of Athena Governor to be a guest blogger. I wanted to make sure that you were kept up to date on Maids events and happenings. I look forward to starting up my travels again in January...until then... I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year! Below please find Tria's blog on the District 11Annual Governor's Ball!
It is a pleasure to be featured as a guest on Marianthe’s travel blog and to have the opportunity to share my recent experiences traveling within my district, Buckeye District #11. Buckeye District #11 spans the great state of Ohio as well as parts of Kentucky and West Virginia. The weekend before Thanksgiving, I shared in the great pleasure of joining my AHEPA Family members from across the district to celebrate at our Annual Governor’s Ball.
Governor’s Ball is held each year to honor the Buckeye District #11 Governors of both AHEPA and Daughters of Penelope. This year, I was excited to be included in the celebration, as District Governor for the Maids of Athena. It was a truly special way to reflect on what we have accomplished thus far and what we are looking to complete before our District Convention in June.
Governor’s Ball was hosted by our Daughters of Penelope Calyspo Chapter #13 in Cincinnati, Ohio. I am from Cleveland, which is about 4 hours northwest of Cincinnati, giving me the perfect opportunity to plan an all-MOA-all-weekend ROADTRIP! Along with my fellow District Lodge members (and besties) Andie Asimes & Francesca Alex, both from my home chapter, Elpitha #274, we made the hike to Cincinnati. There we met our fellow Lodge officers, Athena Zois & Ariana Derksen, from Venus Maliea Chapter #129, home to PGP Sia Zois.
After getting dressed-up in our cute, cocktail attire, we headed down to the ball. Several members of the MOA Aurora Chapter #67 from Cincinnati were there to help us celebrate. From my seat on the stage, I could see the Maids enjoying the company of their sisters while breaking bread together.
Shortly after dinner, I had the opportunity to address those AHEPA Family members in attendance and to share with them the many continuous efforts exhibited by the young women of our order. I received such a positive and warm response. Please know — our AHEPA Family values YOU!
My speech was followed by a special surprise presentation. Francesca and Andie presented me with a personalized gift box on behalf of our home chapter. It was so special to know that my closest sisters were thinking of me during this major event. Much love to my Elpitha girls! xoxo
We danced the rest of the night away to endless kalamatiano music! It was such a nice evening and just the right way to kickoff the holiday season. After a night of fellowship and dancing, we relaxed, ordered some pizza and caught up with old friends and new.
The next morning, we hit the road and headed back north. During our trip home, we made a special pit stop at the one and only Grandpa’s Cheesebarn! For those of you who love cheese, this place is heaven! It was kind of corny, but was a truly unique place to stop. I couldn’t think of stopping there with anyone other than my fellow Maids!
It has been a great opportunity to serve as District Governor and I am really looking forward to what the rest of the year has in store. For more information about Buckeye District #11 Maids, visit us on the web at AHEPABuckeye.org. Additionally, if you have questions about electing a District Lodge, feel free to find me on Facebook!
Last but not least, our District #11 Lodge is selling Maids of Athena note cards perfect for any of your regular correspondence. They can be used as thank you cards, invites to your prospective Maids during RUSH activities, or for pick-me-ups sent by your sunshine committee chair. All proceeds benefit our District #11 Treasury and the projects we support. Remember your Maids of Athena officers during the upcoming holiday season – these make the perfect gift!
Looking forward to future travels, especially those that will take me outside of Buckeye District #11 to visit with each of you! Hoping to see you in viva Las Vegas!
Thanks again to GP Marianthe and safe travels to all of you during this busy holiday season!
Lots of Love in Pi Alpha,
Tria Charnas
District Governor,
Buckeye District #11
