NEW YORK – Following the success of Fylakismena Mnimata- Imprisoned Graves which was recently presented at the Queens Theater and received rave reviews from many Greeks and non-Greeks as well, Pancyprian Artistic and Music Director Neophytos (Phyto) Stratis spoke with The National Herald about his artistic projects and future goals.

TNH: Fylakismena Mnimata- Imprisoned Graves was the subject of discussion and positive comments in the Greek community. What are your feelings about the success of the show?

Phyto Stratis: I feel total satisfaction and vindication, both from the artistic point of view and for the turnout, the acceptance and the reviews we have received. It was a difficult and high-quality project. They usually say that quality projects are not compatible with commercial success, but I firmly believe that high quality art can reach everyone, regardless of particular preferences. I had similar success in 2017 when I presented the poetic monologue by Yiannis Ritsos entitled The Farewell – The last moments of Grigoris Afxentiou in the burning cave, which again had the theme of the liberation struggle of Cyprus in 1955-1959. I saw again the public response, which was very encouraging, in three sold out performances in Astoria. Then we had the premiere of the same project in English. He competed at the United Solo Festival, the world’s biggest solo festival, where the show was honored among 130 entries, awarded the United Solo 2018 – Best Poetry Show, again with sold out performances, Off Broadway.

TNH: How difficult was it to coordinate such a large cast? Almost all of the remarkable actors of the Greek community collaborated on the show.

PS: Personally, it was the first time I saw, in Queens, that so many artists from different organizations and associations participated as volunteers in a show. We counted 70 people. The Greek Cultural Center canceled a show in order for the actors to be there. FAMA Productions postponed the premiere of their show to a week later to allow their actors to participate. The children of the Pancyprian Choir, along with those from St. Demetrios and the Academy of Hellenic Paideia, collaborated. Also, leading artists of the Greek theater and Greek television who are currently in the United States took on the difficult roles of the fighters and their relatives, and the resulting production was based on volunteering and love for the work itself.

TNH: Will Fylakismena Mnimata play again in New York?

PS: I have been presenting this work in simpler forms over the last three years and it was a great dream to see it as a fully-staged production with my own musical direction.

A major goal, now, is for Fylakismena Mnimata to be performed in Greece and Cyprus. There is already interest from Fotis Fotiou, Nikos Christodoulides, and the President himself, Nicos Anastasiades. This is feasible in 2020, when it will be 65 years since the start of the Liberation Struggle. Besides, the show was held under the auspices of the Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus. There is also interest in presenting the show in New Jersey.

In any case, it is a project that is not only entertainment but also educational for the viewer.

TNH: How long have you been involved in artistic productions for the Greek community?

PS: I have been involved with the community for the last five years as the Pancyprian Artistic Director and Choir Director. When I began, the choir was 22 people including the founding members. Today, after 4-5 years, I am especially pleased to tell you that we are presenting these large productions with more than 70 people and the Choir has reached 40 members with a children’s choir and many artistic events such as poetry nights and theatrical performances, under the Pancyprian Cultural Division. It was a great pleasure for me both as an artist and as a human being to have the community’s support. Also, in recent years, many associations have assigned me to organize their events, such as the tribute to the Polytechnic revolt and the Open House for the Consulate General of Greece in New York during the Greek Independence Day celebration. I have, however, a long career in the arts in the U.S., apart from the Greek community, beginning in 2010, after completing my studies. As an actor, among other things, I have participated in the major off Broadway production, Sleep No More, Agamemnon at La MaMa E.T.C., and as composer in the interactive productions Island Shakespeare.

A highlight was the interactive musical Serenade for which I wrote all the music and was based on the work of Edgar Allan Poe. This work was considered the first interactive American musical and was featured in a three-page article in the New York Times.

TNH: Who are your artistic models?

PS: As a composer, Andrew Lloyd Webber remains my model, with my favorite work being The Phantom of the Opera. As a producer, Sleep No More, which I consider to be the epitome of interactive theater and as an actor, the late Marlon Brando, due to his vast range. From modern actors, I admire James Franco.

TNH: We are in New York City, a city with rich, multifaceted, and diverse artistic activity. How do you intend to make use of your artistic creativity in such a wide market?

PS: My aim is to promote Greek culture to the wider American audience. I want to concentrate on American productions, without stopping the productions for the Greek community, but the example of my work with Fylakismena Mnimata is something I want to evolve for a purely American audience, with productions linked at least as a theme with Greek culture, always performed in a modern style, which corresponds to the contemporary, demanding American theater.

TNH: Are you happy with the artistic level you found in the Greek community? Do you think there is a similar interest in culture?

PS: Through the show Fylakismena Mnimata, a quality emerged, both in terms of production and the quality of the artists that took part, equal to that of the American theater. It is unacceptable, however, for such great and talented artists, actors who are fortunate enough to be in America now, that there is no proper infrastructure, that there are no theaters and support, so that these artists can make a living through art and not have to work at other unrelated jobs to make ends meet.

It is in the interest of Greek and not only Greek actors that the cultural sector be addressed. The infrastructure is inadequate. There is neither a proper theater nor the financial support to produce cultural events and performances up to the dynamic artistic potential of the artists.

The culture of a people is demonstrated by the level of the work being produced. Invoking ancient Greek civilization in endless revivals makes no sense if we do not produce culture today. I see, for example, Greeks in the community will pay $200 and $250 for a meal, but think twice about spending $20 or $30 for a ticket to a good show. It is a shame to pay thousands of dollars per table and rain thousands on imported artists’ legs in shows that have nothing to do with entertainment (i.e. bouzoukia), while the local artist has to fight to be able to create and produce culture.

TNH: There is also the impending construction of the theater named for businessman and philanthropist Nikos Mouyiaris…

PS: I am pleased with the initiative of Pancyprian to create the first modern and fully equipped theater that meets the highest standards, in memory of the great benefactor of Greek culture Nikos Mouyiaris and named after him. It is something that is missing and something that should have been a priority for Greeks in America for decades.

I want to express my admiration for the work done by the late Nikos Mouyiaris, who, contrary to the established practice, turned his words into deeds. He spoke with his works, not with words.

TNH: What are you working on next?

PS: With the Pancyprian Choir, we are preparing two major concerts in New York and Philadelphia with singer Michalis Violaris, and with my own non-profit organization, Cyprus New York Productions, preparing a large production in partnership with Greeks and Americans, based on work by William Shakespeare, Othello of Cyprus.

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Dr. John Elefteriades, who was a Director of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Yale and who trained dozens of physicians around the world, told the Greek newspaper Kathimerini in an interview that he and his three sisters are proud of their heritage.

“We all learned not to forget our roots and grew proud of our Greek descent. Until we went to school, we only spoke Greek at home. We love Greece, which we often visit. We are also religious and we often go to Church on Sundays,” he said.

He was elected a member of the Academy of Athens, renowned for his research showing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) can be performed relatively safely on patients with coronary artery disease and advanced ventricular dysfunction. Men’s Health magazine included him in its list of the 10 best doctors in the United States.

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. John Elefteriades is the William W.L. Glenn Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery and former Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Yale University and Yale New-Haven Hospital. He is among the most clinically active academic surgeons in the country.

Dr. Elefteriades graduated magna cum laude with a triple concentration in Physics, French and Psychology from Yale University. He received his MD degree from the Yale University School of Medicine. He trained at Yale in both general surgery and cardiothoracic surgery. After completing his training, he joined the faculty at the Yale University School of Medicine.

He performs all aspects of adult cardiac and thoracic surgery. He is a recognized authority in interventions for the failing left ventricle, including coronary artery bypass grafting, left ventricular aneurysmectomy, and artificial heart implantation. Dr. Elefteriades directs the Aortic Institute at Yale, one of the nation’s largest facilities for treatment of the dilated thoracic aorta. He conducts laboratory research in new techniques of heart transplantation.  Among his research projects, he is working to identify the genetic mutations responsible for thoracic aortic aneurysms.

Dr. Elefteriades serves on multiple scientific advisory and editorial boards. He is a past President of the Connecticut Chapter of the American College of Cardiology and member of the national Board of Governors of the College.  Dr. Elefteriades is also past President of the International College of Angiology. He serves on the editorial board of the American Journal of Cardiology, the Journal of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiology, and the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery as well as being Editor-in-Chief of the Aorta Journal. He has been a member of the Thoracic Surgery Director’s Association and has been named consistently in The Best Doctors in America.   He is a frequently requested international lecturer, visiting professor and guest surgeon. He is the author of over 400 scientific publications on a wide range of cardiac and thoracic topics. He was selected as one of the ten best doctors in America by Men’s Health magazine. He has been featured in many dozens of print, radio, and television presentations. He has received the Walter Bleifeld Memorial Award for Distinguished Contribution in Clinical Research in Cardiology and the John B. Chang Research Achievement Award. In 2005 he was selected to lecture at the Leadership in Biomedicine Series at the Yale University School of Medicine.  In 2006, he received the Socrates Award from the Thoracic Residents Association, Thoracic Surgery Directors’ Association, and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, recognizing exceptional achievement in teaching and mentorship of residents.

Dr. Elefteriades was named the William W.L. Glenn Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery in 2006. This endowed chair honors the memory of Dr. Elefteriades’ mentor, Dr. Glenn. Dr. Elefteriades is the author of the books House Officer Guide to ICU Care (1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd Editions), Advanced Treatment Options for the Failling Left Ventricle, Your Heart: The Owner’s Guide,  Acute Aortic Disease, The women Heart: The Owner’s Guide, Extraordinary Hearts: A Journey of Cardiac Medicine and the Human Spirit, The Woman’s Heart: An Owner’s Guide, Transplant.

In 2017, Dr. Elefteriades was awarded an Honorary Phd degree from the University of Liege (Belgium) in recognition of his work in diagnosis and treatment of aortic diseases.  

Source: Yale

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JUNE 4-28
MANHATTAN – The Consulate General of Greece in New York and Timarete Hellenic Art Festival are pleased to announce “Inside, Outside and Beyond” a group exhibition at the Consulate General’s premises, 69 East 79th Street in Manhattan, June 4-28. Participating artists include Eozen Agopian, Maria Anasazi, Elaine Angelopoulos, Laura Dodson, Angie Drakopoulos, Peter Gerakaris, Cris Gianakos, Morfy Gikas, Mark Hadjipateras, Maria Karametou, Zoe Keramea, Georgia Lale, Eirini Linardaki, Aristides Logothetis, Despo Magoni, Demetrius Manouselis, Jenny Marketou, Eleni Mylonas, Antonia Papatzanaki, Costas Picadas, Panayiotis Terzis, Lydia Venieri, and Adonis Volanakis. The exhibition runs until June 28, Monday-Friday, 9 AM-2:30 PM.

JUNE 6-9
BALTIMORE, MD – St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church holds its annual Greek Festival June 6-9 at the Greektown Square and Events Center, 701 S Ponca Street in Baltimore. Enjoy traditional Greek food and pastries, church tours, live Greek music and folk dancing performed in traditional costume, Kids’ Zone. Hours: Thursday, Jun. 6 Noon-10 PM; Friday, Jun. 7 and Saturday, Jun. 8, 11 AM- 11 PM; and Sunday, Jun. 9, Noon-10 PM. Free admission. More information is available by phone: 410-633-5020.

JUNE 7-9
WAUWATOSA, WI – Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 2160 N. Wauwatosa Avenue in Wauwatosa, holds its annual Greek Festival June 7-9. Enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean with authentic Greek cuisine, artifacts, jewelry, art, Greek music and dancing, children’s games. Parking available at BMO Harris and City of Wauwatosa parking lots. Hours, Friday, Jun. 7, 4-10 PM, Saturday, Jun. 8, and Sunday, Jun. 9, Noon – 10 PM. More information is available by phone: 414-778-1555.

JUNE 9
ASTORIA – The Timarete Hellenic Art Festival presents the Drama International Short Film Festival on Sunday, Jun. 9 at the Greek Cultural Center, 2680 30th Street in Astoria, first screening 6 PM, second screening 8 PM. The festival is the leading Greek and South-Eastern European gateway to the world’s most prestigious short film awards, and nominated filmmakers qualify for the European Film Awards. Entrance/Donation: $20. More information is available online: www.timarete.com and by phone: 917-603-4437.

JUNE 13
MANHATTAN – On Thursday, June 13, 6 PM at the 3 West Club, 3 West 51st Street in Midtown Manhattan, EMBCA presents a program on one of the Balkan’s most influential writers, political thinkers, and revolutionary Enlightenment figures of the 18th Century, Rigas Feraios/Velestinlis. The event, entitled Romioi, the Balkans and the Rigas Feraios Charta, will be held on the 221st Anniversary of his death (actual date June 24, 1798) and will be in Association with AHEPA District 6 and Delphi Chapter #25. More information is available online: embca.com.

JUNE 15
ASTORIA – The Timarete Hellenic Art Festival presents Alalum, a dark comedy, on Saturday, Jun. 15, 8 PM, at the Archdiocesan Hellenic Cultural Center, 27-09 Crescent Street in Astoria. Four elderly cousins are gathered in the house of their elderly uncle who has just been groomed. An inheritance, a murder, and a mysterious visitor will bring them up creating an “Alalum” of comic situations. Cast: Georgia Fiotodimitrakis, Ioanna Fiotodimitrakis, Olga Someras, Vivian Triviza, and Alexandra Skendrou. Admission/Donation: $20. Reservations: 917-603-4437. More information is available online: www.timarete.com.

JUNE 18
MANHATTAN – The Greek-American Writers Assn. invites you to a special program, Sex in the (Ancient) City on Tuesday, Jun. 18, 7-8:30 PM, at Revelation Gallery, 224 Waverly Place in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village. Join Olympia Dukakis, Professor David Sider (NYU), actor Theodore Bouloukos, singer Nektarios Antoniou, Mia Theodoratos (orphic lyre), and Professor Constantina Rhodes in an illustrated and dramatic examination of sex, gender, sexuality, and love in the ancient Greece. Professor Sider, an expert on gender and sexuality in the ancient world, will compare ancient and modern concepts of sexual identity. Oscar-winner Dukakis will present the poetry of the immortal Sappho authentically accompanied by the orphic lyre. A wine reception will follow the program. Admission $10-20. Ticket purchase before June 1 is recommended because of limited space. More information and tickets online: Eventbrite, search: Sex in the ancient city: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sex-in-the-ancient-city-tickets-61642631771.

JUNE 21-23
WEST ALLIS, WI – Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church holds its annual Greek Festival at Wisconsin State Fair Park, 640 S 84th Street in West Allis. Experience traditional Greek culture and indulge in the famous Greek chicken, along with other popular Greek dishes such as souvlakia, gyros, baklava, koulouria, Yiayia’s spanakopita, a cultural exhibit, merchandise boutique, raffle, traditional Hellenic dancers and live band, traditional Greek dance lessons also available. Admission is Free. Paid parking at Wisconsin State Fair parking lot. Hours: Friday, Jun. 21, and Saturday, Jun. 22, 11 AM-11 PM; and Sunday, Jun. 23, 11 AM-8 PM. More information is available by phone: 414-461-9400 and online: annunciationwi.org.

DENVER, CO – Assumption of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 4610 E. Alameda Avenue in Denver, holds its 54th Annual Greek Festival June 21-23. Enjoy saganaki, Greek fries, Greek wings, mezethes, souvlakia, gyros, lamb, Greek chicken, spanakopita, tiropites, keftedes, dolmades, Greek salad, pastitsio, galaktobouriko, koulourakia, loukoumades, kourambiedes, baklava, and more! Church tours, raffle, cooking demonstrations, and boutique. Live Greek music and dancing. More information is available by phone: 303-388-9314 and online: www.thegreekfestival.com.

JUNE 22-23
DEKALB, IL – St. George Greek Orthodox Church holds its annual Greek Festival at Hopkins Park Shelter House, 1403 Sycamore Road in DeKalb, June 22-23. Family style picnic at the local park with Greek food and pastries. No alcohol allowed in the park. Enjoy Greek music and dancing. Hours: Saturday, Jun. 22, 11 AM-8 PM and Sunday, Jun. 23, 11 AM-7 PM. More information is available by phone: 815-758-5731.

JUNE 27-30
FORT WAYNE, IN – Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church holds its 39th Annual Greek Festival in Headwaters Park, 333 S Clinton Street in Fort Wayne, June 27-30. Enjoy Greek cuisine, daily raffles, live Greek music and dancing. Greek Fest Olympic 5K on Saturday at 10 AM beginning at Headwaters Park. Admission: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 11 AM-4 PM, Free; All Day Sunday, Free; Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 4-10 PM, $5; under 16 years old, Free. More information is available by phone: 260- 489-0774 and online: www.fortwaynegreekfestival.org.

JUNE 28
MANHATTAN – The Manhattan AHEPA Family, Delphi Chapter #25, Daughters of Penelope-Evryklea Chapter #36, and The Sons of Pericles-New Renaissance Chapter #5, invite all to attend their 3rd Annual Greek Wine, Food & Music Cruise (21+ to enter) on Friday, Jun. 28, 7:30-10:30 PM. Proceeds to benefit scholarship programs of World Hellenic Biomedical Association. Please visit www.eventbrite.com/e/3rd-annual-ahepa-greek-wine-food-music-cruise-around-manhattan-tickets-61380955089 for details.

JUNE 28-30
IRVINE, CA – St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church, 4949 Alton Parkway in Irvine, holds its 41st Annual Greek Festival June 28-30. Enjoy delicious Greek food and pastries, church tours, boutique and gift items from around the world, cooking demonstrations, opportunity drawing, Greek folk dancing, and children’s play zone. Admission: $3 per person, children under 10 are free, Seniors 65+ are free Saturday 12-5 PM, Veterans and Active Service Military and Families always free. Hours: Friday, Jun. 28, 5-10 PM; Saturday, Jun. 29, Noon-10 PM; and Sunday, Jun. 30, Noon-9 PM. More information is available by phone: 949-733-2366 and online: irvinegreekfest.com.

JUNE 30
MATTITUCK, NY – The Association of Asgata “Cyprus” Memorial Service for July 20th, 1974 takes place at the Transfiguration Church in Mattituck, LI, followed by Artoklasia in celebration of the Name Day for Apostles Peter and Paul and traditional Cypriot breakfast on Sunday, Jun. 30, 10:30 AM. Picnic with Cypriot food and games at 2 PM. More information is available by phone: Peter Louca 516-679-2205.

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Book Expo America took place May 29-31 followed by BookCon, June 1-2, this year at the Jacob Javits Center in Manhattan. Book Expo is the publishing industry’s leading trade event, where booksellers, librarians, specialty retailers and national chains, publishers, and tastemakers gather to discover the latest titles, authors, distribution channels, technology, and trends. BookCon is the more fan-centric event where storytelling and pop culture collide. Among the many authors participating in BookCon was Greek-American Angelo Surmelis.

The author of The Dangerous Art of Blending In, a solid debut effort in the young adult romance genre, Surmelis signed autographs for fans and participated in a fascinating and timely panel discussion on June 2 at BookCon. The panelists, including Surmelis and fellow authors Abdi Nazemian, Tehlor Kay Mejia, and Kacen Callendar, discussed the fact that young adult books are still overwhelmingly heteronormative – about heterosexuals. The discussion was moderated by American actor and singer Anthony Rapp, best known for originating the role of Mark Cohen in the Broadway production of Rent.

In previous years, many BookCon panels have focused on fun book tie-ins with television and film featuring well-known authors while others also tackled issues like the need for diversity in the publishing industry. Though some may find the issues discussed uncomfortable, the fact that we are hearing from these talented and unheard voices in literature is important and even life-saving for young people struggling to ‘fit in’.

According to the book description for Surmelis’ The Dangerous Art of Blending In, seventeen-year-old Evan Panos doesn’t know where he fits in. His strict immigrant Greek mother refuses to see him as anything but a disappointment. His quiet, workaholic father is a staunch believer in avoiding any kind of conflict. And his best friend, Henry, has somehow become distractingly attractive over the summer.

Tired, isolated, scared, Evan finds that his only escape is to draw in an abandoned monastery that feels as lonely as he is. And yes, he kissed one guy over the summer. But it’s Henry who’s now proving to be irresistible – Henry, who suddenly seems interested in being more than friends. And it’s Henry who makes him believe that he deserves more than his mother’s harsh words and terrifying abuse.

But as things with Henry heat up, and his mother’s abuse escalates, Evan has to decide how to find his voice in a world where he has survived so long by being silent.

This is a powerful and revelatory coming-of-age novel based on the author’s own childhood, about a boy who learns to step into his light.

Surmelis was raised in Greece until he immigrated to Illinois at the age of five. He currently lives in Los Angeles. An award-winning designer, Surmelis has been featured on over fifty television shows, including the Today show and Extra, as well as in magazines such as InStyle, TV Guide, and Entertainment Weekly. He has worked as a host on networks like HGTV and TLC. He can be found online at www.angelohome.com.

Published by Harper Collins, The Dangerous Art of Blending In by Angelo Surmelis is available online and in bookstores.

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GEORGOUSES, STELLA
SCHAUMBERG, IL (from the Chicago Suburban Daily Herald, published on May 23) – Stella J. Georgouses, 96, passed away on Tuesday, May 21 at her home in Schaumburg. She was born July 16, 1922 in Chicago, lived for many years in Greece and Chicago and has been a Schaumburg resident since 2001. Stella enjoyed being with her family, especially her grandchildren. Surviving are 2 children, John Georgouses and Gina (Mark Guido) Georgouses; 4 grandchildren, Yanni (Elizabeth) Smaragdis, Stella (Max) Pirvu, Stella and Speros Georgouses; 3 Great Grandchildren, Roman, Eloise, and Alex and her brother, Harry (the late Olga) Georgouses. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Speros in 1994. Her funeral service was held at the St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Libertyville. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Demetrios Church. Info: 847-362-3009 or please share a memory at www.burnettdane.com.

IGNADIS, HARRY
WINSTED, CT (from the Register Citizen, published on May 8) – Harry Ignadis, 61, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 7 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was the devoted husband of Stavroula “Voula” (Anastasopolous) Ignadis for 30 years. Born October 23, 1957 in Greece; the son of George Ignatiadis and the late Kiriaki (Sarioglou) Ignatiadis, Harry is well known in the community for his generosity and for owning and operating with his wife The Tributary Restaurant in Winsted for 21 years. He had a heart of gold, constantly putting people before himself in every way. He enjoyed feeding everyone and was a jokester, always trying to make people laugh. Harry was hardworking, outgoing and always well groomed. He will be deeply missed by all his family, friends and community. In addition to his beloved wife, he leaves his cherished children, Kiki Ignatiadis and George Ignatiadis; siblings, Parthena Ignatiadis, Nikoloas Ignatiadis and Mirofora Marmanides; and many extended family. He was predeceased by a baby brother. The funeral was held at St. George Greek Orthodox Church. Visit an online guestbook at Montano-shea.com.

JEWELER, MICHAEL JAMES
OVERLAND PARK, KS (from the Kansas City Star, published on May 7) – Michael James Jeweler, June 5, 1936-May 3, 2019. Mike was born in Kansas City of a Greek-American mother and an Asia Minor industrialist father and was raised in Thessaloniki. He is an alumnus of Anatolia College of Salonica and attended the University of Missouri, Kansas City, where he earned a BBA Degree in Marketing and, later, earned his JD Degree. He was subsequently admitted to the Kansas Bar, U.S. Military Court of Appeals, and U.S. Supreme Court. He served active duty in Army Civil Affairs and Military Intelligence units. Subsequently, he became a senior partner in the Kansas City law firm of Cashin, Jeweler, and Blake. In 1962, Mike received his appointment as a Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assignments in Tampa, Florida; Washington, DC; Kansas City; and Rome, Italy, where he served five years as the Legal Attache‚ to the U.S. Embassy. Upon retirement from the Bureau, Mike worked at Intertel and SBC Communications, Inc., Mike later became a consultant on international and domestic corporate security matters. On April 1, 2012, Mike was ordained to the Holy Diaconate by His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, in Kansas City, Missouri. He served as a Deacon at Annunciation and, later, Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Falls Church, Virginia. Mike leaves behind his wife, Peggy, of 56 years; two sons James (Moira), of Alexandria, Virginia; and John (Anna Marie), of Fairfax, Virginia and four granddaughters (Daphne, Zoe, Fiona, and Katrina). The Trisagion service and funeral were held at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Kansas City, MO. Those wishing to make a donation in Mike’s memory may do so to either Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, 3149 Glen Carlyn Road, Falls Church, VA 22041, or Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 12001 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO 64145.

KAROZOS, GUS
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (from The Indianapolis Star, published on May 15) – Gus A. Karozos, 101, of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, May 12, 2019 at Franciscan Hospice House in Indianapolis. Born August 29, 1917, in the village of Dereli, Greece, Gus was the son of Andrew and Evangelia (Smantli) Karozos. At the age of 12 Gus and his family immigrated to Warren, Ohio. Gus proudly served his country as a Corporal in the 376th Field Artillery Battalion of the 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army during World War II; his unit of paratroopers was among the first to jump prior to D-Day in 1944. Upon his honorable discharge in 1944, Gus was the recipient of two Purple Hearts. He attended The Ohio State University, where he met his future bride Irene (Pappas) and on June 15, 1947 they were married, and she preceded him in death on April 16, 2008. Gus received a Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies from OSU which led to his career as a Sales Manager of Foreign Commerce for M&R Labs in Columbus, Ohio and CB Kendall in Indianapolis. During the late 1940’s and early 1950’s Gus sold powdered milk, ice cream and Similac by correspondence to the Middle East and traveled for months at a time to Central and South America selling pharmaceuticals. Later, Gus enjoyed a successful career in insurance sales as a General Agent for the Franklin Life Insurance Company and Crown Life for more than 50 years. He was also one of the original eleven investors who developed the land that became El Dorado (Dye’s Walk) Country Club. Gus was a faithful past member and past president of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Indianapolis and is currently a member of Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church on Central Avenue in Indianapolis. He was also a past member of AHEPA and the Sertoma Club. Along with his loving wife, Gus is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Polixeni. Survivors include his four children, Evelyn A. Karozos of Indianapolis, Andrew C. Karozos of Healdsburg, California, James C. (Amy) Karozos of Indianapolis, and Joan E. (Scott Locke) Karozos of Indianapolis; and five grandchildren, Patrick and Christopher Shea and Stephanie, Samuel and Peter Karozos. Family and friends gathered to celebrate the life of Gus Karozos in the Daniel F. O’Riley Funeral Home and the Trisagion and funeral services were held at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church, 4550 N. Central Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana 46205. Visit www.OrileyFuneralHome.com where you may express online condolences to the Karozos family.

KOUNALIS, SOFIA
SALT LAKE CITY, UT (from the Deseret News, published on May 18) – Sofia G. Kounalis, passed away May 15. Born November 3, 1928 in Crete, Greece, the Daughter of George and Argyro Findikakis. She married George A. Kounalis in 1947, and emigrated to Salt Lake City, UT in 1954. She was preceded in death by her husband. She retired from Salt Lake County Motor Vehicle Division in 1995. Her passion was to go to Wendover and Las Vegas and play the slot machines. She enjoyed life to its fullest, cooking for her family, and baking baklava and Greek cookies for family and friends. She is survived by her son Anthony (Tony), Daughters Evangelia (Lilly Stireman), Argie Barry, and Irene (Rita) Kounalis. Daughter-in-law Sandra Kounalis, son in law Martin Barry, 6 Grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren and her sisters Rita Findikakis Fleming, Stella Drakakis, and brother Stratis Findikakis, preceded in death by her sister Eva Marinos. She was a member of the Greek Orthodox Church, Philoptochos Society and Daughters of Minos. The funeral service was held at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Salt Lake City. Please share your photos and memories with the family at www.starksfuneral.com.

LOUTSION, KOULA
CANONSBURG, PA (from the Observer-Reporter, published on May 28) – Koula Loutsion Jr., 79, of Canonsburg, passed away Saturday, May 25 after a 39-year courageous, graceful battle with multiple sclerosis. She was born October 27, 1939, on the island of Limnos, Greece, a daughter of John and Sonia Zervos Papavasilis. She survived the German occupation of Greece and immigrated to Ellis Island at the age of six. Her family settled in the town of Aliquippa, along with many other Greek families. Koula was a steward of the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church. She worked for many years at the annual food festival and with the GOYA youth group prior to her illness. She was past president of the All Saints Ladies Philoptochos Society, and she sang in the church choir for many years. Her kindness touched everyone she came in contact with, and through all her challenges, she never complained. She always had a lovely smile on her face and a beautiful heart that loved everyone. Her family was her life. Koula was a dedicated mother, grandmother, and homemaker. Surviving are her loving son, George T. (Becky) Loutsion III of Canonsburg; her three loving grandchildren who were her pride and joy, Zachary, Alexander, and Stellanie Loutsion; many godchildren; and loving family members. She will remain in our hearts forever. May her memory be eternal. The funeral was held at the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church of Canonsburg with Father George L. Livanos officiating. The family kindly suggests memorial contributions be made the Ladies Philoptochos Society of All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, in Koula’s name. To leave condolences, visit www.sollon.com.

PREKEZES, JAMES
CHICAGO, IL (from the Chicago Tribune, published on May 27) – Dr. James John Prekezes passed away peacefully with loved ones in Athens, Greece on May 20 at the age of 92. Husband of the late Calliope (Dorizas), he is survived by his children, Dr. Christine (Peter) Vranas, John (Lily), Irene and Joann as well as his many grandchildren and step-grandchildren. He was a dedicated Family Practitioner and General Surgeon for over 30 years with a reputation of going above and beyond for his patients. He travelled the world well into his 80s and was an avid reader until the end. Known for always sharing oranges and a quick wit, he was a vibrant member of the Greek community in Chicago until his retirement, when he poured himself into gardening and restoring a home in his beloved Arahova. He was buried in a quiet ceremony at Agios Trefonas in Kifisia. As James lived his life quiet and simply, family requests you make a donation to your charity of choice in his memory.

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ΩΚΕΑΝΟΣ IS THE OCEAN
In American English we usually say the water or the ocean instead of the sea. Due to the fact that the continent of America is surrounded by two oceans, the Atlantic and the Pacific, the sea in American English is most often called the ocean. The word ocean also comes from Greek. Ocean in ancient Greek mythology was the god from whom originally everything was created. The Ocean was also thought to be the Gate to the Underworld. Its dignity and significance is underscored by the fact that this word starts with Ω and not with Ο,ο. In Greek only a few words start with Ω, which is a letter of profound meaning. We need to remember that Jesus Christ had said “I am the Alpha and the Omega” «Εγώ ειμί το Άλφα και το Ωμέγα.» These names of the Greek letters are also used in the languages of the world, carrying a symbolic significance.
The Atlantic Ocean comes from Atlas, the hero of Greek mythology, who bore the Earth on his shoulders and lived close to the Straits of Gibraltar. The Pacific Ocean comes from the Latin word for the peace. The Greek word for peace is η ειρήνη. It is also a name, η Ειρήνη, Irene in English. The Pacific Ocean is called in Greek ο Ειρηνικός Ωκεανός, the Peaceful Ocean.

HOW IS THE WATER TODAY?
How is the sea (the water) today? Πώς είναι η θάλασσα σήμερα; Surprise your friends and your relatives by saying typical Greek phrases about the sea.

COMMON PHRASES
Πώς είναι η θάλασσα σήμερα;
POS EEne EE THAlasa SEEmera?
How is the sea (the water) today?
Η θάλασσα σήμερα είναι καλή.
EE THAlasa SEEmera EEne kaLEE.
The sea today is good.
Η θάλασσα σήμερα είναι κρύα.
EE THAlasa SEEmera EEne KREEa.
The sea today is cold.
Η θάλασσα σήμερα είναι ζεστή.
EE THAlasa SEEmera EEne zeSTEE.
The sea today is warm.

BASIC VOCABYLARY
Greek word Pronunciation Meaning
Ο ωκεανός O okeaNOS the ocean
Οι ωκεανοί EE okeaNEE the oceans
Εγώ eYO I
Ειμί I MEE am
Το Άλφα TO Alfa the Alpha
Το Ωμέγα TO oMEya the Omega
Ο Ατλαντικός Ωκεανός O atlantiKOS okeaNOS The Atlantic Ocean
Ο Ειρηνικός Ωκεανός O iriniKOS okeaNOS the Pacific Ocean
Η ειρήνη EE iREEni the peace
Η Ειρήνη EE iREEni Irene
Η φίλη μου EE FEEli Moo my friend (female)
Στην STEEN in, at (female gram. gender)
Η Αμερική EE ameriKEE America
Έχει Ehi has
H θάλασσα EE THAlasa the sea
Πώς POS how
Είναι EEne is
Σήμερα SEEmera today
Κρύα KREEa cold
Ζεστή zeSTEE warm, hot
Καλή kaLEE good

EXERCISE
A. Can you translate the sentences below in English?
1. O Ατλαντικός Ωκεανός είναι στην Αμερική.
2. Η Ειρήνη είναι φίλη μου.
3. Η Αμερική έχει ειρήνη.
4. Η θάλασσα είναι κρύα σήμερα.
5. Ο Ειρηνικός Ωκεανός είναι κρύα θάλασσα.
6. Πώς είναι η θάλασσα σήμερα;

B. How is the sea (the sea water) today?
Πώς είναι η θάλασσα σήμερα;
Try to give the answer in Greek.
1.The sea today is cold.
2.The sea today is good.
3. The sea today is warm.
4. The Atlantic Ocean is a cold sea.

C. Try to translate the sentences below in Greek.
1. The Pacific is an ocean.
2. Irene is my friend.
3. The Atlantic is an ocean.
4. The Atlantic and the Pacific are oceans in America.

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

The post Our Everyday Greek: Greek you Already Know, The Ocean appeared first on The National Herald.

NEW YORK – More than 35 judges attended Judiciary Night, organized by the Hellenic American Lawyers Association (HLA) at Kyma restaurant in Manhattan.

The judges, including Federal Judges, came from Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, and Nassau and Suffolk Counties and had the opportunity to chat with and exchange views with HLA members.

The attendees, which included a large number of Greek-Americans serving in other positions in the Judiciary, received a bottle of Greek wine as a parting gift.

HLA President Chrisanthy Zapantis-Melis, thanked all the judges who attended the event and the members of the Association who once again participated.

Judiciary Night is one of the annual events organized by the New York-based HLA, whose administration seeks to bring its members into contact several times during the year.

The organization’s annual gala will be held November 1, 2019 at the Pierre Hotel.

Also among those present was the Director of the Office of Economic and Commercial Affairs of the Consulate General of Greece in New York Georgios Michailidis.

More information about the Hellenic Lawyers Association is available online: https://www.helleniclawyersassociation.org.

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NEW YORK (AP) — A helicopter crash-landed on the roof a midtown Manhattan skyscraper Monday, killing the pilot, authorities said.

The crash happened at around 2 p.m. in a steady rain and clouds that obscured the roof of the tower, the AXA Equitable building.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who spoke to reporters at the scene about 20 minutes after the crash, said the impact shook the building and caused a fire, but it was under control and there were no other reports of injuries.

The incident, close to both Rockefeller Center and Times Square, sent rescue vehicles swarming to the building and immediately evoked memories of the Sept. 11 attacks, though officials said there were no indications it was related to terrorism.

“If you’re a New Yorker, you have a level of PTSD, right, from 9/11. And I remember that morning all too well. So as soon as you hear an aircraft hit a building, I think my mind goes where every New Yorker’s mind goes,” Cuomo said.

The FAA said it would investigate. It was not immediately known what type of helicopter was involved.

Videos posted by onlookers showed emergency vehicles in the street, but no obvious damage to the skyscraper, which is about 750 feet (229 meters) tall.

Pedro Rodriguez, a pastry line cook at Le Bernardin, a well-known restaurant in the building, said workers got an announcement telling everyone to exit, and he later heard from people around him that there was a fire on the roof. The evacuation wasn’t chaotic, Rodriguez said, but he was rattled because he immediately thought of the Sept. 11 attacks.

NYC Fire Department is responding to a helicopter crash landing at a high rise building on 7th Ave in midtown Manhattan https://t.co/YX2JuTMmQL

— Reuters Top News (@Reuters) June 10, 2019

“It’s scary when something like this happens,” he said.

Alex Jacobs was working on the seventh floor when he heard bells and an announcement to evacuate. He and his colleagues — who hadn’t heard or felt an impact — used stairs to a fire exit. “It’s really unfortunate. I Just hope everyone’s OK,” he said.

New York City has a history of both minor and major helicopter wrecks and crash landings.

Last month, a helicopter crash landed in the Hudson River near a busy Manhattan heliport. The pilot escaped mostly unscathed.

Five people died when a sightseeing helicopter crashed into the East River last year. Three people died in another crash into the same river in 2011. Nine people died in a collision between a sightseeing helicopter and a small plane in 2009, not far from the scene of Monday’s mishap.

By JIM MUSTIAN Associated Press

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – The Philadelphia Evangelismos tis Theotokou (Annunciation) community held its annual Greek Food Festival June 6-9.

Parish Council President Stamatia Orginou told The National Herald that this year the festival was an absolute success, and thanked all the volunteers and donors of the community as well as the people who visited and contributed to the success.

The presiding priest of the community Very Rev. Archimandrite Alexandros Kantarakias also spoke with TNH and thanked everyone for their valuable help and support.

The festival director Amalia Haralambous thanked TNH for its media coverage and welcomed everyone to next year’s festival.

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Peter Kambitsis is the owner of Sugarberry which opened three months ago in Rockville Centre on Long Island.

With roots in Kefalonia, he spent his childhood summers on the island. Helping out at his godfather’s pastry shop there, he dreamed of one day opening his own pastry shop.

Kambitsis is also the owner of the New York Bakery in Astoria.

The post Peter Kambitsis’ Sugarberry in Rockville Centre on Long Island (Vid) appeared first on The National Herald.

NEW YORK – New York State Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris has introduced legislation setting the 2020 presidential primary date for April 28.

“It is important for New York to maximize its influence in the Presidential nominating process and this bill does just that,” said Senate Deputy Leader Gianaris in a statement released on June 11. “The selected date will increase our state’s allotment of delegates based on party rules.”

This will be the first presidential primary where early voting will be in place, a policy passed by the Senate earlier this year. This date will also entitle New York Democrats to an additional delegate bonus of 25% at their nominating convention, for a total of 327 delegates.

The post Gianaris Introduces Legislation Setting Presidential Primary Date appeared first on The National Herald.

BROOKLYN, NY – The Greek School of Plato held its annual graduation celebration on June 9 at the Dyker Beach Golf Course in Brooklyn. Family and friends gathered to congratulate the Class of 2019 and wish them all the best for the future.

Vasilis Voultsos, the 9^th grade teacher, gave the welcoming remarks and introduced his students, this year’s graduates: Yiorgos Alexandrou, Faith Andrinopoulos, Katherine Aretakis, Mary Danias, Nikolaos Geroulanos, Theodoros Mendez, Sotiria Sartzetakis, Paraskevi Sideris, Gabriella Sofos, and Kyriaki Zisimopoulos.

Voultsos thanked the members of the Board and the PTO for their support and their efforts to make the school a better place for all. He gave special thanks to Mrs. Leoni Garbis, Mrs. Maria Abazi-Doukas, Mr. Kostas Zografos, and Mrs. Tsaroucha, and called for a warm round of applause for all his colleagues at the school who generously dedicate themselves to teaching the Greek language and culture to children.

He also thanked the parents of the 9^th grade students for their trust and their help, noting that “all that those who are here today are connected by their love for Greece, the Greek community of the country in which we live, and the Greek language. To children and their parents, I have to say that graduation from Plato does not mean the end of their attempt to learn and speak Greek, but only the beginning. My last wish is that you love Greek as much as you can.

“Congratulations on your graduation! I wish all of you a good summer and enjoy today’s celebration!”

The event continued with Greek music and dancing, the students led the dance, followed by their teachers and parents and then everyone was invited to join in. A slideshow was also screened during the event with photos from the students’ earliest days at the school, participating in various events, performances and the Greek Independence Parade each year up to the present.

Each of the students read a short speech in Greek, and a bit of English here and there, expressing their thoughts on graduation, congratulating their fellow graduates, and also thanking their parents and teachers for all their support and encouragement throughout their time at Greek school.

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STAMFORD, Conn. (AP) — The blood of a missing Connecticut mother of five was found mixed with her estranged husband’s DNA at the home she was living in after they separated, a prosecutor revealed during a court hearing Tuesday.

State’s Attorney Richard Colangelo Jr. disclosed the evidence to challenge a request by Jennifer Dulos’ husband, Fotis Dulos, to lower his $500,000 bail. A state judge in Stamford rejected the request and Fotis Dulos pleaded not guilty to evidence tampering and hindering prosecution charges related to Jennifer Dulos’ disappearance last month.

Fotis Dulos was expected to post bail Tuesday, according to his lawyer, Norman Pattis. He would have to surrender his passport and be fitted with a location-monitoring device before being released.

His girlfriend, Michelle Troconis, who posted $500,000 bail last week, also pleaded not guilty to the same charges Tuesday. Her lawyer, Andrew Bowman, said outside the courthouse that he was disappointed with what he called unfair and inaccurate reporting by some media outlets.

“I don’t need to remind you that Michelle Troconis is presumed innocent,” he said.

Jennifer Dulos disappeared on May 24 after dropping her children off at school in New Canaan. She remains missing. She and Fotis Dulos have been involved in contentious divorce and child custody proceedings the past two years.

Colangelo said Jennifer Dulos’ blood was found mixed with Fotis Dulos’ DNA on the kitchen sink faucet of her home in New Canaan. Fotis Dulos has never lived at that home. He, Troconis and her daughter lived together at the Dulos family’s former home about 60 miles (97 kilometers) away in the Hartford suburb of Farmington, according to court documents.

The Dulos’ children, who range in age from 8 to 13 and include two sets of twins, have been staying with Jennifer Dulos’ mother, Gloria Farber, in New York City. Farber is seeking custody of the children.

Police allege Fotis Dulos and Troconis disposed of clothing, sponges and other items that contained Jennifer Dulos’ blood. Citing surveillance video and cellphone location evidence, authorities accuse them of dumping the items at multiple locations in Hartford, where police also have been searching garbage at a trash-to-energy plant. Police have said people in the video match the description of Fotis Dulos and Troconis.

Pattis said outside court Tuesday that police haven’t identified the license plate of the vehicle seen on video in Hartford where the items were discarded. Pattis also denied the charges against Fotis Dulos, saying his client has an alibi. He’s confident Fotis Dulos will be exonerated.

Asked why Fotis Dulos’ DNA was found mixed with Jennifer Dulos’ blood, Pattis said he did not know.

“He was in the house. Do you know where your DNA is?” he asked a reporter.

Pattis added, “I would ask everyone to put aside the easy narrative here that an angry ex-spouse took matters into his own hands to resolve a custody dispute. That didn’t happen. Having said that, I don’t know what happened.”

Police wrote in arrest warrants that blood spatter and evidence of cleanup attempts also were found at Jennifer Dulos’ home.

Jennifer Dulos is the daughter of the late Hilliard Farber, who ran Chase Manhattan Bank’s bond trading desk before founding his own brokerage firm in 1975.

Fotis Dulos is a developer of expensive homes who borrowed money from his wife’s parents to buy properties, according to a lawsuit filed against Fotis Dulos by Gloria Farber. The lawsuit in Connecticut state court claims Fotis Dulos has failed to repay Gloria Farber about $1.7 million in loans given to him.

The post Prosecutor Reveals New DNA Evidence in Dulos Case (Pics) appeared first on The National Herald.

LONDON, UK – Managing Partner Peter Petrou of London-based full service law firm Aspen Morris accepted a prestigious and highly coveted award on behalf of the firm which was honored for its International Law services.

Aspen Morris has been named “UK Law Firm of the Year for International Law” at the Corporate LiveWire Global Awards 2019. The firm was also received this award in 2015 and 2016.

The Corporate LiveWire Global Awards recognize individuals and companies in the corporate world that have demonstrated great achievements in the past 12 months.

Peter Petrou noted, “I am delighted to have collected this award on behalf of Aspen Morris, we have over the last five years built up a substantial International practice and we are fortunate to have exceptional local partners throughout Africa and the Middle East who have contributed to our success in providing a high quality service for our clients.”

Prior to establishing Aspen Morris, Petrou worked for a leading U.S. law firm before moving to a large international law firm and worked in their Real Estate and International Projects department. Petrou is seen as one of the rising stars of the legal and business world and has been interviewed and named by leading business publication Forbes, as having “formidable high level political and business contacts throughout Europe, the U.S., Middle East, and Africa” and called Petrou the “go to person” for deals in Africa. The European magazine has also named him as “a rising star lawyer, influencing global business.”

Petrou holds several prominent appointments including Special Advisor to the Somali Stock Exchange and regularly advises governments and government entities on legal and business-related matters. He also sits on the Board of Trustees of the Africa Internship Academy, which is a not-for-profit organization headquartered in Ghana which aims to accelerate youth employment throughout Africa.

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ALBANY, NY – Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris continues to work hard for New Yorkers and especially his district. On June 11, he released statements concerning the announcement of historic new rent laws, the passage in the New York State Senate of his bill mandating the state’s Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) establish a database tracking the state and county of origin of guns used in crimes in New York. Gianaris also announced the passage of legislation that will provide greater protections and services for New York’s LGBTQ community.

Concerning the historic new rent laws that will protect New York tenants, Gianaris said, “After years of displacement caused by rent laws that worked against them, New York’s tenants finally have a seat at the table thanks to a new Senate that is working with our Assembly partners to eagerly champion housing affordability. This sweeping legislation provides the strongest tenant protections since the rent laws were enacted decades ago and I am proud to have worked with incredible grassroots organizers to deliver this historic progress.”

The legislation addresses a wide variety of tenant issues. It will eliminate vacancy decontrol and the vacancy bonus, extend preferential rents for the duration of a tenancy, dramatically reform MCIs and IAIs, and extend tenant safeguards statewide, among other changes.

The Senate passed Gianaris’ bill (S.4442A) requiring DCJS to publish data regarding the origins of guns used in crimes. This proposal would tackle the “Iron Pipeline,” whereby guns purchased in states with lax gun laws are brought into New York and used in crimes.

“Stopping the ‘Iron Pipeline’ is possible if New York leads the way. Despite having among the toughest gun laws in the country, our state experiences too many gun-related crimes due to firearms originating elsewhere,” said Gianaris. “While the federal government will not take action to combat gun violence, New York should use data to expose states that are part of the problem. I am pleased the Senate has passed this crucial legislation today.”

“We applaud the Senate for passing Senator Gianaris’s iron pipeline bill to thwart illegal gun trafficking and protect the lives of New Yorkers,” said Rebecca Fischer, Executive Director of New Yorkers Against Gun Violence. “New York State has some of the strongest gun safety laws in the country but firearms trafficked from weak-gun-law states continue to cause senseless tragedy. This legislation will strengthen New York’s capacity to track the origin of crime guns and prevent them from flowing into our communities.”

“We know that the systems used to protect New Yorkers are only as good as the information that goes into them,” said June Rubin, New York Chapter of Moms Demand Action. “We’re grateful to lawmakers for strengthening the safeguards to keep guns out of the hands of those who shouldn’t have them.”

Senator Gianaris’ bill requires DCJS and the New York State Police to publish a quarterly report about the origins of guns used in crimes. According to a 2015 analysis by the New York Times, two-thirds of guns used in crimes in New York were imported from other states.

The Senate Majority also celebrated Pride Month by passing legislation standing up for LGBTQ New Yorkers.The bills advanced by the Senate Democratic Majority will establish the Modern Family Act, abolish the use of “Gay Panic” or “Trans Panic” defense, and create the transgender youth and young adult suicide prevention task force. The Senate Majority will also pass the New York State Restoration of Honor Act that will correct the records of veterans discharged from the military because of their sexual orientation.
Gianaris said, “In New York State, love always wins. I was honored to cast one of the deciding votes for marriage equality and continued to fight for full equality earlier this session when we passed GENDA and a ban on conversion therapy. Now we proudly march through Pride Month with an additional ambitious agenda to make New York fairer for the LGBTQ community.”
The historic legislation passed by the Senate Democratic Majority includes:
The Modern Family Act: This bill, S.2071, sponsored by Senator Brad Hoylman, will lift the existing ban on genetic surrogacy and provide clear and decisive legal procedures to ensure children born through assisted reproduction and surrogacy have secure and legally recognized parental relationships with their intended parents.
Abolishing “Gay Panic” Defense: This bill, S.3293, sponsored by Senator Brad Hoylman, will limit the use of extreme emotional disturbance as an affirmative defense, commonly known as the “Gay Panic” or “Trans Panic” defense, to a charge of murder in the second degree.
LGBTQ Suicide Prevention Task Force: This bill, S.6315, sponsored by Senator Julia Salazar, will establish the LGBTQ Youth and Young Adult Suicide Prevention Task Force to examine, evaluate, and determine how to improve mental health and suicide prevention for New York’s LGBTQ youth and young adults up to the age of 24.
NYS Restoration of Honor Act: This bill, S.45-B, sponsored by Senator Brad Hoylman, will restore eligibility for state programs and benefits for LGBTQ veterans and veterans with certain qualifying conditions who were less than honorably discharged from military service due solely to their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or those who received less than honorable discharges as a result of military sexual trauma, traumatic brain injury, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Gender Identity Data: This bill, S.6321, sponsored by Senator Kevin Thomas, will require the collection of additional demographic information for an improved understanding of the diversity of the state’s LGBTQ community and its needs and experiences.
Senator Gianaris has been a staunch advocate of the LGBTQ community his entire time in office, including serving as a decisive vote in support of marriage equality in 2011.

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WHITESTONE, NY – The annual Greek Festival at the Holy Cross community in Whitestone once again drew crowds June 6-9 this year. Among those present were the presiding priest of Holy Cross Archimandrite Dionysios Anagnostopoulos, the ladies of the Philoptochos Society, and many volunteers from the community who pitched in to help make the festival a success.

Attendees enjoyed the traditional Greek foods, pastries, and of course, the loukoumades. Rides and games also delighted the younger attendees at the festival.

The community is looking forward to welcoming everyone again next year.

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NEW YORK – Dimitrios Tsirkos, founder of New York Ice Cream, has been in the news following “Operation Meltdown” which found that the company owed unpaid fines and parking tickets to New York City over eight years and totaling over $4.5 million for 76 ice cream trucks, 46 of which were seized, according to many media reports.

From 2009-2017, the owner/operators of these 76 trucks, reportedly “hid” the debts by transferring vehicles from one short-lived “umbrella” company to another, in order to continue operating with new license plates and apparently different ownership compared to the ones with unpaid fines.

Tsirkos spoke to The National Herald about the scandal and explains that his own involvement was much less than what is being presented in the media. He also told TNH about his professional relationship with the operators of the other trucks, as well as his efforts to avoid further consequences in the case.

At the same time, he expresses his anger at certain media outlets which published details about his personal and family life, which he sees as an unwarranted attack on his character and a “hit below the belt.”

“THE REAL DEBT IS UNDER $160,000”

According to Tsirkos, the authorities referred to the operators of 76 “sinner” ice cream vans, which were seized until further administrative action. As reported by the Katerini-native entrepreneur, out of these 76 trucks, he manages the handling and sales for only five. Besides, in his garage another 26 were found with accumulated and “hidden” violations, but even if they carry the “New York Ice Cream” logo, they do not belong to him. As for the remaining 45, they are not even parked in his space.

“The original amount of the debts of my five trucks, for which I am personally responsible and liable, amounted to $47,000 for offenses from 2009 to 2017. Due to surcharges, this amount is just over $159,000. Other trucks appeared associated with my name either because they were parked in my garage or because they had the New York Ice Cream logo and I am a founder,” emphasized Tsirkos to clarify the nature of the cooperation between him and the other operators.

“For the public to understand, I have to make it clear: These trucks, because they contain and maintain dairy products, must by law be parked in specially designated spaces. I have this place and these operators are contracted with me, paying a fee. They also purchase the products from me. So they are my customers, I have no involvement in the drivers’ behavior, nor do I gain from sales. My garage currently houses 121 trucks; 121 were also checked, with 31 of them having violations, of which five are my own. The remaining 45 were not even in my own garage. Someone may appear] to be involved with me] because they used to work with New York Ice Cream, I cannot say for sure. But I have no cooperation with them. I am not accountable to the authorities for any of these additional trucks beyond the five and nor is there any danger or accusations to deal with further consequences for any of the other issues mentioned in the case,” Tsirkos explained.

In any case, it turns out that Dimitrios Tsirkos, even being responsible for only those five trucks, tried to “hide” the fines by transferring the vehicles, with other license plates, to new “clean” companies, and then transferred them to others, when they received tickets. All of this, taking advantage of the relatively flexible legislation of the State of New York.

“I admit that this is an irregularity. I took advantage of the ability to change companies easily, but this is a common business phenomenon here. Undoubtedly, it is not right to leave unpaid tickets and to try to hide them. But two years ago I asked for a settlement, but never received an answer. Suddenly, two years and a few months later, this is what happened,” he said.

Nevertheless, the Greek businessman clarifies that “there is no criminal prosecution,” while noting that he “is already in settlement procedures” which will virtually “erase” any suspicion of “serious” fraud, which would threaten him with harsh legal consequences, beyond the financial ones.

“We will settle and pay the debts. There is no criminal case. If they could have brought one, they would have. We are not going to go to jail for this.”

“LIES THAT WERE WRITTEN ABOUT MY PERSONAL LIFE”

American media reports featured Tsirkos as the “ring-leader” of the $4.5 million scandal, and also made references to his personal life which were not very flattering.

In particular, it was said that he was living a “luxury lifestyle” clearly hinting at a causal relation with the essence of the case. Among other things, photos were cited from the traditional Greek wedding of a business partners’ daughter, where he could be seen “making it rain” dollar bills at the reception like many Greek-Americans do.

“They talk about the ‘high life’ and a ‘villa with a swimming pool’ where I supposedly live. I’m not saying I’m living pay check to pay check, but I live in an ordinary house, in a neighborhood in Whitestone, on 148th Street. It bothered me that they mention my family and personal life, printing details that do not apply, since I have excellent relationships with both my family and my ex-wife. They also found pictures on Facebook, for example, throwing dollars at the wedding reception for my partner’s daughter – a Greek custom at every wedding – and they showed it as a proof of decadence and that…I’m throwing money away! More generally, these days, they are casting me in a bad light for all this, and it made me so angry. I would like, therefore, to set the record straight,” Tsirkos said.

Finally, he regrets what has been seen in the media and makes it clear that he spoke to TNH because “he feels the need to clarify the situation to the Greek community only.”

“Everyone in the Greek community knows me and that I have no pretensions. I deal with the public, with associations, with everything. I am the president of the Pieria Society, while I am a member of the Pan-Macedonian Council. I am particularly interested that the Greek community knows what I have done. This is where I matured, in Astoria where I have my business since 1985 when I came to America. I’m sorry about all this and I felt the need to explain,” Tsirkos concluded.

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WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), on June 12 celebrated committee passage of the Never Forget the Heroes Act. Reps. Maloney, Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), and Peter King (R-NY) introduced HR1327 on February 25, 2019. The bill currently has 312 bipartisan cosponsors, 81 of which are Republicans.

Rep. Maloney said, “We are going to make the VCF permanent because there is no other choice. We have a double moral obligation to our 9/11 first responders, survivors, and their families. First, to those who ran to save lives, putting others ahead of themselves. They were selflessly there for us – we now must be there for them. Secondly, to all those our government told it was safe to breathe the air, drink the water – go back to work and school when it wasn’t. We lied to them, and now we need to do everything we can to be there for them and make their suffering less.

“This bill is about fulfilling our promise to ‘Never Forget.’ And we won’t stop fighting until we guarantee that this program will be there for anyone and everyone who needs it.” After testifying at the June 11 House Judiciary Subcommittee on Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties hearing The Need to Reauthorize the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, Rep. Maloney, released the following statement:

“Today’s hearing and the testimony we heard all boils down to one point; 9/11 first responders and survivors were there for us then. Now, we need to be there for them.

“We have a moral obligation to provide support and compensation to these heroes and their families. Not only did they come to our aid when we needed them, but many are sick because they trusted the federal government when it said the air around Ground Zero was safe to breathe.

“I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s vote in the Judiciary Committee and moving this bill forward to a full House vote soon. I will not rest until we live up to our promise to ‘Never Forget.’”

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NEW CANAAN, Conn. (AP) — A Connecticut State Police dive team has begun searching a body of water as part of the investigation into the disappearance of a mother of five who has been missing for nearly three weeks.

Fifty-year-old Jennifer Dulos, of New Canaan, has been missing since May 24.

She and her estranged husband, Fotis Dulos, have been involved in contentious divorce and child custody proceedings.

He pleaded not guilty Tuesday to evidence tampering and hindering prosecution charges related to his wife’s disappearance.

Police said Wednesday that they were searching the body of water in Avon and that investigators continued to search a Hartford trash plant for evidence related to the disappearance.

Jennifer Dulos’ family issued a statement Wednesday renewing its call for anyone with information about the case to come forward.

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NEW YORK – On June 10 Hellenic Professional Women (HPW) presented a panel on the #MeToo movement, sexual harassment, current legislation, and future amendments to the laws of New York pertaining to discrimination and other subjects which have gained much press since the Harvey Weinstein scandal broke in 2018.

Frantzis welcomed the members of the organization and its guests and gave giving a brief introduction about the #MeToo movement and the influence it has had in implementing changes in the lives of women around the world.

“Sexual harassment is directly linked to power and happens frequently in the workplace where many still treat women like sexual objects. Our federal legislation has not yet managed to protect large groups of women. The new policies related to sexual harassment are auspicious, but they must be accompanied by changes in mentality so as to bring about the desired results. We are optimistic about these new developments and through our organization and its events we try to inform our members about all of the issues that concern our women.”

Frantzis founded HPW in 2007 and has since managed to create a powerful network of about 800 women who come from a variety of different business spaces. She wanted to create an organization to strengthen the role of women in the workplace and to promote cooperation and support among Greek women.

After her introduction, Frantzis gave the floor to the two young moderators, Vanessa Diamataris, the Director of Strategic Development for The National Herald who also oversees its English Edition, and Melanie Graf, Associate Vice-President at Prosek Partners. The moderators then introduced their distinguished guest speakers: New York State Assembly Member Aravella Simotas, Executive Vice President, Chief People Officer of S&P Global Dimitra Manis, and Eleni Melekou, attorney at Pardalis & Nohavicka.

The panel was representative of Frantzis’ policy of promoting the new generation of women leaders in the Greek-American Community.

Diamataris, one of the moderators, mixing information with humor, provided an overview of the developments in sexual harassment legislation. Graf followed by presenting questions to the panel.

Simotas is well-known for her concern about issues of importance to the Greek-American Community, but she is also a leader in the fight against sexual harassment. Explaining what the #MeToo movement means to her, she said is its about “transparency – it is the united voices of women who are no longer afraid to go out and say what happened to them. It is also a day of reckoning – where society finds out what happened to generations of women who were afraid to speak out. It is a day when those who want change were given the opportunity to create and support that change. #MeToo symbolizes a new beginning for women.”

For the 28-year-old attorney Eleni Melekou, the #MeToo movement means that women must assert their rights and know their company’s policy on sexual harassment. “There is nothing to fear if you are a victim. Raise your voice and fight for your rights. Don’t be afraid that you will be fired or transferred.”

By October 9, 2019, based on new legislation, all companies will have to complete a program called Τraining for the Prevention of Sexual Harassment – which will have to be repeated every year according to the laws of New York. The program defines harassment, and how it begins and ends – issues which sometimes can be very confusing and unclear. Through these programs employees learn the procedure they will need to follow in case their rights have been violated.

“There is no excuse anymore,” Melekou said. “Once you learn the law and the procedure that you have to follow to obtain justice you should run and get help right away.”

Simotas added that, “The people who harass think that their own rules are stronger than the law. But now, with the new policy, we give them the opportunity to rethink their actions. Harassment has not stopped yet, and it will not be stopped easily – but we can do it if we continue this dialogue so that the world can understand that this cannot continue. It must be made clear that harassment will no longer be tolerated. We have to exercise our rights so that future generations of women never get to know the humiliation that harassment can bring.”

Manis, an excellent speaker and a prominent member of the S&P Global team, spoke about her many years of experience in human resources and offered anecdotes of her personal life from early in her career.

The lively evening concluded on a passionate note with Diamataris declaring that “Greek girls can be fearless – but their Greek moms are even more fearless, and they will always stand guard for their daughters.”

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