NEW YORK – Forty seven Greek-Americans and Philhellenes were initiated into the historic Delphi #25 chapter of the Order of AHEPA at Gallagher’s Steakhouse in Manhattan on January 29, signaling the revival of one of the most storied chapters in the history of the international fraternal organization.

The subdued elegance and the dark wood paneling of Gallagher’s Steakhouse makes for an inviting atmosphere, but the evening’s warmth flowed from the atmosphere of brotherhood among men drawn by an organization that promises mutual support and the opportunity to express their Hellenic identity on multiple planes through social, cultural, and philanthropic activity.

The turnout of national and regional officials who came to welcome the new members and congratulate those whose recruiting and planning efforts foretell a bright future was impressive.

c looking not a bit jetlagged after an historic 10-day journey with Greek and Jewish-American leaders highlighted by meetings with high officials including the prime ministers of Greece, Cyprus, and Israel, was delighted to fly in to New York for the ceremony before returning to his home in Milwaukee, WI.

Joining Galanis to acknowledge the chapter’s renewal spearheaded by its new president Argyris S. Argitakos and Vice President Louis Katsos and the dynamic team they assembled were Supreme Vice President Andrew C. Zachariades, past Supreme President and current Chairman of the Board Nicholas Karacostas, Sons of Pericles President Andreas Christou, and the Sons’ Advisor Jimmy Kokotas.

The guests were welcomed by Argitakos and the simple program was designed to not interfere with the fellowship, leaving lessons on the history and mission of the order to the future for those enthusiastic new members who did not grow up in what is known as the AHEPA family, which includes the Daughters of Penelope women’s auxiliary and the Sons of Pericles and Maids of Athena Youth Organizations.

Speakers did briefly note some of AHEPA’s programs, including its vast and vital national network of senior citizens housing, its scholarships, and its AHEPA Journey to Greece educational and cultural program for youth.

The veterans have already begun to discuss the areas of interests of the new recruits – AHEPA has survived and thrived, unlike many community organizations, partly because it is a service organization.

Guests were surrounded by banners and placards presenting the Hellenic and American values of the organization, which were reflected in the oath they took, the Greek and American national anthems, and the invocation offered by Fr. John Vlahos, Dean of Holy Trinity Cathedral.

At the appointed time the new members heard the stentorian voice of James Zafiros call them to the front of the room. They were then asked to place their left hands on the shoulders of their fellow recruits and to raise their right hand. After repeating the oath of the Order recited by the Supreme President, the solemnity of the moment transitioned to celebration as the new members received rousing applause from their new brothers.

The evening was dedicated to the memory of James A. Poll, whose son Dean Poll serves as President of the Board of Holy Trinity Cathedral and is the owner of Gallagher’s, hosted the event.

The Delphi chapter’s officers include Executive Secretary Michael Papaphotes, Secretary Jimmy Douloumbakas, and Treasurer Chris Karis and Argitakos thanked the members of the New Rochelle chapter #405 for their assistance with the auspicious event.

The post AHEPA’s Historic Delphi Chapter 26 Welcomes 47 New Members appeared first on The National Herald.

Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC), a national grassroots public advocacy organization for Greek and Cypriot issues, hosted an informal discussion with Congressman Lee Zeldin of Eastern Long Island attended by the community’s young professionals in Midtown Manhattan on January 27. Also present was Ed Cox, chairman of the Republican party in N.Y. The gathering was part of HALC’s Politics on the Rocks series and was hosted by HALC Senior Fellow Nikolas Katsimbras, who is a lecturer at Columbia University’s Negotiation and Conflict Resolution program.

Seen in right photo (L-R) are Charles Capetanakis, Ed Cox, Congressman Lee Zeldin, and Anthony Kammas

The post HALC Hosts “Politics on the Rocks” appeared first on The National Herald.

By Vasilis Papoutsis

The 10th anniversary of the Hellenic Charity Ball that took place at the historic St. Francis Hotel on Union Square in San Francisco was a star-studded event that was elegant, entertaining and enormously successful . According to the gala co-chair Joan Metaxas Dauria the event was ”sold out 6 weeks before and raised more than half a million dollars for the Elios Charitable Foundation.”

The biennial gala pays tribute to distinguished arts and entertainment personalities in the Greek American community and past honorees have included Olympia Dukakis, Stratton Leopold, Nick Cassavetes, Constantine Maroulis, Melina Kanakaredes, Nia Vardalos, Maria Menounos and Jim Gianopulos. The black- tie event attracts the West Coast’s most influential industry leaders, among them was Dean Metropoulos, Angelo Tsakopoulos, John Aniston and former SF Mayor Willie Brown.

Metropolitan Gerasimos who attended as well said that ”this is the most significant gathering for the Greek Orthodox leadership and community members. They have the power and will to shape the way we see ourselves as Hellenes in the west coast.”

Although unable to attend, George Stephanopoulos of GMA and Miss America Betty Cantrell sent special video messages to the guests. President Emeritus Fanis Economides who has chaired 7 Charity balls was thrilled, ” we always have great events but this ball is the best one so far.”  The gala is the primary fundraising event for the foundation.

Elios Society was founded in 1995 by a company of distinguished Greek Americans and in 1997 the Elios Charitable Foundation was created.  The mission of the Elios Charitable Foundation is to preserve and pass the values of our Greek heritage to the next generation. The EFC awards $60,000 to $70,000 in grants every year that influence the lives of Hellenic Americans and Philhellenes in big part because of the success of the Charity Ball.

Elios President  John  Gumas said that ”The Hellenic Charity Ball has given Elios a fundraising platform, allowing for investment in the celebration and preservation of Hellenic culture.”  In moving forward President Gumas told TNH that ”it is a priority for Elios to maintain the high quality of its sponsored programs, affiliate institutions and membership.”

Elios has partnered and sponsored several outstanding organizations and programs such as the Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco, Center for Modern Greek Studies as SF State University, the Nemea Center at UC Berkeley, The Hellenic Journal and Metropolis of SF Folk Dance Programs. The society has 75 members and membership is by invitation only from an existing member.

George Marcus who is one of the founding members attributes the success and growth of the organization to the fact that” Elios actively seeks to engage new people in leadership roles as opposed to other groups who are dominated by few people who recycle positions. We also seek to bring in young people to continue our mission.”

Marilu Henner who was an honoree in 2009 did a superb job as an Emcee of the gala. Best known for her role as Elaine Nardo on Taxi and films such as LA Story, she told THN that ”she was thrilled to be asked to mc the event and very proud to associate herself with a fine organization such as Elios.” Marilu who is also a health and wellness expert said that ”the death of her mother inspired her to be a student of health.”

This year’s honorees were from a wide spectrum of the entertainment industry.  Constantine Makris is a three time Emmy Award winner for cinematography for his work on the TV series Law& Order and has he filmed 156 of its episodes. In 2000 he became a television director and has since directed 62 episodes of Law & Order.  Recently he directed five episodes of the hit show Orange is the New Black. His first job was as a production assistant and the first advice he got from other crew members was to ”get the job closest to the camera.”  When asked how he made the transition to cinematography he told TNH that ”he was privileged to have been mentored by some master cinematographers. Among them was Larry

Pizer and Walter Lassally who was the cinematographer for Zorba the Greek.  Lassally  won an Academy Award for his work on Zorba and  now lives in Chania near the location where the film was made in 1963.”

Makris who discovered his Greek roots in the 1970’s now spends close to a month every summer at the island of Karpathos. Both his parents hail from the village Volada in Karpathos.

Gilles Marini grew up in the South of France to a Greek mother and an  Italian father who owned a bakery. He made the transition from modeling to acting and he gained fame in 2008 in the film Sex and the City: The Movie. Following that he was cast in the eight season of Dancing with the Stars where he finished second by less than one percent of the votes.

A fan favorite was invited to the All Star edition of DWTS.  The secret to his success? ”I take every job seriously and dedicate myself. When I was asked to come back to DWTS I did not  take it for granted, I worked even harder the second time around,” and he continued that ”you are only as good as you prepare to be.”

One of his proudest moments was when he became an American citizen. He just finished filming a full season of the TV series Devious Maids.

Ariana Savalas who received the Spotlight award is a jazz vocalist and songwriter who headlines some of the poshest clubs in America and she was the opening act for jazz great Kenny G. As the youngest daughter of the iconic actor Telly Savalas it was always assumed that she would follow on her father’s footsteps.

Talking to TNH she said that ” I love music and in this case music chose me. I was doing musical theater and performed in a small venue in Hollywood the Gardenia Lounge when I got noticed by Corky Hale, an amazing songwriter who later produced my first show and the rest is history. I am also a far better singer than actress.”

Hard to argue as Ariana is a natural born entertainer with a seductive on stage persona  and a naughty sense of humor. While touring regularly she is also in preparation of a new album that is expected to come out in February of 2016 with the group she collaborates the Postmodern Jukebox.

Demetri  Martin  is a standup comedian. He almost became a lawyer and talking about his career to TNH he said that ”I was in law school but it was not   what I really wanted to do. So I dropped out of law school to pursue a career as a comedian. My parents were not happy to say the least.” In a hilarious acceptance speech he entertained us with tales from his childhood growing up as a priest’s son and working in the family diner.

When Elios made an offer to give him the award he said, ”I was reluctant to accept. I did not feel that I had achieved enough.”

Thankfully his wife convinced him to accept.  Although not a household name yet, Demetri has carved out a nice career for himself.  He has appeared on Late Night with Conan O’ Brien and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and had his own television series called Important Things with Demetri Martin.  He is currently editing his first feature film.

The next Charity Ball will be in two years time and promises to be a smashing success as well. For more info about the organization you can visit their web site www.elios.org

The post Hellenic Charity Ball Shines With Celebrities and Love of Hellenism appeared first on The National Herald.

NEW YORK – The Hellenic American Bankers Association (HABA) hosted a presentation by Gary King, PhD, Professor, Department of Government, Harvard University titled “Social Security and the Outlook for Retirement” at the New York offices of Wells Fargo on January 28.

HABA President Demetri Papacostas introduced King and moderated the Q & A that followed. The list of awards, honor society memberships and publications was long. It suffices to say that King is one of only 24 people at Harvard with the title University Professor and serves as Director of the Institute for Quantitative Social Science.

King’s ultimate message is that the problems he talked about can be fixed, but delays greatly increase the danger. He first put the Social Security Administration (SSA) into perspective by noting that it accounts for 37 percent of Federal Government expenditures and that its transfer payments have succeed in lifting 20 percent of the elderly population above the poverty line.

The issues of properly funding the social security trust fund and setting the correct retirement age have been the third rail of American politics for decades. The great potential danger of insolvency is the result of a good thing: Medical advances enable Americans to live well past the original retirement age of 65 set in 1935 – a trend that accelerated after 2000.

INSOLVENCY?

The retirement of baby boomers is the immediate crisis trigger, and the question is: When will insolvency come? SSA says late 2030s, King believes earlier in the decade, but delays will make the financial crunch and lifestyle difficulties more severe.

He emphasized however that insolvency will not result in Social Security going away, rather, there will be severe reductions in monthly checks – up to 25 percent – which nevertheless will be catastrophic for many.

King made it very clear – though some guests were unconvinced – that the problems he presented were not due to incompetence, corruption, or even political ideology.

The “bias” his work talks about is a more subtle and technical matter.

He spared the guests a deep discussion of the sophisticated statistical and other methods in his arsenal and noted that the essence of his studies is simple subtraction: he and his colleagues compare SSA’s forecasted numbers from those actually generated by the real world.

Guests were fascinated and disturbed to learn that not only does the SSA not have a good road map into the future, its officials don’t like getting help with directions from experts in the most recent revolutions relevant to their work.

In order for policy makers to make their suggestions and elected representatives to know which proposals to vote for, they need financial and demographic forecasts. King spoke mainly about the demography.

BAD, AND GOOD NEWS

King focused on three obstacles to good forecasts.

Non-transparency – he applies the term as a scientific problem, not in a corruption context – is a serious problem because the Chief Actuary’s office has always refused to release all the data experts need to make assessments and recommendations.

He also explained the now-infamous executive orders by which Presidents have tried to get more data released, do not have the force of law. They are suggestions  that the Office of the Chief Actuary (OCACT) can safely ignore.

He said the SSA effectively ignores the “data sharing revolution” among scientists and academics and to a lesser degree, corporations, that has driven the incredible recent scientific advances.

The value of the open society can now be given a dollar sign.

With more information sharing, outside experts can catch crucial mistakes missed by the SSA. He said they have been making forecasts for 85 years, but they have never been subjected to systematic evaluation.

What he called systematic bias has grown enormously since 2000. He said SSA “uses ad hoc, qualitative, and antiquated statistical forecasting methods… that are jerry-rigged, suboptimal, and not replicable…They ignore advances in data science, Big Data statistics, and social psychology “ which uncovers tendencies to bias in human endeavors.

Part of the problem seems to be that the fortress mentality that has enabled SSA to successfully insulate themselves from ideological pressure has made them suspicious of any calls for change. He added “they act like they have a monopoly on fairness.”

Among the causes of bias is that too many decision are made on a qualitative, not quantitative basis, with very little feedback that would enable corrections to be made and he reiterates that errors are generated independently of the intentions of the officials.

Ironically “Trying harder or getting better people will not make the problems go away” he said.

Studies find, for example, a general tendency for experts to be overconfident in their forecasts, but that can addressed by external checks.

Another interesting observation was that SSA seems to feel compelled to make the data look more consistent because they fear revealing the real-life fluctuations will cause the non-scientific congresspersons to take the forecasts less seriously.

But King insists there are “systemic solutions” changes to how SSA goes about its work.

Despite the decades old SSA practice of ignoring the recommendations of expert panels, King proposed thee broad solutions that citizens and politicians must push as much as possible 1) If possible, remove human judgement by using formal statistical methods; automate what can be automated, 2) instituting formal structural procedures when human judgment is required — via the revolution in social psychological research, 3) requiring transparency and data sharing to catch errors that slip through, via the revolution in data sharing and replication.

Unfortunately, King finds that as the political pressure has become more intense, the politicians have become more polarized than ever. One guest objected, however, that voters – at least in the parties’ left and right wings, have attacked leaders who have attempted to find common ground with the other side.

Kings concluding statement was somewhat optimistic: “There needs to be the right moment in politics to make a change,” implying he believes it is in the realm of possibility.

Papacostas thanked past HABA president Costas Kellas for organizing the event, which included a reception, and he thanked Sophia Prountzos for making “the spectacular Wells Fargo space available to HABA.”

The post HABA Lecture Focuses of Social Security Dangers and Solutions   appeared first on The National Herald.

NEW YORK – More than 250 Greek-American young professionals heeded the calls of their friends who wanted to share their enthusiasm for the work of The Hellenic Initiative (THI) promoting Greek recovery at its New Leaders Kickoff Cocktail Party in the beautifully restored Pier A Harbor House restaurant and event complex.

Apropos of the inspiring view of the Statue of Liberty in Lower Manhattan, THI Board member George Stamas told the guests who delighted in the venue and new friends and whose donations will benefit Prolepsis/Diatrofi a fund that feeds hungry schoolchildren in Greece, that “the people in this room partying are the lucky ones because our ancestors” who came to America were the luckiest of their generation. We can bring that same enthusiasm to helping those in Greece not as priviledged as us.”

Similar events are being planned across the country in addition to more in New York.

Stamas introduced New Leaders spokesman Nicholas Lazares, Jr. a fourth-generation Greek-American banker from Boston. He thanked the guests for their presence and donations. The $16,000 they raised will be matched by THI and doubled again to a $60,000 total by another fund in Greece.

Asked how they achieved such a success in their first attempt, Lazares said. “We have an unbelievable network of people in the New Leaders Group and in THI. We simply connected through the network and got 250 people here.”

Stamos made a brief presentation about THI. “We are an umbrella for many terrific things that are happening in Greece with Greek-Americans, Greek-Canadians, and others. Our chapter in Australia is spectacular,” Stamas said.

The organization whose Chairman is industrialist Andrew Liveris, has three fundamental pillars: Supporting crisis relief efforts to address real human suffering today, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship to develop a new generation of business leaders, and investing in small and medium sized businesses – the lifeblood of the Greek economy.”

Board members are pleased with THI’s progress.

“If you see the faces of the entrepreneurs we have funded, the faces of the bureaucracy there that can’t believe what we accomplished you will say ‘darn it we can really do it,” Stamas told THI, filled with reasons to believe of Hellenes around the world “Maybe for the first time we are coming together.”

SUPPORTING GREECE’S ENTREPRENEURS

The community’s young professionals seem especially excited about helping young entrepreneurs in Greece. THI Board members are planning to participate in the June 28 THI Venture Fair which connects entrepreneurs to investors.

“We will go support young people who are trying to make it happen in business…our Board members are people who want to make the world a better place through business and other activities… they want to give young Greeks the same opportunities we have here,” Lazares said.

He explained that the New Leaders began about five months ago with meetings in New York that addressed how to raise awareness about the work of TNH and get youth across the country involved. After many responses to email blasts to people “we were able to whittle it down to the people who cared very much and had a vision and a drive to make things happen and there is now a board of about 20 people from across the US and from Greece,” he said.

Stamas added that the New Leaders were formed when “Our 45 directors from around the world” who launched THI’s charity and job creation efforts understood that “to sustain it, there is only one way. We have the find the best and the brightest of the young leaders who can carry this on for generations.”

Christina Costas heard about the event whose coordinators included THI Executive Director Mark Arey, Development Consultant Peter Poulos and Program Coordinator James Canale THI through a friend and looked forward to learning more. “It’s such an amazing event. I love the fact that we are giving back to Greece and we can see how we are doing it,” she said.

Drake Behrakis, whose father, industrialist and philanthropist George Behrakis is a Board member, told TNH “It’s an absolutely phenomenal organization and I am happy to be here to support a great cause and it’s important to build a strong community amongst the youth.” He believes the endeavor will generate benefits in Greece and the US.

Behrakis told TNH, “It’s about building a grass-roots organization” to ground THI’s mission, which Andrew Veniopoulos told TNH “It’s important to get Greek-Americans who are interested in doing good to be committed at an early age. “We all have affection for and ties with Greece and we want to see Greece get better and this is a great way – even on a small scale – to try and make a difference.”

THN learned of a THI success story from attorney Alex Constantopes. He learned about the event from a young Greek whose career took a spectacular leap after THI-sponsored mentorship, and who is paying it forward by mentoring others.

NEW YORK – More than 250 Greek-American young professionals heeded the calls of their friends who wanted to share their enthusiasm for the work of The Hellenic Initiative (THI) promoting Greek recovery at its New Leaders Kickoff Cocktail Party in the beautifully restored Pier A Harbor House restaurant and event complex.

Apropos of the inspiring view of the Statue of Liberty in Lower Manhattan, THI Board member George Stamas told the guests who delighted in the venue and new friends and whose donations will benefit Prolepsis/Diatrofi a fund that feeds hungry schoolchildren in Greece, that “the people in this room partying are the lucky ones because our ancestors” who came to America were the luckiest of their generation. We can bring that same enthusiasm to helping those in Greece not as priviledged as us.”

Similar events are being planned across the country in addition to more in New York.

Stamas introduced New Leaders spokesman Nicholas Lazares, Jr. a fourth-generation Greek-American banker from Boston. He thanked the guests for their presence and donations. The $16,000 they raised will be matched by THI and doubled again to a $60,000 total by another fund in Greece.

Asked how they achieved such a success in their first attempt, Lazares said. “We have an unbelievable network of people in the New Leaders Group and in THI. We simply connected through the network and got 250 people here.”

Stamos made a brief presentation about THI. “We are an umbrella for many terrific things that are happening in Greece with Greek-Americans, Greek-Canadians, and others. Our chapter in Australia is spectacular,” Stamas said.

The organization whose Chairman is industrialist Andrew Liveris, has three fundamental pillars: Supporting crisis relief efforts to address real human suffering today, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship to develop a new generation of business leaders, and investing in small and medium sized businesses – the lifeblood of the Greek economy.”

Board members are pleased with THI’s progress.

“If you see the faces of the entrepreneurs we have funded, the faces of the bureaucracy there that can’t believe what we accomplished you will say ‘darn it we can really do it,” Stamas told THI, filled with reasons to believe of Hellenes around the world “Maybe for the first time we are coming together.”

SUPPORTING GREECE’S ENTREPRENEURS

The community’s young professionals seem especially excited about helping young entrepreneurs in Greece. THI Board members are planning to participate in the June 28 THI Venture Fair which connects entrepreneurs to investors.

“We will go support young people who are trying to make it happen in business…our Board members are people who want to make the world a better place through business and other activities… they want to give young Greeks the same opportunities we have here,” Lazares said.

He explained that the New Leaders began about five months ago with meetings in New York that addressed how to raise awareness about the work of TNH and get youth across the country involved. After many responses to email blasts to people “we were able to whittle it down to the people who cared very much and had a vision and a drive to make things happen and there is now a board of about 20 people from across the US and from Greece,” he said.

Stamas added that the New Leaders were formed when “Our 45 directors from around the world” who launched THI’s charity and job creation efforts understood that “to sustain it, there is only one way. We have the find the best and the brightest of the young leaders who can carry this on for generations.”

Christina Costas heard about the event whose coordinators included THI Executive Director Mark Arey, Development Consultant Peter Poulos and Program Coordinator James Canale THI through a friend and looked forward to learning more. “It’s such an amazing event. I love the fact that we are giving back to Greece and we can see how we are doing it,” she said.

Drake Behrakis, whose father, industrialist and philanthropist George Behrakis is a Board member, told TNH “It’s an absolutely phenomenal organization and I am happy to be here to support a great cause and it’s important to build a strong community amongst the youth.” He believes the endeavor will generate benefits in Greece and the US.

Behrakis told TNH, “It’s about building a grass-roots organization” to ground THI’s mission, which Andrew Veniopoulos told TNH “It’s important to get Greek-Americans who are interested in doing good to be committed at an early age. “We all have affection for and ties with Greece and we want to see Greece get better and this is a great way – even on a small scale – to try and make a difference.”

THN learned of a THI success story from attorney Alex Constantopes. He learned about the event from a young Greek whose career took a spectacular leap after THI-sponsored mentorship, and who is paying it forward by mentoring others.

NEW YORK – The Order of AHEPA is mourning the passing of Chris Economides, 83, who served in numerous positions with distinction and is especially remembered for his support for the Sons of Pericles young adult division.

AHEPA’s Executive Director Basil Mossaides sent the sad notice to the Order’s members: “I have the sad duty to inform you that our dear brother Chris Economides passed away today about 30 minutes ago in Charlotte, NC. He was a life member of Ahepa who served in many elected positions but was best remembered as THE champion of the Sons of Pericles having been the national advisor for nearly 20 years. He was a father figure to many and he will be missed. I will relay funeral plans when they become available. May his memory be eternal.

Messages from those who knew him and appreciated Economides’ contributions to the Greek-American community began appearing on the internet immediately,

“The Chapter Theseus SHJ-02 of the Sons of Pericles mourns the loss of the longtime National Advisor Chris Economides, better known as “Mr. E”.”

“Mr. E was a champion of the Sons of Pericles and helped our organization grow to where it is today. He will be remembered fondly by the entire AHEPA Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. May his memory be eternal, we will miss you Mr. E.”

“The Sons of Pericles mourns the loss of our longtime National Advisor Chris Economides, better known as “Mr. E”. Mr. E was a champion of the Sons of Pericles and helped our organization grow to where it is today. He will be remembered fondly by the entire AHEPA Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. May his memory be eternal, we will miss you Mr. E.”

More to follow.

The Cypriot Young Professionals (CYP) of the CYPRUS-U.S. Chamber of Commerce recently hosted their 3rd Leadership Dinner with Bareburger co-founder and Chief Operating Officer, Jimmy Pelekanos.

The intimate, sold out event included about 20 CYP members and three Chamber executives. Pelekanos shared his entrepreneurial story of Bareburgers’ beginning – an unlikely venture born between friends and family, at the start of the recession – and frank advice including, “Leave your ego at the door.”

Today, Bareburger boasts over 20 locations, with restaurants opening everywhere from Santa Monica to Tokyo in the coming year.

CYP’s Leadership Dinner series are one of the Chambers core initiatives and functions as an opportunity to bring together Cypriot leaders and young professionals for an exchange of ideas, experiences and key learnings.

Presented as a forum for inspiring entrepreneurs and established professionals, more information is available at www.cyprususchamber.com.

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. – Kefi, philanthropy, and love for Greece filled the Community Center of the Church of the Archangel Michael in Port Washington, borne by the more than 400 people who attended the Grecian Night Out fundraising dinner-dance of the Relief Foundation (HRF) on February 27.

The evening’s net proceeds will be used to purchase food for the underprivileged of Greece. There were numerous sources of revenue, including a silent art auction and individual pledges in addition to the admission ticket, and the net benefit is expected to well exceed $50,000.

HRF Board member Stelios Taketzis thanked the attendees, all the volunteers and the parish leadership for their welcome and support. Fr. Dennis Strouzas and Fr. Nikolas Karloutsos offered the benediction and also welcomed and thanked everyone.

Many contributed to the social and charitable success of the evening – chef Prokopis Zervas, a member of the HRF Board, delighted the guests’ palates and the band Asteri immediately got everyone up dancing with songs from every region of the homeland led by singers Fotis Dimitratos and Rena Tsapelas. There was also a performance by comedian Peter Vouras.

Taketzis congratulated Kostas Zachariades “for putting this whole thing together” and thanked the sponsors, including Atlantic Bank, which was represented by its President Nancy Papaioannou, and cooperating organizations like the Athenian’s Society and its president Panos Adamopoulos and his wife Sylvia,

Board member Philip Vogiatzoglou-Vogis put the spotlight on the purpose of the event, saying “in these troubled time we reach out to you” and then spoke briefly about the organization that was founded four years ago and has been incorporated in New York state as a tax-exempt 501 c 3 organization with a mission of providing support for the Greek population, suffering during the present economic crisis, by addressing needs in health and nutrition.

Nassau County DA Madeline Singas was caught up in the spirit of the evening, telling TNH “What a great night! It’s a fantastic show of support for a good cause. Greeks come together when people are in need to give financial and emotional support and I’m proud to be part of this night, and I’m very proud of the organizers. 100 percent of what they raise goes to the cause, which is inspiring and encourages people to give. It’s pure and genuine and the support and love that is here in this room is incomparable.”

Parish Council President Michael Psyllos told TNH “God bless the efforts of the Hellenic Relief Foundation. What they are doing in Greece is very special and we are very proud to be a small part of that by lending our facilities to their good cause.”

NEW YORK – The honorees at the 41^st Anniversary Hellenic Heritage Achievement and National Public Service Awards Dinner of the American Hellenic Institute on March 5 have distinguished themselves in the worlds of finance, construction and service to the community but what they had in common was a passion for Hellenism and a dedication to excellence.

Every year AHI, the Greek-American think tank and public policy center, fills the ballroom of the Capital Hilton when it shines a spotlight on some of the members of the community who are thriving at the top of every profession and who have made important contributions to the promotion and preservation of Hellenism in America.

This year’ honorees included Peter J. Pappas, Sr., Nicolas Bornozis, Basil Mossaides, and Rena Papapostolou.

AHI’s 2015 achievements and 2016 plans were spotlighted by its President Nicholas Larigakis, and greetings and congratulations to the honorees were offered by Dr. Spiro Spireas, the President of the AHI Foundation.

AHI Legal Counsel Nicholas Karambelas introduced Larry Michael, the voice of the Washington Resdskins, who as Emcee moved the program smoothly from the invocation offered by Fr. Steven Zorzos, Dean of St. Sophia Cathedral, through its culmination in dancing driven by music provided by the band Apollonia.

Pappas and his company P.J. Mechanical are the trusted providers of heating and air conditioning to many of the iconic buildings on the Manhattan skyline and has donated the HVAC for the new St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox National Shrine at Ground Zero.  Proud of his Greek and Cypriot roots, he is an avid golfer and is at the forefront for promoting that sport in Greece, to the benefit of the homeland’s tourism industry.

Bornozis is the Founder, President, and CEO of Capital Link, a leader in investor relations for the shipping industry and companies seeking access to capital markets in the US and Europe. His annual Invest in Greece Forum, which he pioneered before the crisis to help drive investors to Greece, has become even more important for Greece and the community.

Mossaides, the Executive Director of the Order of AHEPA, has been a devoted member of the fraternal organization dedicated to mutual support among its members, the promotion and defense of Hellenism and education, and the well-being of Greek-Americans, especially through the thousands of senior citizens housing units it has created across the country.

John Galanis and Philip Frangos, current and past Supreme Presidents, respectively, praised Mossaides for his dedication and his ability to strike the right balance in providing support from its Washington, DC headquarters to the organization’s different groups, regions and chapters in America, and now around the world.

Papapostolou charmed the guests with her energy and love of Hellenic culture and touched them with the praise and thanks she offered for her late beloved husband Harilaos Papapostolou, past protopsalti at St. Sophia Cathedral. With him she established the Return to Origins Greek cultural and education program that has helped thousands of young people get in touch with their roots, enriching their lives and turning them into ambassadors and teachers of Hellenism.

Among the dignitaries were retired Senator Paul Sarbanes, Congressman John Sarbanes, Congressman Chris Van Hollen, US Senator from Hawaii Mazi Hirono, and Greece’s Ambassador to the US Christos Panagopoulos.

WASHINGTON, DC –  John W. Galanis, the Supreme President of The Order of AHEPA, has issued a statement expressing its concern about the refugee crisis and its impact on Greece, ahead of two important March meetings, one an EU-Turkey summit and the second between the prime ministers of Greece and Turkey.

The full text follows:

“AHEPA is concerned deeply about the inability of the European Union and Turkey to manage the flow of refugees to Europe, specifically to Greece.  The American Hellenic community deems it unacceptable and an outrage that Greece is left to carry a large share of the refugee crisis burden based in part on geographic location and its 8,700-mile border – the largest in Europe – amid a crippling economic crisis.  Greece is a reliable NATO ally and EU member-nation and finds itself under enormous economic and social pressure.

“More than 850,000 refugees reached the Greek islands from Turkey in 2015, according to the UNHCR.  Already in 2016, 102,500 refugees have reached the Greek islands of Samos, Kos, and Lesvos, according to the International Organization for Migration. In 2015, it took until June to reach this level of refugee arrival. Each day, anywhere from 2,000 to 4,000 migrants arrive on the Greek islands. On February 22 alone, 1,130 refugees arrived at Athens Piraeus port.

“Because of recently implemented restrictions by Balkan countries, at the urging of central European countries, Afghan refugees are being turned away at the FYROM border crossing at Idomeni, and a restriction on the number of migrants from other nations is in place. Consequently, nearly 3,000 refugees are backed up at the Idomeni crossing; and transit centers in Athens and Thessaloniki are at capacity with nearly 10,000 refugees. Some 1,700 refugees are camping out in Piraeus. Some 300 refugees are camping out in Victoria Square in Athens. Groups of refugees, including women, children and the elderly, are to be seen walking along the Athens – Thessaloniki National Highway on their way to the FYROM border. Approximately 3,000 refugees are arriving daily in Piraeus from the Greek islands. It is estimated that 25,000 refugees are presently within Greece, and this figure is expected to double within the week.  In essence, as one diplomat put it, Greece has become an ‘open air detention camp.’

“Moreover, Austria’s exclusion of Greece from a conference it called this week with nine Balkan countries to discuss the crisis is baffling. The conference announced its participants would not comply with a previously agreed-to EU policy of facilitating refugee flows until the March meetings. Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz stated Greece had shown no willingness to reduce the influx of refugees. He did not explain how Greece – with an immense maritime border – was supposed to do this.  Calls for an end to Schengen by some in European circles further exemplify a fragmented and dysfunctional Europe.

“We applaud the statement of United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees Filippo Grandi, who presently is in Greece and said, ‘…with every passing week, it appears that some European countries are focusing on keeping refugees and migrants out more than on responsibly managing the flow and working on common solutions…’

“The refugee crisis in Greece, and the resulting instability it has created, is not in the best interest of the United States or the European Union and has left the American Hellenic community and Diaspora perplexed and indeed angry. Although AHEPA is encouraged with a NATO mission aimed to dismantle the human trafficking rings and to reduce refugee flows has begun, we call for much more support, cooperation, and coordination from the European Union, Balkan nations, and Turkey, all of which can play a far greater role in controlling the flow of refugees to Europe in a more responsible manner.  Turkey, especially, can do more to squash the workings of human traffickers and smugglers who are profiting as much as six billion dollars, according to Europol, off the desperation of the refugees.

“AHEPA calls for the United States to remain engaged and to support Greece in the crucial weeks and months ahead as the ramifications of a continuation of the refugee crisis and the growing instability it promotes are serious and beyond measure.  President Barack Obama’svideo conference call with British Prime Minister David Cameron, French President Francois Hollande, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel this week is welcomed and appreciated. Their discussion of the Syrian crisis and the consequent refugee crisis can only be helpful.

“AHEPA will not tolerate an isolation of Greece, a valued and trusted NATO ally, during this critical time. We call on the community, individuals and organizations alike, to reach out to Congress and the president to express their dismay and concern about the refugee crisis in Greece, and to make clear the source of this crisis, namely Turkey.”

NEW YORK – The Association of Greek American Professional Women AGAPW celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8 by presenting Atlantic Bank President Nancy Papaioannou with its “Greek American Woman of the Year” and presenting an Excellence Tuition Scholarship to Madelein Ball at a reception in Manhattan’s Metropolitan Club.

The men and women who filled the ornate hall on the second floor of were reminded by Emcee Aphrodite Skeadas, former President of National Philoptochos, that it was not long ago that women in America faced discrimination and that around the world the fight for women’s rights continues amid violence and abuse.

AGAPW was established in 2010 as a 501c3 organization with a mission “to expand career opportunities and promote community and leadership building among Greek-American professional women by forging collaborations among ourselves and establishing partnerships with other organizations.”

The guests representing a cross section of the Greek-American Community’s leading professional and cultural organizations were proof of the fledgling organization’s progress.

AGAPW Founding President Dr. Olga Alexakos, who offered opening and closing remarks told the guests “I’m filled with tears of joy from my heart of hearts for supporting AGAPW with your presence.”

Skeadas introduced Keynote Speaker Dr. Miranda Kofinas, who spoke about the significance of International Women’s Day.

“Greek-American women have been challenge to reconcile their heritage and their families’ expectation with the great opportunities they found in the USA, and they accomplished it all…holding important positions” in all walks of life “and tonight we are honored to have one of these women in our company,” she said.

Born in Athens and excelling in the Arsakeio school, Papaioannou “from a young age had a healthy competitive streak and always strived for excellence and to do her best,” Kofinas said, which manifested itself in her career at Atlantic Bank, and as the first woman to be elected president of the prestigious Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce.

Kofinas concluded her remarks by saying that “she proves that hard work, perseverance and ethics can lead you to your desired destination,” prompting Papaioannou to exclaim “There are too many things going on. I don’t really deserve them, but I am very humbled, honored and happy tonight with all of you here…there are so many women here” who every day “do their job, do their duties, and really deserve recognition.”

Papaioannou did acknowledge that she, like the other women in the room “worked hard to attain the positions I hold. I have faced problems and obstacles as a woman in both my personal and professional life, but so far I have experience many valuable things… the ones that have me the most are: to say ‘yes’ to any challenges and opportunities I came across.”

Keys to her success, she said were “to always trust my instincts, be myself and never forget my background, to respect people and recognize teamwork,” she acknowledged the work of her colleagues, including Elpida Ferguson and Kimon Bakos – “to find ways to give back to my community, my country and to my people, and not forget that when there is a will there’s a way.”

The reception was also the occasion for the presentation of a Recognition Award to Greek Consul General Amb. George Iliopoulos whose tenure is drawing to a close. Guests noted that he and his wife Anthousa – and the art exhibitions they spearheaded – would be missed.

The couple were supporters of AGAPW and its mission from their arrival in New York in 2012 amid the fallout of the Greek crisis. Iliopoulos expressed thanks “for the great honor. I am truly humbled by it” and the community’s support as he and his colleagues, including Consul Manos Koubarakis, dedicated themselves to maintain a high level of service to community despite cuts in funds and staff.

Board member Dr. Aphrodite Navab – it was noted that the participation of two “Aphrodites” made it an especially auspicious night – introduced Ms. Ball, who is a double major in Hellenic History and Journalism at NYU.

The Greek and Cypriot diplomatic corps was well-represented among the dignitaries, including Greece’s Permanent Representative to the UN Amb. Catherine Boura, Amb. Vasilios Philippou – who was just appointed High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in New York and his wife Anthea – Greece’s Deputy Permanent Representative Nancy Vraila, Greek Consul Manos Koubarakis, former Ambassador of Cyprus to the United States Andreas Jacovides, and Penny Tsilas, wife of former Ambassador to the United States Loucas Tsilas.

Joanne James, who has produced a movie on women chefs, and her co-producer Anastasia Ganias, told TNH “we are thrilled to be here to support
AGPAW because our film is in that vein of congratulating the success of women all over the world and paying tribute to Greek culture and our unsung heroes.”

A Greek flag-raising ceremony will be held in Philadelphia’s historic City Hall on April 15, an initiative spearheaded by the Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of Philadelphia & Greater Delaware in cooperation with the philhellene mayor of the city of “Brotherly Love”, Jim Kenney.

The flag-raising ceremony comes ahead of a weekend of events in Philadelphia organized by the federation to commemorate the 195th anniversary of the beginning of the Greek War of Independence (March 25, 1821) against dour Ottoman rule.

A dinner honoring local and national Greek-American dignitaries comes on Saturday, April 16. A day later a hierarchical divine liturgy and official great doxology, will be celebrated by His Eminence, Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey, at the St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral (256 S 8th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107)

A Greek Independence Day Parade follows at 2 p.m., with the starting point at 17th and Parkway and the review stand on Parkway before Art Museum Drive.

This year’s parade highlight includes a unit of Greek Presidential Guard, Evzones, taking part in the parade march.
A reception and dance performances will follow at the St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 229 Powell Lane, Upper Darby, PA.
AHEPA President John Galanis and Daughters President Connie Pillalis will serve as grand marshals of the parade.

NEW YORK – The first Lifetime Achievement Award fundraising gala of the Pancyprian Association of America was a rousing and inspiring success, with more than 600 people filling the Grand Ballroom of the New York Hilton on March 9 to celebrate their heritage and re-dedicate themselves to the cause of freedom and justice for Cyprus.

The Association honored Constantine (Dinos) Iordanou, a man whose rise from humble immigrant origins to noted commercial success, while never forgetting his roots, reflected the journey of the many of those present.

The Association was founded in 1975 in the aftermath of the illegal Turkish invasion and occupation of one-third of Cyprus, with an emphasis on sports, culture, and the mobilization of the community for the Cyprus cause.

The event is expected to raise $500,000, with proceeds to be used for the Association’s scholarship fund and a community center. The latter cause received a huge boost when it was announced that Iordanou pledged $500,000, matched by his mentor, industrialist and scientist Nikos Mouyiaris.

Nicholas Karakostas, former Supreme President of Order of AHEPA, served as the Emcee. As a colleague of Iordanou, he told the story of a 19-year old man who came to America’s shores with the proverbial old suitcase and $200 in his pockets.

But his feet were firmly planted on the foundations his father Philippos, a police officer, and his mother, Iphigenia, built for their six children.

“Did you find a job yet?” he was asked when he arrived in 1969 aboard the Princess Anna Maria oceanliner. “Father, I have only been here for three hours.”

But there could not have been any doubt in the son’s prospects. The speakers described a man who had a “map” in his mind based on Greek and Cypriot values, which took him from short order cook at a Wall Street deli, to taxi driver, semi-pro soccer player, onward to aerospace studies at NYU, studies opened a door into the insurance industry.

Along the way he also learned from financial giants like Warren Buffet and ultimately helped found the Arch Capital Group, of which he is now Chairman and CEO.

Iordanou expressed his appreciation to those who believed in him and helped him through the years — Mouyiaris, not least among them. “Dinos, you are axios – worthy – and I am very proud of you,” he said on the commemorative video.

William Casey, Chief Regional Officer of Arch Insurance, shared company stories of the solid executive they know Iordanou be, although the latter humbly replied: “I am only a player of a bigger team.”

“Everyone who works at Arch is my friend,” he said, noting that he both recruited talented friends and became friends over time with others.

Iordanou and his co-founders infused their values into Arch, which included a balance between dedication to firm and family, which they instinctively knew would better serve clients and investors.

Iordanou also spoke of the vital importance of promoting the younger generation, urging them to be more involved in the community,  and inculcating in the m the values that contributed to their own success, with an emphasis on philotimo – and giving back.

“You feel so much better if you help others to have the opportunities we have been given.”

Philip Christopher, the founding and current president of the Association, thanked everyone responsible to the success of the event – including the organizing committee, led by Despina Axiotakis, and of the association through the years. He also acknowledged the dignitaries, such as the diplomats in the audience, including Cyprus’ High Commissioner in New York, Amb. Vasilios Philippou, and the heads of various community organizations.

Christopher illustrated the role of strategic vision and planning in Iordanou’s life by noting that when he was a cook “he knew what every customer wanted before they ordered, and apropos of International Women’s Day “where would we be without the women in our lives” – he praised the honoree’s wife, Marianne Iordanou.

Iordanou has three daughters, Danielle, Alexis, and Christine, the youngest, who plays soccer on Cyprus’ national team. Christopher said they kept the speaking program brief because Iordanou was flying to Cyprus right away to watch her play on Friday.

A special video highlighted the life of the honoree and the association’s five divisions, beginning with the Athletic in which Iordanou’s family was instrumental – his brothers, Dr. Michael Iordanou and George Iordanou, are its president and vice president, respectively. The other divisions are the Youth Athletic (Eleftheria), the Women’s Issues Network (WIN), the Dance Division, and the Cultural Division.

The Associations founders built on the insight that such an array of meaningful activities with intrinsic interest to Cypriot-Americans would reinforce the values and commitment to the Cypriot cause the group was founded to promote. Their focus on academics ensured that “hundreds of students have been educated at the best universities through Pancyprian scholarships.”

WIN President Dr. Florentia Christodoulidou highlighted the philanthropic dimension, which includes assisting the needy in Cyprus and fundraising that provided women with free life-saving cancer screenings in America through the years.

International Baritone Constantinos Yiannoudes sang stirring renditions of the Greek and American national anthems and the guests were entertained by DJ Sava and his orchestra and lead singer Olympia Milonas.

FOX Business Network anchor Nicole Petallides told TNH she loves events that honor and extraordinary persons. “As a little girl I watched Dino with his briefcase going to college and always knew he was dedicated and serious about everything and had a heart of gold; these things together made him the success he is today.”

She also expressed pride in her uncle, Philip Christopher. “He is a person of many hats who does so much for so many people. He spreads himself thin but always made sure to honor those who deserve it most. He knew Dino was the right person. They founded the Association together and my uncle never forgets the people that are most dedicated…he wants the community to continue to grow, and bring values, goals and drive to the younger generation.”

NEW YORK – The Hellenic University Club of New York (HUC) is one of the most storied organizations in the Greek-American community. Its founders included the renowned Dr. George Papanicolaou and its impact extends beyond its membership to the thousands who have received scholarship through the years.

Over its more than a century of existence, the Greek-Amercan community has seen its major organizations cycle through periods of glory and relative quiescence. Time and chance happened to HUC also, but a group of about 11stalwarts heroically kept the Club and its vital scholarship program going in recent years. They never lost hope that the younger generations would pick up the torch and revive the club though new members and attractive events and last June, a new Board was elected which took that mission to heart.

Paid membership is now 60 and growing and on February 25 the members approved revised bylaws and a certificate of incorporation that the Board says are necessary for the Club to move forward.

President George Tsiatis told TNH “we’re trying to make an organization that has a rich history relevant again and putting into action its mission of supporting young people of Hellenic ancestry pursuing the dream of higher education and keeping a lively and vibrant community for the members…continuing the path of education, culture in a positive social setting…with program for the young, old and in-between.”

They are beginning with simple networking receptions and look forward to presenting lectures, symposia, theater outings and plan to partner with other Hellenic organizations with similar aims.

Some technical matters had to be addressed. Due to the lapse of HUC’s 501c3 status, lawyers from Hughes Hubbard and Reed working pro bono advised the Board that revising the bylaws and certificate of incorporation would help restore the tax exempt status, the loss of which puts into jeopardy existing and future substantial donations, including a six-figure distribution from the Frederick EG Valergakis Charitable Trust.

“The Board voted unanimously to present new bylaws to the members for approval,” Tsiatis told TNH, which happened in February 25.

Tsiatis applied simplified rules of order that eschewed cross-talk amd required each speaker to wait his turn, ensuring respect for all the ideas that were expressed.

The meeting appeared to be an informed discussion thanks to an exchange of emails had taken place accompanied by copies of the old and revised documents.

He also sent a note based on his conversations with some members who raised questions about the proposed changes.

The idea of relying permitting proxy voting for the first time was questioned – the failure to achieves quorums in recent years contributed to the Club’s difficulties – and  another issue was the change in the organizations status from a public charity to a private foundation.

It was explained that was necessary because the Club’s recent operations did not manifest enough “public support,” under 501c3 law, but there is a good chance that “with HUC activity since last June, “we have proven a new trend towards public support,” that could make it a public charity again Tsiatis said.

Asked about the auditing provisions Tsiatis told TNH the sooner HUC is under 501c3. the more stringent the auditing requirements would be. “In the interim if anybody wants to review the books I’d be more than happy to make them available,” he said.

All those matters prompted some to advocate a go-slow approach, but as Tsiatis explained at the meeting held at Holy Trinity Cathedral, the group could not afford to wait.

The meeting began with welcome from Tsiatis, who was joined at a table by attorney HUC Governor Steven Ateshoglu, Treasurer Paulette Adamis Adamos, Vice President Nicholas Neonakis, and Recording Secretary Kristiana Poulon.

Tsiatis declared the purpose of the meeting was to review the revised documents and vote on them.

Longtime member and past president Margo Galson urged the members to take more time to discuss the changes and said they should not be put to a vote that night.

Ted Klingos acknowledged “the tremendous amount of work” done by the new Board and said “If you talk to 20 lawyers you’ll get 20 opinions about how to move forward.”

Governor Katherine Boulukos also expressed support for the Board’s initiatives.

The motions to vote and to approved the documents passed by votes of 27 to 2 with one abstention.

The Board acknowledged that the bylaws could be improved and invited members to sign up for a committee that would consider changes in the future, and “I welcome ongoing dialogue,” Tsiatis told TNH.

Treasurer Paulette Adamis spoke of the two restricted funds, The Estia Fund and the scholarship accounts.

The Estia fund is for acquiring a physical home for HUC. It is invested and the markets fluctuate but Adamos reported it is approximately $397,000.

The scholarship fund is fund is at $143,000 and the number of scholarships HUC gives depends om the revenue it generates. This year they are committed to giving four $1,500 scholarships.

The scholarship committee’s work is proceeding smoothly and students can now apply online at hellenicuniversityclubny.org.

NEW YORK – Food, fun, fellowship, and kefi flowed at the Apokriatiko Glendi – Greek Carnival – on March 11, hosted by a number of the community’s professional organizations at Terrace on the Park.

One element of the formula for a great celebration is “the more the merrier” and in the Greek-American community that includes not just the total guests but the number of organizations participating.

Credit is due to the Hellenic Medical Society (HMS) of New York, which invited the Hellenic Profession Women (HPW), HABA – The Hellenic Association of Professionals in Finance (the organization formerly known as the Hellenic American Bankers Association), the Hellenic Lawyers Association (HLA), the Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce (HACC), and the Cyprus-US Chamber of Commerce, to join them in preparing and presenting the annual affair they pioneered.

The Apollo orchestra led by clarinetist Lefteris Bournias and featuring lead singer Thomas Vretos delighted the guests with traditional Carnival music and injected the kefi guests have enjoyed for years when the party was presented by the doctors.

HMS Vice President Dr. Stella Lymberis invited all the organization to send its representatives up for the inaugural dance – the “Pos to Triboun to Piperi – How do they grind the pepper – played with gusto by Bournias and whose double entendres were sung with flair by Vretos.
The dancers included HLA president Michael Hartofilis, HPW Founder Maria Frantzis, HMS President Dr. George Liakeas – in costume, as usual, HACC President Nancy Papaioannou, HLS President Michael Hartofilis – and Dino Paliatzis, representing HABA.

Lymberis acknowledged the presence of Amb. Vasilios Philippou, who was just promoted to High Commissioner for Cyprus in New York, and his wife Anthea, Greek Consul Manos Koubarakis, and Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos and his wife Angela.

Lymberis thanked HMS administrator Evangelia Tavaris “for making everything possible,” and all the other volunteers.

Roula Lambrakis also greeted the guests and spoke of the importance of passing Greek tradition to the younger generation. “It is our obligation to transmit our love of Greece to Greeks and Philhellenes, she said. Lambrakis also expressed thanks to Demetrios Kaloidis, the owner of the venue with spectacular views of the 1964 World’s Fair environs and beyond, and its manager George Cadsounis.

ASTORIA – As usual, the judges of the Miss Greek Independence Pageant had very difficult decisions to make. The contestants, ranging from 16 to 23 year of age were exceptional but as always the audience at the Stathakion Center was pleased with their choice, Maria Exarchakis, as were the other 13 young women who became friends, perhaps for a lifetime, during the process.

Petros Galatoulas, the president of the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York, which runs the Pageant and the Greek Parade, smiled as he crowned the winner and expressed congratulations to all the contestants.

“They were all intelligent and pretty,” he told The National Herald. “I am happy they all participated…I was also impressed with their spirit. With young women like that, one thing is certain: Greece will continue to exist here in America.”

Avgerini Catechis, Chair of the Culture Committee, said “It’s a beautiful group of girls, just like the years before.

Maria Exarchakis, Miss Greek Independence 2016 at the heart of a commemorative photo with pageant organizers and contestants, including: Christina Antoniou, Nafpaktos; Christina Bogdani, Athens; Dimitra Galatoulas, Aegean; Helen Koukoulas, Gavdos; Vasiliki Mavrakis, Archaia Olympia; Georgia Mavarogeorgis, Ikaria; Louiza Molohides, 1^st Runner Up, Mylos; Irene Pappas, 2^nd Runner Up, Preveza; Georgia Paraskakis, Crete; Melina Rousos, Kalamata; Panagiota Stathopoulou, Kalavrita; Chrysoula Vlamis, Andros; Maria Eleni Zollo, Peloponessus.

“What I loved this year was that there were so many people here,” said Catechis, whose colleagues once again had reason to be proud of their efforts from the start of the process to the onstage questions read by Stella Aronis in English and Despina Galatoulas in Greek.

Last year’s winner, Claudia Giannakopoulos, presented her farewell speech before conveying the crown to her successor, who was attending the Greek Parade since she was in a stroller.

Maria Exarchakis remembers always being impressed with the girls in the pretty dresses on the float, Miss Greek Independence and her entourage. “I always thought they were such good representatives of Greek youth,” she said. “They show how more involved we can be with our heritage, and she is glad her friend Peggy Kalimanis, who had been a contestant, urged her to do the same.

One of the byproducts of the experience was the expansion of Exarchakis’ knowledge of Hellenism. “I have learned so much history I never knew, a lot more than I learned in Greek School and Sunday school and in Greece every summer when we visit religious and historic sites, but now I know the deeper meaning of everything,” which she looks forward to sharing.

Asked what it felt like when the three finalists were asked to take a step forward, she said “I thought the three of us equally – and not just us, everyone – deserved it. Everyone was studying and preparing together.”

When the name of the first runner up was announced and she realized she had won, the first thing that came to mind was to wake up her yiayia and pappou in Greece. “The first thing I texted to my mom was, “Call Pappou,” she told TNH.

Her mother Sophia, whose family is from Missolongi and is a fraud investigator for the Board of Social Services was overflowing with pride. She told TNH Maria devoted a lot of time to preparations for the pageant in the midst of her regular strenuous school and work schedule. She is studying for her graduate degree in speech language pathology at Columbia and her brother George is studying to be a biomedical engineer.

She and her husband, Dimitrios, who is a chemist with Colgate Palmolive, take their children to Greece every year to learn about their culture and language, which are family priorities. For 25 years, Dimitrios, with roots in Chania, has been the Greek dance teacher for the Cretan Society of Piscataway, NJ and Sophia has been GOYA advisor at the St. George Church for 20 years.

First runner-up Louiza Molohides is a rising junior at studying environmental engineering at the City College of New York and her younger brother is a high school senior and is thinking about a becoming a physician or veterinarian.  Their interests in the sciences reflect their parents’ work, as they own an asbestos lab in Astoria.

Miss Greek Independence in 2004 Maria Mandas, who has roots in Rethymnon, Crete was the Emcee. “They are wonderful,” she said of the contestants. “One is more amazing than the other…and I’m very proud of all of them.”

Galatoulas is confident that April 10 will be a fine day for the Parade. “God is with the Hellenes and with Archbishop Demetrios’ blessings I am sure we will have the best parade ever. I invite everyone to come to Fifth Avenue which we will turn into a sea of blue and white,” she said.

NEW YORK –  The East Mediterranean Business and Cultural Alliance (EMBCA) recently offered an intriguing presentation by geopolitics expert Dr. Michael Vlahos titled “The Empires Strike Back: Can America Avoid Major War in the Next 18 Months?”

During his greetings EMBCA founder Louis Katsos told the guests on the Ides of March “we are honored and happy to have Dr. Vlahos here tonight, and then introduced EMBCA VP and co-founder Architect John Fotiadis.

Fotiadis introduced Dr. Vlahos after noting that given the tumultuous events of the past year, “One can’t help but feel that we are moving towards an inflection point,” Dr. Vlahos, he said, would outline “what does this mean for the US and the rest of the world and where is it all going.”

Vlahos is an author and foreign affairs and national security TV commentator and is a professor in the Strategy and Policy Department at the US Naval War College and teaches in the Global Security Studies program of Johns Hopkins.

“I am honored to be here and bring to you elements of the end of the world as we know it,” his wry humor more unsettling than entertaining.

“If you look around, everywhere we see confrontation and conflict…and the prospect of clashes between the great powers, including a looming confrontation with China which will happen – I don’t know when and how and what it will lead to but it is in the cards.”

He then noted there are many issues with Russia “and a lot of scare talk – much of it from American experts,” who are focused on things like weapons systems.

But he emphasized, “War is not about the instruments of war, it’s about the people who are fighting the war and are sacrificing themselves and the reasons they are willing to sacrifice themselves.”

He spoke of the links between the lower level conflicts, including terrorism, that we have been used to in recent years and the possibility of higher level great power clashes, and then then shook the guests up more by pointing to the lighted match looming over the gasoline of clashing interests.

“What kind of dynamic is pushing humanity to conflict as the solution,” he asked, then answered: “People are literally fighting for their way of life.”

He hammered home the uncontrollable power of the emotional and the irrational in world affairs by noting that states, empires, unions “express the needs of people and they also express the failings of the ruling elites, who may not be leading for very much longer.”

Those elites have been guided for decades by a larger vision of the world with a more universal appeal than nationalism and religion “but that universal appeal is no longer the driving element of the world,” but neither are the wars we face imperial wars. “They are wars of identity. War is today about people who are searching to sustain and preserve their way of life,” he said.

“Look at the Empire of the West led by the United States in the war against the Islamic State.  A tiny group kids has taken on all of the majesty and power and glory of the western empire. How could that happen,” he asked before exploring their nature after saying what is important is not what the wars look like, but what are they being fought for.

“What weapons they are using do not matter. The look in his eyes – that’s what matters,” and he continued, “The stake is who gets to decided who you are. Wars of identity are about doing anything it takes to preserve one’s way of life.”

Vlahos then raised the ancient parallel of the conflict between Athens and the citizens of Melos it whom it sought to pull into its alliance. But the Melians didn’t feel they were gaining ally, rather they fear enslavement – and they chose to die to the last man.

He demonstrated that even Western countries are no longer true believers, unfavorably comparing “the passionate commitment and idealism at some real level” of the UN forces in the Korean war with “the absolute cynicism and disbelief” in today’s “coalitions of the willing.”

But Vlahos kept shaking the ground of the world view of the guests.

“Globalization has not failed, it has reached the end of the line…it is no longer able to fulfill its promises and the elites who have benefited – almost entirely – from globalization are now losing their authority and underlying legitimacy to run the system.”

Vlahos was able to paint a sharp and compelling picture of the social and cultural forces confronting the United States by temporarily abstracting the economic elements, and during the Q&A crushed the notion presented by one guest that an American manufacturing comeback would resolve many issues with one word: “automation,” and noted the prospect of a relatively jobless manufacturing recovery.

Those elements form the background of the rise of anti-establishment parties in Europe and candidates like Donald Trump in the United States, and more than once Vlahos used the word “revolution” as both a likely and a welcome possibility.

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA – The Hellenic American Medical & Dental Society’s  (HAMDS) recent Scholarship Dinner & Entertainment  Ceremony in Huntington Beach, CA featured as its guest speaker Diane Kochilas, a pioneer of healthy Greek Cuisine and prolific cook book author.

HAMDS was established in 1980 by Dr. James G. Kallins, an obstetrician-gynecologist, who had practiced in the community for more than 40 years, and the first president of the society was Dr. George C. Emmanouilides, Professor of Pediatrics at UCLA.

HAMDS’ mission is to promote the art and science of medicine among physicians, to encourage research and education and most importantly to sponsor, support and guide students of Hellenic descent who want to excel on the health science fields. To accomplish that, HAMDS established the S. James Vamvas Scholarship Fund in 1986. The dinner is the main fundraising event and offers the opportunity of financial assistance to medical and dental students  of Hellenic descent who attend medical or dental schools in California. Since 1988, the Fund has awarded 151 scholarships  totaling over $200,000.

This past year, HAMDS awarded six scholarships and its president, Dr. Andrew G. Gianoukakis, Associate Professor of Medicine at UCLA, told TNH that ”all 6 recipients were particularly accomplished and deserving of the acknowledgement.” He added that ”for the first time we awarded a family sponsored scholarship, the Spiros and Joan Phillips Scholarship.  The development of more  privately sponsored perpetual  scholarships is one of my goals as President.”

L to R: Evangelos Bartsokas (Dental student) being awarded a HAMDS scholarship by Sam Harkiss DDS, Andrew Gianoukakis MD, Petros Giannikopoulos MD, E. Mike Vasssilomanolakis MD.

The theme for scholarship dinner was to raise awareness for the Blue Zones, geographic areas where people live considerably longer lives and who share common lifestyles characteristics such as physical activity, social engagement and healthy diet.  One of the blue zones is the Hellenic island of Ikaria, and appropriately the guest chef Diane Kochilas spent many summers there, which is her parents’ native island.

Kochilas is the host of the most popular cooking show in Greece ‘What’s Cooking Today Mom? and she  is the consulting chef at three of the most popular Greek restaurants in the United States.

She also offers cooking classes through her Glorious Greek Kitchen Cooking school on Ikaria and culinary tours in various regions around Greece. Kochilas is also a prolific author, having written 18 cookbooks and at the dinner she talked about her book Lessons on Food, Life, and Longevity “from the Greek island where people forget to die.” The menu of the event was specifically designed by Kochilas to reflect the healthy Ikarian diet, and she discussed the island’s lifestyle.

HAMDS joined the Federation of Hellenic Medical Societies of the United States in 2000 and maintains contact with organizations of its kind such as the Hellenic Medical Society of New York. Dr. Gianoukakis told TNH that the society’s future plans include ”increasing membership and involvement of Southern California physicians and dentists, developing a mentoring and networking electronic  platform with participation of current and former awardees, and increasing societal awarding through philanthropy.” More information is available at hamds.org.

NEW YORK – The guests were energized by the Greek and American music of their youth and inspired by a tango performance, but they brought their own kefi – fueled by their love for Greece – to the fundraising dinner dance of the Athenians’ Society in the Penthouse Suite of the Terrace on the Park on March 20.

The net proceeds will benefit the Brefokomio Athinon Municipal Foundling Home and the Society’s president Panos Adamopoulos thanked the guests for their attendance and all who contributed to the event’s success, including the officers and members of the Society and especially Iota Bakoyianni, who suggested hosting a dinner dance with a nostalgia theme a year ago.

Among the guests of honor were Consul General of Greece Amb. George Iliopoulos and his wife, Anthousa, High Commissioner of Cyprus in New York Amb. Vasilios Philippou and his wife Anthea, Atlantic Bank and HACC President Nancy Papaioannou, and Christos Koutsis representing Investors Bank, along with representatives of numerous community organizations.

The dance featured music of the 50s, 60s and 70s presented by DJs of Bravo Sound and the dance demonstration of Angeliki Deisi and her partner reminded that much of the music on our grandparent’s 78s featured the fox trot and tango music that was popular in Greece before the rebetika revolution.

When past Greek Parade Chairman Dino Rallis returned from the dance floor saying “this music shows our age” – his excellent dancing did not give him away, however – a member of another generation said “no, it reminds us all of our youth. I heard these songs at home growing up too.”

The old Greek favorites were interspersed with American pop anthems like Twist and Shout and Rock Around the Clock and the dancers born in Greece were as impressive as the American-borns.

Amb. Philippou told TNH “Today’s event is yet another fine initiative of the Society in behalf of the children of the Brefokomio. It shows that diaspora Greeks, who have been continuously fighting for our national issues” have also mobilized on a philanthropic basis during the crisis. He hopes such initiatives, for which he praised Adamopoulos and the Society, will continue when Greece and Cyprus emerge from the crisis, noting that there are always underprivileged among us.

When Amb. Iliopoulos, who has fond memories of growing up in the Patissia section of Athens, was told the Diaspora does bit forget Athens during this difficult period, he responded that “Athens is our mother. It is one of the most vibrant cities in the world, notwithstanding that is has had low points in its history. We always have the hope that it will fully revive and once again become a city that has very much to offer its residents.”

He too expressed his admiration for the Society, noting “It does not only limit itself to dances and other social events and helping its members but aims to help in a practical way institutions like the Brefokomio. They are always vigilant about the needs of Athens and how they can help.”

George Kitsios, the President of the Greek Children’s Fund and the Greek American Homeowners Association of Astoria emphasized the importance of what the Society does in support of the Brefokomio. ”I hope what they do become examples for other organizations so that they also support the homeland,” he added.

The Society recently dispatched its first shipment of clothing for the needy of Athens.
They are preparing another shipment of new and gently used, clean clothing. Donors can contact Board Member, Fani Pagoulatou at 516-835-3500 for donations and further information.