Lou Katsos, President of AHEPA Delphi Chapter 25 in Manhattan, was honored to have been invted to address the AHEPA Hellas Midwinter Conference in Athens on February 9.
He gave an informative and moving presentation on the history of AHEPA, emphasizing its establishment in 1922 as a response to prejudice and even violence directed at Greek-American immigrants in the early 20th century, and to foster mutual support and promote education. Ahepa thus helped build a foundation for the Greek-American success story.
Katsos also told the story of the venerable Delphi Chapter which was resurrected through the efforts of Katsos and others led by past president Argyris Argitakos. From zero to now more than 271 members in four years, Delphi was recently acknowledged as the largest AHEPA chapter in the world.
PARIS – In a solemn and touching service His Eminence Metropolitan Emmanuel of France ordained Anton Gelyasov to the Holy Diaconate at the St. Stephanos Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Paris on Sunday morning, February 10.
The newly ordained Deacon is 33 years old, married, and has graduated from the renowned St. Sergius Orthodox Theological Institute in Paris, France.
The St. Stephanos Cathedral was filled to capacity by faithful congregants who were cheerfully exclaiming “Axios!” (Worthy!) for the newly ordained Deacon of the Church.
Metropolitan Emmanuel co-celebrated with Archimandrite Alexis Milyutin, priest of the St. Nicholas church of Toulouse, and Protopresbyter Panagiotis Xenitelis, presiding priest of St. Stephanos Cathedral.Metropolitan Emmanuel of France at the moment he ordained Anton Gelyasov to the Diaconate in the sanctuary of St. Stephanos Cathedral of Paris. CREDIT: Curtesy Metropolis of France
NEW YORK – It was the year 1988 when a claim by sports commentator Jimmy “The Greek” Snyder that African-Americans are “born” better athletes than whites because of the fact that their ancestors had been slaves led to his dismissal from CBS.
The story of the son of Greek immigrants resurfaced in the Associated Press report concerning the political upheaval in the state of Virginia today which noted that racial stereotypes of African-Americans were widely accepted well into the 1980s.
It would take another decade for the strengthening of multicultural perceptions to partially alleviate racist taboos. This was largely due to the efforts of African-American intellectuals and journalists who, despite the obstacles, “were better positioned to successfully challenge racist images, and Hollywood began to listen,” AP reported.
The dismissal of the Greek-American sports commentator was one of the turning points in the status quo that existed until then, as it was one of the few times when someone was punished for reinforcing racist stereotypes.
Snyder’s exact words: “The black is a better athlete to begin with, because he’s been bred to be that way. Because of his high thighs and big thighs that goes up into his back. And they can jump higher and run faster because of their bigger thighs. And he’s bred to be the better athlete because this goes back all the way to the Civil War, when, during the slave trading, the big, the owner, the slave owner would, would, would, would breed his big black to his big woman so that he could have uh, uh big, uh big, uh big black kid, see. That’s where it all started!” (Quoted verbatim from ESPN’s 30 for 30 series titled The Legend of Jimmy the Greek which originally aired on November 10, 2009).
Snyder was born Demetrios Synodinos, one of the three children born to Greek immigrants, George and Sultania Synodinos, who kept a small grocery store in Steubenville, Ohio. The family roots were in Chios.
During his teenage years, it became clear that Snyder had a gift for mathematics and statistics, which proved valuable in his later betting career.
“NFL Today” on CBS was one of the most popular TV shows in the early 1980s. It was one of the best combinations of reporting, analysis, predictions, humor, and talent. But no personality from those who participated in the show was more popular than Jimmy “The Greek” Snyder, the television network “ESPN” reported in a related tribute to Snyder.
“The Greek” was not only turned into a national folk hero, but also inspired such respect as no one ever had in the world of gambling. Indeed, award-winning filmmaker Fritz Mitchell would later deal with the influence of the Greek-American on sports betting, but also how his comments on African-Americans led to his downfall and dethronement.
A downfall which could have claimed Donald Trump during his campaign in the summer of 2016, a period when he was criticized for calling Elizabeth Warren “Pocahontas,” ridiculing the Massachusetts senator because she claimed she is partly of Native American heritage.
At a gathering for Trump in Maine, conservative radio talk show host Howie Carr had been mocking Warren in front of the audience with “war whoops,” Politico reported. Later, Carr wrote in the Boston Herald that Trump had given him the following advice: “Whatever you do, don’t apologize.”
“You never hear me apologize, do you?” Trump reportedly said. “That’s what killed Jimmy the Greek way back. Remember? He was doing okay ’til he said he was sorry.”
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — It was “mission critical” for New York City to land one of Amazon’s second headquarters and the tens of thousands of jobs the company promises to create, Mayor Bill de Blasio said Monday, just days after a report said the company was having second thoughts because of opposition from some influential local politicians.
De Blasio, a Democrat, told lawmakers at a state budget hearing on local government funding that the type of high-paying jobs the Amazon deal could bring to Queens are the kind the city needs to expand its technology sector. Amazon has said it would bring at least 25,000 and as many as 40,000 jobs to the Long Island City neighborhood over 10 to 15 years.
“We never had a single plan, a single agreement that brought us that many jobs,” de Blasio said during his 2½ hours of testimony.
The mayor and Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo last year brokered the deal with Amazon, offering some $2.8 billion in city and state tax incentives and subsidies.
De Blasio told lawmakers that the city expects its income tax revenues to drop $1 billion this year due to several factors, including December’s stock market volatility. Last week, Cuomo said overall state revenues are down more than $2 million for many of the same reasons.
“We need those jobs,” de Blasio said at the hearing. “We need that revenue.”
But the Amazon deal is facing staunch opposition from some fellow Democrats in the New York City Council and the state Senate, who say too much was given away to one of the world’s richest companies.
Sen. Michael Gianaris, the No. 2 lawmaker in the Democrat-controlled Senate, is one of the leading opponents of the Amazon deal. Gianaris, whose Queens district includes Long Island City, has said the city and state incentives could have been spent on local programs such as public transit and housing.
His opposition and that of others, including New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, has Amazon executives rethinking the New York location, according to a report last Friday by the Washington Post, which cited two unnamed people familiar with the company’s thinking.
Speaking on public radio Monday, Gianaris said concerns that Amazon might abandon the deal haven’t prompted him to reconsider his opposition.
“New York is bigger than Amazon,” he said. “We don’t have to do what they want, especially if it’s the wrong thing.”
Cuomo on Friday accused the state Senate of “governmental malpractice” and siding with those who are “pandering to the local politics.” His comments came after Gianaris was nominated for a state board that might have sway over the Amazon project’s subsidies. Cuomo has the final say over board appointments but hasn’t said whether he’ll approve or reject Gianaris’ nomination.
The Amazon debate has caused a rift among some Albany Democrats, with Senate Majority Leader Andrew Stewart Cousins, of Yonkers, accusing the governor of trying to divide the party after the Democrat-controlled Legislature passed a series of progressive measures over the past month.
Cuomo again defended the Amazon deal during a news conference in the state Capitol on Monday, saying the project will bring good jobs in a promising sector of the economy — as well as billions of dollars in new tax revenue. He said any project of its size would generate local opposition.
BOSTON – Thisvi Alexandrou, the dynamic woman of the island of Lesvos and also of the Greek-American Community of Boston, passed away peacefully at the age of 91 after a short illness at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.
She was always smiling and had only good things to say about everybody. She is now on her last journey to be reunited with her beloved husband Stratos, who died four years ago.
She was born on September 4, 1927 in Mytilene, the capital of the island of Lesvos in Greece and was the daughter of the late Gabriel and Hariklia Hiotelli of Mytilene and sister of the late Stephanos Hiotellis of Athens.
She married the late Stratos (Efstratios) Alexandrou on June 10, 1956. Thisvi, her husband, and two sons immigrated to the United States in June of 1968.
While in Mytilini she was the owner of the most prominent bridal and baptismal store in the main market place of the town, where she was known and liked by all in the capital as well by people from villages throughout the island. She had dressed thousands of brides for their weddings and infants for their baptism with beautiful garments.
She was a talented woman, with ethos, goodness, philanthropic feelings and a deep faith in God and love for the cultural heritage of Hellenism. She was an avid reader of The National Herald and loved the Greek-American Community and her local parish of St. Nicholas in Lexington Massachusetts.
Speaking to The National Herald, her son Nikos Alexandrou said “my mother was 91 years old, she had a very good life and her death occurred quickly. She didn’t suffer a long illness. She suffered a minor heart attack on December 23 and recuperated, but on January 19 she suffered a second one and since then she started to weaken gradually and finally she passed away.”
He also said, “she died very peacefully and until the very last minute she was alert. It was the best ending she could have.”
When we asked him what stands out the most for him about his mother, he said, “her dynamism.”
With her late husband Stratos she opened a Dunkin Donuts, then they entered the real estate business, and in 1970 they opened a Burger King fast food restaurant.
The late Thisvi Alexandrou was the beloved wife of the late Stratos (Efstratios) Alexandrou. Loving mother of Nikos Alexandrou and his wife MariBeth of Lexington, MA and Gabriel Alexandrou and his wife Maryanne of Plattsburgh, NY. She was the deeply-loved grandmother of Anna, Rachel, Yvette, and Sophia Alexandrou and is survived by many relatives in the United States, Greece, France, and Australia.
In lieu of flowers friends are asked to consider a donation in Thisvi’s memory to the Hellenic Society of Maine which works with, and provides assistance to, the city of Mytilene. The address is the Hellenic Society of Maine, P.O. Box 8007, Portland, ME 04104 – https://hellenicsocietyofmaine.org.
BOSTON – The Former president of the Federation of Hellenic American Societies of New England, Miltiadis Athanasopoulos, was saved at the last minute by quintuple bypass open heart surgery.
He told The National Herald during a visit at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston that “as I was driving on Route 93 North I felt indisposed. I changed my route and went directly to Winchester Hospital, in the town of Winchester. The doctors there sensed that something very serious was going on and they sent me by ambulance to Massachusetts General Hospital, where I had comprehensive medical tests. I was told that I had a serious problem with blockages in five arteries and that I needed open heart surgery. They set the surgery for Monday, February 4.”
Athanasopoulos said that “the fact I am alive today I owe to the Greek-American doctor, George Tolis. When he saw me on Friday, February 1 he said to me ‘we can’t wait until Monday’ and he operated on me on Saturday. The quintuple bypass operation lasted six and one half hours. I didn’t feel anything. When I woke up I was asking ‘when am I going to have the surgery?’”
Athanasopoulos also said that “Dr. Tolis is not only a prominent and well known doctor, but above all he is a true and authentic human being,” and he added: “I will be forever grateful to him because he saved my life.”
FLORENCE, SC – Professor Andrew Kampiziones was honored on February 7 as the first ever Emeritus faculty member of Florence-Darlington Technical College (FDTC) where he teaches Philosophy and Ethics. The FDTC Awards were held at the Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology. Prof. Kampiziones spoke with The National Herald about the honor.
He told TNH, “Generally speaking the title ‘emeritus professor’ is given to a faculty member who has excelled in all fields of Academia and, particularly in his subject matter of teaching – Philosophy and Ethics, in my case.
“This person, selected by the Faculty Senate and approved by the Executive Committee of the College/University is considered as an authority in his particular subject of teaching, as well as, a role model for all his colleagues.
“Role models luckily were my teachers at the High School of Lamia, Greece, as well as its Paidagogical Academy – role models of character and methods of teaching that I am trying to emulate and pass them on to my students.
“A teacher obviously is not to simply impart knowledge- the students can find it in books and dictionaries.
Left to right: Joanna G. Kampiziones, daughter of nephew George Kampiziones; Anna Kampiziones-Zaharopoulou, sister; Helen Poulos, Anna’s daughter; the honoree Andrew G. Kampiziones, Eula Hondros Kampiziones, wife; and George Theodore Kampiziones, nephew. Photo by Hunter Thomas
“A teacher’s mission, I would say, is to INSPIRE the students by being a role model of inquiry and learning, conscientiousness, responsibility, dignity, care and responsiveness.
“Additionally and particularly, a Philosophy teacher must teach his students how to think critically and analytically about questions that matter!
“My parents, my teachers in the motherland, Lamia, Greece, my caring neighborhood and community of that time, my native country’s rich heritage and civilization inspired me to consider it a duty to pass it on to my students and – by example – even to my colleagues in College, a fact that obviously was officially recognized – an honor belonging to my native country and countrymen rather than to me.”
Kampiziones immigrated to the United States with his wife Eula (nee Hondros) in 1956 and since then, they have lived the American dream.
“A cousin of my wife had met me and my family in Lamia,” Kampiziones said, SC Now Morning News reported. “I was a young man, was first in my class. He was impressed, and when he came to America, he told my wife’s parents that there was a prince back home (in Greece) and they believed him. They had not been back to Lamia for a while, so they went to Greece to visit and to meet the ‘prince.’”
The couple fell in love and married in Greece before moving to the U.S. “It did not take them long to convince me to come, because I knew a lot about America,” Kampiziones said, SC Now reported. “I had read the history. I loved Jefferson and Lincoln. So I came to America, and we lived in Florence, South Carolina. Then we went to New York, and I was going to Queens College for an economics degree to make a living in banking.”
They returned to Florence, SC to take care of their aging parents, but a horrific incident in Manhattan also contributed to the move.
“Not knowing Manhattan very well, one time I was going to the public library and I went through Bryant Park,” Kampiziones said, SC Now reported. “I was stabbed by two drug addicts. It was a miracle that I survived, because the people in the library were saying, ‘Don’t touch him.’ If it had not been for a man coming from the opposite direction, I would have died.”
Faculty Emeritus of Philosophy and Ethics at Florence-Darlington Technical College Andrew Kampiziones and his wife, Eula. Photo by Hunter Thomas
Back in Florence, Kampiziones and his brother-in-law ran the Flamingo Restaurant, but his wife urged him to get back to teaching, the career path he had started on in Greece, SC Now reported.
“I went to Francis Marion and asked if they would let me teach,” Kampiziones said, SC Now reported. “I went to USC and got a degree in philosophy and started teaching philosophy at Francis Marion University for a number of years.”
He taught for many years at FMU, at Coker College, and at Florence-Darlington Technical College where he continues to teach.
Recognized for his service and contributions to the community over the years, Kampiziones is an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Order of St. Andrew the Apostle. He was honored with the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for humanitarian preservation of diverse ethnic heritage in 2002 and his service in the Greek Army is commemorated on the Wall of Honor at the Florence Veterans Park, SC Now reported, adding that he also received the Order of the Palmetto from the State of South Carolina and the Jack Baker Award from the arts community in Florence.
Kampiziones also served on the Florence Museum Board, the McLeod Regional Medical Center Foundation Board, the Florence Heritage Foundation Board, was a charter member of the Committee for Housing for the Mentally Ill, and was chairman of the Historical Commission, and the Florence Symphony Board, SC Now reported.
Noting his pride in his Greek heritage, Kampiziones also helped start both the Greek Festival in Florence and FMU’s International Day (now Arts International) which celebrates diverse cultures, SC Now reported.
Faculty Emeritus of Philosophy and Ethics at Florence-Darlington Technical College Andrew Kampiziones, at the podium, addressed family and friends at the event. Photo by Hunter ThomasLeft to right: Terry Dingle, AVP of Internal Relations; Missy Jay, Florence Darlington County Commission for Technical Education Chairperson; Andrew Kampiziones, Instructor of Philosophy & Ethics; Edward Bethea, Interim President; and Dr. Marc David, Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs. Photo by Hunter ThomasFaculty Emeritus of Philosophy and Ethics at Florence-Darlington Technical College Andrew Kampiziones. Photo by Hunter Thomas
ATHENS – Τhe Hellenic Initiative (THI) donated $ 17,000 to “Agigma Zois”, supporting the significant social work it performs with cancer patients and their families. The donation will cover the annual salary of an on-field Project Administrator, which will assist not only towards reducing the time needed to process requests, but also in the development of new collaborations and the increase of annual Prevention and Information activities from 12 to 15, aiming to raise the number of supported families by 65% within 2019, according to THI‘s press realease.
“Agigma Zois” focuses on oncology patients and aims to contribute to the medical, social, emotional and spiritual support of them and their families. Given that prevention and knowledge are the most valuable weapons against cancer, “Agigma Zois” works towards two directions: informing about cancer-related issues and the power of early diagnosis, as well as highlighting the available means of treatment and their possible results. Its work has been widely recognized locally and internationally, with several awards while in June 2018, “Agioi Anargiroi” Oncology Hospital offered “Agigma” a dedicated spot in their oncology department, becoming the first non-profit organization in the field of cancer patients’ treatment, provided space in a Greek public hospital.
“Agigma Zois” offers a variety of free-of-charge services among which personalized support, informative activities, pre – symptom checks and psychological support. It also collaborates with oncologists and oncology centers both in Greece and abroad. Furthermore, it provides the medicines required for chemotherapy to financially challenged or lacking medical insurance patients, also combating the local market’s shortage in medicines due to the financial crisis. Moreover, it is a pioneer on the support of cancer patients by providing not only the choice for a second medical report, but also by ensuring a second, free-of-charge biopsy.
In its 5-year course until today, more than 51.000 people have benefited from the foundation’s services and activities while regarding direct support, more than 600 families have been assisted and more than 1.400 free examinations have been provided. Additionally, “Agigma Zois” also runs two extra programs named “Cancer and the 3rd age” for elderly patients and “Support of oncology patients in remote areas”.
Mr. Jeremy Downward THI Board stated: “We are pleased to know that every dollar raised for this cause goes to cancer care, prevention and support. In a country hit by the recent economic crisis were hospitals are often understaffed it is important to know that there is an organization standing by the cancer patients and their families. “Agigma Zois” story is also very symbolic as it shows how much can be achieved in such a small period of time and with little resources”.
Mr. Michael Printzos, THI’s Program Director stated: “The Hellenic Initiative is proud to assist Agigma Zois as it stands by cancer patients and their families through a crucial period of their lives, from offering psychological support up to managing the paperwork and getting, literally, hand by hand throughout the whole treatment process with them. It is a shining example of true humanitarian dedication”.
Mrs. Christina Nomikou, Director of “Agigma Zois” stated: “We are grateful to The Hellenic Initiative for its trust and support. Spreading the importance of timely diagnosis in treatment effectiveness is crucial for our day-to-day work at ‘Agigma’, as also personalized support and support to patients in remote areas. The next day is never late and loving each other means standing by each other, especially in times of need and, although it’s hard, especially for those immediately tested, when we stand united, we can achieve a lot more”.
NEW YORK – On Tuesday, February 12th, the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York held a dedication ceremony for the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Complex Joint Reconstruction Center (CJRC). Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Co-President Andreas Dracopoulos and other representatives of the Foundation joined Dr. Thomas Sculco, Director of the Center, and others for the event.
The Center aims to give patients a single point of access to the best possible coordinated care from a team of expert physicians and surgeons, and in so doing, became the first entity of its kind. It includes the first registry of its type in the world to collect information about joint reconstruction and replacement surgery outcomes, laying the groundwork for research that will lead to improved treatment for patients around the globe. The Center draws from the considerable experience and technical expertise of HSS, a world leader in orthopedics and rheumatology that performs more than 30,000 surgical procedures each year.
SNF and HSS have a long history of collaboration. Since 2014, HSS has hosted an annual seminar and a month-long academic visitor program with support from SNF. This HSS-Stavros Niarchos Foundation Orthopaedic Seminar Program has brought dozens of Greek surgeons to learn from experts at HSS.
(Source: SNF)
“Having partnered with HSS for over a decade, the SNF has witnessed first-hand the deep commitment of the people of HSS to excellence and progress in orthopedic care,” said Mr. Dracopoulos when the SNF CJRC grant was announced. “We are especially proud to support Dr. Sculco’s vision to improve the lives of patients with the most complex cases of joint reconstruction, and to seek solutions to issues that impact the field at large.”
“This generous gift will improve the lives of countless patients who suffer from debilitating complications or need revision surgery due to failed implants,” said Dr. Sculco on the same occasion. “We are deeply honored by the visionary leadership of the SNF in supporting our endeavor to lessen implant failure, restore function, and relieve pain for patients who need specialized joint reconstructions.”
Mr. Dracopoulos shared a few remarks at the dedication ceremony.
ATHENS – The Eastern Mediterranean Business Cultural Alliance (EMBCA) drew more than 250 guests to its first event in Greece, which was recently held at the SS Hellas Liberty museum in Piraeus.
Founder and President Lou Katsos, who welcomed guests and moderated the panel discussion, also announced the Hellenic Shipping Memorial that will be located in Manhattan dedicated to Hellenic shipping and sailors, and to Hellenic American friendship.
The panelists who spoke about the history, present, and future of Hellenic Shipping included U.S. Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt; Vice Admiral Ioannis Pavlopoulos, recently retired as Commander in Chief of Hellenic Fleet; Aristides J. Pittas, Founder and CEO of Euroseas and EuroDry; Spyros Polemis, Founder Remi Maritime, Despina Panagiotou Theodosiou, CEO of TOTOTHEO, Rhode Island State Senator Lou Raptakis, and Konstantine Drougos, organizer of the event.
Katsos spoke of the importance to Hellenism of spotlighting the historic sacrifice for freedom made by the 2000 Greek merchant seamen who died on the Atlantic during WWII. Greek shipping was decimated making its vital contribution, and out of appreciation and in order to help Greece rebuild under the Marshall Plan, the United States gave 100 vessels to Greece – the HMS Liberty museum being a living symbol of Greece’s appreciation for the “blessed Liberty ships”.
Lou Katsos, Founder and President of The Eastern Mediterranean Business Cultural Alliance (EMBCA) welcomes guests to its first event in Greece. Vice Admiral Ioannis Pavlopoulos, retired, State Senator Lou Raptakis are seated at the dais.
After declaring that “the Greek shipping industry serves as a stabilizing force in the region that is grappling with a range of geo-strategic challenges,” Pyatt said, “I hope this event serves as a reminder of the strong ties between the Greek and American maritime communities, which are a deep and longstanding part of our bilateral relationship. I thank EMBCA for their leadership in that regard.”
Pyatt added that “the Greek Shipping industry serves as a stabilizing force in the region and emphasized the importance of “the first ever delivery U.S. liquefied natural gas to Greece…last December…this is just one example of how Greece and the Unites States will continue to benefit from the strong relationship between our businesses and our governments.”
Pittas summed up the feelings of the Greek shipping families, saying, “I get a lump in my throat whenever I visit the HHS Hellas… without the rebirth of the fleet that was annihilated we might not have a present and a future.”
George Pateras, President of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, echoed the appreciation for the past and optimism for the future of the panelists.
It was also a “very moving experience” for Polemis, whose family lost all seven of its ships. Speaking of what became for him a 20-year project, he said “I had a dream to find a Liberty Ship and bring it to Greece.”
Raptakis told the story of that heroic effort to find a Liberty Ship – only three remained – and convert it into a museum linking past, present, and future. He emphasized the contribution of Jim Tampakis, whose company Marine Spares Int’l. performed the miraculous transformation of the SS Arthur M. Huddell, which was in bad shape, illustrated by a slide presentation at the event.
Guests enjoy fellowship and networking opportunities at the reception that followed the EMBCA panel discussion.
Pavlopoulos noted the tradition of Greece-U.S. strategic cooperation continues, “with the Athens Multinational Sealift Coordination Center, which is a tool in the hands of NATO, the U.S. and the UN for strategic transport.”
Katsos asked Theodosiou, to sketch the future, but she dipped into the past to illustrate that Greek shipowners succeeded by constantly reinventing their companies, which is key to an increasingly technology-driven future.
Drougos’ presentation emphasized that EMBCA and the event aim to “build cultural bridges and foster greater understanding between the United States and Greece, to foster commercial relations, and support entrepreneurship in Greece as the key to a brighter future. Katsos pointed out that the world-class Greek shipping industry is leading the way.
The informative and delightful evening ended with a reception in one of the ships exhibition spaces where guests from related industries could learn about one another’s work and establish friendships – a primary mission of EMBCA.
Among the guests who were very impressed was Yiannis Koukouras, Managing Director of TwelveSec, a major maritime information security consultancy that protects ships from cyber attacks. Kostas Pammachon Dervenis, technology expert, was also impressed and has hopes that “this event strengthens connections between the United States and Greece” – a goal virtually all the guests agreed was achieved.
NEW YORK – Ready, Set, Rock the Work-Life Balance Paradox: Your Power to Choose Work that Fuels Your Dreams Without Compromising Well-Being. That was the topic of the discussion presented by Hellenic Professional Women (HPW) at its recent event in Manhattan. HPW is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to inspiring and supporting the advancement of Greek-American women at all professional levels.
The panel consisted of three successful women: Evangelia Leclaire, career coach, Joanna Diakos Kordalis, lawyer, and Maria Georgiadis Sfakianos, MD, surgical critical care, who shared their experience and thoughts about a well-balanced life.
The event was moderated by Marigo Mihalos, a director of talent relations at Sirius XM Radio. As she told The National Herald: “Women wear many hats in this day and age and the goal of Hellenic Professional Women is to bring women together, to voice their opinions and address their challenges, yes even their struggles. It is used to motivate, inspire and empower! The world needs more strong women, who will lift and build others, who live bravely with indomitable will. This series is to bring those women together, and help bring opportunities to Greek American Women.”
HPW was founded in 2007 by Maria Frantzis to provide career development and mentoring and its mission is to foster empowerment through relationship-building and programs for professional growth. HPW is committed to establishing a strong and vibrant community of Greek-American professional women.
Career coach Evangelia Leclaire, Dr. Maria Georgiadis Sfakianos, and lawyer Joanna Diakos Kordalis. Photo: Courtesy of Maria Frantzis/Hellenic Professional Women
“It is truly an honor to be part of such a special organization created and founded by Maria Frantzis,” Mihalos said. “To be able to unite with powerful and professional Greek women is a gift. HPW is a place where like-minded women, with the same proud and grounding roots, can come together to plant beautiful seeds and watch them blossom.”
Mihalos’ Hellenic heritage is vital part of her life and an important dimension of HPW. She told TNH, “There is nothing more special than the place we call Home, our Ellada. We are proud today and every day. Our passion for life, our traditions and the morals and values of our ancestors have shaped who we are today, and there is nothing more beautiful. Together we can unite and accomplish so much.”
Mihalos is an HPW board member as of January 1, 2019. “My goal is to utilize my network to continue to help people grow professionally and personally. Together we can do much! May we continue to be fearless, like the strong Greek women that raised us and came before us,” she said.
LONG ISLAND CITY – The teachers of the Hellenic Classical Charter School (HCCS) of Brooklyn were honored as The National Herald’s Educator of the Year on February 11 in celebration of the Greek Letters and the Feast of the Three Hierarchs. The award was presented at TNH’s Long Island City offices with many distinguished guests present, including the Consul General of Greece in New York Konstantinos Koutras, Consul General of Cyprus Alexis Phedonos-Vadet, and Consul of Greece Lana Zochiou.
HCCS principal since 2007 Christina Tettonis accepted the award on behalf of all the teachers. A Brooklyn native, born to Greek immigrant parents, Tettonis spoke about the dedication of the teachers at HCCS and the importance of the school’s mission.
Also present, previous Educators of the Year, including President of the Federation of Hellenic-American Educators and Cultural Associations of America Stella Kokolis, and Demosthenes Triantafillou, President of the Greek Teachers Association “Prometheus,” as well as Timoleon Kokkinos.
The National Herald Publisher-Editor Antonis H. Diamataris presented the award to Hellenic Classical Charter School Principal Christina Tettonis who accepted on behalf of the teachers. Photo: TNH/Kostas Bej
Kokolis congratulated TNH and the honorees and spoke about the importance and value of Greek education, noting that the honorees’ and TNH’s continuing efforts and support of the Greek language and letters are vital. She pointed out that one of the teachers present was also a graduate of St. Demetrios School in Astoria and was continuing the legacy she learned from Mr. Kokkinos.
Dr. Ioannis Efthimiopoulos, the Director of the Greek Education Department of the Archdiocese of America, was among the speakers offering congratulations and encouragement to the educators to continue their mission to promote the Greek language and education.
TNH’s Educator of the Year in 2018, Triantafillou also congratulated the honorees and TNH and noted the importance of unity in Greek education, pointing out the upcoming program organizing trips to Greece for students which he hopes will expand to include students from the HCCS.
TNH’s Publisher-Editor Antonis H. Diamataris gave the welcoming remarks at the event and noted the dedication of the teachers to preserving and promoting the Greek language and education for the younger generations and to the wider community of philhellenes everywhere.
Referring to the newspaper’s 100th anniversary celebration which was held at the New York Public Library in 2015, he noted that “the great Paul Sarbanes, former United States Senator from Maryland, said: ‘The National Herald is the school of the Omogeneia.’”
Pointing out that the celebration is a dual one for the Feast Day of the Three Hierarchs and for the Greek Letters, Diamataris also quoted from the hymn for the Feast Day of the Three Hierarchs which describes the Church Fathers in the most beautiful and poetic Greek words. He also noted that Tettonis in her acceptance speech spoke only about the teachers and staff of HCCS and not herself, since a team effort is required to achieve success in the mission of Greek education.
On December 10, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) Board of Regents approved the replication of the HCCS and issued a charter for the Hellenic Classical Charter School – Staten Island (HCCS-SI) which will be located in New York City Community School District (CSD) 31.
HCCS-SI is modeled after the highly successful HCCS-Park Slope (HCCS-PS), a charter school located in New York City CSD 15 that has a long and consistent history of success, and has been designated a High Performing Reward School by the NYSED for four consecutive years. HCCS-PS ranks among the top charter schools in New York.
Tettonis will transition to the role of Superintendent for both HCCS-PS and HCCS-SI.
HCCS-SI will follow the outstanding educational model of HCCS-PS and build upon the education strengths of District 31 schools. HCCS-SI will provide a diverse student body with a rigorous education in a dynamic environment. Using a standards-based curriculum, enriched with the Greek and Latin languages, and the classics woven throughout, the school utilizes the Socratic Method, teaching students to become critical thinkers by engaging in dialogue. Students will become college and career ready and well-prepared to succeed and contribute to the global community as responsible citizens.
A reception with light refreshments followed the award presentation.
ASTORIA – The Greek American Folklore Society (GAFS) celebrated its 36th anniversary (1983-2019) with a well-attended dinner dance at the St. Demetrios community’s Petros G. Patrides Cultural Center in Astoria on February 9. The event also honored the well-known pharmacist and longtime GAFS supporter, Dr. Nick Papaioannou.
The owner of Crescent Apothecary located in a building which has been in the family for over 30 years at 25-01 Ditmars Boulevard, Papaioannou is a life-long Astoria resident and dedicated to the community. He was presented with a plaque acknowledging his continuing, steadfast support for the GAFS and for his dedication to the Greek community.
At the event, members in traditional Greek costume and friends filled the community center and enjoyed the songs and dances, food and drink.
The GAFS is dedicated to the study, preservation, and instruction of the history and traditions of Hellenic folk culture. Founded in 1983 by Apostolos “Paul” Ginis as a non-profit organization, GAFS within a few years became one of the most respected Greek folklore organizations in North America. Ginis himself quickly became a recognized authority on Greek folklore and was often invited to teach, lecture, and collaborate, not only within the U.S. and Canada, but also in Greece, in such prestigious places as the Lykeion ton Hellenidon (Lyceum of Greek Women), the “Dora Stratou” Theater, and the Society for the Dissemination of National Music, among others.
Since Ginis’ untimely passing in 1997, the GAFS has been directed by his sister Vaia Allagiannis.
More information about the Greek American Folklore Society is available online: greekamericanfolkloresociety.org and about the Crescent Apothecary at: crescentapothecary.com.Honoree Dr. Nick Papaioannou with his wife Eleni and children Vasilis, Stavroula, Petros, and Evangelos. Photo: TNH/Kostas Bej
The Greek American Folklore Society celebrated its 36th anniversary (1983-2019) with a well-attended dinner dance at the St. Demetrios community’s Petros G. Patrides Cultural Center in Astoria. Photo: TNH/Kostas Bej
NEW YORK (AP) — Amazon will not build a new headquarters in New York City, a stunning reversal to an ambitious plan that would have brought an estimated 25,000 jobs to the city.
The online retailer faced fierce opposition from some New York politicians – including the Greek-American Senator Michael Gianaris – who were unhappy with the nearly $3 billion in tax incentives Amazon was promised. Along with thousands of jobs, the Seattle company had planned spend $2.5 billion building its new offices. “We are disappointed to have reached this conclusion — we love New York,” the company said in a blog post, adding that it already has 5,000 employees in the city and plans to grow those teams. It was a serious blow to Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio, who lobbied intensely to land the campus within city limits.Critics see the project as an extravagant giveaway to one of the world’s biggest companies and argue it won’t provide much direct benefit to most New Yorkers. Several welcomed the news that Amazon might be rethinking the plan.
But the plan has strong support from the population as a whole.
A Quinnipiac University poll released in December found New York City voters support having an Amazon headquarters, by 57-26 percent. But they were divided on the incentives: 46 percent in favor, 44 percent against.
Amazon said Thursday it does not plan to look for another location at this time, and will continue with plans to build offices in Arlington, Virginia, and Nashville, Tennessee. The Arlington campus was expected to be the same size as the New York one, with 25,000 employees. The Nashville office is expected to have 5,000 employees.
MELBOURNE – According to police, “an ill-planned plot for revenge” led Greek-Australian Tony Panagiotou, 56, and his sons George, 22, and John, 18, to end up behind bars for the fatal shooting on February 9 of Duane Hutchings, 44, News.com.au reported.
Tony Panagiotou was charged with murder and George and John Panagiotou were charged with aggravated home invasion, assault, and recklessly causing injury, News.com.au reported, adding that another Greek-Australian, Jonathan Atalalis, 24, a family friend, was also arrested and charged with aggravated home invasion, assault, and recklessly causing injury.
The charges were read out on February 11 at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court while Mary Panagiotou, wife of Tony and mother of George and John, wept, and was “inconsolable as prosecutors read out charges against all three after an alleged bid to recover stolen property turned deadly,” News.com.au reported.
According to detectives, Tony Panagiotou allegedly “took a sawn-off shotgun to the property to recover DJ equipment he and his sons believed had been hired from the family business and advertised on [the website] Gumtree,” and Panagiotou “fired a single shot into the back of Mr. Hutchings’ head from less than 1.5 meters away after a group of men burst into the apartment carrying metal poles,” News.com.au reported.
Hutchings, a father of five, “was transported to The Alfred Hospital but died from his injuries before 7 AM on Saturday. Police did not arrest the four men until Sunday night after a judge signed warrants for their arrest,” News.com.au reported.
Magistrate Constantinos Kilias refused bail for the four suspects who will remain in jail until the next hearing scheduled for June.
“Police believe they have the suspected killer, but a witness says there are several men still missing,” News.com.au reported, adding that “a woman who was house-sitting at the apartment in Melbourne’s southeast when the alleged murder took place said ‘six or seven’ men entered before a single shot was fired,” and “she was told to stay where she was and to not touch her phone for five minutes.”
“Kilias refused bail to the youngest of the Panagiotou brothers in part because of concerns for the whereabouts of the murder weapon,” News.com.au reported, and quoted Kilias who said, “I’m troubled by this. I don’t know who’s got that gun.”
In court on February 11, Detective Senior Constable Megan Adams from the Homicide Squad said that Tony Panagiotou had “made extensive admissions” about what happened, News.com.au reported.
“At approximately 5:25 AM on February 9, emergency services were contacted by an eyewitness,” she said, News.com.au reported, adding that “one of the accused sent a text message to a woman at the Oakleigh East address regarding the DJ equipment that was hired from John and George Panagiotou’s new business, Love it Loud.”
“She let him in to view the equipment, he indicated he was happy and after a short time returned with a group of males who commenced an assault with metal poles,” Adams said, adding that “an older male armed with a sawn-off shotgun discharged a single shot,” News.com.au reported.
The police raided properties at Doncaster and Park Orchards and then arrested the men, News.com.au reported, adding that “lawyers for John and George Panagiotou told the court the brothers discovered equipment they believed to belong to them had been advertised on the classified ads website.”
“Defense counsel Christopher Farrington said the pair reported the matter to police before allegedly taking matters into their own hands,” News.com.au reported.
According to the Love it Loud website, the business began in 2018 and “on Facebook in July, George celebrated his new career by posting about the ‘new job’ as ‘founder’ of Love it Loud DJ equipment and party hire,” News.com.au reported.
Hutchings’ brother Liam said that his brother “didn’t deserve to die like that. No one does,” News.com.au reported.
Tony Panagiotou, sons George and John, and Atalalis are scheduled to appear next in court on June 3, News.com.au reported.
BOSTON – Singer Manos Georgantakis abandoned his songs and his music and became ordained a celibate Deacon after having first been tonsured a monk. He also changed his name from Manos and today he is known as Deacon Evgenios.
His tonsure and ordination took place at the Monastery of St. Marina of Voni, Crete on November 20, 2018 by Metropolitan Andreas of Arkalohorion in Crete, who is also a professor at the Theological School of the University of Thessaloniki.
Meanwhile the Internet is full of videos which show Georgantakis prior to his ordination singing with almost-nude young women nearby dancing provocatively with inappropriate positions and movements. Out of respect for the Holy Priesthood and the Church we will not publish the photographic material from the above mentioned videos, which are accessible on the Internet.
Today Deacon Evgenios Georgantakis, who is well known to the Greek-American Community – especially in New York – as a singer, is a student at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Boston. On the weekends he co-celebrates the Liturgy and chants at Sts. Constantine and Helen parish in Brooklyn, NY with the recently appointed presiding priest Fr. Evagoras Constantinides, who is well-known as Director of the Ionian Village summer camp in Greece.
Many students at the School of Theology know about Georgantakis’ videos on the internet, and they informed TNH about them.
We communicated by phone with Deacon Evgenios Georgantakis at Holy Cross and told him that The National Herald will publish an article about him. He told us that “because I just became a monk and a Deacon I don’t have the blessing to talk.”
After TNH insisted on hearing the story of his decision to become a monk and to become ordained he said that “at a young age I attended the Ecclesiastical High School of the island of Tinos; I finished the Rizarios Ecclesiastical School, the Advanced Ecclesiastical School at Heraklion, Crete, the Advanced Ecclesiastical School of Athens, and I did graduate studies in Theology in Cyprus, and then in America I went to Queens College to learn English and now I am enrolled in the Master of Theology program at Holy Cross School of Theology in Boston.”
Deacon-monk Evgenios Georgantakis in front of the altar at Sts. Constantine and Helen parish of Brooklyn New York. (Photo: Facebook)
Asked why he was ordained in Crete he said, “because that is where I am from.”
TNH noted that the internet is full of videos showing him singing with virtually nude women and asked who his spiritual father is and whether the latter knows about that material. Deacon-Monk Evgenios said, “I can’t tell you my spiritual father’s name. Before I got ordained my spiritual father knew everything about me, everything.”
When he said that “I can’t give an interview,” we made clear to him that his statements will be published. Deacon Evgenios repeated that, “my spiritual father knows everything” and added that, “once someone becomes a monk, Orthodoxy says that when he goes to confession and enters the Monastery, whatever has happened in the past is the past; he becomes another person. He changes his name – today my name is Evgenios – and thus you understand that I have a different life, I am another man at this moment.”
TNH communicated by phone with Metropolitan Andreas of Arkalohorion who was teaching at the University of Thessaloniki and asked whether Deacon Evgenios Georgantakis belongs to his Metropolis or to the Archdiocese of America, he replied, “he is my clergyman. I ordained him and when he receives his diploma from Holy Cross Theological School in Boston he will come to serve at the Metropolis of Arkalohorion.”
Asked whether he knew about the videos, Metropolitan Andreas said “no, I am surprised. This boy came and met with me, we spoke, etc.”
When Metropolitan Andreas asked TNH not to publish anything about Deacon Evgenios “because” – he said – “he is a new clergyman. I don’t know what he did in the past, but of course you will decide,” he was told the newspaper certainly will make a decision.
TNH honored Metropolitan Andreas’s request that he be sent a sample video of Georgantakis, which the Metropolitan viewed.
TARPON SPRINGS, FL – The City of Tarpon Springs will present workshops in Greek violin style and repertoire for intermediate and advanced students on Friday, Feb. 15, 3:30-5 PM and Monday, Feb. 18, 3:30-5 PM at Safford House Museum, 23 Parkin Ct in Tarpon Springs.
Michalis Kappas will journey from Greece to provide workshops in the traditional violin music of the island of Kalymnos. An archaeologist by profession, Dr. Kappas learned from the best traditional Kalymnian players of the older generation and began performing at events (glendia, panigyria, weddings) when he was 17. He appears on a recording of traditional Kalymnian music and has performed extensively at festivals in Europe and the U.S.
Students should bring a violin.
There is a $5 suggested donation per class.
For further information, please contact Tina Bucuvalas, via email: tbucuvalas@ctsfl.us, or by phone: 727-937-1130.
The workshops are supported by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
WASHINGTON, DC– American Hellenic Institute (AHI) President Nick Larigakis completed a successful overseas trip to Greece and Cyprus, January 24-29. The trip’s purpose centered on the invitation for President Larigakis to address the Greek chapter (named Aegean–Macedonia) of the Young Presidents’ Organization’s (YPO) “In the Boardroom” event held at the Grand Bretagne on January 28. Larigakis spoke to an audience of 21 entrepreneurs of major Greek commercial, shipping, and industrial companies about the geopolitical developments impacting Greece and Cyprus and surrounding countries.
“I thank the chapter officers for the invitation to speak to a dynamic group of entrepreneurs,” Larigakis said.
While in Athens, Larigakis met with U.S. Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt at the U.S. Embassy; Diplomatic Advisor to the Greek Prime Minister Evangelos Kalpadakis, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Terence Quick, and Elisabeth Fotiadou, director, A7 Directorate for North America at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In addition, AHI held an inaugural Vasilopita-cutting ceremony at the Athens Club on January 26. There, Larigakis provided an overview of AHI’s policy work highlighted by a recap of AHI’s 2018 Annual Report. AHI-Athens President George Economou welcomed the audience and participated in the vasilopita-cutting ceremony. U.S. Ambassador Pyatt and his wife, Mary; Vice Admiral Nikolaos Tsounis, chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff; and George Koumoutsakos shadow minister of Foreign Affairs, New Democracy party, also attended.
AHI President Nick Larigakis with Presidential Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Overseas Cypriots Photis Photiou. Photo: (Courtesy of the American Hellenic Institute)
Also, on January 28, Larigakis attended a ceremony involving the transfer of power for the position of chief of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff from Admiral Evangelos Apostolakis, who now serves as minister of Defense, to Captain Christos Christodoulou, former chief of Aviation General Staff.
Larigakis made a day-trip to Cyprus on January 25 to meet with Cypriot Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulidis and Presidential Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Overseas Cypriots Photis Photiou. In addition, Chief of the Republic of Cyprus National Guard Lt. General Ilias Leontaris hosted Larigakis for lunch at the Officers’ Club.
I had a very productive series of high-visibility meetings in Greece and Cyprus,” Larigakis said. “I appreciated the opportunity to meet with these government officials to assess the issues in the region as head into 2019.”
Officers at the ceremony. Photo: (Courtesy of the American Hellenic Institute)AHI President Nick Larigakis greeting the guests. Photo: (Courtesy of the American Hellenic Institute)AHI-Athens President George Economou cutting the Vasilopita with AHI-Athens Vice President Vasilis Kyriazis, at right. Photo: (Courtesy of the American Hellenic Institute)Archimandrite Nikolaos Ioannides of St. George, Karitsis blessing the Vasilopita. Photo: (Courtesy of the American Hellenic Institute)
CHICAGO – The musician’s path can be a difficult one to navigate, but if the talent is there, plus a strong desire and dedication to the music, the sky’s the limit. Thessaloniki-native and gifted musician Giorgos Apostolidis began playing the bouzouki at a young age. Most recently, he has been delighting fans with his unique talent, skill, and technique at Brousko in Chicago. He spoke with The National Herald about his life and work and keeping the unique cultural tradition of Greek music alive in the United States.
TNH: Tell us a bit about your background, did you always want to pursue music?
Giorgos Apostolidis: Since I was 5 years old, I remember playing with my father’s bouzouki every day. Music was my passion and while I was growing up, I realized that this is what I want to do for a living. When I finished high school, I went to college and I majored in classical music.
TNH: Is your family also musically-inclined and are they supportive of your work?
GA: Bouzouki was my father’s hobby. He knew some songs, so he taught me my first song on bouzouki. When I decided to get my first job, my mom was against it because I was too young. I was only 14 years old. But my will was so strong. I felt that bouzouki is my future and that I would love to pursue it as a career, so I got my first job as a bouzouki player when I was 14 years old.
TNH: What inspires you and your music?
GA: Usually emotional situations, when I was kid I remember that the only thing that made me happy was listening to music. Emotions inspire me to create music.
TNH: What can the Greek-American audience look forward to in your upcoming performance?
GA: I’m so happy that I have the opportunity to contribute to keep alive the Greek culture in America and give the opportunity to Greek-Americans to learn about my Greek instrument and music.
Giorgos Apostolidis and his bouzouki. Photo: Courtesy of Giorgos Apostolidis
TNH: What projects are you working on next?
GA: I have to prepare for the live Greek cultural events at Brousko Restaurant in Chicago where I will be playing my cultural instrument (bouzouki). People in Greece know that the way I play bouzouki is so unique that they are coming to attend my performances to see me play. All these productions serve to further enrich the appreciation and understanding of Greek traditional music for many Greek-Americans in Chicago. To describe these productions as culturally unique only scratches the surface of its importance to our heritage.
LONG ISLAND CITY – Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris issued the following statement on Amazon’s decision not to proceed with the plan to build its second headquarters in Long Island City:
“Today’s behavior by Amazon shows why they would have been a bad partner for New York in any event. Rather than seriously engage with the community they proposed to profoundly change, Amazon continued its effort to shakedown governments to get its way. It is time for a national dialogue about the perils of these types of corporate subsidies.”
Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY-12), co-chair and co-founder of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus, also issued a statement on Amazon’s decision via Twitter:
“Disappointed that NYC won’t be home to 25K+ new jobs from HQ2 & that LIC will lose out on infrastructure improvements that would have accompanied this project. This is not the Valentine that NY needed.
“The deal could have been improved. There were legitimate concerns raised and aspects that I wanted changed. I was ready to work for those changes. But now, we won’t have a chance to do that and we are out 25K+ new jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in new investments.
“As I said on Monday [Feb. 11], ‘With 25K well-paying jobs coming to the neighborhood, the residents of Queensbridge, Ravenswood, Astoria Houses, & Woodside have good chances for the future. We need to make sure that… opportunities lead to jobs.’
“I’ll continue working with the residents of Queensbridge, Ravenswood, Astoria Houses, & Woodside and all #LIC & #NY12 to strengthen our economy & bring good paying jobs to NY.”
