In our ever-blended world, it’s fine to be proud of who you are.
In fact, it’s worth a party.
Daughters of Penelope in Everett are planning a dinner and dance, and hope that anyone interested – Greeks and non-Greeks – will stop by to enjoy the group’s hospitality.
Member Neena Blackwell, 60, of Everett, was born to a Greek mother.
Her father, Carroll Sig Edwards, married her mother, Maria Dorothy Christodoulou, in Cairo, Egypt, where they met at a United Service Organizations dance. In 1946, Mrs. Edwards beat her husband home to America.
Christodoulou was Greek, but raised in Egypt. In Everett, her husband played in a band. He died in a car accident when his eldest daughter was 12. Her mother raised the children, instilling a pride of heritage.
“Mother was a very strong woman,” Blackwell said. “She was very active in the community.”
Her family has been associated with Daughters of Penelope for more than 50 years and Blackwell is still one of about 18 faithful participants in her chapter. She is retired from GTE and is secretary of the retiree’s club. She volunteers for the Assistance League.
Blackwell attends a Greek Orthodox church in Seattle. There isn’t a Greek church in Everett, she said.
“I love a lot of things about my heritage,” Blackwell said. “It’s meaningful to me.”
Daughters of Penelope is a branch of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, the largest and oldest American-based, Greek-heritage organization.
The association has chapters around the world. It was founded July 26, 1922. It promotes the ideals of ancient Greece, which include philanthropy, education, civic responsibility, and family and individual excellence in the community.
Daughters of Penelope was established Nov. 16, 1929, as the women’s affiliate of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association. Although a majority of the membership is Americans of Greek descent, others may join who believe in the organization’s mission.
To keep the organization in Everett alive, younger members are needed.
“It is important for them to have a connection to their heritage,” Blackwell said. “We get involved in cultural activities whenever we can. That is the reason I joined.”
Whenever the Blackwell family joins at home, there is plenty of Greek food. All things Greek, as far as the family is concerned, revolve around food, Blackwell said.
The local chapters are hosting a dinner party at 7:30 p.m. June 23 at Holiday Inn, 3105 Pine St. in Everett. Cocktails and a social hour begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased by calling 425-252-7229.
At the party, there will be Greek cuisine and music. Dinner will include Psito Hirino, Greek roast pork tenderloin medallions; Manestra, a Greek pasta dish; Fosolakia, green beans Greek style; and Elliniki Salata, a Greek salad.
Local chapters have taught Greek cooking around Everett. They have taught at J. Matheson, cooked a Greek Easter dinner, shared Greek traditions and participated in multicultural fairs.
“We give Greek children’s books to the Everett Public Library,” Blackwell said. “For many years we put on a big party called ‘Even on Sunday’. We rented a large hall, hired a Greek band and a belly dancer and cooked an authentic Greek dinner.”
Non-Greeks from Everett attended and came faithfully every year, she said.
“We have not been able to do the party for many years because we just do not have the manpower anymore. I still have people ask me to this day when we are going to have the party again.”
Pulling together a major Greek event is a big deal to local Penelopes, Blackwell said.
The June 23 Greek Night Party is in conjunction with a Daughters of Penelope District Convention with folks coming from Oregon, Eastern Washington and Canada. Blackwell said they are excited because they are expecting Xenia Stefanidou, Greek counsel general in San Francisco, and Georgia A. Psichogios, grand president of Daughters of Penelope from Chicago, Ill., to attend the conference.
A Greek band is coming from Seattle, so men, don’t hesitate to folk dance together. It’s a perfect time to celebrate a unique culture.
Columnist Kristi O’Harran: 425-339-3451 or oharran@heraldnet.com.
Greek dinner, dance Daughters of Penelope in Everett are planning a Greek dinner and dance at 7:30 p.m. June 23 at Holiday Inn, 3105 Pine St. in Everett. Cocktails and a social hour begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased by calling 425-252-7229.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
