On Saturday, March 15, 2025, the Tethys #229 chapter of the Daughters of Penelope celebrated the 75th Anniversary of its founding with a Diamond Anniversary brunch at Anemos Greek Cuisine in Manalapan, NJ. Over 40 members of the chapter attended the event commemorating the chapter’s historic milestone with music, dancing, camaraderie and delicious food. Nineteen chapter members were recognized for their years of service to the Daughters of Penelope.
“This anniversary celebration was a beautiful example of Sisterhood- women supporting and encouraging one another to achieve their optimal potential,” noted Past Grand President Georgette Boulegeris. “As we celebrated individual contributions, we recognized our collective success. It was truly a celebration of 75 years where each generation uplifted, guided and honored the next. We continue to be inspired to look forward to the future of the Daughters of Penelope with excitement and confidence. I congratulate the planning committee- WELL DONE! To my Sisters of Tethys #229- Axia kai se anotera.”
The event program began with a welcome by 75th Anniversary Committee Chair, Olga Mantsis. This was followed by remarks from Tethys Chapter President, Arete Bouhlas Tzovolos regarding the history of the chapter and the important role it continues to play in supporting the mission of the Daughters of Penelope in New Brunswick and Piscataway, NJ, as well as in the surrounding communities. Past Grand President Evellyn Tsiadis read a congratulatory letter sent by Grand President Margaret Dritsas, who was unable to attend the event. Brunch and dancing commenced, and were followed by dessert and a short ceremony recognizing chapter members for their service to the organization. A multi-generational chapter, the members of Tethys #229 currently range in membership years from as recent as a few weeks, to seventy plus years.
“Tethys Chapter 229 has been a leader in the Daughters of Penelope for 75 years, always at the forefront of women’s issues and committed to inclusivity. We not only focus on growing our membership but also on strengthening the quality of our work and the reputation we have built in our church community, as well as on a District and National level,” said Past Grand President Evellyn Tsiadis. “As a past Chapter President, District Governor, and Grand President of our sisterhood, I am deeply grateful for the foundation this chapter gave me and the remarkable women who mentored me along the way. As a proud sister of Tethys 229, I am committed to following in their footsteps, ensuring our chapter continues to thrive and inspire future generations. Our 75th anniversary celebration was extraordinary, and I look forward to all the years ahead as we continue to build on our legacy of sisterhood, service, and leadership.”
Tethys Chapter #229 of the Daughters of Penelope was established on June 20, 1950, by 29 women at St. George Greek Orthodox Church (then located in Highland Park, NJ). For 75 years, the women of Tethys have promoted Family, Individual Excellence, Civic Responsibility, Philanthropy, Hellenism, and Education through their many charitable works and scholarships. They donate their time and talents to uplifting women and girls, supporting the many ministries of St. George in Piscataway, NJ, and numerous charitable organizations in their local community. With such a long and colorful history, the chapter’s list of accolades is too great to fit into this space. However, its greatest accomplishment is the strong bond of sisterhood and friendship that the women of Tethys share. For more information, please visit: https://www.gocnj.org/daughtersofpenelope
About the Daughters of Penelope: Founded in San Francisco in 1929, the Daughters of Penelope (DOP) is the first women’s service organization of its kind established in the United States. It is an affiliate organization of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (Order of AHEPA) with chapters throughout the USA, Canada, Europe, Greece, Cyprus and Australia. The mission of the Daughters of Penelope is to promote the ancient Greek ideals of Hellenism, Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, and Family and Individual Excellence. For more information about the Daughters of Penelope, or any of its programs or projects, please visit www.daughtersofpenelope.org.
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