2 Conventions and one NFL Hall of Fame!

This year we had such a struggle attending District Conventions.  Most conventions were scheduled during the same weekend.  As a lodge we were only able to attend a select few.  Grand Governor Deanna Socaris attended the D16 convention in Texas and Grand Vice President Angela Armstrong attended D2 in Florida and D14 in Minnesota!  I was able to attend the D1 Convention in sunny Pensacola Beach, FL and the D11 convention in Canton, OH!

Since District One is my home district, I made it a point to attend the District Convention in Pensacola Beach.  This was the perfect opportunity to visit family and friends and to attend such a wonderful convention.  While I was there...sunny Pensacola was actually torrential downpour Florida!!!!  While there, Pensacola Beach received the most rain they have received since 1970!  The rain came, but so did the fun!  Deliberations for the convention went well for the weekend and a lot of decisions were made.  All in all it was a wonderful event!

The District 11 convention was held in Canton, OH.  Not only is Canton the home of the NFL Hall of Fame, but also the home of the newest MOA Chapter!  During the District MOA Meeting lead by District Governor Tria Charnas, we were able to initiate 5 members into the future Canton MOA Chapter!  The District 11 convention is always a wonderful event! This year was extra special since Past Grand President Sia Zois was in attendance.  I want to thank Tria for making me feel so welcome, as always!  During the meeting, the district elected a new District Lodge which will be lead by Athena Zois as the new District Governor!  I want to congratulate the new district lodge and I look forward to seeing their continued growth next year!

Convention is less than two weeks away!  I can't believe it is approaching so quickly and that my term is almost over.  I look forward to seeing you all in Las Vegas, NV!

Dignified Roast fit for a Queen

As you know my term is winding down and what better way to celebrate the end of the year other than with a party!  My testimonial celebration was given in Charleston, SC on May 18-20, 2012.  We kicked off the weekend by checking out some of the local downtown restaurants and bars.  It was the perfect way to begin the weekend!  Saturday was party day...however we had all day to get ready for the party, so in the morning we visited the Firefly Distillery.  This is a local wine and vodka distillery in Charleston.  They are known for their sweet tea vodka and muscadine wines.





Saturday night was the big event!  Planned by the local maids, daughters, family and friends..the event was more than I could have dreamed!  Not only was I given a crown, but I was also put on a leopard throne during the speeches.  As my friends and family came up to 'roast' me, I was fanned with palm trees by two of my cousins.  I was also given a selection of cookies and my favorite...Apple Wine!



As the night progressed, I started to get worried what people would say about me!  After the first few speeches, I could breath easy as I realized all of my secrets were being kept safe!  When my sister, Rosie, came up to speak I knew I should be worried!  She revealed so many secrets, but looking back..she could have revealed a lot more!




Sunday was AHEPA Sunday at the Charleston church.  The AHEPA honored me and Grand President Nicky Stamoulis by asking us to speak about the Daughters of Penelope and Maids of Athena.  It was wonderful to see the 50 year members of both the AHEPA and the DOP.  My Yiayia Rosie was actually one of the 50+ year members of the DOP!

I want to thank everybody who attended my testimonial weekend from all over the US and Canada including Calgary, Arizona, Maryland, New York and Ohio.  It was truly a special event and I am so thankful for all of my friends and family who celebrated my year with me!