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.