History of Norfolk Chapter
Three special friends who were members of the Portsmouth
Chapter of National Epicureans, Inc. (Fannie Overton, Betty
Brown and Evelyn Wall) approached Elizabeth "Doll" Sharpe
and suggested that she gather a group of elegant ladies to
start a Norfolk Chapter. Doll readily embraced this idea and
recruited 13 young ladies. Consequently, Norfolk Chapter of
National Epicureans, Inc. was organized with Elizabeth
Sharpe as the local founder. On March 6, 1954, Norfolk
Chapter held its first meeting at the Plaza Hotel were the
charter members were installed: Eunice S. Banks, Alethia
Briley, Millie Bryant, Sara Crawford, Katheryn Douglass,
Elizabeth Sharpe, Edna Rose, Ann Mitter, Juanita B. McKay,
Audrey Tate, Dorcas Nelson, Naomi White and Marian Wooding,
chapter's first president. National President Ruby Mitchell,
Evelyn Walls (president of Portsmouth Chapter), Alberta
Howell (president of Richmond Chapter), and Mary Riley
(president of Newport News Chapter) conducted the
installation. Future meetings were to be conducted in
Epicurean style and scheduled on the third Friday evening of
each theme. Eppos were invited on special occasions to bond
with others while the Eppies conducted the business part of
the meeting.
In May 1957, Norfolk chapter of National
Epicureans, Inc. hosted its first conclave which was held at
the Golden Triangle Hotel in Norfolk, Virginia. Many years
later, Norfolk Epicureans decided to celebrate friendship by
annually hosting a tea on the second Sunday afternoon in
February. It was during the first tea that it began to snow,
and the affair was later named Sno-T. This celebration has
continued for 25 years, and it is often described as the
most elegant dinner/dance held in the Tidewater area.
Norfolk Chapter of Epicureans has had three national
officers: Juanita McKay was the national president from
1982-1984; Helen Shropshire served as journalist and
corresponding secretary; Eleanor Brown is the current
journalist.
On March 26, 1983, Norfolk Epicureans
sponsored the Los Angeles Chapter, National President
Juanita McKay and Vice-President Carolyn Moseley installed
the charter members of the Los Angeles Chapter.
In June
2001, Norfolk Epicureans hosted the 50th Annual Conclave at
the Marriott Hotel in Norfolk, Virginia. "Golden Treasures"
was the theme of this golden anniversary celebration, and
attendance was a record high.
Community service
activities include the following: participated in the United
Negro College fund telethon, distributed literature on
sickle cell anemia in communities, conducted health
awareness workshops, provided toiletries for residents in
assisted living facilities, provided Thanksgiving baskets
for needy families, and assisted students in a Certified
Nursing Assistants (CAN) program. Norfolk Chapter has also
provided financial support for the American Cancer Society.
Lupus Foundation, Sickle Cell Anemia, Boys' and Girls' Club,
and United Negro College Fund provide scholarships to sickle
cell students.
Founders' Day is observed annually in
February with special acknowledgement of our national
founders and recognition of our local founder, Elizabeth
Sharpe. On this occasion, Eppies and Eppos worship at local
churches and dine at special restaurants or in the homes of
members. The local founder is given special awards and other
tokens of love and appreciation at this gathering.