Excerpts from the speech given by Alexandra Pappas, President installed on May 24, 2017

Forty years ago, a group of women who had much in common in their Hellenic background, got together with the idea of forming this wonderful Club. While they waited for their children to be dismissed from Greek school in Manhasset, they thought that it would be a great place for women of similar background to meet.

We owe a debt of gratitude to Angela Tsirkas, Kiki Breton, Kathy Harisiades, Lula Michaelidis, Orianthe Medrinos and Alice Miliarese who discussed their idea with other women. They discovered that it was so popular an idea among the women that they signed a petition and with the help of the lawyer Nick Petras drafted the Constitution and sent it to Albany, where the club was registered. They worked very hard to complete their vision. And, here we are 40 years later, still able to enjoy the fruits of their Labor.

We keep this Club alive by our participation and voluntary efforts that take place at various meetings, lectures, trips and Philanthropic Luncheons. We also keep it alive by befriending the woman who looks like she is new, or the young mother who is looking for some social life. This is the place to be. Many of us have had our lives enriched through these meetings. We have had the opportunity to get to know women who live in other towns, counties and cities and bond with them. Without the Club, our paths may not have crossed. By becoming members and getting involved, we have experienced deep and life-long friendships. It has been a haven for women, who when faced with difficult times in their lives, could count on the outstretched hands and caring words offered by its members. Happy occasions have been shared in a joyous manner, as well. It is a true sisterhood who have worked for the success of the Club while maintaining and fortifying friendships.

This Club has been so successful that in New Jersey Hellenic Women’s Club has been modeled after us. We have so much to be proud and thankful for, and need many helping hands to continue with all that we endeavor.

We are thankful for the first president Angela Tsirkas and her board and to the presidents and boards who have followed and have lovingly guided us throughout the many years that we have enjoyed thus far.

I hope that the Club will continue to flourish for many years to come and that we will always cherish the memories and invaluable friendships of the women who are with us today and those who have departed from us. Remember, the Club has brought us together from near and far away and as a re3sult we developed lasting friendships with women we may never have met. Some women have moved far away, and yet they have chosen to maintain their membership and keep their memories. That fact emphasizes the importance and impact that this Club has made on so many women through the years

May the Club continue its successful journey and may we all come together to celebrate out 50th milestone, God willing. Με το καλό !