History of Columbia Chapter
The Columbia Maryland Chapter of National Epicureans,
Inc. was installed as the seventeenth chapter on May 29,
1976. Eleven chapters were represented at the ceremony and
several national officers attended: Saberna Morris (National
President), Mattie Grigsby (National Vice President), Ann
Stokes, Juanita McKay, Jean Rogers and Anabel Rawlings. The
Columbia Eppies were reported to say our installation was so
well attended by our sisters that we really felt quite
honored. Fifteen awesome women vowed to indeed "Eat, Drink
and Be Merry".
Our charter members enjoyed doing many
activities together, as a group and with each other's
families. Several meetings focused on finalizing the
chapter's by-laws and they also took time to address special
needs. Our charter Eppies were very proud that during the
N.A.A.C.P. special drive they contributed to the special
Mississippi Fund.
Founders' Day was quite inspirational
as the Columbia Eppies and Eppos were graciously entertained
by the Baltimore Eppies and Eppos at a gala luncheon.
The
first year's experiences were enhanced when the Columbia
Eppies enjoyed their first conclave -
"Truly the Red
Carpet Treatment". Following the conclave, Eppie Dorothy and
Eppo John Carr opened their lovely home to the Eppies and
Eppos for an afternoon of shooting pool, playing cards,
listening to the latest tapes and, of course, eating,
drinking and "making merry".
Additional first year's
highlights include - Members welcoming Madelyn Woods who was
happy to function again as an Eppie after five years of
abstinence; Pinnie and Bill Ross's daughter receiving a
degree in the arts and a full scholarship to study with the
Alvin Ailey Dance Group; Jean and James Cooper's daughter,
Lisa receiving her degree from Morgan State University; Iola
and James Smith journeying to 9 South American countries for
sheer enjoyment; Suzanne and Charles Price spending most of
the summer recuperating on Martha's Vineyard; Gloria and
Earl Hagen enjoying their new pool. The Hagan's daughter,
Allyson, was one of two semi-finalists from her high school
to receive the national scholarship achievement for Negro
students.