NEW YORK – Greek-American brothers Nick, Chris, Sean, and Michael Hartofilis will be inducted together into the St. Anthony’s High School Hall of Fame for their impressive athletic achievements at the prestigious Melville, NY institution and beyond. St. Anthony’s has been recognized by Sports Illustrated magazine as the #1 high school athletic program in the State of New York and one of the top 50 programs in the nation. The ceremony will be hosted by New York Knicks analyst and St. Anthony’s alumnus Alan Hahn and takes place at Crest Hollow Country Club on June 26. The Hartofilis brothers are the sons of Astorians Mary and George Hartofilis and grandsons of Greek immigrants to Astoria Anna and Niketas Hartofilis of Nisyros.

The scholar athletes excelled on the football and lacrosse fields of St. Anthony’s, winning numerous Long Island Catholic League Championships and individual honors, and continued their lacrosse success at Duke (Nick and Chris), Princeton (Sean), and the University of Maryland (Michael), earning All-American, All-ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference), All-Ivy League honors, and National Championships among them. Nick played football at Duke as well—and, most importantly, all four graduated from their esteemed universities.

The Hartofilis brothers have played lacrosse professionally for Major League Lacrosse as well as on Team Ireland, representing their mother’s homeland in the World Games. They have also gone on to successful careers outside of athletics, with Nick as Chief Financial Officer for the Florida Aquastore in Boca Raton, FL, Chris as Executive Director at Rabobank in Manhattan while living in New Canaan, CT, Sean writing, directing, and producing feature films based out of Astoria, and Michael founding Greenlight Energy and Howl Inc. while living in Cold Spring Harbor, NY. The brothers are all married- Nick to Kristy, Chris to Kristen, Sean to Liza, and Michael to Kaitlin and they have 12 healthy children among them.

The brothers spoke to The National Herald about their induction into the Hall of Fame. They told TNH, “This achievement is a testament to the unyielding love, guidance, support, and sacrifice of our parents, Mary and George Hartofilis. They’re the real Hall of Famers.”

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Hard to believe, but prospective Democratic candidates mulling a run for the 2020 presidential nomination are already lining up wooing rich backers in New York, deflecting attention from their White House bids under the cover of trying to also help the party.

New York is easily the biggest giver with big money donors and not even California, with all its celebrities and star status comes anywhere near, the lure irresistible to the party’s big names – like former Vice President Joe Biden, who was the special guest at a $10,000 per-person dinner, not for him, but House Democrats, at the home of the billionaire hedge fund manager James S. Chanos.

In April, Biden attended a private fundraising lunch at the home of a major Democratic donor, Dennis Mehiel, for his political action committee. Biden has been to New York three times so far this year already.

In a feature, the New York Times outlined the growing field and the buzz behind who’s really running for President, including U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (MA) and Kamala Harris (CA).

Others calling and visiting include Terry McAuliffe, the former Virginia Governor; Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles; former Gov. Deval Patrick of Massachusetts; Gov. Steve Bullock of Montana; and the former Missouri Senate candidate, Jason Kander.

It wasn’t just out-of-towners trying to impress the New Yorkers. Local politicians keeping close to their money based included New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and Senators Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, Cory Booker of New Jersey and Chris Murphy of Connecticut.

“When a candidate calls me to talk about ‘strategy and issues,’ you grab hold of your wallet for dear life,” Robert Zimmerman, a prominent New York donor and a member of the Democratic National Committee who has been in touch with multiple prospective candidates told the paper.

Biden’s biggest supporter may be Chanos, owner of the Kynikos Associates investment firm. In 2015, he was urging Biden to run before the vice president backed away from the specter of the steamrolling frontrunner Hillary Clinton, who collapsed against Republican Donald Trump.

At the time, Chanos told NPR that Biden would “make a great president” and said they were good friends. Chanos, whose firm is named for the Greek word for cynic, well-founded when he famously predicted the fall of the Texas energy and commodities company Enron. His hedge fund makes money betting that certain company stocks will fall in value, a practice known as short-selling, but he’s up on Biden still, saying he likes the former VP’s record of working with people on both sides of the aisle and his easy-going appeal.

“I think he actually hits a chord with the middle class that a lot of the other candidates might not hit,” Chanos told NPR.

Based on data from the Center for Responsive Politics, Chanos gave the most to political groups supporting a range of Democratic candidates, including a $100,000 donation in 2012 to House Majority PAC, which supports Democratic campaigns in the House.

He describes his investment strategy as based on “intensive research into stocks” looking for fundamental and large market failures in valuation, typically based on underestimated or previously unreported failings in the business or market of a stock. He follows this research by committing to a (usually large) short-position which he is willing to hold for long period of time.

Biden could be his big bet politically even if the line to the door of New York donors is getting longer by the day the closer 2019 looms.

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SAFETY HARBOR, FL – The Nisyros Society of Florida, in its 25th year, had a picnic on May 20 at Philippe Park in Safety Harbor, one of the many Florida Gulf Coast towns in the Tampa/Clearwater area with a noticeable Greek population – the heaviest presence being in Tarpon Springs.

But the weather did not cooperate. Overcast skies and light rain filled most of the afternoon, resulting in fewer than half of the Society’s 100-plus members attending.

There are several domed areas – shelters – at Philippe Park to prevent plans from being cancelled because of rain, and so as I entered the park, I saw a sign that read: “Nisyros Society – Shelter 7.” I made my way to what I presumed was the Nisyrians’ shelter, and as soon as I exited my car, there was no mistake about it: blaring from a large speaker was the familiar sound of a rip-roaring fiddle playing Nisyrian instrumentals. I was welcomed by those who knew me, such as Society President Nick Intzes and Treasurer Manos Papaemmanouil, and introduced to many others. Papammanouil’s wife, Maria, in true Nisyrian hospitality and flair, literally took the plate from my hands just as I sat down to eat. “You don’t have enough food on your plate,” she said, “I’ll be right back.” A couple of minutes later, she brought the plate back, overflowing with food.

Nisyros only has four villages:  the capital Mandraki, Emporio, Nikia – where my parents were born – and Pali. All four were represented at the event.

Intzes, who is from Emporio, told me the Society proudly clings to all Nisyrian traditions, and holds an annual event celebrating the liberation of the Dodecanese Islands.

The Papaemmanouils are both from Mandraki, with her roots also from Pali. They explained that the Society was much larger, but as the older generation dwindled, the younger Nisyrian-Americans did not replenish the membership. Perhaps if they actually go to Nisyros and see it for themselves, I said, they’ll fall in love with it, as I did, and will want to identify more with their Nisyrian roots. They agreed.

Manos Kontoveros, from both Nikia and Pali, just moved to the area last October from New York. He lived on Long Island, but said the warm weather in Florida is incomparable. And he is happy to be surrounded by fellow Nisyrians. He also told me he misses being able to buy The National Herald (I directed him to our website, and told him he can read it every day online).

The community patriarch, 97-year-old Nikos Costidis, also from Emporio, was on hand. He came to the United States 79 years ago, and fought for the United States in World War II. A suicide commando ranger, he survived 58 combat missions in the Philippines. His memory still sharp, he explained that he was wounded on October 19, 1944.

“I’ve been going back to Nisyros every year since 1993,” he said. “And I’m going back again this year.”
I had emailed my cousin, who lives out of state, about the event, asking her to consider coming into town for it. “The Nisyrians are getting together in Clearwater,” I wrote (Clearwater is a better-known city near Safety Harbor). “There are Nisyrians in Clearwater?” she wrote back. “There are Nisyrians everywhere,” I replied.

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BOORAS, ANGELIKI

COHASSET, MA (from the Boston Globe, published on Jun. 17) – Angeliki “Kiki” Booras, a loving mother and grandmother, 66 years of age, and a longtime South Shore resident, died peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, June 14, 2018, after a courageous battle with cancer. Angeliki, or more fondly remembered as Kiki, was born to Marigoula and Christos Tzortzini in Kalamata, Greece in 1952. She was raised alongside her three beloved younger sisters in Gargaliani, Greece. Kiki immigrated to the United States in 1972, after marrying her adoring husband, Peter. Kiki dedicated herself to her family and her Church. Kiki’s outgoing and caring nature gave her many loyal friendships which she carefully cultivated throughout her life. Over the years, she nurtured and raised four loving children in Hull, and then in Cohasset. Her family was her pride and joy. She was an avid cook, baker and cake decorator. She created amazing celebratory cakes for her children, but very quickly extended her confections to other family, friends, and eventually her grandchildren who were always impressed by Yia-yia’s cinnamon trees and candy rocks. Kiki taught by example the importance of a love that is both tireless and unconditional. Kiki was more than a devoted parishioner of the Panagia Greek Orthodox Church in Cohasset. She was a Greek school teacher for many years, as well as President of the Church Philoptochos Society. She was well respected for her endless service, including her steadfast attendance of Church services; and her willingness to volunteer for events, holidays, fundraisers, coffee hours, and to assist all those less fortunate. Most especially, she was honored for her great generosity with her time and talent by the Metropolis of Boston, in 2009, when she was granted the Ministry Award. She was grateful to be able to attend the banquet with His Eminence Methodios to receive this award. Kiki was a very specially involved “Yia-Yia” (or grandmother) to her seven grandchildren, Kaliandra, Leo, Max, Orlando, Elizabeth, Charles and Audrey. Kiki never passed up an opportunity to spend time with them. From rocking newborns, to playground and ice cream outings, to attending sporting games and music recitals, to Greek and cooking lessons, to the story of her immigration, she gently extended her love and her beloved Greek culture to the youngest generation. Kiki is survived by her devoted husband of 46 years Peter Booras. Their love and support for each other over the years was unparalleled. She is also survived by her four children, Dan Booras and his wife Lara of Norwell, Chrissy Vittorini and her husband Jason of Hingham, Bill Booras and his wife Jessie of Cohasset, and Peter Booras of Maine. She also leaves her beloved mother Marigoula, and her three sisters, Ariadne, Aleka and Eleni of Greece. Kiki leaves many adoring nieces and nephews, as well as her vast network of friends gathered over the years. Most especially, Kiki leaves to us all more beautiful memories than there are stars in the sky. Visiting hours will be held on Monday June 18 at the McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home, 160 So Main St., Cohasset from 4-8 PM. Kiki’s funeral service will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 19, at the Panagia Greek Orthodox Church in Cohasset at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Kiki’s love for her Church community, donations may be made, in her name, to the Panagia Greek Orthodox Church Community Center Building Fund, 811 Jerusalem Road, Cohasset, MA 02025. Kiki, may your memory be Eternal. For an online guestbook, please visit: www.mcnamara-sparrell.com. McNamara-Sparrell Funeral HomesCohasset – Norwell781-383-0200.

ECONOMOS, VOULA

FAIRHAVEN, MA (from The Enterprise, published on Jun. 17) – Voula (Kanellopoulos) Economos, 85, of Fairhaven, passed away on Thursday, June 14, 2018 at her home under the care of her loving family and hospice after a period of failing health. She was the wife of the late Anthony SavasEconomos. Born March 15, 1933 in Sellasia, Greece, she was a daughter of the late Panagiotis Peter Kanellopoulos and Trisevgeni Jean (Karafotia) Kanellopoulos. Raised and educated in Greece, Voula emigrated to Canada in 1953. She met her husband Anthony when she moved to the United States in Revere, Mass. Anthony and Voula were married in 1960. Voula owned several restaurants in South Shore, Massachusetts. She was devoted to her family. Her main hobby was to make sure her family was well fed. She loved to cook for them. She is survived by her children, Steve Economos and his wife Eileen, Jean Davis and her husband James, and Irene Kapothanasis and her husband Paul; her grandchildren, Gregory, Alexander and NicoletteKapothanasis and Nathan Davis; her brother, Paul Kanellopoulos and his wife Theodora; and her several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Pota Kanellopoulos. Calling hours will be held in the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 457 Oak St., Brockton on Wednesday, June 20, from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in the Melrose Cemetery, Brockton. Donations may be made in Voulas memory to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund at https://ocrfa.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/ For directions and obituary visit www.Russellpicafuneralhome.com.

GEORGITSIS, CONSTANTINA

NORTH PROVIDENCE, RI(from The PAwtucket Times, published on Jun. 11) –  Constantina“Tina”Georgititsis, 71, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2018, with her children by her side. She was the wife of the late Nicholas T. Georgitsis. Born in Pragmateftis, Arcadias, Greece, she was the daughter of the late George and Anastasia (Bournakis) Tsoukatos. Together with her husband they owned and operated the Cup N’ Saucer Restaurant in Pawtucket. She was an active member of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Greek Orthodox Church in Pawtucket. She is survived by her children, Theodore Georgitsis and his wife Aimee, and Nancy Georgitsis; and her grandchildren, Ourania and Nikos Georgitsis. She was the sister of Andrew Tsukatos and Theodore Soukatos. She was the sister of the late James Sukatos, Thomas Soukas, Helen Zarokostas, Angela Zarokostas and Maria Lyssikatos. Her funeral will be held on Thursday, June 14, 2018, at 8:45 a.m. from the A.A. Mariani& Son Funeral Home, 200 Hawkins St., Providence, followed by a Funeral Service at 10 a.m. in The Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 97 Walcott St., Pawtucket. Burial will be in Swan Point Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Wednesday, 5 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Brigham & Woman’s Hospital, Development Office, 116 Huntington Ave. Boston, MA 02116. For further information please visit www.Marianiandson.com.

GREGORY, GREGG

OVERLAND PARK, KS (from the Kansas City Star, published on Jun. 14) – Gregg Gregory Gregg Gregory, 82, of Overland Park, KS passed away the 12th of June, 2018 at home. He was born in Thessaloniki, Greece and immigrated to the United States in 1956. Born one of 10 children, family and faith were the center of his life. He was a proud Greek to the end and will be remembered for his cooking, humor and gentle nature. With his warm heart and philanthropy, he touched many throughout his career, church and those unknown to him. Gregg was a communicant of St. Dionysios Greek Orthodox Church in Overland Park, KS where he served as past President of the Parish Council, festival chairman and food chairman for the Annual Greek Food Festival and member of the building committee. He was a member of AHEPA since 1956 and found great reward in the fellowship. He was waiter at The Kansas City Club and maŒtre d’/waiter at Putsch’s 210 on the Plaza. With business partner Jim Maras, Gregg co-owned and operated the Amoco/Standard Service Station on Johnson Drive for 30 years. Gregg is preceded in death by Helen his cherished wife of 45 years, parents Petros and ElpinikiGligorievitz, beloved siblings Kosta (Gus) Gregory, VerraGligorievitz, MilitzaKaiafas, Michael Gregory, Orson Gregory and Mike Gregory, nephew Konstantinos (Gus) Gregory, niece Kelly Aguire and family pets Shasi, Tashi and Myko. He will be dearly missed by his children Christine and Michael Gregory (and Jerrod Sumner), grandpups Philomena and Phoenix, siblings Vicki Aguire, Freda Harrington, Thomas Gregory and many nieces and nephews. Services will be held at St. Dionysios Greek Orthodox Church, 8100 West 95th Streetvisitation on Thursday, June 14 from 6 to 8 p.m., with the Trisagion and words of remembrance at 7:45 p.m., and funeral service on Friday, June 15, at 10 a.m., followed by a graveside service at Johnson County Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials are welcome to the Memorial Fund of St. Dionysios Greek Orthodox Church. May his memory be eternal.Arr: Park Lawn 816-523-1234.

KASIDAKOS, PANAGIOTIS

WORCESTER, MA(from the Worcester Telegram & Gazette,published on Jun. 15) – Panagiotis “Peter” Kasidakos, 92, of Worcester, died Thursday, June 14th at home. His wife and sweetheart, Angeliki (Nikolinakos) Kasidakos died in 2005. He is survived by his son, George Kasidakos of Worcester and his daughter, Vicki Helali and her husband, David of Paxton; his brother, KostantineKasidakos and his wife, Tina of Montreal; three grandchildren, Christopher and Peter Helali and Angelika Kasidakos. Two brothers, George and Nicholas Kasidakos and two sisters, StavroulaSperidakos and Despina Tsiotras predeceased him. He was born in Sikea, Laconia, Greece, the son of Leonidas and Paraskevi (Stappas) Kasidakos. Peter has worked as a tailor for the former House of Doherty and later for Filene’s in Chestnut Hill. His love of cooking provided him with great joy as family and friends savored his culinary masterpieces. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was a proud member of St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral and its Senior’s Group. His funeral is Monday, June 18th, from O’Connor Brothers Funeral Home, 592 Park Avenue with his funeral service at 11:00 a.m. in St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell Street. Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery. Calling hours are Sunday, June 17th from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home. The family requests that flowers be omitted and contributions made to the Burn the Mortgage Campaign, c/o St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral. oconnorbrothers.com.

LAHANAS, MIHALIS

TAUNTON, MA (from the Taunton Gazette,publishedon Jun. 14) – MihalisLahanas, 75, passed away on Sunday, June 10, 2018. He was the loving husband of Amalia (Maglara) Lahana. Mihalis was born in Vodino, North Epiros, Greece and was a son of the late Evangelos Lahanas and Julia (Kolios). Mihalis spent most of his life in Greece before immigrating to the US. During his life in Greece, Mihalis served as town president of his village for 17 years, where he was responsible for many contributions to his community. He was also a skilled mason, electrical contractor and enjoyed working with his hands. Mihalis enjoyed working outside in his yard and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Mihalis was always a kind gentleman, willing to help anyone, and kept a positive outlook on life. Surviving in addition to his wife are his son, John Lahanas and his wife Konstandina of Athens, Greece; daughters, AnthiMici and her husband Thanas of Taunton, AndoniaLahana of Taunton and VasilikiLahana and her companion Vasili of Athens, Greece; sisters, Eleni Kotsia and her husband Stefanos, AnthulaTsiavo and her husband Vasili, and ElefteriaBarkas and her husband Fotos all of North Epiros, Greece; nine grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. His funeral will be held on Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at 9:30am from the Crapo-Hathaway Funeral Home 350 Somerset Ave., Taunton followed by his Funeral Service at 11am in Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 457 Oak St., Brockton. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Burial will follow in Mayflower Cemetery, Taunton. Calling Hours will be held on Monday, June 18, 2018 from 4-7pm in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. To light a memorial candle, sign the online guestbook or for facility directions, please visit www.hathawayfunerals.com.

STRATIS, TULA

BROOKLYN, NY (from the Staten Island Advance, published on Jun. 5) – Tula Stratis wasborn in Camden, NJ, and moved to New York as a child. Her family moved to Greece during her childhood and shelivedthere for six years before returning to NY. Shemarried James Stratis in 1948 and had four children, Michael Stratis, Effie& PhilipTefarikis, George Stratis and Marianne and Frank Romero through 1960. GrandchildrenTiana and Bill Clark, Sean and Erin Maher, Athena and Chris Swanson, Demitri and Lillian Romero Jaime & Neil Scarfuto, Natasha and Phil Tzortzatos, Anthony Stratis, SelenaStratis, and Great Grandchildren Aria, Panagis, Athanasios, Matthew, Leonidas, Demetra. She worked diligently for fortyyears in a Philanthropic organization in Brooklyn, holding various positions on the board along with numerous PTA positions during her children’s schoolyears. She celebrated 53 years of marriage before her husband’s passing and is survived by eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.Her family members were near her during all of her life and her legacy for them all is the value of family closeness and loyalty. She will be deeply missed. Eternal be her memory. Donations can be made to The LadiesPhiloptochos Society of KimisisTheotokou (Friends of the Poor), 224 18th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215. Viewing: Tuesday June 5, 2018Dahill Funeral Parlor-2525 65th St, Brooklyn, NY 11204 from 4pm to 9pm. Funeral: 10am KimisisTheotokou Greek Orthodox Church 224 18th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215.

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THRU JULY 8

NEW YORK – The Onassis Cultural Center New Yorkpresents Birds: A Festival Inspired by Aristophanes,comprising a rich array of events that consider the enduring—and, currently, pressing—central themes of Aristophanes’ ancient satire, The Birds, April 22- July 8. The festival is produced by Onassis Cultural Center New York for the American premiere of Nikos Karathanos’ uproarious and poetic adaptation of the original Aristophanes play, presented by St. Ann’s Warehouseand Onassis Cultural Centre-Athens. Upcoming events include the family-friendly Bring the Cool: Express Yourself! Saturday, Jun. 16, 12-4 PM at the Brooklyn Museum,200 Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn. The event, hosted in partnership with Cool Culture and P.S. 1 Elementary School, and co-presented with the Onassis Cultural Center New York, is free for Cool Culture and P.S. 1 families, and free to the general public with Museum general admission.More information is available online at: onassisusa.org.

THRU OCTOBER 6

TARPON SPRINGS, FL – The City of Tarpon Springs will present Night in the Islands–a free event on the world famous Sponge Docks (Dodecanese Blvd. between Athens and Roosevelt Streets) on July 7, August 4, and October 6 this year. Enjoy a Greek panygiri with music, dancing, and dining! And we will offer an hour of free Greek dance lessons by the Levendia Dance Troupe from 6-7 PM. Night in the Islands will feature the engaging music of Odyssey in April and May, and in July, August, and September we will feature Ellada in front of the Sponge Exchange. To reserve a table for dinner, please contact participating restaurants Costa’s, Hellas, Mama’s, or Mykonos. This popular event is free, thanks to funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Tarpon Springs Merchants Association. For more information, contact Tina Bucuvalas at 727-916-0235 or tbucuvalas@ctsfl.us.

MAY 18-JUNE 30

DETROIT, MI – Angeliki’s Dowry Chest, An Exhibition and Estate Sale, opening Friday, May 18, 6-9 PM and running through June 30, presented by Trinosophes, 1464 Gratiot Avenue in Detroit. Visit Instagram @angelikisdowrychest.

JUNE 21-23

PORTLAND, ME – Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 133 Pleasant Street in Portland, holds its three-day Greek Festival Thursday, Jun. 21- Saturday, Jun. 23, 11:30 AM-9:30 PM. The wonderful family event draws more than 10,000 visitors from around the greater Portland area every year. Along with the exquisite Greek cuisine, enjoy live music, and traditional dancing. More information is available by phone: 207-774-0281 and online at: http://www.holytrinityportland.org/festival.asp.

JUNE 22-24

CAMARILLO, CA – St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church’s 2018 Ventura County Greek Festival takes place June 22-24 at Freedom Park at the Camarillo Airport, 515 Eubanks Street in Camarillo. Admission $5 and includes a free Raffle Ticket for a chance to win $3,000. Enjoy the authentic Greek food, music, dance performances, church tours, shopping, rides and events for kids. Hours: Friday, Jun. 22, 5-10 PM; Saturday, Jun. 23, 11 AM-10 PM; and Sunday, Jun. 24, 11 AM-7 PM. More information is available by phone: 805-482-1273 and online at: http://vcgreekfestival.org.

JUSTICE, IL – Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, 7560 S. Archer Road in Justice, holds the annual Greek Festival June 22-24. Everyone is invited for the authentic Greek food and pastries, kids’ rides and games, vendors, and church tours. Hours: Friday, Jun. 22 and Saturday, Jun. 23, 5-11 PM, and Sunday, Jun. 24, 12-11 PM. More information is available by phone: 708-594-2040.

MILWAUKEE, WI – Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church holds its annual Greek Festival June 22-24 at the Wisconsin State Fair Park, 640 S 84th Street in West Allis, WI. With authentic Greek food, live music and dancing, rides and games, and all proceeds benefitting Annunciation Church. Hours: Friday, Jun. 22 and Saturday, Jun. 23, 11 AM-11 PM, and Sunday, Jun. 24, 11 AM-9 PM. More information is available by phone: 414-461-9400 and online at: www.annunciationwi.org/category/greek-fest/.

OAKMONT, PA – Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church, 12 Washington Avenue in Oakmont, holds its 43rd Annual Greek Food Fest, June 22-24, one of the premier Greek food festivals in the Pittsburgh area. There is always plenty of authentic Greek food and pastries, along with live music and dance performances late afternoon and evenings. Hours: Noon-11 PM. More information is available by phone: 412-828-4144 and online at: dormitionpgh.org/greek-food-festival/.

JUNE 25

MANHATTAN – The Manhattan Chapter of AHEPA, Delphi #25, invites you to its Monthly Social & Networking Event at Kellari Taverna, 19 West 44th Street in Manhattan, on Monday, Jun. 25, 6-8 PM. Last one before summer recess. All existing members, those interested in joining, and those interested in networking are encouraged to attend. Open to ladies and gentlemen – casual business attire. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres – cash bar. Please contact ahepa25.delphinyc@gmail.com for details.

JUNE 27

BOSTON – Please join us for the annual Greek Heritage Night at Fenway Park, 4 Yawkey Way in Boston, on Wednesday, Jun. 27. This special event will feature a pre-game ceremony at 6:15 PM honoring local and influential leaders of the Greek Community. Net proceeds will benefit the Metropolis of Boston Camp. Red Sox Tickets for the Greek Heritage Night are available online at: https://groupmatics.events/event/GreekHeritageVIP2018 and https://groupmatics.events/event/GreekHeritage2018.

JUNE 29-30

PORTSMOUTH, NH – The 43rd Annual St. Nicholas Greek Festival, 40 Andrew Jarvis Drive in Portsmouth, takes place June 29-30. Join us for fresh lamb, moussaka, spanakopita, gyros, and baklava among other Greek favorites as well as live music by Opa! and the Kokoras Ensemble, DJ music by The Salonika Boys. All the food and pastries at the St. Nicholas Greek Festival taste just like your Yiayia’s recipes.Free admission. Hours: Friday 12 noon-10 PM and Saturday 12 noon-11 PM. Greek Dancing Exhibitions by our Greek School Students on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM. More information is available by phone: 603-918-6161 and online at: portsmouthgreekfestival.com.

JUNE 29- JULY 1

IRVINE, CA – St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church, 4949 Alton Parkway in Irvine, holds its 40th Annual Greek Festival- A Taste of Greece, June 29-July 1. Enjoy authentic Greek food and pastries, music and dancing, church tours, cooking demonstrations, children’s play zone, boutique and gift items from around the world, and raffle. Admission is $3 per person, children under 10 free, Seniors 65+ free on Saturday, 12-5 PM. Hours: Friday, Jun. 29, 5–10 PM; Saturday, Jun. 30, Noon – 10 PM; and Sunday, Jul. 1, Noon – 9 PM. More information is available by phone: 949-733-2366 and online at: irvinegreekfest.com.

JUNE 30

CLINTON, MA – Film: Holy Trinity’s Pantocrator–The Ultimate Mosaic Saturday, Jun. 30, 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM at the Museum of Russian Icons, 203 Union Street in Clinton. Free with museum admission. Master mosaic iconographer Robert J. Andrews was the resident iconographer for 43 years at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in San Francisco, where his crowning achievement is the 3,400-square-foot Christ Pantocrator icon in the dome—the largest mosaic face of Christ in the Western Hemisphere. This short film provides an inside look into the complex installation of Andrews’ exquisite work of art. Running time 21 minutes. More information is available by phone: 978-598-5000 and online at: www.museumofrussianicons.org.

JULY 7

CLINTON, MA – The New Martyrs: History and Trauma at a Greek Orthodox Monastery on Lesvos with Christopher Halali takes place on Saturday, Jul. 7, 2-4 PM at the Museum of Russian Icons, 203 Union Street in Clinton. Members $8, Nonmembers $12. This lecture presentation will focus on the unique history and rituals of the Monastery of Sts. Raphael, Nicholas, and Irene on the island of Lesvos. One of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the Orthodox world, the monastery is particularly interesting in the way it structures its story in relation to historical trauma, religious faith, and modern Greek “national consciousness.” Christopher Halali is currently a MALS student in Cultural Studies at Dartmouth College. His thesis research is focused on the Monastery of Sts. Raphael, Nicholas and Irene. More information is available by phone: 978-598-5000 and online at: www.museumofrussianicons.org.

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An amendment to a spending bill successfully attached by US Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland will bar the sale of US-made F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, with fears they could be used against Greece – but allow it if Turkey doesn’t go ahead with plans to also buy a Russian S-400 missile defense system.

Van Hollen, whose wife is Greek-Orthodox, said the measure would prohibit as well the transfer of the Joint Strike Fighters that are far superior to the F-16s being used by the Greek Air Force, whose pilots regularly engage in mock dog fights with Turkish jets that violate Greek air space with no rebuke from NATO, to which both countries belong.

Greek-American organizations have lobbied to stop the sale of the jets but two have already been delivered. An outcry from Congressman and Greek-American groups that Turkey could use F-35 jets against Greece was ignored with the news website Defense News earlier reporting the sale would go ahead.

The amendment, which passed with strong bipartisan support in Committee, was sponsored by the Chairman of the State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.).

Senior defense officials said if Turkey operates both the F-35 and the S-400, it could compromise the F-35’s security, including the aircraft’s stealth capabilities, and represent a strategic threat to the United States, his office said.

“It would also compromise the security of our allies and stand in clear violation of the Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions Act. This new legislative language goes a step further than the National Defense Authorization Act that the Senate passed this week, which restricts funding on the transfer of F-35 aircrafts to Turkey until the Secretary of Defense issues a report on removing Turkey from the F-35 program,” he said.

But Van Hollen is not opposed to letting Turkey acquire the F-35s even though that puts the Greek Air Force and pilots at a strategic and tactical disadvantage with Greece seeking only to upgrade its older F-16s after much wrangling with the US.

“I support the transfer of F-35 advanced aircraft to Turkey, but not if they proceed with the acquisition of the Russian S-400 missile defense system – this move would jeopardize the national security of the United States and our other allies,” he said.

He added that, “urkey’s acquisition of both systems would allow the Russians to more easily evaluate the capabilities of the F-35 and detect and exploit its vulnerabilities. That is unacceptable. This provision makes it clear that if Turkey ignores the concerns of its NATO allies and moves forward with this partnership with (Russian President Vladimir) Putin, it will no longer receive F-35s,” said Senator Van Hollen.

HOLD YOUR JETS

Turkey held a flamboyant and bizarre ceremony to celebrate its first F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighters, but if the US Senate has its way, those two fighters will be the only ones they get, Business Insider reported.

Upon receiving its first-ever F-35s from the US, Turkey held a memorable celebration that gave viewers a “taste of Turkey’s rich heritage and diverse culture,” with a long introduction song that depicted skydivers, birds, and ended with a man dressed as a bird or plane doing an aviation-themed dance, the site said.

Turkey wants to buy 100 of the advanced fighters. Retired US Air Force Lt. Gen. David Deptula told Business Insider NATO countries “don’t want to be networking in Russian systems into your air defenses” as it could lead to “technology transfer and possible compromises of F-35 advantages to the S-400.”

If Turkey owned the F-35 and the S-400, it would give Russia a window into NATO’s missile defense network and the F-35’s next-generation capabilities,it was said, defeating the purpose of the defense alliance and with no explanation why NATO isn’t moving against one of its members for buying a missile defense system from the alliance’s perceived enemy.

Lockheed Martin, which built the jets, said it expected expected the sale to go through and all the planes to be delivered, but if the House backs up the Senate, and President Donald Trump goes along, , Turkey could be stuck with only two F-35s for a long time.

The post US Sen. Van Hollen Amendment Would Block F-35s Sales to Turkey appeared first on The National Herald.

For many, a good cup of coffee is necessary to begin their day. How would you order the coffee you prefer? Greek coffee is served hot and it is boiled with the added sugar. Therefore, when you order it, you need to say whether you want it sweet, medium or plain. Γλυκός means sweet, with two teaspoons of sugar (με δύο κουταλιές ζάχαρη), medium with one (με μία κουταλιά ζάχαρη) and plain or bitter without sugar (χωρίς ζάχαρη). During summertime, Greeks still drink the hot Greek coffee, but they also love φραπές (=frappe coffee). Coffee, milk, and sugar are stirred together in a shaker and ice cubes are added. The type of coffee the Americans and the Europeans prefer is called French coffee in Greece.

CHOOSE THE TYPE OF COFFEE YOU WANT
Θέλωένανκαφέ.
THEloENankaFE.
I want (I would like) a coffee.

Θέλωένανκαφέελληνικό.
THEloEnankaFEeliniKO.
I want (I would like) a Greek coffee.

Θέλωέναφραπέ.
THEloEnafreappe.
I want (I would like) a freappe.

Θέλωέναεσπρέσο.
THeloEnaespREso.
I want (I would like) an espresso coffee.

Θέλωένανκαφέγαλλικό.
THEloEnankaFEyaliKO.
I want (I would like) a French coffee.

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR GREEK COFFEE?
Θέλω έναν καφέ ελληνικό μέτριο. Με μία κουταλιά ζάχαρη.
THEloenankaFEeliniKOMEtrio. ME MEEakootaliAZAhari.
I want (I would like) a Greek coffee, medium. With one teaspoon of sugar.

Θέλω έναν καφέ ελληνικό γλυκό. Με δύο κουταλιές ζάχαρη.
THEloenankaFEeliniKOyliKO. ME DEEokootaliESZAhari.
I want (I would like) a Greek coffee, sweet. With two teaspoons of sugar.

Θέλω έναν καφέ ελληνικό χωρίς ζάχαρη.
THElo enan kaFE eliniKO hoREES ZAhari.
I want (I would like) a Greek coffee without sugar.

HOW TO ORDER A COLD FRAPPE COFFEE
Θέλω ένα φραπέ μέτριο με γάλα.
THEloEnafreappeMEtrio ME YAla.
I want (I would like) a frappe coffee with milk.

Θέλω ένα φραπέ γλυκό χωρίς γάλα.
THEloEnafreappeyliKOhoREESYAla.
I want (I would like) a frappe coffee, sweet without milk.

ORDER COFFEE FOR YOUR FRIENDS
Δύοκαφέδεςπαρακαλώ.
DEEokaFEdesparakaLO.
Two coffees, please.
Έναν ελληνικό μέτριο και ένα φραπέ γλυκό με γάλα.
EnaneliniKOMetrio KΕEnafreappeyliKO ME YAla.
A Greek coffee medium and a frappe sweet with milk.

GREEK YOU ALREADY KNOW
Καφές. The international word for coffee.
Γλυκός is a compound of English words like glycose, glycol.
Μέτριος means medium from the Greek word μέτρο>meter (measure).
Ζάχαρη comes from the same root like the English word sugar.
Γάλα is found in English words like galactic, galaxy.

BASIC GRAMMAR
Feminine gender nouns form the plural in –ες. Η κουταλι-ά/ οι κουταλι-ές. Masculine nouns ending in –ες form the plural in –έδες.Οκαφές/ οικαφέδες. Οφραπές/ οιφραπέδες.

BASIC VOCABULARY
Greek word Pronunciation Meaning
Θέλω THElo I want, I would like
Ο καφ-ές o kaFES coffee
Οικαφέδες EE kaFEdes coffees
O φραπ-ές o freappeS frappe coffee
Ο ελληνικ-ός ο elliniKOS Greek
Ο γαλλικ-ός oyaliKOS French
Ο ζεστ-ός ο zeSTOS hot
Ο γλυκ-ός ο yliKOS sweet
Ομέτρι-ος o MEtrios medium
Η κουταλι-ά EE kootaliA teaspoon
Οικουταλιές EE kootaliES teaspoons
ΈναEna one (masculine, neuter gender)
Μία MEEa one (feminine gender)
Δύο DEEo two
Ηζάχαρ-η EE ZAhari sugar
Τογάλ-α TO YAla milk
Χωρίς hoREES without
Με ME with
Και KE and

PRONUNCIATION KEY
i (idiom), ee (needle), e (energy), o (organism), oo (boot), y (yes), h (helium), th (theory), d (the). The capitalized syllables are accented.

The post Our Everyday Greek: Survival Guide for Greece Travelers: How to Order Your Coffee appeared first on The National Herald.

ATHENS – As food industry veteran Phil Kafarakis approaches his second anniversary as President of the Specialty Food Association (SFA), he is excited about the annual Specialty Food Show that will pack Manhattan’s Javits Convention Center June 30-July 2, but he is also thrilled about the opportunities his position presents for him to help Greece make long-awaited export breakthroughs.

“I have seen progress…There will be 2800 exhibitors, close to 100 from Greece” in government sponsored and private pavilions. “I am very excited,” but the industry leader and father of four believes in tough love. The priceless advice he offers Hellenes comes with a sting. Point one: “It’s difficult to enter a marketplace if you don’t have a plan.” He urges attendees to “come prepared to business.  It’s not enough to merely be present.”

He tells the truth about the marketplace, but adds “I don’t want people to feel intimidated about coming to the U.S. market. It is large, but segmented- you can pick and choose your opportunities based on the size and capability. There are some great companies here and they come to the show and make good impressions.”

SFA tapped his leadership at moment of turmoil and opportunity for companies “due to the aggressiveness of small entrepreneurs pulling away chunks of the marketplace. Our new vision is shaping the future of food. It’s an exciting time and that’s why I excited about being here. And I’m proud of being Greek and helping in any way I can.” Changes in consumer behavior, like new emphases in health and wellness, shine a spotlight on the Mediterranean diet so “Greece fits right in,” Kafarakis said.

The path of opportunity begins with self-assessment: “First, figure out what you can and can’t do, and then come into the market.”

And he takes his own advice. Akey turn in his career was earning an MBA at Georgetown University when he was 46, excelling in an elite program while he continued in businesses with three of his four kids in college. With the support of his wife, a teacher, it was a classic “Back to School” scenario. “It was crazy, but a lot of fun,” he said.

Told agriculture could be the sleeper economic sector in Greece, Kafarakis responded: “It is – they don’t know it, but it is and so is the whole idea of connecting all the elements of the Greek experience, whether it’s on a farm or beach, antiquities and food.”

He knows Greece and how to speak with Greeks because he grew up in Athens before his family moved to the U.S.Kafarakis is devoted to community and the Church – “we lived in 11 Greek Orthodox Communities across the country” with his strongest roots in the Baltimore -Washington area.

He won a track and field scholarship to Northern Arizona University, “then I came backnmarried my high school sweetheart, a Greek girl from DC, and went into the food business,” including 10 years at McCormick & amp Company.

Numerous trips to Greece revealed a reality in the food sector rife with frustration and opportunity. “Frankly, it is dysfunctional. They need a lot of work about how to go into the marketplace. Everybody thought ‘if you know somebody, what else do you need?’”

But there are pioneers leading the charge promoting Greek foods. “It’s happening, it can be done, but my greatest plea to people in Greece is please try to work together!If you do that, the pie really does get bigger.”

“They must set aside their differences. Let the co-op model that works well for other countries work for them.Let it be your marketing and sales arm but Greece’s co-ops are dysfunctional. They can’t seem to figure out how to work together.”

“The government is trying to foster change, but they must accelerate entrepreneurial programs and getting small family businesses into markets – they would thrive,” he said, and he fears Greece might miss the boat if they wait for a generational shift – there is competition, like the Israelis, and even Turkey.

“There are other organizations in addition to ours that can help them,” he said,the Greek government’s Enterprise Greece, diaspora groups like The Hellenic Initiative which reaches out to start-ups, and “The American Hellenic Chamber of Commerce is doing good work, focusing on professional best practices.”

Still, “it is like pulling teeth try to get people to understand the importance of time lines and the strategic and focused planning approaches required for success,” he said.

Then there is the government. “People in the Diaspora still see the government as dysfunctional. I tell people I want to build and a house in Greece and they laugh at me.”

“Tt’s a lot better than it’s been,” he said “but you still can not accelerate any type of investment project here. What you need here to move those things along is still an unknown,” at all government levels.

“I think the crisis jolted them into understanding some of the development issues it can come together if they accelerate things like enterprise zones. You see what is happening in the hotel sector with all that money coming all the investors are watching to see how that works.”

There are still horror stories about what happens when antiquities are found. “There must be a way for bridging some of those problems and balancing archaeological and environmental concerns build around it – quickly,” but the seemingly endless process has kept many serious investors away Kafarakis said.

He knows what he is talking about. “We built two plants in China in 8 years.”

“U.S. Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt has been terrific,” Kafarakis said, strengthening economic ties. “SFA will be involved in the Thessaloniki International Fair in September, trying to get American firms to Greece, which is a gateway to Eastern Europe – especially for small and midsize U.S. companies,”

He believes big investors will come, “but the growth and the opportunities are in smaller, family-run businesses willing to take risks. That’s the model around the world, but you must help them.”

Finally, Kafarakis believes Greek-Americans – not just the fantastic young restaurateurs – are excellent ambassadors for Greek food. He said what’s been done with “the Mediterranean diet is great, but it seems to have gotten stuck on the academic side – studies and conferences. We need to throw it into discussions about lifestyles, and show how it plays into health, wellness with a variety of foods – Greek yogurt is a phenomenon in the United States that you can build on.”

The post Greek Firms Charge into Specialty Food Show, Helped by Phil Kafarakis appeared first on The National Herald.

NEW YORK (AP) — The government’s prized cooperator at a corruption trial that grew from an ambitious New York state redevelopment plan known as the Buffalo Billion began his testimony Thursday, describing how a developer and a key player in the project forged a solid relationship after bonding while talking about cars.

Kevin Schuler told a Manhattan federal court jury that his boss at the Buffalo construction firm LPCiminelli and a former state university president who was the brains behind the plan were not doing much talking at an initial dinner meeting in the spring of 2013 until the table chatter changed.

Others at the dinner labored to keep the conversation going while Louis Ciminelli, the chief executive at LPCiminelli, and Greek-American Alain Kaloyeros, former president of the State University of New York’s Polytechnic Institute, were not particularly vocal, recalled Schuler, then a senior vice president at the company.

He said the “ice got broken through Louis’ and Dr. Kaloyeros’ love of cars.”

By mid-summer of 2013, the men were scouting possible construction sites in Buffalo along with a representative from Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office and others, Schuler said.

And now, they’re co-defendants along with two other men at a trial resulting from claims by federal prosecutors that Ciminelli and Kaloyeros were part of a conspiracy to ensure that the lucrative jobs worth hundreds of millions of dollars would go to favored developers.

Schuler said Ciminelli liked the get-it-done approach of Kaloyeros and it was well-known at LPCiminelli that Kaloyeros once boasted that if the project was fully in his control: “I would have spent the first billion and been on to the second billion.”

Schuler, who pleaded guilty in a cooperation deal with prosecutors last month to charges that he committed fraud during the bidding process, said he was asked in 2013 to suggest wording LPCiminelli would like to be used in the bidding materials distributed to potential developers.

He said the request came from Todd Howe, a consultant hired by LPCiminelli. Howe, who also pleaded guilty to charges and was cooperating with the government, is behind bars after revealing at an earlier corruption trial that he had not revealed all his crimes to prosecutors. He will not be called to testify at this trial.

Schuler quoted Howe often in his hour of testimony Thursday, saying that Howe once boasted that he had mended a once-rocky relationship between the Democratic governor and Kaloyeros by stressing to Kaloyeros the importance of “giving the credit to the governor for good things that are going on.”

“By 2013, he was considered a rock star,” Schuler said of Kaloyeros.

All four defendants in the trial expected to last at least three more weeks have pleaded not guilty. Schuler resumes testimony Monday.

Lawyers for Kaloyeros and Ciminelli say Howe framed their clients. They say the bidding process that landed Ciminielli’s firm a high-tech factory construction job worth over a half-billion dollars was conducted fairly.

—
By LARRY NEUMEISTER , Associated Press

The post Government’s Key Witness Testifies in Alain Kaloyeros’ Case appeared first on The National Herald.

CHICAGO – The PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation (PHSF) awarded over a quarter million in scholarship funding to 45 students of Hellenic descent pursuing a higher education in the U.S. at its annual gala held at the Hilton Chicago on June 16th.

Recipient of this year’s Paradigm Award was former White House Chief of Staff for President Donald Trump, Greek-American Reinhold Richard “Reince” Priebus. Taking the stage, Priebus spoke about his Greek roots and faith, emphasizing their impact on him as a student and professional.

“I was blessed to grow up in such a resilient foundation, but I also discovered that faith is extremely personal as well. Faith will get you through some of the most challenging times of your life and will help you determine which direction you turn,” Priebus said.

“As the world around us changes rapidly and brings us new and complicated challenges, faith is what keeps us centered, education is what prepares us, and history is what already provides a blueprint,” he added.

Some 550 guests attended the black tie event, which included two cocktail receptions, an awards ceremony, dinner, live entertainment, $10,000 grand prize raffle, and an after party. Mistress and master of ceremonies were TV personalities and PHSF alumni Trish Christakes and Pete Zervakis.

“Each year, friends and supporters of the PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation continue to answer the call and lift up our best and brightest, providing the building blocks of a strong and fortified future,” Priebus said.

Of Greek descent on his mother’s side, Priebus served as White House Chief of Staff from January to July 2017, and as the chairman of the Republican National Committee from 2011 to 2017. During his speech, Priebus spoke of his dedication to work as a student, climbing the ladder as a young professional, eventually landing a role as Republican National Committee chairman.

“…I became chairman of the RNC and then became the longest serving chairman in the history of the Republican National Committee. I’d like to say that because I want to make sure you know I can keep a job for more than six months,” he joked as the crowd blew up in applause.

“The point I want to make for the students is…there really is no formula other than working really, really, hard and taking every single opportunity you have to do the best you can do…and slowly but surely, good things happen.”

After resigning from his White House post, Priebus has since returned to private practice as an attorney, and is a speaker with the Washington Speakers Bureau.

Of the 45 scholarship recipients, a total of 20 received the need-based $10,000 award, while 25 received the merit-based $2,500 award.

“The financial assistance is a huge help. Everyone knows that an education isn’t cheap nowadays in the U.S, but it also means a lot to be recognized among these scholars and future leaders and superstars of the world within the Greek-American community,” said Darden Livesay, 2018 PHSF scholarship recipient. “To be here as a recipient is a huge honor for me,” he added.

The PHSF gala was preceded with two networking events where alumni and this year’s award recipients had the opportunity to mingle with local and out of state professionals in various fields. On Friday, June 15th, a cocktail reception was held at the offices of law firm Holland and Knight, overlooking the Chicago skyline, while a weekend kickoff party was later that night held at 9 Muses in Greektown.

“I think it’s really amazing how the PHSF has expanded over the years…through the alumni weekend networking events you really have the opportunity to meet Greeks from all over the United States,” said Jimmy Schooley, 2009 PHSF scholarship recipient. “This is a great opportunity to meet people you wouldn’t know otherwise,” he said.

The weekend also included a Mentorship Luncheon, co-sponsored by The Hellenic Initiative at the Racquet Club of Chicago, featuringHis Eminence Metropolitan Nathaniel of Chicago as keynote speaker, and about ten mentors in the fields of business, medicine, law and technology.

“The ‘gift’ of a scholarship coming from the PHSF has a double merit because it not only gives the opportunity to the recipients to pursue their academic studies, but it also helps them and their families get involved with the Hellenic diaspora and maintain the strong ties with Greece,” said Michael Konidaris, economist and mentor at the joint THI PHSF luncheon.

Launched in 2002 by the late businessman and philanthropist Chris P. Tomaras, the PHSF gala celebrates the academic and business achievements of students and professionals of Hellenic descent.

“The Greek community…came to America to better themselves, and they very smartly realized the way to do that is get to schools and get an education,” said PHSF Chairman of the Board of Directors, Robert A. Buhler. “Not all of them could do that. Chris Tomaras couldn’t do that so he worked very hard and because of that, he wanted more people to more easily have that opportunity…and that’s the essence of succeeding I think.”

The PHSF, whose goal is to “build a better America through education and Hellenism,” has to date awarded over $4 million in scholarships to a total of 450 students.

“Mr. Tomaras became a close mentor and inspired me to stay involved in the organization,” said Demi Giannaras, 2007 PHSF scholarship recipient and junior board member.

“Being awarded a scholarship by the PHSF is akin to obtaining a lifetime membership into an amazing network. I owe a lot to the foundation, and am happy to have a seat at the table in order to pay it forward,” she said.

The post PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation Awards over a Quarter Million in Scholarships appeared first on The National Herald.

ASTORIA – HANAC (Hellenic American Neighborhood Action Committee) held its High School Equivalency (HSE)/GED Graduation Ceremony at the George Douris Tower on June 14. Mrs. Evangeline Douris, Founder and Chairman of HANAC and Mr. John Kaiteris, the CEO of HANAC were in attendance as well as other HANAC staff, to offer their best wishes to the graduates.

Evthoxia Panos- HANAC’s Director of Adult Literacy and Legal Immigration Services spoke to The National Herald about the event. She said, “We had 32 Graduates that night and another 10 who couldn’t be there. There has not been a HANAC HSE graduation for at least 5 years. It was a lovely event and very moving having the graduates there with their family and friends who were there to support them for this huge milestone in their lives and this major accomplishment of receiving their High School Equivalency Diploma in order to obtain better jobs in the future and perhaps go on to college to further their studies.”

Assistants to the Director- Athena Beltecas and Lucy O’Brien, and HSE Teachers- Patrick Brennan, Marco Castillo, Mark Jamison, Dora Korewa, Yasmine Lancaster, and Pedro Raza were also present.

The Graduates:

Schantel Allen

Sandra Arqueta

Terrence Booth

Sharon Clarke

Ismaila Colley

Bernardita L. Cuervo

Beatriz De Jesus

Lorenzo De Jesus

Jaemella C. Duncan

Callin Edwin

Crystal Epps

Christopher Espada

Jessica Figueroa

Lucia Gaudino

Adina Hojda

Elvis Issaka

Komi Johnson

Jhonneidy Lora

Twanda Mack

Joshua Martinez

Maria Mayancela

Veronica Medina

Letitia Munroe

Nikola Ntoni

Santiago Pardo Reyes

Juan C.Perez

Jah- Keda Phillips

Crystal Rountree

Anthony Sorey

Natasha Vaughn

Jesse Wynne

Marcus Wynne

The ESL student performers were Gabriela Marcillo and Olga Panteli.

We wish them all the best for the future.

HANAC, Inc. – originally founded by George Douris as the Hellenic American Neighborhood Action Committee – is a New York City based multi-faceted social services organization with administrative offices at 27-40 Hoyt Avenue S in Astoria and fiscal office at 1250 Broadway in New York City. The organization was founded in 1972 to serve the needs of vulnerable populations throughout New York City.

HANAC’s organization mission is:

To develop, implement and administer the operation of service programs for the betterment of the community

To provide these services to any and all who are needy without discrimination as to race, creed, national origin or other defining characteristic

And to work closely with other providers, the city, state and federal governments for the betterment of the community.

More information about HANAC programs is available online at www.hanac.org.

The post HANAC High School Equivalency Graduation Ceremony in Astoria appeared first on The National Herald.

NEW YORK – A new chairman was appointed to head The Battery Park City Authority on June 19. George Tsunis, who chairs the Nassau Health Care Corp. (NuHealth), the health system that operates Nassau University Medical Center (NUMC), has been tapped to succeed Dennis Mehiel, who resigned last week following a six year tenure.

Mr. Tsunis was appointed to the board of The Battery Park City Authority last year by Governor Andrew Cuomo. Tsunis also serves on the board of directors of the New York Convention Center Development Corporation and the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation. Additionally, Tsunis is chairman and CEO of Chartwell Hotels. The Battery Park City Authority is the state public benefit corporation that oversees Battery Park City, the 92-acre planned development on Manhattan’s lower west side.

“I am honored by the trust placed in me by my fellow Board Members and will endeavor each day to validate their decision, guided by the principle that our residents and community will always be priority one,” Tsunis said.

Tsunis is a member of the board of trustees of Friends Academy in Locust Valley and Hofstra University on Long Island. Tsunis also underwrote the James and Eleni Tsunis Library at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Hamptons in honor of his parents. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from New York University and his Juris Doctor from St. John’s University’s School of Law. Tsunis and his wife, Olga, live in Matinecock, NY with their three children.

The post George Tsunis Named New Chairman of Battery Park City Authority  appeared first on The National Herald.

ASTORIA – The Astoria stations on the N and W line finally reopened on June 22 after 8 months of renovations which upgraded the aesthetics and the technology of the stations. Of course, this development has made the business-owners near the stations extremely happy, after they saw the foot traffic in their quarters decline and their turnover drop, since the metro stations are considered “nuclear weapons” for the local businesses.

“I have been on 30th Avenue for 45 years, I do not remember a happier day than today. We have had many difficulties, all the businesspeople. Finally a happy ending, all well, the work is finished and the station opened again. As you can see, today we have a huge crowd on the 30th Avenue,” United Brothers owner Tom Kourkoumelis told The National Herald. He had expressed his concern at the time of the announcement that the work would be extended.

“It was very bad and there was a great deal of damage to us all. It was not just the train, but the work that closed the streets. Fortunately, today the station opened and I wish things get better. From what I was told, the work was worth it, but it was difficult for us,” “says Vangelis Amvrosiatos, a manager at a pastry shop in the area.

The 36th and 30th Avenue stations closed last October, with the prospect of opening again on April 1st. However, it was decided to extend the timetable for more than two months, with a deadline of June 22, which proved to be accurate.

At the same time, the shopkeepers had protested, and even elected officials questioned the practical usefulness of the work, in relation to the time of their implementation and the side effects.

“Those who said we could benefit from the neighboring stations made a big mistake. Do you know anyone who will come to 30th Avenue and carry 5 bags from the supermarket or a watermelon and go as far as Broadway? We were in a worse situation than 31st Avenue. Today, I’m glad to see! Yesterday, at this time of day, there was not even one person to be seen,” Mr. Kourkoumelis said.

In fact, the pastry shop owner, Panagiotis Kambitsis, told TNH that at his shop many customers who had not come in for several months, came in and told his colleagues how much they missed them.

Aesthetic and technological upgrading

Regarding the new look and status of the stations, there is no doubt that there is a major difference before and after, because apart from the radical aesthetic upgrade, there are also facilities that until a few months ago were considered… luxuries: clocks showing arrival times, glass dividers, digital screens for real-time updates, a USB charging station, improved lighting, and works of art.

The electronic security measures were also upgraded with surveillance cameras at the entrances.

“To begin with, this work should have been done years ago. I went and saw it, the station is very nice. It will be an opportunity for the stores to go up, as in the last few months work has dropped here, “said Costas Manesis, while Panagiotis Kampitsis was in favor of a full upgrade of the New York transit system.

“The New York transit system is old and needs refurbishment. There are a lot of people. The 30th Avenue station was closed for eight months, but there is worse. Some other stations will close for years,” “he said.

Next Stop 39th Avenue and Broadway Stations

Since Friday, the N and W have been working well – not counting weekend work – but for a long time. All this as the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) prepares the second phase of work on the “cluster” with Broadway and the 39th Avenue stations, which served the passengers during this time, scheduled to close on July 2.

The work will also last eight months, and the stations are expected to take on a similar look as those at 30th and 36th Avenues. The total cost of the aesthetic and technological upgrading program developed by the MTA is $150 million.

The post Astoria Stations at 30th and 36th Avenues Reopen, Business Owners Rejoice (Vid & Pics) appeared first on The National Herald.

Rev. Father Agapius Honcharenko is one of the most controversial figures in the early history of Eastern Orthodox in the Western Hemisphere. While much about his life remains in question, without a doubt, this man celebrated the first two Eastern Orthodox church services ever held in the United States.

First, on March 2, 1865, Honcharenko celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Trinity Chapel of the Anglican Church in New York City. His next church service was in New Orleans on April 15, 1865, in St. Paul’s Church. It must be remembered that at this moment in time, Honcharenko was the only Orthodox priest in North America, outside of Alaska. Future research will have to determine a host of questions now surrounding Honcharenko. I will limit my survey of events here to a selected review of Honcharenko’s life before arriving in North America and then something of his stay in New Orleans.

The ever-enigmatic Honcharenko did not even begin life with the name he is best known by in Eastern Orthodox circles. Andrii Humnytsky was born on August 31, 1832, in Kryvyn, Skvyra county near Kiev to a prominent Cossack family. In 1853, Humnytsky entered the seminary at the Kievo-Pechersk (Kiev Caves) Lavra being ordained as a deacon in 1856. The following year Humnytsky was assigned to the Russian Embassy church in Athens.

Humnytsky is said to be the first Ukrainian political emigre to arrive in the United States. According to Humnytsky, he was deeply involved in political issues such as the emancipation of the Russian serfs for which he denounced both the Tsar and His Government as well as the Russian Orthodox church for supporting this system of slavery. Humnytsky began to write, anonymously, a series of articles on these topics in the socialist journal Kolokol (The Bell). In 1860, Humnytsky’s identity as author was discovered and he was sent to jail. Escaping imprisonment Humnytsky, changed his name to Honcharenko to avoid authorities.

While still unclear, Honcharenko always claimed he was ordained in Greece, sometime in 1864.

For our purposes here it is enough to say there is an ongoing debate over whether Honcharenko was ever actually ordained. On December 21, 1864 (according to the Julian Calendar) Honcharenko arrived in New York City, allegedly, with the specter of Russian authorities still pursuing him.

Nearly a month after his New York City church service, “Father Agapius, the Russo-Greek priest, now residing in this city, will leave in a few days for New-Orleans, where there are about 300 Sclavonians (sic) and others who belong to the communion of his church. The Father will make a short stay in New-Orleans for the purpose of baptizing those who desire it (New York Times March 26, 1865).”

It is generally accepted that Nicholas Benachi invited Honcharenko to New Orleans and it would seem likely that if that was the case then Demetrios Botassi also had a hand in the arrangements. On April 9, 1865, Honcharenko arrived in New Orleans abroad the George Cromwell. That very same day Robert E. Lee met face-to-face with Ulysses S. Grant to offer the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia in the McLean House in the village of Appomattox Court House, Virginia signaling the end of the Civil War.

On April 11, 1865, New Orleans newspapers carried an Open Letter by Honcharenko announcing his intent of celebrating “the divine liturgy, according to the Orthodox Oriental Church…on Saturday next, April 15th, at 10:30AM in St Paul’s Protestant Church.” Honcharenko also invited any and all visitors to his residence “every morning, excepting on Saturday next, until 12 o’clock.” While Honcharenko stayed in an apartment at No. 7 St. Ann Street, Jackson Square near the residents of both Greek merchant Andrea Dragon and his son-in-law Andrea Dimitry, for the moment, this seems, to be only a coincidence. In this general announcement Honcharenko, also clearly states, “I intend to remain here only until the 22nd of April—through Passion and Easter weeks.”

Various New Orleans newspapers reported upon this April 15th service. One anonymous eye-witness wrote (in part): “we attended, by invitation, the service performed yesterday in St. Paul’s Church, where we found assembled a goodly congregation, including fifty or sixty persons belonging to the Oriental Church. These latter had seats near the chancel, except such as were within it, assisting in the services.

“At the appointed hour for beginning the services, the Rev. Father Agapius entered the church, robed in a white vestment much like the surplice of the Episcopal clergy, but having a small gilt cross on the back and a gilt border round the vestment. He was accompanied by the Rev. Dr. Vallas and Rev. Messrs. Guion and Hopkins, of the Episcopal Church, the first and last in surplices and the second in the black gown used by Episcopal clergymen, also by several members of the Greek Communion in plain clothes…

“At the commencement of the service, the worshipers, including the entire congregation, rose to their feet and remained standing until the end of the service. For the most part, Father Agapius faced the Altar while performing the rites, but occasionally, he turned to the people to give them his blessing…

“The attendants were ranged on each side of the church , and facing thus the altar or communion table, which was covered with a white cloth, and had upon it six lighted tapers and a small painting of two figures which we were not able to distinguish, so as to say who they represented […more details of the service are provided and then the account closes with…]

“After this the scene ended with a benediction, and the congregation were dismissed. The service of the Greek Church is much more simple and unaffected than we supposed. It was unintelligible to us, because in a tongue unknown to us; but it was in the vernacular of the worshiper for whose benefit it was held (Daily Picayune April 16, 1865).”
I find it interesting that this unnamed individual never thought to ask any of the Orthodox Faithful what was taking place.

One last point of Honcharenko’s visit to New Orleans needs discussion. In his Memoirs, Honcharenko states: “the Faithful of the Greek Orthodox Church in New Orleans requested that I visit them, and on April 1, I arrived there from New York and baptized 50 children, heard confessions and administered Holy Communion. I also blessed the location where the new Greek Orthodox Church was to be built…” Another news report states that Honcharenko baptized approximately 30 individuals. Still, another published account cites only 11 individuals being baptized.

The documents cited above as well as many others report well-beyond a reasonable doubt that Honcharenko did, in point of fact, celebrate the Divine Liturgy in New Orleans. That he performed other priestly duties such as confession and baptism seem likely but given the detailed newspaper coverage of Honcharenko’s activities up to this point it is exceedingly odd no mention is made in the public press of any other Orthodox services. This is not to say baptisms, confessions and blessings by Honcharenko were inconceivable. Anyone descended from the 1880 to 1920 waves of Greeks to the United States has seen early photographs of priests baptizing babies in people’s homes or other settings long before churches were built in this country.

Another more critical point to raise is that there is no evidence that Honcharenko was ever asked to be the first priest of the Orthodox community of New Orleans. Even by his own admission while Honcharenko asserts that he blessed the proposed future site of what was to be the Holy Trinity Orthodox church the actual building did not then exist.

On leaving New Orleans, Honcharenko returned to New York and from there continued on to San Francisco. Honcharenko later moved to Alameda County, California, and was an outspoken critic of both the Russian government and the Orthodox Church for rest of his life. On May 5, 1916, the man known as Agapius Honcharenko passed away in Hayward, CA.

While the person of Agapius Honcharenko remains in open dispute none can deny that as far as the Orthodoxy in North America is concern this individual celebrated the first two liturgies in the United States of America. Whatever else can be said for this lone man’s presence in the New World without question he inspired the Orthodox faithful in this country. So, whether a saint or a sinner, the man we know today as Agapius Honcharenko’s role in the history of Orthodox in North America is forever assured.

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PHILADELPHIA – The Pan Macedonian Society of Greater Philadelphia, will host a meeting on Wednesday, June 27 2018, 7:30pm at Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, focusing on Macedonian issue.

“The Pan Macedonian Society of Greater Philadelphia, will be hosting an important meeting on Wednesday, June 27 2018, 7:30pm at Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. The main focus of this meeting will be the MACEDONIAN ISSUE,” Pan Macedonian Society of Greater Philadelphia says via a press release.

Read below the official letter explaining the purpose for this meeting:
Pan Mac Letterhead 2018 Gen mtg 6-27-18 all presidents

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MERRICK, NY – The Greek Orthodox community of St. Demetrios in Merrick, Long Island, successfully organized the four-day Greek Festival, June 14-17, which, as in previous years, was the largest cultural event in the area.

The festival began on Thursday with the blessing performed by the presiding priest of the community Rev. Fr. Nikiforos Fakinos. Authentic Greek food and pastries as well as live music and dancing, games and rides for all ages, were enjoyed by the crowds who visited throughout the four-day event. The festival concluded on Sunday night with the drawing of the raffle, which included 40 gifts and two cars.

The tireless efforts of the community members and dozens of volunteers contributed to the success of the event. Everyone in attendance looks forward to next year’s festival.

The proceeds from the festival will be earmarked to support the community’s educational, cultural, and charitable projects.

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BALTIMORE, MD – International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) is responding to the fast-moving wildfires that have devastated parts of East Attica, including port city Rafina and nearby village Mati, along the Aegean coast. IOCC is working closely with Apostoli, the humanitarian arm of the Archdiocese of Athens, to meet the most basic needs of those who have lost their only homes.

Since fires broke out on July 23 and rapidly spread across the parched seaside region, IOCC and partner organization Apostoli have been in close communication. As first responders and volunteers continued search and rescue operations on the morning of July 24, Apostoli staff deployed to conduct a rapid needs assessment and to distribute emergency food and water near Rafina, in East Attica.

In addition, IOCC is supporting immediate basic needs like access to food. Through partner Apostoli, IOCC will distribute prepaid grocery cards to families affected by the fires, allowing them to purchase essential items like Greek-grown produce, dairy, and meat, as well as personal hygiene items, including soap and shampoo.

“Greece has faced so many tragedies over recent years, from the fires in the Peloponnese in 2007 to the more recent economic and refugee crises,” said IOCC’s Executive Director and CEO Constantine M. Triantafilou. “A tragedy of this scale in Greece touches the hearts of so many Orthodox Christians in the U.S. We are grateful for the continued outpouring of love and support for the people of Greece.”

Those wishing to support IOCC’s response to the Attica wildfires can do so with a financial gift online (iocc.org/greecefires) or by phone (877-803-4622).

IOCC is the humanitarian and development agency of the Assembly of Canonical Bishops of the United States of America. Since its inception in 1992, IOCC has provided more than $661 million in humanitarian relief and sustainable development programs in over 60 countries worldwide. Today, IOCC applies its expertise in humanitarian response to man-made and natural crises in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the United States, offering assistance based solely on need.

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MELBOURNE – Whilst the devastation of the firestorm that hit the outskirts of Athens has left many with a deep sense of loss, the Greek community in Victoria is actively seeking to arrange a coordinated and focused relief campaign.

Having earlier spoken to the Alternate Foreign Minister Terence Quick and the Greek Ambassador to Australia amongst other officials, the advice was to get organized but to wait for direction from Greece to best target any assistance that the diaspora would seek to offer.

The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) has spoken with other Victorian Greek community organizations seeking a collaborative approach in raising support for the inevitable relief program that will follow.

“We have spoken with both the Delphi Bank and the Bank of Sydney and asked them to open the relevant accounts to allow for donations to start to be collected. I have also spoken with a number of Greek community leaders encouraging them to coordinate altogether and provide a targeted response as requested by the Greek authorities,” said GCM president Bill Papastergiadis who himself has only just returned from Athens and knows the devastated region well.

“I am sure that there will be a number of ways in which we can assist and have already started to collate the possible relief beneficiaries. To that extent, I have only just spoken with Giorgios Patoulis, the President of the Central Union of Municipalities of Greece (KEDE) who informed me that his organization with the support of the Mayor of Rafina, will set up a fund for first home owners who lost a home and were uninsured” Papastergiadis explained.

The GCM has also been active on the home front with meetings organised with the Federal Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Alan Tudge and the Victorian Minister for Multiculturalism, Robin Scott in the coming days.

The Greek Community of Melbourne remains shocked and expresses its heartfelt support and deepest condolences to all the families who lost loved ones in the devastating firestorm. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

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TORONTO – Toronto police have identified the 10-year-old girl killed in Sunday’s mass shooting as Julianna Kozis. They say she is from Markham, Ontario, and her family is requesting privacy during their time of grief.

Mr. Dimitrios Azemopoulos, the Ambassador of Greece in Canada, confirmed to The National Herald that Julianna Kozis was of Greek origin and a Greek Orthodox Christian.

Toronto city Councillor Jim Karygiannis (Ward 39, Scarborough-Agincourt) told the Toronto Star that “he learned about the girl’s death Tuesday morning.”

“Karygiannis, shaken, said he’s known both of Julianna’s parents for years, and her mother volunteered on one of his campaigns. The parents, both of Greek heritage, grew up ‘within 50 feet of each other,’ in his ward,” the Star reported, he added, “This is really close to home. They’re wonderful families.”

Police previously identified the other person killed in the shooting as 18-year-old Reese Fallon.

Investigators have not determined a motive for the mass shooting in which 29-year-old Faisal Hussain fired a handgun into crowds in Toronto’s popular Greektown neighborhood Sunday night, killing two and wounding 13 people.

Markham Mayor Frank Scaripitti released a statement expressing condolences to the Kozis family:

On behalf of the City of Markham and Members of Council, I would like to offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of the ten year old girl Julianna Kozis of Markham who tragically died on July 22, 2018 in a shooting in Toronto’s vibrant Greek neighbourhood.

This heartbreaking story speaks to the unbreakable bond between a father and his daughter, and I salute the Toronto Paramedics, doctors and nurses who reportedly brought them together, showing incredible compassion and kindness in her final moments.

This senseless act of violence has shaken us and hurt us. We stand with the victims, the brave first responders and all the communities impacted by this tragedy.

Our thoughts and prayers are also with the family of the 18 year old Reese Fallon who tragically lost her life, an accomplished young woman who had plans to study nursing. We continue to pray for the injured and wish them well.

The City of Markham will lower flags in honour of her memory and in remembrance of all who are affected by this unspeakable tragedy. There will also be a book of condolences at the Markham Civic Centre. We hope by coming together, we can offer some solace in a time of great sadness.

Toronto Police News Release

On Sunday, July 22, 2018, at approximately 10 p.m., the Toronto Police Service responded to the area of Danforth Avenue & Logan Avenue for a shooting.

The identity of the 10-year-old girl has now been released. She has been identified as Julianna Kozis, 10, of Markham.

Her family has requested privacy during their time of grief.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7400, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, online on our Facebook Leave a Tip page, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

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NEW YORK – On Thursday, July 26, a commemoration for the victims of the fires in Greece will be held in front of the Consulate General of Greece, 69 East 79th Street in Manhattan at 7 PM.

Among those planning to attend, the Turkish Cultural Center will be leaving a wreath in commemoration of the victims. The Turkish Cultural Center released a statement inviting “everyone to join the ceremony to share the grief of the families and individuals affected.”

The statement continued, “It has been reported that over 80 people have lost their lives in this tragic incident where hundreds are injured. Turkish Cultural Center extends deepest condolences to the people and Government of Greece and our prayers go to the families of those who are affected.

“Turkish Cultural Center stands in solidarity with Greece during these challenging times, and joins efforts with the other civil society organizations, humanitarian aids and the Turkish Community living in United States to overcome the catastrophic impact of this disaster and alleviate the suffering of the victims in Greece and the Greek Community in the USA.

“Greece has a dear place in the hearts of the Turkish people who have been affected and became victims of the recent purge in Turkey, which devastated the lives of thousands of families from all different walks of lives. We whole-heartedly appreciate Greece opening its doors and welcoming Turkish Refugees as tens of thousands had to flee their home country to seek better lives for their families and beloved ones.

“Turkish Cultural Center calls on everyone to join this ceremony to send prayers to the victims of this disaster and stand in solidarity with the affected families.”

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