CONTACT:
Mary E. Petersen
Community Relations & Development Director
Penick Village
(910) 692-0428
mpetersen@penickvillage.org
www.penickvillage.org
Katavolos Family a Great Part of Penick Village’s History
Southern Pines, N.C., September 18, 2009 – Mary and L. Peter Katavolos are a great part of the history of Penick Village. Peter’s late wife, Mary Katavolos, had been an energetic early president of the Penick Village Board of Directors, infusing the Board with her vitality and enthusiasm for the Penick Village mission and ministry. They donated several acres of land that their house once resided on to Penick Village. Now the land is the future sight of the new Penick Woodlands apartment building. “I approve whole-heartedly of what you are doing,” Mr. Katavolos said as he and his family were informed about the future expansion plans.
In August, Penick Village invited Peter, his wife Madeleine, and his two daughters, Mary Lee Hanafey and Diana Katavolos, to tour the campus and see the expansion plans Penick Village has for the land his family so generously donated. They each shared their wonderful memories of life at their former residence. Mary Lee and Diana said that they, as children, have several lasting memories of looking out at the flower meadow that was behind their home.
“When we first bought the house, it was neglected for several years. It was built in 1898 and an addition was added onto it in 1928. We lived in it from 1962 until 1985. Then we sold the house and donated the land to Penick Village so we could move to Pinehurst,” stated L. Peter Katavolos as he walked the grounds of the Penick Village campus where his former historic residence stood adjacent to the lovely Weymouth Woods. Among the many details of the large historic house, it once featured a 30x30 ft. ballroom that was built by Irish craftsmen. “The woodwork was incredible,” described Peter. “It was hard-wood pine that was actually taken from the property itself and my daughters, Mary Lee and Diana were even married there in the house.”
Cheryl Futrell, Chief Operating Office for Penick Village who has been with Penick Village for more than 30 years, helped guide the Katavolos family around the campus, recalling exactly where their home sat and the driveway leading up to it. “It was such a wonderful opportunity to tour them around the campus, share with them the future plans, and thank them for their generous gift of land that will allow for this expansion,” said Mrs. Futrell. “It was amazing how Mr. Katavolos still knows several of the residents as well as many of the future residents that will be living in the new Woodlands apartment building.”
On Friday, September 18, 2009 Penick Village honored the legacy of Mary Katavolos and the life of L. Peter Katavolos at their quarterly Board of Directors meeting. The Katavolos family was given a plaque in appreciation of their gracious gift of land on which much of Penick Village resides today. A duplicate of this plaque is prominently placed on display in the North Building.
“Mary and Peter’s passion for the Penick Village family and our mission of creating a loving community has given us the opportunity for continued growth,” said Jeff Hutchins, Penick Village CEO. “We are proud to honor their work today at our Board of Directors meeting.”