:: APR 2010 $2.95 The Officers and Directors of the Hellenic American Bankers Association, Inc. are pleased to announce that

Mr. James S. Chanos Founder & Managing Partner of Kynikos Associates is HABA's Executive of the Year for 2010 as HABA celebrates its 28th Anniversary of service to the Greek American community The Executive of the Year Award Dinner will take place at the Union League Club of New York 38 East 37th Street, New York, NY 10016 the evening of Thursday, May 13, 2010 6:15 pm Registration, 6:30 pm Reception, 7:30pm Dinner Admission is by prepaid reservation only and business attire is required

Registration $250 per person all-inclusive Benefactor and Supporter Tables Available

SEATING IS LIMITED: For your convenience please register online at www.HABA.org

Καλό Πάσχα/Happy Easter!

for additional information or questions, please email [email protected] or call HABA at +1 212 421-1057

Romancing the past :: magazine I told Ariana Savalas, our cover profile this month, that when I was a teenager living in Chicago and her father’s FOUNDED IN 2005 BY television show, Kojak, was then one of the biggest hits Demetrios Rhompotis on television and Greeks were swellingly-proud of Dimitri Michalakis having a star like Telly Savalas as their own, I heard that Kyprianos Bazenikas he planned to visit Chicago one of these days and I FROM THE EDITOR decided to pre-empt every other Greek in Chicago who Publishing would offer him their hospitality by inviting him to our Committee Chairman house first, and I sat down and wrote him a very long and fulsome letter, with :: magazine Demetrios Rhompotis sentiments that I thought, in my callow teenage sensibility, would be calculated to sway PUBLISHED MONTHLY IN NEW YORK [email protected] him. Editor in Chief: Mr. Savalas…May I call you Telly?...If you come over to our house we will have moussaka Dimitri C. Michalakis Director of Operations and my mother makes the best pastitsio…And you can stay the night if you want…I love Kyprianos Bazenikas [email protected] the stories you tell and the way you tell them…We will have wine…We will have [email protected] Features Editor music…We will invite all our friends—all Greeks—and many other of Chicago’s cultural Katerina Georgiou Marketing & elites, if you like (I was proud of remembering and inserting the word elite, though I [email protected] Advertising Director didn’t know who those “elites” might be and how you distinguished them and how I Lifestyle Editor Mary Politis would ever get up the nerve to invite any of them, once I knew them, to our apartment, Maria A. Pardalis (973) 610-8944 even for such a big star like Telly Savalas). [email protected] [email protected] Mercifully, Telly Savalas never took me up on my offer, and my letter must have been Western Region Desk one of the thousands he received every week, many from Greeks throughout the world Alexander Mizan Account Executive who thought they knew him just as personally as I did back in my burb in Chicago. But I [email protected] Emily Mihailidis did make contact, in my mind, with one of my heroes. Baltimore Desk (973) 713-9713 Georgia Vavas [email protected] Just as I made contact many years later after I put him on a pedestal with one of my [email protected] literary idols, Harry Mark Petrakis. I first heard his booming, orotund voice forever Photo/Fashion ATHENS - GREECE declaiming Petrakis maxims when I did a telephone interview with him for the National ETA Press Public Relations & Herald, and later got to know him for the fiercely-proud and committed artist he is [email protected] Marketing Director when I staged a play I wrote called The Petrakis Universe based on his life and work. He Graphic Design Margarita Vartholomeou didn’t like it much (he liked his stories uncut), but he loyally attended our reading in New NEOgraphics Inc. [email protected] York with his wife Diana, though he didn’t feel well, and he still allows me a place as an Adrian Salescu acolyte while I still consider him a literary mentor. Athens Desk It’s heartening to hear that Ariana Savalas is very much her father’s daughter (in acting Konstantinos Rhompotis and music and love of life) and that she’s an incurable romantic whose protean talent (01130) 210 51 42 446 SUBSCRIPTION CARD (01130) 6937 02 39 94 spills over into many styles and media. Her father inspired many of us, and perhaps she [email protected] will be an inspiration, as well, to some Greek kid in Chicago, or elsewhere in this wired world, who might send her an e-mail, or tweet, or “friend” her on Facebook, and might Check our website 1 Year Subscription www.neomagazine.com 10 Issues for $29.95 even get the thrill of a response. NEO Magazine Hronia Polla from all of us at NEO! is published monthly by NAME Neocorp Media Inc. P.O. Box 560105 College Point, NY 11356 Phone: (718) 554-0308 ADDRESS e-Fax: (718) 878-4448 Dimitri C. Michalakis [email protected]

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EXPIRATION DATE: SIGNATURE by Dr. John Brademas A Political Prognostication LOOKING TO NOVEMBER

A big challenge facing Democrats going into Still, Democratic Congressman John One of the nation’s the November midterms is the retirement Sarbanes of Maryland was optimistic and of several prominent members of the cited the success of House Speaker Nancy most seasoned political House and Senate. Here I point to Senator Pelosi and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. Evan Bayh of my native State of Indiana. The Democratic Caucus in the House is analysts is Charlie Cook, Yet the most recent analysis by Nate Silver large and diverse yet the House passed the publisher of The Cook of the polling website, FiveThirtyEight, is health care reform bill, the economic showing that Democrats should, with at stimulus package, a new expanded jobs Political Report, who is least 55 seats, maintain their majority in creation bill and energy legislation. the Senate. Republicans in the Senate, however, have predicting a tough In speaking with several current and abused the rules and traditions of that November midterm former Members of Congress and chamber to block action by the Democrats Administration officials, I find the theme there, creating a deteriorating political election for Democrats. they all touched on is that key to environment. November elections is the economy. Writing as I am, in early March, I think it In his ratings of The economic stimulus bill passed by likely that the health care reform bill will individual House races, Congress in 2009 helped stabilize the pass as will a new jobs creation bill and a economy and stop the loss of jobs. John financial industry reform measure. Such Cook lists 26 seats Podesta, who served as White House Chief actions will give the President and of Staff under President Clinton, suggests Members of Congress eight months to currently held by that President Barack Obama get out of communicate to voters their success in Washington, D.C. to connect with voters tackling one of the biggest challenges Democrats as either and make the case that actions by facing our country – health care – while at government can help jobs grow. the same time stabilizing the economy and likely to turn laying the foundation for new and Congressman Zack Space, Democrat of sustained growth. As my valued friend and Republican, or tossups; Ohio, who first won in 2006, represents a former colleague, Senator Paul Sarbanes of District with 16% unemployment. Maryland, told me recently, there is an another 28, although According to Congressman Space, his anti-incumbent mood in the air right now. leaning Democratic constituents are “moderate, independent “But”, he added, “next Fall is a long way and want reasonable, substantive action…. away.” presently, competitive. The American people want government to be responsive to their concerns. There is a Dr. Brademas served twenty-one years in To take control of the sense of urgency, but a lack of progress, the House of Representatives as a and people feel frustrated.” Democrat from Indiana and was appointed House, Republicans Majority Whip by Speaker Thomas P. “Tip” Part of this frustration has, of course, O’Neill. He is a president emeritus of New would need a net gain fueled the anti-government independent York University and founder of the John Tea Party movement, which has received so Brademas Center for the Study of Congress much attention in the press. 8 of 40 seats. at NYU. 0 1 s i 0 s 2 y l L a I n R a P A Congressman John Sarbanes, President of the President of the Federation of Hellenic American Hellenic Council of California President of Hellenic Medical Society, Dr. George NEO's Demetrios Rhompotis, Peter Parthenis, Societies NY Dimitrios Kalamaras with Michael Galanakis, former Senator Paul John and Mae Calamos with Archbishop Elina Mihalakis, Congressman Zach Space, State Tsioulias with National Commander of the President of Hational Hellenic Museum Aristotle Dr. Mary Marangos Sarbanes and a friend Demetrios of America Assemblyman Dimitrios Giannaros and a friend Archons of St. Andrew Dr. Anthony Limberakis Halikias and AHC President Michael Galanakis

ON AMANTHA APPLET

President Barack Obama, Prime Minister of Greece First Lady Michelle Obama greets O: S George Papandreou and Archbishop Demetrios of America Mrs. Ada Papandreaou, wife of Greek T

shared the podium during the ceremony, addressing guests Prime Minister George Papandreou, PHO US Ambassador Eleni Tsakopoulos-Kounalakis, Cathy Sakellaris, Ambassador Eleni Peter Parthenis, Chairman of Leadership 100 AHC President Michael Galanakis with American from all over the US and Greece in the Yellow Oval Room of the White House Kyriakos Tsakopoulos Endy Zemenides and Anna Giannoulias Tsakopoulos-Kounalakis and George Sakellaris Constantine Caras and George Sakellaris Hellenic Institute President Aleco Haralambides

From left, Donna Raptakis, Connecticut's President Barack Obama, Prime Minister Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz AHEPA Executive Director Bill Mossaidis with President of Cyprus Federation of America Peter Archbishop Demetrios of America with John Georges Eliana Papadakis, President of National George Papandreou and Donna Raptakis AHEPA Supreme President Nikos Karacostas Papanicolaou (right) with members of the Board White House guests Philoptochos Aphrodite Skeadas and a friend and Rhode Island State Senator Lou Raptakis

President Obama Honors Greek Ind ependence Day at the White House

By Demetrios Rhompotis and thus could take part in the celebration. of honor”, throughout this speech. “It’s a finds herself in today and talking about Mr. as they bring their ideas and aspirations to solution to FYROM name. SS President Barack Obama and First Lady The festive mood was enhanced since the sense of love to family, and to community, Papandreou, President Obama said that Greece when they visit our country.” The reception was attended by Greek

A PRE Michelle Obama hosted Greek Prime President had announced hours earlier that and to country; the notion that what we’re “like his father and his grandfather before Papandreou also invited President Obama cabinet members, Ambassadors Vassilis Minister George Papandreou, his wife Ada, Greece would enter the Visa Waiver here on this Earth to do is to be all in this him, the Prime Minister is leading Greece to visit Athens and pointed out that Greece Kaskarelis and Andreas Kakouris of Greece O: ET T Archbishop Demetrios of America and Program, making it easier for her nationals together. We all have obligations to each through challenging times. But as I told him and the US are always at each other’s side and Cyprus respectively, members of other and to work together. And so it was during our meeting in the Oval Office

PHO more than 200 Greek Americans from all to visit the US, and terminating a policy of in “our common quest for justice against all Congress, Metropolitan Bishops and over the country for the annual celebration discrimination against Greece vis-a-vis the that the democratic example of a small today, whether in good times, or in bad forms of tyranny and oppression in order prominent Greek Americans. of Greek Independence Day at the White rest of the Eurozone countries. According group of city states more than 2,000 years times, the people of Greece will always to keep our world a place where it is worth ago could inspire the founding generation have a friend and a partner in the United President Obama singled out his friend and House’s majestic East Room. A tradition to well informed sources, the President living”. basketball buddy from his Chicago days, that started under President George Bush demanded the immediate inclusion of of this country that led one early American States of America.” to imagine that ‘the days of Greece may be Addressing the event, Archbishop Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias who is Sr., acting upon an idea of the late Greece to the Program against the efforts Prime Minister Papandreou, a Greek Demetrios reminded all that the Greek running for Senator. “We have some Archbishop Iakovos, this year’s event was of a militantly anti-Hellenic State revived in the woods of America.’” He also American himself, born in Minnesota, said that when he was a young child living Revolution of 1821 achieved the outstanding members of Congress who are further highlighted by the presence of a Department staff that sought to further thanked the President for his good words impossible, having gone against all odds. here, and we’ve got at least one potential Greek prime minister for the first time and delay the decision. in Indonesia his mother would wake him and he referred to the contributions of the up early in the morning to teach him the That should serve as an inspiration today in member of Congress,” he said, pointing to also by the participation of a first lady, President Obama in his remarks at the Greeks in the US. “The Greek American our struggle to consolidate democracy, Giannoulias. again for the first time, as Archbishop legends of Greek mythology, among other Community is a lasting link between our White House event spoke of the support books. “It’s the sense of nobility and freedom and peace throughout the world. The event menu was prepared by Greek Demetrios remarked in his speech. In many Americans offered to Greeks who two countries. We are proud, and I am part 10 another first, the reception took place on morality written in the pages of those of this Community, we are proud of their He also commended President Obama for American Chef Cat Cora and included 11 had revolted against their oppressors and timeless Greek texts, which have instructed his strong support for the Ecumenical dishes from her restaurant Kouzzina, such

s March 9th, instead of the 25th, because accomplishments in academia, in business, s e e 0 0

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2 the President would have been on a trip in in culture and politics. They contribute 2 L L & States and Greece continues to this day. & I I

s ages, in every corner of the world.” s R his support for the reunification of Cyprus, Leaves with Truffle Avgolemeno and R P P w Asia then and also because George much to the United States and they are w e e A Excusing his own pronunciation, he used A n and his commitment to the effort for a various Greek salads. n Papandreou was visiting the US at the time the refrain “philotimo,” which means “love In a reference to the difficult times Greece always a source of innovation and strength theater at Epidaurus but also enjoyed a reception “They are also scholars in their field and can from the resort’s own gardens,” says Kyvernitis. and dinner hosted by some of the city’s cultural provide more expertise, and more personal “And because the resort is by the sea and Milos by Dimitri C. Michalakis luminaries. service, than the usual guide from a typical cruise has chalky sand, the spa treatment that is offered “What makes us different is that we provide the ship who is escorting a party of more than 400 is unique.” Imagine your perfect vacation in Greece: you arrive at Venizelos highest level of personal service,” says Kyvernitis. people.” Golf has also become a new attraction in Greece “People want what they pay for: they want the The Athens Olympics in 2004 put a new face on (you can now golf in Crete and Chalkidiki) and Airport and you won’t have to haggle for a taxi because a limo is exact hotel, they want a specialized guide, they the old Greece (the walls of the Metro now Kyvernitis cites the new resort opening soon in want a nice restaurant, and they don’t want to feature archaeological reliefs) but a high-end Messinia called Costa Navarino that will feature waiting for you, with an English-speaking host who has already taken cope with the mob of tourists.” travel agency like Kyvernitis Travel prides itself on an 18-hole championship course designed by US care of all the details of your stay. Your room is booked at one of the That’s a lot to ask when visiting a busy tourist finding the very special places off the beaten Master’s champion and Ryder Cup captain best hotels in Athens (the Grande Bretagne in the city or the Astir mecca like Greece, but for the past 15 years path. “We like to anticipate the new trends,” says Bernhard Langer and will be the first signature Kyvernitis Travel has specialized in bringing civility Kyvernitis. golf course in Greece. It will also offer a state-of- Palace Beach Resort on the coast). You have a masseuse on call, a to the process and an unheard-of level of service The company recently took a group of Swedish the-art conference center. personal shopper, a nanny for your kids, a chef at your disposal when to visiting Americans. oenophiles through the new “winery trail” of “It’s a very nice resort, but it will have a heli-pad “For example,” says Kyvernitis, “we have boutique wineries that dot the countryside from for the convenience of business travelers,” he you want to stay in, dinner reservations at Nobu when you want to something called Meet and Greet, where we can Crete to Chalkidiki and feature some of the most says. eat out, a tour of the Numismatic Museum guided by the director meet you at the door of your plane, escort you unique flavors on earth. (“The volcanic soil of And, of course, Greece is no longer just a summer through customs, and then provide you with Santorini, for example, makes everything taste haven: Kyvernitis points out that there are winter himself, a performance at Epidaurus in the company of the head of everything from a Mercedes sedan to a motor different.”) And the people who run these pleasures in Greece (never mind the bargain $400 coach, from a private jet or helicopter or luxury wineries are just as amazing. Paris Sigalas of airfares and less-harried service) that many the Hellenic Athens Festival, and carte blanche to cut the line at the yacht, to take you to your destination anywhere in Domaine Sigalas in Santorini was a travelers may never have imagined. “You can see New Acropolis Museum and have a private showing and access to the Greece. We handle the transfers, reservations, mathematician who took to cultivating the family bears in Palia Kalda. You can ski and do white- tickets, accommodations, everything else you vineyards and soon made his label one of the water rafting in Tripoli. You can go to Parnassus VIP room. need. That’s what makes us different: we most distinct in Greece. and ski and in less than twenty minutes go down customize our service to you and make “And because these wineries are successful, they to Delphi and check out the museum and then go everything possible.” invest in modern equipment, and often build back to Galaxidi and Arachova and have a great Sound like a fantasy? There was the VIP who came to Greece on a private restaurants on the ground of their wineries, so home-cooked meal. And some of these smaller jet and wanted a party for his son that would show You couldn’t get into your favorite restaurant Well, it’s a reality for the clients of Kyvernitis before? (“There is no restaurant we can’t get you can have a wonderful meal, with great wine, villages have excellent amenities, like spas and Travel: a travel agency for the luxury visitor to him the sights of Athens. “So we booked it at a in a very authentic setting,” says Kyvernitis. indoor pools.” restaurant by the old marketplace and on one side into—they want the typical Kyvernitis client”). Greece and for the discriminating traveler used to You couldn’t find tickets on a ship to the islands? Kyvernitis has also transformed the resort He sits back and smiles amiably in the cozy lounge the very best. the party had a view of the old marketplace and on the other the Acropolis,” says Kyvernitis. “It was a (“We have priority booking with all the shipping experience by directing clients to premier resorts of the Greenwich Hotel in New York City, ”I want our clients to be treated the way I would magnificent.” lines”). You couldn’t get into any of the attractions like the all-suite Elounda Peninsula in Crete or sheltered from the winds outside the windows on like to be treated when I travel,” says Christos at the Acropolis or survive the brutal two-hour Grand Resort Lagonissi right in Athens a cold and blustery January day. There was another client who had chartered a boat Kyvernetis, the amiable managing director of the wait in the sun? (“We buy tickets in advance, (bungalows with private pools and villas available “I think people are rediscovering Greece,” he says company during a recent visit to New York City. and was cruising the islands of the Aegean, when bypass the lines, even get you into the VIP room, for $10,000 a night) and the other-worldly Soneva the sea got too rough and so he switched to the pleasantly. “And it’s now better than ever. Yes, our “And I’m interested in finding the best for our and if something is closed at the Acropolis, we’ll Nisi by Six Senses due to open in Milos in 2012. clients are very discriminating. But that’s why

yvernitis Ionian, but then his wife wanted a yoga session. “So clients: the best hotels, the best restaurants, the take you to Sounion”). This resort will not only feature villas in the local they come back to us again and again. They know best of everything and something that is always we hired a private helicopter and we flew a yoga style, some with private spas, but eco-friendly

os K The company also employs guides that are more what they want and they know that we take great

t teacher to his boat in the middle of the Ionian sea. It 12 distinctive and special. For example, here in New than the standard part-timers reciting from a villas, and its own Cycladic-inspired village, where pride in living up to their expectations.” 13 York look at the hotel where I choose to stay.” was a little unusual (and expensive--$3,000)—but guests can shop for everything and sample a wide we did it.” script or students learning English themselves www.Kyvernitis.gr Chris (The boutique Greenwich Hotel owned by Robert variety of cuisines and wines on the resort’s own 0 0 e e

l and practicing on the tourists. l 1 1 y y 0 0 t t 2 2 s DeNiro and a stylish retreat in Tribeca off the And then there was the junket organized for the grounds. s L L I I & & R R

e “A lot of our guides are from the States and they e f f P P i i

l beaten tourist track). “Our clients demand the sponsors of the prestigious Brooklyn Academy of l A “But they will also be able to eat organic produce A best, and we provide it for them.” Music, who came to Athens and not only got to see know what Americans want,” says Kyvernitis. As a film and television producer and author of five books, Sonny Grosso is used to telling Sonny Grosso with his friend Dino Pavlou stories. But his midtown Manhattan office tells a tale all its own: walls lined with framed awards, an enlarged mug shot of a young Frank Sinatra and photos of Richard Gere on his first movie set. There’s also loads of sports memorabilia and anything and everything having to do with Marilyn Monroe. It’s a veritable museum of American pop culture.

By Katerina Georgiou This setting is a far cry from the streets of Harlem where he was born and family—all living within arm’s length of each As a cop he was assigned to his old raised. And like the heroes in the stories he tells, Grosso is an ordinary guy other. His early years offered a glimpse of neighborhood in Harlem—an experience living an extraordinary life. The kind that would make a great film—that is, if it promise: he skipped two grades in school, that taught him that the truth was multi- hadn’t already inspired one. was an athlete and talented artist. sided. Now he had the chance to observe it Not just any film, but a five-time Academy Award winning one—“The French But his sense of direction was eclipsed by from the other end—this time as the “guy in Connection.” The book and film were based on his real life experience in the grief. He temporarily dropped out of school blue.” celebrated crime bust as an undercover detective along with his partner of and took a series of odd jobs. His “It was difficult for me to decide what to do sixteen years, Eddie Egan, who was known as “Popeye Doyle” in the film. homemaker mother, a widow at thirty- in the given instance,” he said. “You’d walk In addition to launching his film career, it led to his becoming the youngest three, was left to care for him and his three into an ice cream parlor—a place full of first grade detective in the history of the NYPD, accomplishing in three years younger sisters. young guys—and you were a young guy what it normally takes decades to achieve. “She made a lot of sacrifices and never yourself. I was trying to remember out how I married again,” he said. felt as a kid, and how I should feel now “I didn’t do anything alone,” he said. “I got a lot of help from the people I understanding that.” “When he was growing up as a kid I don’t worked with.” A chance opportunity to escape a mundane think Dino ever thought I’m going to be existence came when his impressive Unbeknownst to him at the time, developing maitre d’ at one of the most famous clubs in Upon entering his office, Grosso removes his Colt 38 revolver from its faded empathy on the job and conducting holster. It’s the same gun used by Al Pacino in the legendary film, “The cartoons caught the attention of New Yorker New York and mix with Presidents and Frank magazine. They published his work, and he countless Q&A’s would serve him well later Sinatra. There aren’t ten guys in this whole Godfather” on which Grosso served as technical consultant and actor. The on as a producer by giving him a deeper gun is a collector’s item but he has no interest in selling it. He plans to donate soon found himself crossing paths with such country that have that ability.” luminary artists as Al Capp. understanding of character motivation and a it to the New York City Police Museum instead. sharp ear for dialogue. And there probably aren’t many producers Being a cartoonist eventually led to like Grosso—who worked on two films with With the success of “The French Connection,” Grosso became a much sought These qualities add a level of authenticity to after technical advisor and story consultant on numerous films and television disillusionment as he found little creativity in Sinatra and also considered him a close the “assembly-line” process of working for a his productions and keep him focused on his friend—that can personally relate to the shows, including “Kojak.” He also helped produce the first twenty-two purpose of uncovering the human condition episodes of that series as well as the program, “Baretta.” publication. The low pay was a further unusual friendship between an ordinary guy disincentive, and he couldn’t justify making through entertainment. and an American icon. Since co-founding Grosso Jacobson Productions in 1980, he has overseen a career of it. Among the projects he's developing is a more than $400 million in productions. “As you get older what you really have left Returning to his old neighborhood after musical on the life of the American tenor and are your memories so you should make “I just hit a stroke of luck,” he said of his many accomplishments. serving in the army, his life took a fateful movie star, Mario Lanza, and he’s in talks them as good as you can,” he said. It’s a curious choice of words given that storytellers leave nothing to chance. twist during a routine game of basketball with Greek singing sensation, Mario Frangoulis, to star. “But experiences don’t make you But, as one expects from a self-reflective man like Grosso, this comment is with friends. A pal from the neighborhood understand everything. There are still a lot of followed by an explanation—a personal one that he seldom shares. going downtown to pick up applications for He's also working on a biopic about the mysteries in life that most of us call luck.” what he mistakenly thought was the fire Greek-born former Jimmy Weston’s supper “I always thought that the good things that happened to me…that was God’s And that makes you wonder if so-called luck way of giving back for taking my father,” he said of his untimely death when department offered to bring some back for club host, Dino Pavlou, and his lifelong the others. friendship with Frank Sinatra. is simply a meaningful choice in disguise that the younger Grosso was only fourteen. we make with a little help from above. “If you want to believe in God—and I do—then you’ve got to believe that’s The applications turned out to be for the Pavlou’s compelling story is about his daring what he does.” police department instead, and after escape from the hands of Communist applying on a whim, Grosso was accepted. guerillas in Greece and his piercing of the Though his father’s presence was brief, he provided him with the guiding His neighbor wasn’t so fortunate. exclusive New York supper club scene where principle that shaped his life’s perspective. “The six of us in the park were too lazy to go he became a trusted member of Sinatra’s He recalls one afternoon his father caught him speaking with some downtown...he goes all the way down there inner circle. neighborhood kids selling stolen items and pulled him aside for a swift lesson. and doesn’t make it,” Sonny smiled wryly. “He said: ‘you see that record player…you know the one in your grandmother’s house?” said Grosso, mimicking his father’s stern voice. “When you buy these things that’s where they come from…houses like hers. 14 He looked me in the eye, grabbed my chin and said: ‘Do the right thing.’ Then 15 he turned and walked away.” 0 0 1 1 e e 0 0 l l i i 2 Before the loss of his father, Grosso lived a carefree existence revolving 2 f f L L o o I I r r R R p p

P around sports and Sunday dinners with his large extended Italian-American P A A Greek ORDER OF AHEPA Independence AMERICAN HELLENIC EDUCATIONAL PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION Day Parade GOLD COAST CHAPTER NO. 456 in New York Colonel Matthew Bogdanos Ernie Anastos Philip Christopher Manhasset, New York 11030 The 2010 Greek Independence Day Parade, a New York City tradition The final individual Grand Marshall is Colonel Matthew Bogdanos, who is since 1938, will be held Sunday April 18, 1:00 pm, along Manhattan’s 5th an Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan (since 1988), author (Thieves Avenue starting at 60th Street. This is the 72nd annual parade celebration of Baghdad), and a colonel in the United States Marine Corps Reserves. In of Hellenic heritage and freedom, commemorating the 189th 2003, while on active duty in Marine Corps, he led the investigation into anniversary of the Greek declaration of independence, March 25, 1821. the looting of Iraq's National Museum, and was subsequently awarded PRESIDENT The Parade attracts a vast number of New York marchers and the National Humanities Medal for his efforts. John G. Levas AHEPA WEEKEND GETAWAY participants.It is a culmination of a month long celebration of Greek Finally, the group selected as Grand Marshall is the Boy and Girl Scouts of [email protected] heritage are hosted and organized by the Federation of Hellenic Society America, who celebrate their 100th year in existence. THREE AND FOUR NIGHTS PACKAGES of Greater New York. The co-chairs of the parade this year include the Presidents of the two THE WEEKEND OF May 21 – 23, 2010 This year’s stellar Grand Marshalls include New York City’s most prominent Greek American professional organizations in New York: VICE PRESIDENT esteemed news anchor, and most recognized Greek American, FOX George Tsioulias, M.D., of the Hellenic Medical Society and Mamie Stanley Neamonitis network TV-My9’s Ernie Anastos. Stathatos-Fulgieri, Esq. of the Hellenic Lawyers Association. Philip Christopher is the first Greek Cypriot ever selected as a Grand John Catsimatidis, Parade Chairman Emeritus, stated, “The Parade just VILLA ROMA RESORT AND GOLF CLUB Marshall of the parade and is the leading spokesperson regarding Cyprus. keeps getting bigger and better every year. Estimates are well over SECRETARY THREE DAY COMPLETE WEEKEND PACKAGES STARTING AT. $ 350.00 PP Mr. Christopher is the President of the Pan-Cypriot Society, President of 250,000 spectators watched the parade from street level last year and we Larry Karantzios the International Coordinating committee on Justice; an Archon of the used every available float in the tri-state New York area.” NEED NOT BE AN AHEPA MEMBER TO ATTEND Ecumenical Patriarch and a recipient of the prestigious Ellis Island Award. [email protected] PLEASE BRING YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS KID’S ARE WELCOME RECORDING SECRETARY PETER G. ROUKIS

TREASURER Ted Malgarinos

Board of Governors Andrew Cyprus Leonard Zangas George J. Levas Constanine Carr

Honorary Governors Happy Easter - Καλό Πάσχα Evens Cyprus James A. Poll from your friends at the Sunshine Welfare Tom Gardianos AHEPA GOLD COAST CHAPTER #456

NEW MEMBERS: Fraternally yours, Fraternally yours, For new members to join the John G. Levas Please support AHEPA so AHEPA can support you!!! Larry Karantzios fee is $90.00. Membership President Secretary renewals are $75.00. Annual Chapter Golf Outing to be held June 2. Ahepa web Site is For more info contact John Levas [email protected] AHEPA.ORG You can down load membership AHEPA Supreme Convention to be held in Montreal, Canada, from July 11-18. applications on line! For details visit AHEPA.org Ted G. Spyropoulos Coordinator E-mail: [email protected]

Regional Coordinating Council Aliki Andrews 3107 Eastview Road Bethel Park, PA 15102 Tel: 412 833-4596 412-833-4596 Fax: 412-833-4596 E-mail: [email protected]

Constantine Z. Economides, Esq. Economides & Economides One Veterans Square, Suite 200 Media, PA 19063 ΣΥΜΒΟΥΛΙΟ ΑΠΟΔΗΜΟΥ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΣΜΟΥ (ΣΑΕ) Tel: 610-566-5403 ΠΕΡΙΦΕΡΕΙΑ ΑΜΕΡΙΚΗΣ Fax: 800-763-9805 E-mail: [email protected] WORLD COUNCIL OF HELLENES ABROAD (S.A.E.) Michael Galanakis U.S.A. REGION 3356 Wisconsin Ave., South Gate CA 90280 Cell: 323-702-5190 Fax: 323-230-7371 E-mail: [email protected] On behalf of

Spyridon Garyfallis the coordinating 460 Golf Court N. Woodmere NY 11581 council of SAE/USA, Tel: 718-851-2300 Fax: 718-851-2230 and myself personally, E-mail: [email protected]

Gus Karalekas I wish fellow Hellenes 30-13 Broadway Astoria NY 11106 and Philhellenes everywhere Tel: 718-626-9522 646-739-9582 Fax: 646-739-9582 Kαλή Α ν άσταση - Happy Easter! E-mail: [email protected]

Peter Karavitis 95 Village Dr., Quincy MA 02169 Tel: 617-328-8376 Theodore G. Spyropoulos Fax: 617-328-8405 E-mail: [email protected]

Efthalia Katos 46-14 243rd Street Douglaston NY 11362 Tel: 718-225-9217 Fax: 718-726-7912

Stella Kokolis 452 75th St., Brooklyn NY 11209 Tel: 718-745-2870 Fax: 718 491 2558 E-mail: [email protected]

Rev. Fr. N. Kyritses 17703 Orange Grove Macomb MI 48042 Tel: 586-530-21747 Fax: 586-977-6081 586-977-6080 E-mail: [email protected]

Theodore Laliotis 61 Dovd Dr., Los Altos CA 94022 Tel: 650-941-1890 415-513-9412 Fax: 650-941-1094 E-mail: [email protected] Ariana and her band at Chicago's WGN studios. From left, Vance Okraszewski, drums, Benjamin Lewis, piano, and Geoffrey Lowe, bass

and 99% of the time it was either music or acting. But then By Dimitri C. Michalakis my dad worked as a lifeguard, had a radio show, owned a says (her mother is an artist and inventor). “I grew up in a theater company, he did everything.” family of hopeless romantics, and passion, and drama, and crazy fun just surrounded me every single day. There’s not Ariana Savalas is nothing Her father died when she was only seven, but she says, “I one boring person in the Savalas family and it makes for a had seven years to remember what an amazing guy he very, very wonderful, interesting holiday. On my mom’s side like her father, Telly, the was and why everybody loved him so much. And my of the family, too, everybody is just so great.” movie star and the icon of father was constantly busy, but we were always with him. Places where kids were never allowed, restaurants where They sang all the time, too, and the kids put on shows for the the 1970s television hit, kids were never allowed, clubs and casinos, my dad did family (“We used to have these little parties and do skits and “This happened literally a month after I moved out to LA and I didn’t even have time Kojak. not care at all. He brought us everywhere. He always songs for everybody and dress up in little suits and dresses”) to be nervous,” she admits. “It was obviously something I needed to do and I did it.” wanted us with him. He was the kind of guy that would and Ariana got addicted to Disney musicals, among others, She landed a second movie role shortly afterwards in the film Akrasia by Polish never say no and always had a smile on his face.” so during a vacation to Austria when a friend dared her to He was a late bloomer record a CD at a mobile karaoke machine, she readily took up director Xavier Tatarkiewicz and guest-starred on television, but then true to the He also hated houses, so Ariana and her brother Christian the challenge. Savalas’ tradition, while pursuing her acting she also began to develop her music who only started acting (from Telly’s third wife Julie Hovland) grew up at the (she’s also studied piano and dance). Sheraton Universal Hotel in Universal City. “We literally “And I went in there and recorded just some stupid track and Just recently she performed from her bible, “the Great American Songbook,” at well into his thirties and lived in a hotel for six years,” she says. “We had an got my CD and came out. And the person who was running it “I’m under the impression that life is Davenport’s in Chicago (“I’m a very old soul, a lot of people have told me; I was born apartment there, and the bartenders and the people who was on the phone and looking at me and having this weird crooning well after that. about throwing yourself anywhere in the wrong decade”) and she will be performing this month at New York’s Greek played the piano were our friends. We used to hang out grin on her face, and I didn’t really know what that was you possibly can and whatever sticks Independence Day Parade and later at her father’s old golf tournament in Ariana is only 23 and has and run around the halls and just be crazy, and we didn’t about, but they had my information, because you to fill out is what you’re supposed to do,” she Scottsdale, Arizona, the Hellenic Golf Classic. says from her home in LA, where she think anything different existed.” something, and somehow they tracked me down and found already starred in two out the hotel I was staying at, and called me, and asked me if “It will be preparing to speak a lot of Greek,” she laughs. “I always tell people I’m a grew up and claims she is surrounded After her dad died, her mother took them back to her they would be able to submit me to a contest.” Greek shower speaker and singer—which means, I only speak Greek in the shower, films (in one playing an by about “30,000 members” of the native Minnesota. But “nothing happens in Minnesota,” like people only sing in the shower. This is exciting for me and absolutely Savalas clan (“We’re really the type of so they moved back to LA and Ariana went to school there She agreed and they uploaded her track on the Internet and aging Holocaust survivor), horrifying—“she laughs again “—being surrounded by so many Greeks who are people where if you date one of us, surrounded by the “30,000 members” of the Savalas clan by popular vote she was invited to perform at a concert in probably critiquing my diction and my accent—it’s gonna be interesting. But it toured Europe as a you date all of us”). who had mostly settled in LA after moving out from their Austria, where she won third prize. A record producer was in should be fun.” teenage musical sensation, Her career arc is very much like her native Garden City in New York (their own parents had the audience and offered her a contract and she recorded father’s, who had multiple stints as a immigrated from Yeraka in Sparta, and only Telly’s brother her first single and was offered her first recording contract at She will be recording her first album of standards and original songs by this summer studied Shakespeare and radio host, theater company director, Teddy still remains in New York; Gus moved to LA, and 16. “I was a sophomore in high school, barely into high and she might even record some Greek songs down the road. and television producer (he gave George, the “Stavros” of Kojak legend, died on the west school,” she remembers, barely seven years later. “And I had “I love singing Greek,” she says. “Being Greek is something that I’m so proud of and I acting at the Royal Howard Cosell his first job) before coast in 1985 from leukemia). no idea what I was doing. It was a pretty amazing time in my want to make our people proud and do right by my heritage. So I will most certainly life.” Academy of Dramatic Arts venturing before the cameras and “My family was around every single day,” Ariana be including Greek music into my repertoire much more—songs like Agape Me and launching himself into acting, and remembers. “We would have pancakes at two in the She performed in Europe (but did come back to finish high Se’ Agapo—they’re really timeless music. Even if you don’t speak a lick of Greek you in London, guest-starred later, singing. morning, and my cousins would come over, and George’s school), and between her junior and senior years she still understand how beautiful they are.” on CBS’ Criminal Minds, “Exactly,” says Ariana. “I always kids would come over, and we’d always have everybody squeezed in some acting and Shakespeare studies at the All in her father’s tradition of romancing many genres and styles. 20 thought there was something wrong around all the time. The kind of person my dad was, he Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. And then in the 21 “He was beyond amazing,” she says. “You could always tell that he loved what he and is now recording an with me, because I was never one of wasn’t a very private person. He liked to be surrounded by typical whirlwind of her career, she was just a month in LA

0 did. It was never a chore.” 0 ry ry 1 and after going to her first audition, she landed her first 1 o o

0 people.” 0 t those people that had one direction. I t 2 2 s s L L r album of standards and r I I e movie gig at 18 in the film Miriam— the true story of Miriam e R R v was always grasping at anything that I v P P o And he liked to be surrounded by romance and drama and o c c A Shafer, a Holocaust survivor, in a harrowing role that A original songs—all by 23! thought would be really amazing, music. “I grew up in a very romantic, artistic family,” she required the young actress to age from 15 to 50. Neo Magazine and the public policy/lobbying firm of Manatos & Manatos in Washington, DC have come together to present a monthly profile of “Hellenic and Orthodox Champions in the US Congress.”

Hellenic and Orthodox Champions in the US Congress

Name: Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) District: Florida’s 9th Congressional District (suburban Hillsborough, western Pasco and northern Pinellas counties) Committee/Leadership Assignments: House Committee on Homeland Security, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Management, Investigations and Oversight, Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism, House Committee on Foreign Affairs, House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Member of the Republican Whip Team, Chairman of the Republican Policy Committee Veterans' Affairs Task Force, Congressional Award Board of Directors, Co-Chair of the Military Veterans Caucus and Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues Contact: Phone 727-773-2871, Toll Free: 866-773-2871, Fax 727-784-6471 Email: http://www.house.gov/formbilirakis/issue_subscribe.htm webpage: http://bilirakis.house.gov/

Regarding the state of the US economy, what communication? have you done to address this issue in Congress? are the prospects for recovery, and how soon? In addition to being out in the community, I make I consider the Ecumenical Patriarchate the I am very concerned about the economy, and a concerted effort to connect with my preeminent focus of the Hellenic Caucus. The how deficit spending will impact our nation’s constituents online utilizing twitter and facebook continuous chipping away at religious freedom future. We cannot sustain this type of debt, yet along with my website: bilirakis.house.gov. The and property rights by the Turkish government the Obama Administration continues to spend internet is a great venue for them to easily share cannot continue, and the Theological School at money we don’t have. their thoughts and suggestions. In addition I host Halki must be re-opened. Orthodox seminarians What are some of the particular challenges that telephone-town halls on a regular basis to keep must be allowed to learn and train there just like you are facing in your district? in touch on key issues. our current Patriarch, His All Holiness What are your thoughts on the Cyprus issue and Bartholomew. The situation is untenable. Last Florida’s unemployment has reached a record year en route to Afghanistan, I was part of a high and unemployment in the Tampa Bay is what are some of the things you've done to support settlement efforts? congressional delegation that had a short layover 13%. I host job fairs on a regular basis and in Ankara. I used the opportunity to demand provide other forums to help those who have As a member of the House Committee on Foregin from the Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister that been impacted by job losses. The entrepreneurial Affairs and Co-Chair of the Hellenic Caucus, the Halki be re-opened. spirit of America, not government, is the engine Cyprus issue features prominently in the work we of job creation in our country, and Congress do. I have held regular briefings and meetings Since the Bush Administration recognized simply cannot continue to create an economic with Cypriot Ambassador Andreas Kakouris, FYROM as "Macedonia", the country has environment that stifles job growth and whom I consider a good friend. In addition, I become more intransigent when it comes to economic opportunity. We should instead pass passed the first pro-Cypriot resolution in years territorial and cultural irredentism against economic solutions that let families and small back in 2008, H Res 405, which called for the Greece that is its major financial supporter in businesses keep more of what they earn so they Cypriot president and northern Turkish leader to the region. What kind of action on the part of can innovate, grow, and create jobs to kick-start get back to the July 8th agreement talks. The the US would you promote in order for a our lagging economy. resolution passed unanimously and shortly, mutually acceptable solution to be facilitated? What would you say is the state of our thereafter, the talks resumed. While I don’t claim Resolving the name issue between FYROM and democracy in these challenging and unusually responsibility for reigniting the talks, I do think Greece has also been at the top of the agenda polarized times? the interested parties stood up and took notice with the Hellenic Caucus. As you may already when the U.S. Congress passed such a measure know, there is a pending resolution, H.RES. 486, Democracy is alive and well. People are making unanimously. which expresses the sense of the House of their voices heard and that’s always an Representatives that the former Yugoslav encouraging sign. People will certainly make their Do you consider Turkish provocations in the Aegean a threat to regional stability and Republic of Macedonia should work within the votes count in November. To me we have a very framework of the United Nations process with robust democracy. international peace? Also, what actions have you taken or do you plan to take to encourage Greece to achieve longstanding United States In various polls conducted throughout the U.S. the US to make a stronger stance against this and United Nations policy goals of finding a Congress hasn't fared well with the American kind of irresponsible behavior? mutually-acceptable composite name, with a people. Why is that, in your opinion, and how geographical qualifier and for all international do you address the issue as Congressman? It is disappointing that the European Union has uses for the former Yugoslav Republic of not taken a more active role in protecting its First and foremost Members of Congress must Macedonia. Greece has exercised extraordinary member state, Greece. A sovereign nation should flexibility by allowing FYROM to use a geographic listen and represent their constituency and as not be subjected to military threats by its I’ve said before, the ultimate grade of our work qualifier in its name such as Northern or Upper neighbor – particularly one that aspires to Macedonia. It is now time for the U.S. to demand will take place at the polls this November. 22 become a member of the EU. The U.S. must from FYROM a good faith effort in its Would you encourage more active voter emphasize to Turkey, that provocations in the negotiations with Greece. To date FYROM has Aegean are unacceptable. 0 participation in your decision making as displayed nothing but chauvinistic irredentism to 1 e 0 l i 2 f Congressman, using the advances of technology, L o

I Greece who has provided FYROM billions of

r Are you aware of the state persecution against R p P

A like the Internet and other forms of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Turkey and what dollars in financial assistance. Manatos & Manatos, founded in 1983, has been working closely with key policymakers in the US Congress and Administrations to address issues of concern to the Greek-American community. Manatos is a name that has been associated with American policymaking for over a quarter of the history of the United States. Following the very successful series “New Generation of Leaders” that featured members of the Leadership 100 Partners Program, Neo Magazine and the Hellenic Medical Society of New York have come together to present a monthly profile of “New Generation of Doctors.” The Holy Cross Efstathios and Stamatiki Valiotis Greek Afternoon School in Whitestone New York honored the 25th March, Greece’s Independence Day, with a beautiful program consisting of patriotic poems, songs, short plays and traditional dances. Children, THE NEW some featuring costumes from various parts of Greece, proudly celebrated their heritage continuing GENERATION a long held tradition that was transplanted in the US From left, Irene Dourountoudakis, Athena after various waves of Greek immigrants established of DOCTORS Liberatos and Kyriake-Melina Robotis Hellenic presence here. The Greek language afternoon school program in Name: Ananea Adamidis, MD Whitestone, covers grades K-8. Current enrollment is approximately 160 students. Classes are held twice a Position: Nephrologist, Renal Medicine Associates week 3:30 - 5:30 pm. Emphasis is on teaching children the Hellenic language, reading, writing and Hellenic Nephrology Fellowship, Long Island Jewish Medical Center; Internal Medicine Residency, Long Grades 4, 5 and 6 with their instructors, Education: Mrs. Koutsoupakis, Mrs. Giannou and Mrs. Lemonis culture, history, and values with a Greek Orthodox Island Jewish Medical Center; MD, New York Medical College; BA (Chemistry) Cornell University background. The school has a 100% passing grades record for all pupils who have taken the NY State Where were you born and where did you grow up? quality of care for patients. The practice of truth in such situations will breed trust. Trust is Greek Regents Examination. Like many first generation Hellenic-Americans in medicine is being transformed from art into paramount in maintaining all types of relationships, New York City, I was born and raised in Astoria, NY, algorithms. I am hoping that this trend comes to an including the doctor-patient relationship. I also The newly constructed Efstathios and Stamatiki where I was immersed in our rich Hellenic culture. end before our health care system becomes one of admire people who demonstrate motivation in Valiotis School and Community Center, located in the As a teenager, my educational pursuits afforded me mediocrity. their profession. Seeing that type of energy corner of 150th Street and 12th Avenue, on the side of the opportunity to explore new places. At the age If you were a patient, what would the ideal doctor motivates me even more. the recently inaugurated Byzantine style church, is of 13, I attended Stuyvesant High School in look to you like? Who are your heroes in real life? state of the art. The new structure has a library, Manhattan. Then at the age of 16, I left home to go I believe the most important quality the ideal There are plenty of people in the world, most to Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. During this time, doctor should have is compassion. A unknown to me, who have sacrificed of themselves gymnasium and stage which also serves as a I developed friendships with individuals of different community center for all cultural and social events. compassionate doctor will treat you like you were a for the benefit of others. To me, that is what ethnicities through whom I was able to learn about member of his/her family. The ideal doctor will defines a hero. Unfortunately, most of these Kyriake-Melina Robotis For more info on the school and the parish the website and appreciate various cultures. clearly explain to patients about their illness, its people do not get the publicity or recognition that and Dimitris Demetriou is www.holycrosswhitestone.org Who or what were the main influences in your treatment, and its prognosis. The ideal doctor they deserve. If I had to choose one well-known featuring traditional costumes life? would demonstrate patience and answer all person to name as a hero though, it would be Grade 1 with instructor, Mrs. Zhonga There are many teachers, professors, and medical questions posed by the patient and the patient's Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. He has attending physicians who have helped guide me to family. This level of concern diminishes the struggled to maintain the Orthodox Church in where I am today. Undoubtedly, the greatest possibility of errors resulting from carelessness. If Constantinople despite the harassment, influence in my life came from my parents. It may there is a poor prognosis or a bad outcome, he or oppression and dangers he faces there. He has sound cliché but they instilled in me a strong work she can console the patient and the patient's been a champion of peace, especially between ethic and the belief that I could achieve anything if I family. The ideal doctor will have a strong base of religions. He is famously quoted as saying, “war in worked hard enough. I am still impressed with how medical knowledge and also keep up with the the name of religion is war against religion.” they were able to make a better life for our family, medical literature. I strive to provide this level of Additionally, he has been called “the Green especially since they came to this country with so care in my daily practice. Patriarch” based on his commitment to help very little. Has your Hellenic heritage influenced your preserve the environment. Why did you become a doctor? professional conduct and in what ways? Where would you like to be in your professional When I was a young boy, I had my appendix I am very fortunate to be of Hellenic descent since and personal life 20 years from now? removed. This initial exposure to doctors piqued the basic rules of conduct of my profession were I would like to continue to advance in my my curiosity as to how doctors did what they did laid out by a Hellene, Hippocrates. It is amazing professional rank and be able to assist many more and so I wanted to learn more. I also wanted to that despite the advances in technology and patients over the next 20 years. I will also seek to help people as I had been helped myself. During my understanding of medicine over the past 2000 plus become more of a proponent for my patients education, I always was very interested and years, most of the principles of the Hippocratic especially at the political level. I would also like to excelled at the sciences. I found that I could best Oath remain very relevant today. One example is play more of a role in organizations I care about apply my scientific knowledge and skill to the the importance of maintaining patient such as the Hellenic Medical Society. As far as my assistance of others in the field of medicine. To be confidentiality. Additionally, the most personal life in 20 years, I’d like to continue to honest, the first year of medical school was very fundamental doctrine is to work solely for the strengthen the great friendships I currently have trying for me and I started to question my career benefit of my patients, which is of utmost relevance and to develop new ones. Last but not least, I hope choice. However, once I began to experience in these times. to be blessed with a loving, caring, and supportive patient care activities, I truly believed that the As a successful American you could and perhaps wife who will be my partner in life and in raising a practice of medicine was my life's calling. have joined major organizations that are focused healthy and happy family. As a new generation doctor, how do you evaluate more on mainstream society. Why HMS? How do you spend your time outside of work? the state of health care in the US? The Hellenic Medical Society offers the chance for In the past few years, I have become much more The United States is the world leader in health care me to associate with other physicians with whom I active with various Hellenic groups such as the and medical research. People from all over the share a similar heritage. This affords the Hellenic Medical Society of New York, the New world come to the US seeking medical care which is opportunity for me to learn from and about Jersey Hellenic Health Professionals Association, not available in their own country. I am not talking prominent Hellenic physicians, both past and the Hellenic Chamber of Commerce Young only about cutting edge procedures. In my field, I present, through lectures and symposia, such as Professionals Section, and the New York City Greek have seen patients leave their country and come to the annual Papanicolau Symposium. I also Film Festival. I also like to stay physically active with the US in order to receive life-sustaining appreciate the opportunity to partake in many regular exercise and sports whenever the hemodialysis which has been available here for Hellenic cultural events which are sponsored by the opportunity arises. Religion has also become a over 50 years. The health care industry currently is Hellenic Medical Society, sometimes in association bigger part of my life and I attend Church services in a major state of flux. The doctor-patient with other Hellenic professional societies. and programs regularly. I enjoy Hellenic music and relationship has been undermined to a “provider- What qualities do you most admire or value in dancing as well. Perhaps one thing that few people 25 consumer” one. With this mentality, doctors and others? k n o w a b o u t m e i s m y p a s s i o n f o r patients are being subjected to interference from Perhaps the most important quality I value in alternative/independent rock music. 0 1 e 0 outside entities such as insurance companies. What is your idea of happiness? l i 2

others is honesty. The truth is sometimes very f L o I r R

Unfortunately, the effect is that physicians are p

difficult to tell and not always what other people Simply stated, happiness is the ability to enjoy time P losing their ability to make decisions that they feel want to hear. However, I believe that telling the spent with loved ones. A are medically appropriate resulting in diminished The Hellenic Medical Society of New York (HMS) has its origins in the Greek-American Medical Fraternity, an entity co-founded by the renowned physician George N. Papanicolaou during the First World War. This organization officially registered with the New York State authorities in 1920. Constantinople: “To the City” of the Tsars

Constantinople, Agia Sophia an older Turkish man with a blond mustache and his that looks as if He is teenage son, who in halting English welcomed us to drawing breath, Turkey, and told us that we, as Balkan people, were ready to preach. We “brethren.” His father welcomed us by shaking hands sat transfixed, taking very formally and told us through his son that he was pictures of the Image “honored to meet us.” to which no photo I preferred to let history and topography to be our can do justice; you guide, and also I knew that three days simply could not have to see it, and even scratch the surface of this eternal city. A whole use the rest of your senses to take His image season might begin to do it justice, but for the holistically. Other icons too, liberated from centuries impressionist sketch, we did our best. I also did not of Ottoman plaster, traced the history of the Byzantine want the tour to be a mourning of the Turkish Empire, which lasted over 1000 years. In an off-color conquest in 1453. On this trip, I could not bring myself comment to my wife, I declared, “you see, the truth to visit the Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarchate, as this comes out!” I found an icon of Byzantine Emperor Names resonate. Just think of the various terms used living institution has been so abused by the Turkish Alexandros, who my wife said bore a striking to describe Istanbul. Konstantinoupolis, the City of authorities that I feared it would too much color the resemblance to me. Constantine, named for the Emperor who whole trip. We had to paint our impression quickly, on Leaving St. Sophia, our next stop was the Blue institutionalized Christianity in the Roman Empire, the damp plaster, like the fresco artist. Mosque, architecturally a clear descendent of its connotes a totality of belief and thought, a vastness of The next morning a melancholy rain obscured the neighbor, built 1000 years later. Having never been to faith and polity. “The City,” I Polis, to a Greek requires view of Asia from our hotel window, I hired a cab to a functioning mosque, I had expected the interior to no further explanation, there can only be one “City.” take us to “Asia.” We drove north along the European be somewhat similar to churches but what we Even the Turkish Istanbul derives from the Greek side of the Bosphorus, past Ottoman palaces and witnessed, in stockinged feet, was a vast emptiness prepositional phrase Is tin Polin—“To the City.” My exquisite mosques, and looped into the city to reach and the geometric patterns of an oriental carpet both favorite is the term used by Orthodox Slavs, Tsarigrad- the northern bridge. There, in the foothills crammed below our feet and along the walls and domes. The City of the Tsars, where the Tsar should sit, and the with five-story flats stretching westward into Thrace, Suddenly, the emptiness of St. Sophia made sense and Tsar who reigns from that city, by definition reigns we began to appreciate the sheer vastness of the city, its austerity reflected an interpretation of God which over all of his people. Tsarigrad connotes totality and a sea of unsteady concrete perched uneasily across fit the nomadic origins of the Arabs and the original universality. In 2010 it reigns as the Cultural Capital of seismically-challenged foothills. The City was the Turks, themselves nomads who burst out of Central Europe. largest in Europe for hundreds of years, and it is again, Asia. In October 2007 we finally went to Istanbul, after with well over 16 million people, four times the size of Always in my travels, I have preferred the more decades of false starts. “The City” was simply too vast Athens, and double the size of London or Chicago, all obscure and significant, to the packaged mass tour and emotional for a Greek to travel too lightly. The cities we have called home at one time or another. which has the effect of obscuring the significant. Thus, flight from Athens, where we lived at the time, to We jumped on the Autobahn, crossing the Fatih the Topkapi Museum did not have the effect it Istanbul takes less than an hour, and we arrived on a (Conqueror) Bridge over the Bosphorus, a placard deserved, because the galleries and rooms were filled very overcast Saturday morning into Ataturk Airport, welcomed us to Asia, as we added (at least in a with tourists milling in a traffic control pattern. What gliding downward through the mists of the Sea of technical sense) another continent to our travel list. remained from Topkapi were the beautiful kiosks and Marmara. Our cab traced its way around the old city The driver exited on the first off-ramp, and set a gardens, and the sweeping views of the Golden Horn, walls, scenes of so much history now in various places course down the hills to the Asian side of the which we appreciated with a lunch in Topkapi’s restored, in other areas crumbling, and in yet other Bosphorus. There we drove along the Bosphorus to restaurant. Turkish cuisine did not disappoint us and places the walls themselves form part of the structure Anadolu Hisar (“Castle of Anatolia/Asia”), a small at the neighboring table a woman from Salonika told of homes wealthy and modest. fortress the Ottomans built in the 1300s as a prelude us that her mother was expelled from Istanbul in the Few cities are so favored by geography and to the eventual conquest of Constantinople. 1960s, but returned constantly; she had never gotten topography as Constantinople, but the price for such The castle sits in a lovely setting belying its sinister over leaving “The City.” More huzun. favor is costly. First, everyone coveted the city, so it task, but the sniffly weather only allowed for a few The delights of the Covered Bazaar I left to my wife, suffered innumerable sieges. Second, below the city’s photos. This mournful sheet, a collision between the who negotiated the purchase of a fantastic leather surface some of the world’s deadliest fault lines lurk, steppe climate of the Black Sea and that of the balmier jacket for me from a Serbian-born Turkish merchant, shaking the city periodically, and thousands die. But Mediterranean, created a drizzling melancholy, while I attended my various meetings, but in the scene, even in autumn morning drizzle, cannot fail described in depth by Orhan Pamuk, the Nobel Prize conversations, I spoke to many Turks, among them a to impress. The old city juts out like a hitchhiker’s winning Istanbul novelist, as huzun. Pamuk describes Turkish-Dutch professor of history. I sensed a mild thumb, into the Sea of Marmara, which narrows to huzun as a type of melancholy associated with a sense guilt about the lack of a Greek presence in the City become the famous Bosphorus, more like a river of loss, and the historical weight of the city, its lost which was, after all, built by the Greeks’ Byzantine gorge than a waterway. Another small waterway, the glories, and missing inhabitants, combined with this ancestors and had a very large Greek population until Golden Horn, separates the “thumb” of climatic tendency, certainly fosters this weighty the deportations of the 1950s and 1960s. Constantinople from the posh Beyoglou District, feeling. Moving on, we reached the Ataturk Bridge, The trade seminar ended with a boat tour of the where we would stay. returning to Europe, to the continent where the Turks Bosphorus and as we glided past the Ataturk and Fatih Rounding the “thumb,” to my left, we saw it. St. want to pin their identity and their future. (Conqueror) Bridges, we saw from tens of meters Sophia, a squared, orange-colored edifice which seen Crossing the Galata Bridge into the old City of away the restored Ottoman yalis (villas) of a bygone from afar was slightly less impressive than I thought. Constantinople provided a vague feeling of similarity era and felt a quiet solitude in the midst of a city of As we prepared to cross the Galata Bridge, another to crossing the Sava River into Belgrade. Minus millions. To complete the story of the castles, we mosque appeared which, minus minarets, would pass minarets, there is something similar between Istanbul glided past Rumeli Hisar, much larger than its Asian for a double of St. Sava’s Cathedral in Belgrade, clearly and the hilly Serbian capital crowned by its own “St. counterpart, commanding an excellent field of fire for showing that the origins of much of Ottoman Sophian” Cathedral, St. Sava. Both descend from a any passing ship. I use “field of fire” deliberately, as architecture are Byzantine. common culture. the Mehmet II, the Fatih (Conqueror) of Upon arriving at the Hotel and registering for my trade Our destination was obvious. We decided to forgo a Constantinople, built this castle in 1452 to seal off conference (the business purpose behind my trip), we guided tour of St. Sophia and just walk our way Constantinople from any supplies coming from the hailed a cab to St. Sophia. The area is a dense zone of through by ourselves. I entered with trepidation, Black Sea. The Ottomans called it Bogaz Kesen, “cutter history, impossible to appreciate without a protracted having heard so many stories about others’ of the channel” and the Greeks personified it as stay. We walked around vast St. Sophia, utterly experiences. My primary feeling was the vastness of laimokopia, “cutter of the throat.” intimidated by the profundity of the church/mosque. the Divine, well captured within the vessel of this Sitting on the back deck of the tour boat, well within It lacked the classical grace of the Parthenon, that church. The Islamic geometric artwork and the the sight of Rumeli Hisar’s cannons, I talked to a other symbol of Hellenism, but in terms of sheer interior emptiness also came as a bit jarring to one Dutch-born Turkish professor. We were both children envelopment and density, it is peerless. who had always associated St. Sophia with a church, of the Diaspora and descended from this common We returned via public transportation, losing our way but made more sense once we visited the nearby Blue region. He acknowledged the legacy of Byzantium and several times. Cutting through the suburbs of the city Mosque. St. Sophia reminded me of St. Sava in the loss of the Greek population as part of that painful and bisecting the land walls of Constantinople, the Belgrade, which I visited while still in construction, separation brought about by nationalism on both train rolled through suburbs with names recalling the when the Serbian cathedral had a bare interior. In sides. In a sense, Istanbul is still the capital of the 27 Turks’ own refugee experience, such as Yeni Bosna both places one sensed the circular, spatial, Balkans, where Byzantium was conquered but never embracing totality of God. fully dominated. Now that the City is European Capital (New Bosnia), just as the Asia Minor districts of 0 1 0 of Culture, the Constantinople side of Istanbul will be y 2 Athens, such as Nea Smyrni, recall lost homelands of a

The most moving part of St. Sophia lies in the upper s L I s e on full display—to those who know where to look. As R

Asia Minor Greeks. Turkey, like the other Balkan galleries, where careful work has brought some of the P states, had its own refugees and dislocations as a greatest mosaic icons in the world back to life, and Greeks, it is our responsibility to tell the full story of A result of Balkan conflicts. On the train we sat next to “living” truly describes them, including one of Jesus the Tsar’s City. “Ecumenical Hellenism” Celebrates 14 Years The Ecumenical Hellenism Program is the result of a private initiative put forward by two people, businessman Stavros Panousopoulos and University Professor Athanasios Angelopoulos. The driving force behind their efforts to carry out this ambitious project has been the need to have a clear national, religious and scientific conscience and to know that as an information media they have done UNESCO Ambassador Marianna everything within their power to promote Vardinogianni with the President and serve their nation’s interests in the of the program "Ecumenical present international juncture. Hellenism" Stavros Panousopoulos and TV personality Marietta Chrousala

By Margarita Vartholomeou ATHENS. - The program “Ecumenical During the first 20 minutes of the Hellenism” celebrated its 14 years recently ceremony there was a brief presentation of OS by presenting a special concert at Athens’ the program and its activities. Also, the prestigious Megaro Mousikis Hall. Two great benefactors of the effort were UNESCO Ambassador Marianna Vardinogianni staple composers of modern Greek music, honored with the organization’s Golden with NEO's Margarita Vartholomeou (right) OPOUL T Mimis Plessas and Georgios Hatzinasios, Wreath presented to them by UNESCO participated, offering unique moments of Ambassador Marianna Vardinogianni. The

GNOS high charged emotions. The two musicians proceeds of the event will help to promote collaborated on the stage playing both the books of the series “Hellenic Treasures piano and singing great and beloved songs of the Universe” (translated in nine of the recent past accompanied by a team languages) into foreign academic centers, of young singers such as Spyros Klissas, parliaments, universities and governments

OS: ILIAS ANA Giota Nikolaou, Christos Papachristou, and for the distribution of the two books T Dimitra Stathopoulou, George and Stavros regarding the project of "Thraki". Mimis Plessas and Georgios Hatzinasios on stage

PHO Mylonadakis. The Armenian, Assyrian, and Greek Genocides: An Inconvenient Truth by Peter Shakalis By Lucine Kasbarian Recent articles in the mainstream media would have us believe that governments around the world somehow question the factuality of the 1915 Armenian, Assyrian, and Greek Genocides committed by Turkey. These articles would also have us believe that the Turkish government’s latest temper tantrums over these genocides are justified. Turkey, of course, just recalled its ambassadors to protest the passage of For U.S. Investors, Greece Matters resolutions by the U.S. House of Representatives’ Foreign Affairs Committee and the Swedish Parliament that acknowledged Turkish culpability for these genocides. Despite what today’s mainstream media are declaring, the evidence proving the 1915 By Joseph Lazzaro More Than You Might Think genocides is overwhelming. And formal resolutions affirming these unpunished It appears European leaders and the International Monetary Fund have agreed Third, if unresolved, there is the small chance that the Greek chapter could lead crimes against humanity made appearances around the world long before 2010. on a plan to help debt-plagued Greece. When combined with Greece's budget to contagion -- another default-and-ripple-effect, not as big as Lehman Regardless of what pro-Turkish apologists would have us believe, the issue has never Landlord Operating Escalation Clauses cuts and tax hikes, the plan makes it more likely that the Mediterranean Brothers, of course, but destructive nonetheless. Given that credit markets are been about whether the Turkish regime carried out genocide. Rather, it has always nation's fiscal situation will stabilize, avoiding default and insolvency. still healing from the global financial crisis, it would be counterproductive for been about when Turkey would be punished and deliver reparations and restitution to the rightful, indigenous inhabitants. Bear Close Examination by Prospective Now, many investors may ask, "Why should I care about Greece? No impact on the major powers of the world -- not just the powers of Europe -- to allow any my life." Whoa. Bad move. There would be serious economic implications if the risk of another "Saturday night surprise." Powerful media elites would have us believe that the mainstream media universe has Tenants Greek crisis were to persist. been devoid of criticism for Turkey’s unpunished crimes because such voices are either non-existent, marginal, irrelevant, fabricated, or some combination thereof. One item in office leases that should always be closely examined by To begin with, Europe's growth may be hurt by a lack of fiscal stabilization in Credit Markets Could Be At Risk What the media elites fail to tell us is that when these critical voices—from victim prospective tenants are the annual increases they are charged to cover Greece, which would undoubtedly hurt U.S. exports to the region. Europe, as a No policy maker or business executive wants to see another, massive retreat ethnic groups or elsewhere—come forward to submit letters, opinion pieces, or the landlord’s yearly increases in operating expenses for the building. whole, is the U.S.'s largest trade partner -- we trade more with Europe than quotes, they are usually denied access. with Canada or Mexico. In a very real way, lost business in Europe could mean from both government and corporate debt, accompanied by banker mistrust, The various operating escalation methods that landlords utilize are not lost jobs in the United States. fear and all the other zaniness that nearly froze credit markets during the Media elites also neglect to tell us that opinions that do not reflect the official all equal. Some are substantially more costly over the term of a lease global financial crisis's acute stage in the fall of 2008. narrative spun by Turkey—not to mention Israel and the U.S.—largely go than others and in some cases, can far exceed the landlord’s annual cost In sum, the U.S. economy is not insulated from Greece's problems. If Europe's unpublished. Authoritative voices that would discredit the mainstream media’s increases and become a profit center. official narrative of the genocide issue are removed from the elite’s “golden Why It's Not All Greek to Us GDP is hurt, U.S. GDP growth will take a hit, as well. So when someone says the The four basic types are: porter's wage; direct operating; fixed annual U.S. should not be concerned about Greece, cite the above. rolodex”—the name given to describe the small group of establishment-approved Second, a failure to resolve the Greek crisis would decrease investor “experts” who are most frequently quoted in news stories or asked to appear on increases; and consumer price index (CPI). The porter’s wage escalation confidence in the euro-zone to solve its own problems, in general, and in the Of course, the above is not likely to stop the likes of Rush Limbaugh and Glenn television. is an index based upon yearly increases in the hourly wage rate that euro currency, in specifically. Investors, particularly institutional investors, Beck from offering their observations on the Greece chapter. One can see landlords pay their building porters. This wage rate is based on a The absence of dissent in the mainstream media and in the halls of power does not negotiated contract between the landlord and the porters’ union, the would undoubtedly continue to flee the euro into safer currency, especially the Limbaugh and Beck chiming in now. Why should the U.S. care about Greece? mean that the victims of the genocides and their descendants are insignificant, AFL-CIO Local 32BJ, which is renegotiated every three years. dollar. (The euro has already fallen about 7% versus the dollar this year.) Let Greece go bankrupt, they might argue. They overspent, they deserve to go apathetic, or deceitful. No, we are alive, awake, and infuriated. bankrupt. It serves them right, their thinking might go. Greece isn't adding A penny-for-penny porter’s wage formula will increase the tenant’s rent Net result: U.S. exports would become more expensive to European buyers, value. What did Greece ever contribute to civilization, philosophy and The media are also telling us that we should sympathize with Turkey because it feels per square foot by one cent for every one cent increase in the building making them less competitive. Given that the U.S. is counting on its exports to democracy? “humiliated” by accusations of genocide. Turkey uses this word to describe its anger porter’s hourly wage. A penny and a half for penny formula will increase comprise a larger portion of U.S. gross domestic product growth due to the that its national honor has somehow been injured by such accusations. Do Turkish, the tenant’s rent per square foot one and one-half cents for every one "frugal consumer" trend at home, the substantially higher dollar is not what Reprinted from AOL Daily Finance Israeli, and American officials know what “humiliation” means to the survivors and cent increase in the porter’s hourly wage. For example, if the wages for the U.S. wants to see right now. descendants of the Armenian, Assyrian, and Greek Genocides who experienced porters in any one year are increased by 70 cents per hour, the tenant’s debasement and degradation during the genocidal ordeals, and are forced to endure annual rent will increase by $1.05 ($0.70 x 1.5) per square foot. denials and demeaning treatment right up to the present day? The direct operating escalation is the most equitable, and least And how did humiliation of the victims occur? By order of the Young Turk regime, expensive from the tenant perspective. The tenant pays a portion of the unarmed civilian subjects—Armenian, Assyrian, and Greek men, women, and total yearly increases in the operating expenses of the building. These children—were raped in broad daylight, in front of their families and neighbors. The expenses include standard maintenance and repair costs, payroll, tortures and violations were beyond one’s wildest imagination. Innocents were common charges for electricity and management fees. The tenant is skinned and burned alive. Their tongues and fingernails were torn out. Horseshoes billed based on the percentage of space it occupies in the building. were nailed to their feet. They were stripped naked and sent on death marches into Fixed annual increases have become more common in today’s market the desert. Women’s breasts were cut off and their pregnant bellies bayoneted. place and are pretty straight forward and easy to compute. The base rent Fetuses were thrown up into the air and impaled on swords and bayonets for sport. is increased each year at a set percentage rate, usually 2% to 3%. Men were tied to tree limbs that were bent towards one another; when the tree’s Landlords typically propose that these increases be compounded and limbs were released, the men’s bodies were torn in half. Women were tied to horses cumulative yearly. and dragged to their deaths. The consumer price index escalation takes the percentage increase in Those Armenians, Assyrians, and Greeks who were not exterminated, enslaved in the CPI over and above a base year and applies it to the tenant’s base harems, or kidnapped and forcibly converted to Islam were driven from their rent per square foot. If the CPI increases from 5% to 6% from one year to indigenous lands. Those who survived the death marches spent the rest of their lives the next, the rent per square foot will then increase by 1%. in exile, uprooted from their culture and civilization, grieving for their slaughtered families and yearning for their ancestral homeland. Each escalation has advantages and disadvantages, not all of which are monetary. Governmental agencies such as United Nations Mission Media elites are giving voice to embroidered Turkish “humiliation” and not to the real offices for instance often prefer fixed annual increases which can be humiliation of the victims, survivors, and heirs who live with constant anguish in the determined in advance for each year of the lease thereby simplifying face of torture, dispossession, contempt, and indifference. Media elites are defending their budgetary process. However a fixed percentage escalation can Turkey when it is the martyrs and their heirs who deserve mercy and compassion. increase substantially in the latter years of a lease especially in buildings In spite of Turkey’s efforts to humiliate the victims at the time of the genocides—and where the base rent is initially high such as class ‘A’ properties in the to prolong this humiliation up to the present day with cultural theft, trivialization, and Midtown North business district. scape-goating—the dignity of the victims and their descendants has, remarkably, The direct operating escalation is often the least costly and can remained intact. represent a substantial savings compared to other types. However Turkey’s genocidal crimes have gone unpunished. While continually profiting from tenants must be careful to accept only relevant expenses. The cost of the homes, farms, lands, properties, institutions, and possessions confiscated in marketing vacant space and brokers’ commissions, for instance, are not 1915, Turkey even accuses the victims and survivors of the crimes that it itself a direct operating expense. Expense items such as these if included will committed. And media elites portray ongoing survivor grievances as nuisances that inflate costs. The CPI escalation will vary depending on which consumer impede “progress.” price index is used; while the hourly rate increases are greater in the porters wage formula if fringe benefits are included. It is the genocide deniers—the rulers and lobbies of the U.S., Turkey, Israel, and Azerbaijan—who are the ones impeding progress. Their denial, duplicity, and Hence it’s always important to have a professional real estate advisor audacity do not mean that the genocides’ victims and their heirs have been defeated. negotiate for a rent escalation clause that is the best suited to the Denying the truth does not invalidate it. Fictional Turkish “reconciliation” initiatives tenant’s needs, protects the tenant’s interests and is the least costly. In foisted upon Armenians, Assyrians, and Greeks will never take the place of genuine today’s soft real estate market landlords are more receptive to having 31 atonement and restitution, which are necessary for true progress to be made. such a discussion than they have for a long while. 0 To these deniers and obstructionists we say: “Your tactics are transparent. The e t 1 a 0 t 2 perpetrators, beneficiaries, and enablers of the ongoing genocide against the s e L

Peter Shakalis is a Director at I l R a P Armenian, Assyrian, and Greek peoples will be brought to justice. You can hide from e r the truth, but you can’t hide the truth. We will persist, and the truth will prevail.” FirstService Williams Real Estate A Lucine Kasbarian is an Armenian American writer and the article was first published in [email protected] The Armenian Weekly www.armenianweekly.com

Maria A. Pardalis

Pan Seared Lamb Chops with Apricot Pistachio Couscous

Cook time: 35 minutes Serves: 4

Christos Anesti! Christ has risen! Lent is over, Easter is finally here and that means its time for lamb! Greek Easter tradition calls for roasting lamb whole on a spit over wood charcoal for 4 to 5 hours. Although this produces possibly the tastiest lamb you will ever eat, the process is very intricate and labor intensive. A succulent and healthier alternative to having lamb the traditional way, are lamb loin or rib chops. Lamb chops are not difficult to prepare or cook and can easily be found in your local grocery store. Lamb tastes wonderful when it is simply cooked, since the meat is flavorful enough on its own. Try this Greek themed with a twist lamb and couscous recipe for Easter this year or on any other spring night. The apricot pistachio couscous is made with Israeli couscous, also called pearl, which is larger than it’s common form and will absorb more flavor resulting in a creamy and rich dish. It also compliments the lamb perfectly and tastes excellent served cold, which makes for fabulous leftovers! This easy yet impressive meal is ideal if you are hosting Easter, since it will enable you to spend more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen!

Lamp Preparation: Chops 1. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons olive oil, garlic and thyme to make a paste. Rub paste over both sides of the lamb chops and refrigerate covered for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour. Ingredients: 2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Ÿ8 lamb loin or rib chops, trimmed of any excess fat Ÿ Season lamb chops with salt and pepper. Add lamb to skillet and sear 1 tablespoon dried thyme for 5 minutes on each side or until desired doneness. It is important to Ÿ2 garlic cloves, minced Ÿ2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice never crowd the pan, putting too many lamb chops in at the same time ŸExtra Virgin Olive Oil will cause them to steam. ŸSea salt and freshly ground black pepper 3. Transfer lamb to plate and cover loosely with foil until couscous is ŸSprigs of fresh thyme for garnish (optional) ready.

Preparation: Apricot and 1. Heat 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a large sauce pan over Pistachio medium-high heat. Add the shallot and sauté until translucent. Couscous 2. Add couscous and stir constantly for 3 to 5 minutes or until lightly toasted. Ingredients: 3. Add water and cinnamon stick. Bring mixture to a boil. 4. Reduce heat to low and add apricots. Cover and simmer for 10 to 15 Ÿ1 ½ cups Israeli couscous, also called pearl minutes or until water is absorbed. Ÿ2 ½ cups water Ÿ1/2 cup dried apricots, halved 5. Remove pot from heat and let stand for 5 minutes. Uncover, remove Ÿ½ cup unsalted pistachios, toasted cinnamon stick and mix in pistachios, lemon juice and season with salt Ÿ1 small shallot, finely diced and pepper. Ÿ2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil Ÿ 6. Fluff couscous with a fork. Garnish with mint, lemon zest and serve 1 cinnamon stick with the lamb. Ÿ1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped Ÿ¼ cup fresh lemon juice This mouth-watering spring meal must be paired with a full-bodied Ÿ1 tablespoon lemon zest, finely grated and juicy red wine such as a fruitful Bordeaux with balanced tannins. ŸSea salt and freshly ground black pepper Lamb is a hearty meat and needs an equally strong wine. Kali Orexi!! Did you know that lamb is very lean, with fewer than 175 calories per 3 ounce serving? Keynote Speaker Clay Maitland The host, Nicolas Bornozis, President of Capital Link

Consul General of Greece to New York Aghi Balta Panelists Nikolas Tsakos and Peter Evensen with guests at the forum S

A PRES Annual OS: ET T PHO

Shipping Conference participants Forum in New York by Capital Link

New York based Capital Link held recently its 4th Annual Invest in International Shipping Forum at the city’s Metropolitan Club. The Forum marked a record breaking attendance of over 900 participants. Capital Link is organizing on an annual basis Shipping Forums in New York, London, and Athens that bring together influential C-level executives of US and foreign listed shipping companies, analysts, commercial and investment bankers, industry participants and investors. The Shipping Forums in New York and London are primarily focused on the global investment community, attracting large numbers of institutional investors, financial planners, financial advisors, private bankers, securities analysts, retail & institutional brokers and financial press & media. This time the forum examined the macroeconomic issues that are shaping international shipping, provided investors with a comprehensive review and outlook of the various shipping markets through a series of company presentations and panel discussions and addressed topics of critical importance for shipping today, such as access to capital for survival and growth, pure-play versus diversified fleets, vessel recycling, the value of classification to financial institutions and owners, etc. Capital Link’s President Mr. Nicolas Bornozis outlined the firm’s commitment to serving as a link between investors and shipping globally and highlighted the evolution and the key role of the Capital Link Shipping Forums and Webinars in the industry. The New York Shipping Forum in particular, which is in its 4th year, has been established as a major event for the industry. The Luncheon keynote speaker, Mr. Clay Maitland, Managing Partner, International Registries, Founding Chairman of NAMEPA (North American Marine Environment Protection Association) addressed the audience on “Forecasting the Future: Shipping and Financial Markets.” In his keynote speech, Mr. Maitland stated that “we should bear in mind that while Chinese construction contracts are being ‘cancelled,’ there is a time when the word cancelled should not be taken literally. Many if not most of these ships will probably be built, and delivered to Chinese owners. These may then be sold on to other purchasers, and may or may not be maintained in accordance with the highest standards. We also need to ask whether these ships will be built in accordance with the standards of the International Association of Classification Societies. There is no way of knowing this at the present time. So the oversupply of tonnage can have a major impact on quality, and safety.” Capital Link is a New York-based Advisory, Investor Relations and Financial Communications firm. Over the years it has the largest provider of Investor Relations and Financial Communications services to international shipping companies listed on the US and European Exchanges. Capital Link's headquarters are in New York with a presence in London and Athens. Greek Orthodox Oratorical Festival to be held in New York inspiration, Greek Orthodox teenagers, What is the Christian understanding of representing each Archdiocese Metropolis friendship and how do social networking throughout the country, are called to sites like Facebook and MySpace help or participate in the Oratorical Festival by hinder true friendship?”; “Explain the composing and presenting their oration on a meaning of the Icon of the Resurrection selected topic, chosen from a list of topics where Christ is portrayed as lifting up Adam pertaining to Orthodoxy. The Oratorical and Eve”; “Talk about the significance of Festival provides teenagers the opportunity Psalm 23: The earth is the Lord’s, and its to learn, write and speak about their fullness”; “Explain why human virtue is Oratorical Festival participants with His Eminence Archbishop Orthodox Faith, Church and Heritage. This something truly heroic and divine, especially Demetrios, His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago strengthens their understanding and in our days and in our world.” and Rev. Fr. Demetrios Andrews appreciation of their heritage and identity as Individuals wishing to underwrite or donate Greek Orthodox Christians and cultivates to the Oratorical Festival weekend expenses By R. Dorothy Poli their spiritual growth and maturity. The and the Oratorical Festival Scholarship The Archdiocese St. John Chrysostom overall program is called an Oratorical Foundation may forward their donations, National Oratorical Festival will be hosted, for Festival rather than a contest to minimize the payable to the Holy Trinity Cathedral, to the the first time in its 27-year history, at the competitive spirit and emphasize a joyful attention of: Oratorical Festival, Holy Trinity Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in learning experience. Cathedral, 319 East 74th Street, New York, New York City on June 4-6, 2010. During the The Oratorical Festival is sponsored by the NY 10021. Festival weekend, the Greek Orthodox Department of Religious Education of the As our youth are the future of Orthodoxy and national teenage finalists and their families Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and Hellenism in America, it is imperative to will participate in a program of activities that is divided into two teenage divisions: Junior provide for their development in becoming will be organized by the Cathedral National (7 to 9th Grades) and Senior (10 to 12th our future representatives. Consequently, Oratorical Festival Committee, co-chaired by grades). The program begins at the parish encouraging and training them in public the Cathedral Dean, Fr. Frank, and Presvytera level. The top speakers in each division speaking skills is important for the many Haidee Marangos. The program will begin advance to their District level and, if selected, professional paths they will endeavor to with a Welcome Reception and Dinner at the become one of two finalists in their division pursue and for their future participation in Cathedral on Friday evening. The Oratorical to represent their District at their Metropolis public forums relating to Orthodoxy and Festival will be held in the Cathedral on Oratorical Festival. The top speaker in each Hellenism. Saturday morning with an Awards Luncheon division is then selected to participate in the to follow in the Cathedral ballroom. A tour of Archdiocese Finals, which is hosted each year For more information on this year’s Festival, the Metropolitan Museum of Art Byzantine on a rotational basis by any one Metropolis please contact the committee Co-chairs, Fr. and Greek Galleries is being arranged for of the nine in the Archdiocese. All 18 finalists Frank or Presvytera Haidee Marangos at 212- Saturday afternoon. A Dinner Dance is at the Archdiocese Finals deliver their 288-3215 or visit planned for Saturday evening at a prominent speeches on Saturday morning of the Festival http://www.thecathedralnyc.org/. For Manhattan venue. The weekend will come to weekend. The top three place finalists in general information on the Festival, please a close on Sunday with a Hierarchical Divine each division are awarded scholarships in the visit Liturgy officiated by His Eminence amounts of $2,000, $1,500 and $1,000 http://www.goarch.org/archdiocese/depart Archbishop Demetrios of America. The respectively. In addition, all other finalists ments/religioused/sjcof Festival and Awards Luncheon on Saturday receive a rank of Honorable Mention and are morning/afternoon and the evening dinner awarded a $500 United States Savings Bond. are open to all. Tickets for the luncheon and The speakers choose their topic from a list dinner will be sold beginning in May. developed by the Archdiocese National Proceeds from the ticket sales will be used to Festival co-chairpersons in conjunction with fund the many Oratorical Festival expenses the Department of Religious Education. and, any excess funds collected, will assist in Speakers are encouraged to research their providing scholarships and savings bonds to chosen topic from a bibliography of various the finalists through the Oratorical Festival Orthodox theological books and resources Scholarship Foundation. that are provided. They are mentored by The Festival is named after one of our most volunteers, typically prior speakers or honored and beloved Church Fathers and members of their university debate clubs. Patriarchs, St. John Chrysostom. As a brilliant Judges are also usually chosen from this pool. orator, he earned the title, Chrysostomos, This year’s topics include: “Present some “golden mouth,” because of his dynamic and teachings of the Orthodox Church that bold preaching and eloquent public speaking. support environmental protection and Oratorical Festival participants, their families and hosts With St. John Chrysostom as a model for explain how it should be practiced today”; “ enjoying a boat cruise on the Mississippi River Dr. Kyriakos (Cary) Pantazis, and his wife, Ellen, organizers of the “Opa” cruise enjoy dinner aboard the Costa Atlantica. At their left, Hope Mihalap, noted humorist who scored a hit with her stand-up comedy act, “It’s Greek to Us”

The Atlantica Cruise Ship

Musician Nick Trivelas, Sunday Lempesis and Father George leader of the “A Night in Papadeas share a lively moment on Athens Trio,” takes some the Ocala church fund-raising cruise. time out aboard the “Opa” Said Father George, cruise. Trivelas and his group “I love the spirit of the cruise” set everyone dancing nightly “Opa” Caribbean Cruise Raises Funds to Build New Church

By Penelope Karageorge In February, more than 300 Greek-Americans Dino Smiros of Syosset, L.I., on board with his wife Father George, who had been pastor of the brought their own special kefi to a seven-day Mary, commented: “It was special – kind of a big Cathedral of St. Paul, Hempstead, N.Y., presented Caribbean cruise aboard the Costa Atlantica, parea. We really enjoyed it!” Helen King of a moving discussion about the 50th anniversary dancing, dining, meeting and greeting, while Madison, N.J., said: “I’m ready to sign up for the of the cathedral’s three weeping icons. He is the reinforcing their Hellenic heritage. This was the next cruise. I loved the variety, the people, the author of “Why Did She Cry?” and also translated “Opa” cruise, now in its fourth year, originally Greek aspect, and the cosmopolitan feeling of the and compiled the invaluable “Greek Orthodox created as a fund-raiser to build a church in Ocala, ship.” Holy Week & Easter Services.” Fla., and spear-headed by Ellen Pantazis, and her The “Opa” cruise functioned within the larger Entertainer Hope Mihalap, a Greek-American husband, Dr. Cary Pantazis, a pathologist and context of the Costa Atlantica, an extravaganza of comedienne and inspirational speaker proved a head of the Ocala Parish Council. twelve passenger decks, each named after comic boon. The award-winning humorist offered In the spirit of Odysseus, Greeks danced the movies directed by the famous Italian director, on-target insights into Greek-Americans’ special nights away despite an occasionally tilting dance Frederico Fellini. Cararra marble, Murano-glass foibles, “It’s Greek to Us!” floor from a brief storm that kept the ship from accents, and in-laid mosaic tile created a beautiful Greek dancing rocked the boat nightly in the Coral landing at the Grand Cayman Islands. Providing ship and atmosphere. Lounge with “A Night in Athens Trio” featuring the spiritual impetus, the amazing Father George All of the events and resources of the Costa Nick Trivelas, Joanna Kartsonis, and possibly the Papadeas, 92, led a prayer service every morning. Atlantica ship were available to “Opa” travelers, best bouzouki player outside of Athens, George A resident of West Daytona, Fla., Father George from around the clock food – the chefs did Italian Antonopoulos. For those who wanted to brush drives 90 miles to Ocala weekly to conduct Bible specialties particularly well – to a lively gaming up or learn new steps, instructor Maria Johnson Study at the Pantazis home, and perform the casino, three pools and exceptional met every morning to give lessons. liturgy on Sunday. Currently the Orthodox entertainment nightly. But Greek events proved Faye Weissblum, at the special “Opa” hospitality congregate in a Catholic chapel, but the Ocala the biggest lure. church is expected to open later in the spring. desk daily, graciously answered questions and Says Mrs. Pantazis, who coordinated the cruise assisted travelers. “Opa” cruisers received special “The intention of the cruise was of course, to raise program working with Faye Weissblum, President blue and white travel bags and travel card holders money for the new Ocala church,” says Mrs. of Travel Group International Inc.: “We tried to that made them readily identifiable to fellow Pantazis. “But when we become a church in provide a cultural experience. Even though we’re voyagers. Embarking from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. , Ocala, we still want to continue with this. What all Greek or married to a Greek or want to be the cruise sailed to Key West, Fla., Roatan, we want to do is give to other missions in the USA Greek, we might have forgotten some of the Honduras, and Cozumel Mexico. A hundred and keep Orthodoxy spreading.” things in our heritage, things we’re all proud of. It people have already signed up for next year’s Twenty-seven states were represented on board, was a time to come together and share in a lot of cruise. “Opa” Cruise 2011 will sail from Miami in with “Opa” voyagers from places as far-flung as our cultural heritage and beliefs. We offered a lot March and visit Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Canada and Texas. Many were repeat cruise- of choices.” Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; Catalina goers who had taken all four trips. Greek films shown included “So You Think You Island, Dominican Republic, and Nassau/Paradise Says Father George: “The spirit that prevails on Can Dance,” “The 300,” and “My Life in Ruins.” Island, Bahamas. this cruise is something special. It makes you feel Lectures topics ranged from “Is Christopher good. Enthusiasm is a Greek word which comes Columbus a Byzantine Prince?” by Dr. Pantazis to from entheos, meaning ‘from God.’ We thrive on “The Legacy of Our Greek American Heritage” by that.” Dr. Dean Loomis. SAINT PANTELEIMON OF ANDROS SOCIETY WISH YOU

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For Your Reservations, Please Contact: George Vlahakis 718-353-2146 or 646-302-4707 Adam Mandarakas 973-562-0272 or 908-447-2204 By Rev. Dr. Frank Marangos A popular story written by the author C.S. Lewis diverse qualities of self-centeredness and evil. In in Greek Mythology is the she-monster chronicles the sea journey of a crew of children fact, four specific types of dragon-serpents can Dracaenae. Unlike the Chimaera, the Dracaenae who land on a mysterious island for the purpose be delineated, each with their respective is a revolting hybrid of animal and human limbs. of repairing their vessel. Rather than offer his characteristics: (a) serpentine Dracones, (b) The ancient Greeks considered it an image of the assistance to the others, one child named marine Cetea, (c) fire-breathing Chimaera, and deformity of “Self.” The nine-headed hydra Eustace sets off by himself in search of personal (d) the she-monster Dracaenae. destroyed by Hercules exemplifies the chaos- fortune. During his exploration, the selfish boy The first type of dragon, the serpentine creating vices of the Dracaenae’s nature: (a) discovers a large cave filled with magnificent Dracones, was understood as a beast that sexual promiscuity, (b) comfort, (c) avarice, (d) gems and costly artifacts. He quickly realizes that pilfered physical resources. Once it had them in fear, (e) hatred, (f) power, (g) pride, (h) he has located the secret lair of a dragon. While its monstrous possession, the Dracones horded arrogance, and (i) cruelty. fearful of the monster’s return, the boy is unable its stolen treasure in a secret lair. Stories such as Satan is intent on using such vises to deform the to resist the lure of the cave’s treasure and, the “Golden Apples” retrieved by Hercules, and image and likeness of God in man. From the very unfortunately, falls asleep atop the jewelry. the “Golden Fleece” obtained by Jason and his beginning of creation, evil relentlessly pursues A few hours later Eustace awakens to find the Argonauts are prime examples of Greek myths the embezzlement of personhood – the most dragon sleeping beside him. Frightened, he that convey the inner desire of humanity to re- valuable of birthrights. “Long ago,” insists a hymn carefully lifts his leg to escape but notices the obtain an elusive treasure that has somehow of the Lenten season, “the crafty serpent envied creature imitating his every movement. Fearful been stolen from it in the past. my honor and whispered deceit in the ear of Eve.” that the foul-smelling serpent may rouse at any Holy Scripture completes this partial truth of Apart from His victory over death, Christ is moment, the lad dashes from the cave to the Greek Mythology by portraying Satan as the therefore described as the One who “reclothes” valley below. It is here, while gazing at his image culprit that stole the physical resources and gifts humanity in the nobility of His “garments of light in the waters of a small pound, that the boy that God had actually granted to humanity. While and incorruption.” Described as one of Hercules’ realizes the horrible truth. A dragon had not been originally intended to be utilized for divine Twelve Labors, the severing of each of the hydra’s sleeping next to him! Rather, he had been looking purposes the serpentine dragon deceived Adam heads has long been understood as a harbinger at his own beastly reflection in a mirror. Try as he and Eve into bartering creation for a piece of of Christ’s actual liberation of humanity’s will, however, Eustace is unable to peal away his fruit, and thereby, replacing the priestly act of spiritual personhood. As such, the Resurrection newly formed scaly skin. Exhausted and stewardship with the unsatisfying urge of releases “prisoners” and heals “every part” of discouraged he weeps. He has become what he selfishness. mankind’s inner disfigurement. fears the most . . . an ugly dragon! The second type of dragon found in Greek The icon of the Holy Resurrection masterfully Pascha, the liturgical celebration of our Lord’s Mythology is the marine-based Cetea. Regulated portrays the destruction of each of the four types glorious Resurrection, centers on the defeat of by Poseidon, the Olympian god of the sea, the of dragons described in the parables of Greek dragons. In fact, it concerns creation’s marine-based Cetea is primarily interested in Mythology. The icon portrays the Risen Lord opportunity to have the scaly skin of its distorting Truth. A most popular myth of emerging from the cave of death while standing monstrous distortions successfully pealed away. Homer’s Odyssey describes how two serpents on the back of a shackled image of satan. “With his hissing,” insists a hymn of the Triodion, emerged from the sea and swallowed a priest Reminiscent of God’s proto-evangelical promise “the hateful serpent deceived us, and stripped us named Laocoon and his sons who were to Eve (Genesis 3:15) the Apolytikion of the of the blessings we had received.” While Satan frantically attempting to warn the citizens of Troy Resurrection specifies that the Risen Lord has insists that humanity was and remains all to against dragging a wooden horse into their city. defeated Satan, by “trampling” upon him as willing to replace “skin for skin,” (Job 2:4), good Without the guiding ruder of his truth, the upon a poisonous serpent. Through this victory for evil, the Feast of the Resurrection exchanges Trojans were ultimately destroyed from the over death four critical liberations are the dark ugly robe of death with the bright inside. commemorated. First, the physical stewardship complexion of Christ’s holiness. of creation is returned to mankind as sacrament. Society is replete with examples of contemporary Second, Truth as Person is released from the belly Numerous prayers and hymns of the Orthodox Ceteas who desire to “swallow” the Truth of Church describe Pascha as God’s victory over a of falsehood. Third, relationships are re- Christ and replace it with rudderless views and established through love and forgiveness. And dragon-like serpent that lies, steals, and godless opinions. As a result, like the Trojans, the constantly seeks to disfigure all of creation. It finally, the Holy Resurrection eliminates the unsuspecting tragically drag dangerous sinful skin of the dragon from humanity’s body should, therefore, come as no surprise that an distortions into their minds only to one day wake important prayer of the Presanctified Liturgy and in its place, re-establishes mankind’s God- to spiritual occupation and death. The question created image. requested that God grant the faithful the posed to Jesus by Pilate on Holy and Great Friday strength to successfully complete the course of concerning he existence of Truth is therefore, In his parable about children for adults, Lewis the Great Fast by “crushing the heads” of our quite instructive (John 18:38). In the end, describes the painful yet futile attempts of respective “invisible dragons” through the however, like Jonah surfacing from the belly of a Eustace to desperately remove the skin of the cultivation of selfless virtues. whale, Christ as Truth emerges from the Cetea’s dragon from his youthful limbs. In the end, he Great Lent was, therefore, our opportunity to lair of lies! must submit to a Lion named Aslan who, as an image of Christ, removes the serpentine skin with evaluate the condition of our spiritual image in The third type of mythological dragon is the fire- the clear liturgical mirror of the Church wherein his sharp claws. “The very first tare was so deep,” breathing Chimaera. Portrayed as a frightening the boy exclaims, “that I thought that it had gone Scriptural stories are masterfully woven to teach composite of various animal body parts, the important spiritual lessons gleaned from the right into my heart! It hurt more than anything I Chimaera seeks to create disunity. This particular had ever felt. The only thing that made it lives of Old Testament personalities. Some, like monster is thus fond of tormenting nations, the self-centered Eustace in Lewis’ parable, were bearable was the pleasure of feeling like a boy villages, families and couples with attitudes of again!” Unable to shed his dragon skin himself, tragically transformed into detestable dissension. The dragon-slaying myth of Perseus individuals. Advocating self-centered agendas, Eustace submits to the fierce claws of Aslan and is and Andromeda best illustrate the importance of reborn! the sinful exchanged “skin for skin” and become liberating those that are so enslaved through the “dragonesque.” Fortunately, through fasting, re-establishment of harmonious relationships. Pascha, the celebration of the holy Resurrection, almsgiving, repentance, and prayer, the faithful commemorates the Lordship of a Lion who came are portrayed as those who “put on” Christ much Pascha is the Great Feast of the Eucharistic to defeat the dragons of death so that we may be like the prodigal son was clothed with his father’s community whose Agape Meal replaces the released from the bondage of sin! Indeed, by royal robes. Individuals such as these are rupture of betrayal with the bond of peace and faithfully submitting to Jesus’ loving authority we portrayed as the true heirs of Christ’s victory over forgiveness! The Resurrection introduces an are healed, liberated, re-imaged, and restored to the serpent’s dangerous craftiness. Eternal Perseus who liberates the Andromedas of our comrades! We are, in a word . . . reborn! history by slaying the Chimaeras of discord with 45 Long before the development of the Pentateuch love. “Let us love all that have wronged us,” Rev. Dr. Frank Marangos is the Dean of the

and the hymnology of Christian Orthodoxy, the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New n o i exhorts Saint John Chrysostom in his Paschal 0 1 g i l fearful image of the mischievous dragon-serpent York City. He is also an Adjunct Assistant 0 e 2 message, “for Forgiveness has Risen from the r L I & was employed in the oral legends of Greek Professor at Saint John’s University (NY). Please R h P

grave!” t i A a

Mythology. The ancient Greeks frequently visit http://www.thecathedral.goarch.org to f introduced the beast as the personification of The fourth and final category of the dragon found view the on-line sermon that inspired this article. The south coast of Lefkas is a jigsaw of long inlets and sheltered harbours and beaches nestling beneath the pine carpeted hills. To the east is Sivota, a favourite port of call for yachting flotillas and, in the west Vassiliki, host to the world windsurfing championships. Beyond Vassiliki is the wild, windswept peninsula that ends at Cape Lefkas. A good road runs down the east coat to provide easy access but the south-west resorts are more tricky as the roads get steadily worse as you head south. Wilder and windier than the east, the west coast has the island's best beaches. Much tamer in the north-west, they get progressively wilder as you head south. The reward for those that tackle the narrow hairpins of the west coast road of Lefkas are staggering views from the cliffs and breathtaking beaches below that many rank as among some of the best in the Mediterranean.

Visit Lefkas this summer!

From an anonymous friend

He took action on the spot and sought the up and addressed the over-250 participants. financially sound and to be able to hire a phone number of Dr. George “Greek culture is not just the center of our younger director to continue the work.” Greek Americans come together Papathanasopoulos, curator of the institute ways of thinking, it is our very way of being,” Archaeologist Papathanasopoulos of many- and director of the Diros excavations, in order Senator Schumer said. Congresswoman years fame with the Athens Acropolis to see what could be done. “It didn’t take Carolyn Maloney and Mayor Michael Museum, for some time the head of the long for me to realize that getting some Bloomberg, along with various leaders from archaeological sub-aquatic explorations with to save a museum in Greece money for the immediate expenses wasn’t a New York City issued proclamations saluting the legendary Sea Explorer Jacques Yves solution to the problem,” Mr. Halkias said in the occasion. Cousteau, has been the explorer of the an interview with NEO. “Instead of making a SAE of USA Coordinator Ted Spyropoulos largest European Prehistoric Caves located at donation, I decided to do something bigger, travelled all the way from Chicago to Diros, in Mani. Presently Mr. Michael Halkias, so that more funds could come in and participate “in such an important fundraiser.” Papathanasopoulos continues his work with awareness would be spread.” In an interview with NEO, he said that when the Diros Neolithic Studies Institute, while owner of the historic He made more phone calls: to SAE of America times are tough for Greece “we can only do minding the future explorations at the Grand Prospect Hall in Coordinator Ted Spyropoulos, to the what we can to help and keep criticism or Alepotrypa Caves, with their 8000-year-old President of Hellenic Societies of Greater hard feelings for later. Especially when our exciting prehistoric findings of a thriving, fully Brooklyn, loves history New York Dimitrios Calamaras, the President heritage is at stake, as the case is with the civilized community; all that amongst the and oftentimes finds of the Hellenic Medical Society Dr. George Diros Neolithic Studies Institute.” many other archaeological discoveries and himself surfing on the Tsioulias, the Pan Arcadian Federation Christos Orphanakos, former President of the scholarly publications related to the Aegean President Dimitris Filios, to the Brotherhood Brotherhood of Mani, coordinated the Proto-Hellenic Civilization, the Mycenaean Internet for of Mani, the Federation of Laconian Societies, various societies and, addressing the Palaces of King Nestor at Pylos, and the information on ancient and other groups and individuals, with the participants, expressed his heartfelt thanks Minoan civilizations on the island of Crete. aim to secure donations and organize a for their support. Diros Neolithic Museum contains exclusively Greece and new Testimonial Dinner for the benefit of the objects from a single geographical and Museum Building. When his turn came, thanks and his gratitude discoveries that shed to all who made the event possible were cultural unit. The basic objectives of the The response was forthcoming and Mr. expressed by archaeologist George exhibition are to facilitate communication more light on that Halkias with his wife Alice offered their Papathanasopoulos, with whom Mr. Halkias between visitors and the exhibits, and an From left, Michael Halikias, Congressman Anthony Weiner, Dr. George Papathanasopoulos, palace, the Grand Prospect Hall, for the understanding of each object within the Iro Nikolakea, Alice Halikias and Dimitris Filios remarkable phase in had the original conversation when he saw occasion and made an additional donation of the Museum’s SOS on the Internet. “What overall group so as to make it easy for visitors human history. $10,000. The event was an astounding they have done is a great service to our to form an idea of the life of the Neolithic Usually, these forays success and more than $50,000 was raised, heritage and to humanity in general,” Dr. community. giving the Museum enough time to look for Papathanasopoulos said in an interview with To contact Dr. Papathanasopoulos his email is into his ancestors’ more donors and ways to secure its presence. NEO. “Of course, the struggle is not going to [email protected] times and places prove US Senator Charles Schumer and US stop and we need more help to secure the to be a fascinating Congressman Anthony Weiner also showed Museum. It is my dream to be able to see it Dr. George Tsioulias (3rd from left), experience. President of the Hellenic Medical Society, with friends at the event However, about two months ago, when he Dr. George Papathanasopoulos, Iro Nikolakea, US Senator Charles Schumer and Alice Halikias saw online that the Diros Neolithic Studies Institute and its museum in Mani, on the southern tip of From left, Nikos Maris, Peter Peloponnesus, was Douskalis, a friend, and Chris Orfanakos about to close down because cuts in public funding due to the economy had resulted Alice Halikias, Iro Nikolakea, Dr. George Papathanasopoulos, Ted & Erica Spyropoulos in non-payment of its rent, he was appalled. Brotherhood of Mani members. Top row, Nickos PHOTOS: ETA PRESS “I felt I had to do Flouskakos, Sotiria Orfanakou, Chris Orfanakos, Thanasis Mourkakos, Nichos Christakos, something Dr. George Papathanasopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Takos immediately. To me and Giannis Flouskakos. Sitting, Mr. & Mrs. Paul Christakos and Mrs. Flouskakou closing down such a 50 significant institution because there is no 0 1 t 0 2 n e L I v e R money to pay the rent, P A Alexandros Malaos, Larisa Antypa, Michael was simply not Halikias, Dr. George Papathanasopoulos, acceptable.” Maria Orfanakos Maria Kokodi, Larisa Antypa Elias & Anna Neofotistos and Ria Bageorgos and Joanna Kyriakou ”Hail to the Cheat”: a new political novel by Ted Venetoulis Long time political activist and television Executive, a position commentator Ted Venetoulis has released a held by Spiro Agnew new novel, Hail to the Cheat, an amusing before he became vice political satire that turns the Washington president. He was also scene upside down when the First Lady kicks a M a r y l a n d Literary Luncheon From left, Rev. Dimitrios and Presbytera Maria Antokas, Authors Stefan Fatsis, her unfaithful husband and President of the g u b e r n a t o r i a l Committee George Pelecanos and George Tenet, Robyn Andris, Author Nick Katsoris and Leon Andris United States out of 1600 Pennsylvania candidate in 1978. Avenue. Venetoulis previously “A historic first,” says Dave Barlow of hosted an award- Wandering Sage Publishing. “A First Lady winning television LITERARY LUNCHEON FEATURING NOTED GREEK-AMERICAN AUTHORS who chooses not to stand by her husband, news magazine, Edition Eleven, and but to stand up for her dignity and then her authored The House Shall Choose, which The Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, in Bethesda, Maryland, hosted recently its country. Full of twists and turns, a White chronicles the two elections determined by first literary luncheon, In Their Own Words, at the Bethesda Country Club. The luncheon House filled with cronies, chicanery and a the House of Representatives. featured four prominent Greek-American authors who reflected on their craft, George gang of First Ladies past. An amusing, but not Venetoulis currently serves as Chairman and Tenet, George Pelecanos, Stefan Fatsis, and Nick Katsoris. far-fetched spoof of American politics with CEO of Corridor Media, Inc., a regional “This inaugural literary luncheon begins a tradition of exploring our rich cultural heritage an ending unlike any in the long annals of the business and political news magazine as a means of sustaining our Church’s good works,” said Fr. Dimitrios Antokas, St. affairs of state.” serving the Baltimore Washington corridor. George’s Presiding Priest. “Appreciating the power of these authors’ words reminds us Hail to the Cheat is available at He has taught courses on politics and the as a parish of the power and great mercy of the Eternal Word in whose name we reach hailtothecheat.com, barnesandnoble.com, media at Johns Hopkins University and out to all.” amazon.com, and at local book stores. Goucher College. He has been the leader of efforts to return the Baltimore Sun to local Designed as a major fundraising event for the Church, the proceeds will support the Ted Venetoulis’ impressive political resume ownership and is recognized nationally for many ministries of St. George, both to its members and to those outside the parish who includes having served on Capitol Hill as a his knowledge of the various approaches to have a variety of needs. The parish has some 20 different ministries that serve the faith congressional aide, in campaigns for local Author George Tenet with Mike restructuring and salvaging the newspaper community and a variety of groups such as senior citizens, the homeless and hungry at and national candidates including John and Emanuel, White House industry. Literary Luncheon Co-Chairs Correspondent at Fox News local shelters, children, young adults, those needing financial assistance, the infirmed Robert Kennedy, and as Baltimore County - Presbytera Maria Antokas Channel and Literary Luncheon and shut-ins, and those who need pastoral counseling. and Robyn Andris Master of Ceremonies More info on the St. George Parish and its activities can be found at www.stgeorge.org

GeorgeGeorge K. Chimples, a Founding K. Member Chimples of Leadership 100 In Memoriam and its Co- Chairman from the inception of the organization in 1984 to 1996, died after a long illness on Saturday, March 13, 2010. He was 91 years of age. Chimples who one can safely assert, epitomized the American dream, was a noted philanthropist, business entrepreneur, and leader in the Greek Orthodox Church, Leadership 100 and the Greek Community. He was born in Kardamyla on the island of Chios George Chimples is credited with the idea of starting L100. in Greece, was graduated from the gymnasion in Chios and Here with his wife Janet Chimples and the late Archbishop Iakovos the Merchant Marine Academy in Piraeus. at a L100 conference A Greek Merchant Marine officer for seven years, he joined the Royal A proud member and benefactor of SS. Constantine and Helen, where he Greek Navy in 1943, serving as an officer and participating in the Allied served as Trustee, President, Vice President and Chairman of the Board of invasion of Normany under General Dwight Eisenhower. After having Education and Building Fund, he also supported the St. Basil Academy and immigrated to the United States, studying business administration and St. Michael’s Home, the United Hellenic American Congress, and Hellenic establishing himself as a successful business leader, he was among 22 College-Holy Cross School of Theology where he established a scholarship guests invited to a breakfast meeting in Cleveland with President Dwight fund. He was also an active member of the Chios Society, a long-time Eisenhower in 1956. He was founder and former CEO of AMAC member of AHEPA, founder of the Kardamylian Foundation and founding Enterprises, Inc., a metal finishing company, mega systems, an electronics President of the United Hellenic Communities of Greater Cleveland. A manufacturing firm, and Dean Land Company and a founding director of resident of Lyndhurst, Ohio, he leaves his wife, Janet W., his daughters, Commerce Exchange Bank. Elevated to Archon Megas Primikirios at SS. Eugenia Hasiotis, who serves on the Executive Committee of Leadership Constantine and Helen Cathedral in Cleveland in 1957, Chimples was 100, and Christine Anzo, his sons, Constantine and Thomas and eight 52 noted for his extraordinary leadership of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese grandchildren. Finance Committee, for which he served as Chairman for many years. He Archbishop Demetrios of America presided at the funeral at SS. s e 0 was credited with the establishment of the LOGOS program and with the t 1

o Constantine and Helen. Contributions may be made in his memory to 0 n 2 L & idea of forming the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund, I s

R SS.Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral Endowment Fund or P w e A Inc. He was also a member of the Archdiocesan Council and of its n the George K. Chimples Scholarship Fund at Hellenic College-Holy Cross Executive Committee where he served with distinction for many years. School of Theology. diligent efforts to treat for guests. This year the foundation raised patients with hereditary over $150,000, which will go towards the colon cancer and polyposis efforts of Memorial Sloan-Kettering to syndromes. Regarding the prevent, cure, and, eventually, eradicate event, Dr. Markowitz colon cancer. proclaimed: “It is a privilege Cyprus Federation of America holds National Convention to be honored this year by For more information about the De Rosa Foundation call Kathy Constantopes De

the De Rosa Foundation for SS Rosa @ (516)—365-6754 or email at Peter Papanicolaou, Washington, Florida and California. reunification of the island. Colon Cancer Research and President of the Cyprus Prevention. It is through the [email protected]. The convention’s forum allows chapter The Cyprus Federation of America Federation of America A PRE dedication and tireless organizations the opportunity to express networks closely with the Council of

efforts, spearheaded by O: ET and exchange ideas such as the promotion Hellenes Abroad (SAE), the International

Dr. Arnold J. Markowitz (Honoree), Kathy DeRosa T Kathy Constantopes De Rosa of cultural, educational and social activities Coordinating Committee “Justice for (right) and Georgia Deplas (Mistress of Ceremonies) that we come one step PHO of the Cypriot American community. Cyprus” (PSEKA), the American Hellenic closer to finding a cure for Included on the agenda will be reports of Institute (AHI), the United Hellenic colon cancer.” He went on to say that the the activities of the CFA member American Congress (UHAC), and the recent event “represents the Foundation’s organizations, report of CYCA (the Youth Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater ongoing determination and vision, which De Rosa we hope will continue until colon cancer Division of the CFA), the core issues of the New York. becomes a disease of the past.” “Cyprus Problem”, which include the For more information the phone number is Foundation’s Annual withdrawal of the Turkish occupation (201) 444-8237 and the e-mail: Kathy Constantopes De Rosa, 42, founded (L-R) Stacey Pappas,VP, Dr. Jose Guillem (Director of The Cyprus Federation of America, Inc. will forces, the restoration of freedom and the [email protected] this charity in 2007 following a diagnosis of colorectal registry at MSKCC) Kathy De Rosa hold its 38th National Convention on Gala a Great Success hyperplastic polyposis syndrome, which (Pres/Founder), Vivian Tsoumas (Co-Chair) and Saturday, April 17th, 2010 at Terrace on the SS By Georgia Deplas would have led to the development of Dr. Arnold Markowitz (Honoree) Park, 5211 11th Street, Corona (Flushing), colon cancer if not detected and treated The prevention of and education about early. With the help of a dedicated team of New York, from 8:30 a.m. till 3:30 p.m. A PRE colon cancer were goals in mind during the De Rosa family, Scheduled to attend and address the

physicians at Memorial Sloan-Kettering, O: ET third annual dinner gala held by the De Mrs. De Rosa was successfully cured of her Kathy, Anthony delegates are Cyprus Ambassador to T Rosa Foundation for Colon Cancer Research and kids: Washington, the Honorable Andreas S. condition and spared the devastation of PHO and Prevention at Oheka Castle in cancer. She is now dedicated to raising the Paul & Julia Kakouris, and other Dignitaries from Huntington, New York. On March 19th, awareness and funds necessary to prevent Greece and Cyprus. 2010, a sold-out crowd was present to this disease with hopes of contributing to honor Dr. Arnold J. Markowitz, an attending an increase in fortunate cases such as her The Cyprus Federation was founded in gastroenterologist with Memorial Sloan- own. The organization has worked 1951 in New York City and currently Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) in New relentlessly over the past three years-and consists of 25 chapter members located York. will continue to do so for years to come at throughout the United States including the Dr. Markowitz is an expert on colon cancer its annual galas, which include numerous Tri-State area, Virginia, Ohio, Chicago, screening and prevention and was incredible auction items and raffle gifts, Maria Varianides was last year's honoree at the convention. Here's with Archbishop Demetrios, recognized by the foundation mainly for his along with food and musical entertainment then Greek Minister of National Defense Vangelis Meimarakis, Ambassador of Cyprus Andreas Kakouris, President of PSEKA Philip Christopher and leaders of the Federation AHEPA honors Louis Arvanitis Louis Arvanitis, Past Supreme Governor of AHEPA and Regional Director for Districts 5 and 6, was honored earlier the year with a wonderful testimonial at Graycliff in Moonachie, NJ, organized by The Alexander Hamilton Chapter 54 of which he is a long Kostas Psarros, Chris Pollatos, Wayne Noon, time member and currently its secretary. The night consisted of praising speeches of Theresa Gaffney and Billy Chrissochos Mr. Arvanitis' past accomplishments in AHEPA, private quirky moments, and his PHOTO: ALEXANDROS GIANNAKIS III generous nature towards everyone around him. According to participants who have been in many of the organization’s events in New Jersey, it was the most successful testimonial AHEPA has seen. The night did not bore the 200 attendees; there was dancing by all and the Terpsihorian Dance Group as well. Nothing could seem more perfect for Louis Arvanitis, for family and friends surrounded him the entire night with nothing to say except positive comments on how driven he is, how dedicated he is, and how delicious his food is! Although his testimonial symbolizes the greatest of all his accomplishments, everyone is sure that Louis will still come up with higher standards for the Order of AHEPA. “I thank my AHEPA brothers and all friends that joined me and my family tonight,” an exuberant Louis Arvanitis said. “It’s wonderful to be all together, to renew our commitment to AHEPA and its great deeds.” He also thanked Anthony Papamarkos, Ted Vittas, Sammy Thomas, Phil Vogis, Louis Arvanitis, Graycliff’s owner, for his support and his contribution to Billy Chrissochos' Greek American Heavy tracks from their "Destination Unknown" traditional instruments fully evidenced in the event’s success. Bill Harrison, George Horiates, Nick Marioles metal group "Phoenix Reign" played to a album as well as other powerful hits. their acclaimed epic music video The Alexander Hamilton Chapter 54 belongs to the John SOLD OUT crowd recently, at the Blender Opening the set was "Transcendent" & “Constantinople 1453-On the Eve of the G. Thevos Fifth District which covers New Jersey and Delaware and has 18 chapters. Theater @ Gramercy. New York locals Billy "Masquerade Angel" (which is also a single Fall”. See it at www.blacktuesday1453.com. Chrissochos (guitar), Kostas Psarros and a music video), followed by the thrash- And you can visit the main site AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association) was established July 26, 1922, in Atlanta, (guitar), Chris Pollatos (bass), Wayne Noon tinged Myrsina (a song based on a Greek www.Phoenixreign.com to learn more Georgia to battle racism and bigotry spearheaded by the (drums) and Theresa Gaffney (singer) fairy tale). Wrapping up the set the soaring about the band. KKK. opened up for the popular European double guitar leads of "End of Our World" “Phoenix Reign” will be returning to Today, it is the largest Greek heritage group in the world symphonic, metal group Epica. Being sold and the fan favorite "Run Now". Blender Theater Saturday, May 1st, and a major community service organization in North out from early in the evening, the 850 For those not indoctrinated into the world opening for Viking, folk metal band Tyr. Buy America. It has more than 500 local chapters and 26 capacity crowd loudly cheered as Phoenix of Phoenix Reign the band is known to your tickets now from their website. regional districts. Its central objectives are philanthropy, Reign rocked out an intensely entertaining education, civics and the promotion of Hellenic culture throw into the mix Greek history and and heritage. AHEPA also works to educate American show. The set list consisted of popular Phil Vogis, Dr. John Grossomanidis, James Polos (speaking), policy makers and the public on foreign policy issues of Louis Arvanitis with Louis Arvanitis, John Mehos, Father Anargyros Stavropoulos, concern to Greek Americans. his daughter Eleni Ted Constantelis Greeks in NY & NJ for Senator Raptakis State Senator Leonidas "Lou" Raptakis was recently hosted in New York and New Jersey at two fundraiser receptions organized by Greek Americans in support of his campaign for Rhode Island Secretary of State. The first event took place at Manhattan’s Kellari Taverna and the second at Town & Country Hall in Bordertown, New Jersey. Raptakis, a small-business owner from Coventry, is Rhode Island's first Greek American State Senator and the first Greek American to run for Secretary of State. He has so far served two terms in the State Assembly and seven in the State Senate. He has also supported issues of paramount importance for the Greek American community in the legislature, promoting resolutions on behalf of Cyprus and the Pontian Bob Nicolaidis, Eleftheria Ikouta, Thomas Kostopoulos, Senator Lou Raptakis, genocide, the Hellenic identity of Macedonia and lobbying the government to include Greece on the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. Sakis Karakitsos, Dimitrios Tzoannos, Stella Kokolis and George Coclin “As Secretary of State, I am going to be a watchdog for our citizens,” Raptakis said. “I will push the General Assembly to follow their own rules and to follow the Open Meetings Law which local Town Councils and School Committees are required to follow. I will call them out when they don’t follow the rules. And if that doesn’t change their behavior, I will take them to court. And if that doesn’t work, I will push to put a Constitutional Amendment on the ballot to make sure that the people making the laws of our state are required to respect the law themselves.” Rhode Island will hold primary elections on September 14, ahead of general elections on November 2. Per Rhode Island State Law, individuals may contribute a maximum of $1,000 per year. Business and corporate checks are prohibited. Secure online donations can also be made at: www.raptakis2010.com. For more information, contact Erin Arcand at (401) 397-2720, or at Sakis Karakitsos, Senator Lou Raptakis, Thomas Kostopoulos [email protected] and Dimitrios Tzoannos NEO magazine has already endorsed Lou Raptakis for Rhode Island Secretary of State. periX scope European Union as pigsty: SWINE v PIGS etc. Christos Aneste – Chronia Polla! neo-barbarian roots! In the history books, On behalf of all of us in NEO, I want to express northern European tribes that formed today’s our sincere thanks to those of you who once nations, especially the Germans, are called neo- more stepped up to the plate and actively barbarians as differentiated from the older supported the magazine by placing one or more barbarians, such as the Phrygians, Thracians, ads in this special April edition. Although it was Lydians etc. The term neo barbarian is an tougher in comparison with the previous four invention by historians in order to protect the years, this time we had a record number of ad reputation of the original barbarians who were pages, which enables us to secure publishing in not that barbarian after all! To clarify: it’s like the “slower” months of summer. Needless to when we say …“conservatives” and “neo say, the struggle doesn’t end here, but we have conservatives,” there is a big difference every reason to pause, take a deep breath and between the two. feel happy about this not so minor But before you rush to accuse me of racism, let accomplishment, and to renew our me remind you that a reputable (?) English commitment to offering you a constantly historian, Simon Schama, speaking recently on improving and evolving publication. none other than CNN, cited anthropology and Germany for long is considered Europe's milk cow. Chancellor Angela Merkel sought to prove it! Having said that, I regret that the abundance of meteorology in order to conclude that people ads doesn’t leave me much space to respond as I who live in warmer climates have developed (in Porshe Cayenne for that matter – Greece has would like to those pundits who so their DNA, I suppose) a natural laziness and more than any other Eurozone country, with the pathologically and pathetically have been tendency to corruption which the current Greek exception of Germany that makes them!) bashing Greece these last few months! But what crisis illustrates as an equally …natural Overall, Deutschland Uber Alles has gained can we do, all good things come with a price! consequence! And that was only one in more in comparison to the support it extended hundreds of remarks by other less …reputable Greece when the latter entered the European First of all, no one in his right mind can deny that commentators that reached a similar …caliber. Union. Greece has many flaws: tax evasion, corruption Besides, echoing Professor Schama’s brilliant and chronic mismanagement are rampant, conclusion, actually as a precursor to it, for Anyway, like I said earlier, I can’t say a lot since while productivity (with the exception of sometime now, the British press has been using space is limited, so l’ll conclude with an exotic popular music “Eurovision- style”) is as low as the acronym PIGS when referring to Portugal, parable: after Qaddafi, the Libyan dictator (not …her growth rate (projected -4% this year – a Italy, Greece and Spain, the countries whose to be confused with Cavafy, the Greek poet from major recession). In the state-owned and run peoples appear to suffer from this DNA Alexandria) struggled hard to support terrorists Hospital of Evangelismos there are four main anomaly! Good thing that an Irishman, Mr. A.W. and deliver Pat Robertson-style sermons by the door …operators—and the door is automatic! At Lally Herbert, a newspaper reader, coined the bucket to liberate the Muslim world from the the same hospital, about 15 people are term SWINE to include Scotland, Wales, infidels’ grip, he delved deep into theology. employed as elevator operators (and there Nothern Ireland, England (how can you not love Recently, he came up with the conclusion that aren’t even many Orthodox Jews there the Irish?) The British should know better Christ the Messiah, is for Jews only, while requiring Sabbath service). Again, the elevators because one of their own, George Orwell, wrote Mohammad, since he was the last Prophet (as if are automatic. The funnier thing is that since the classic book “Animal Farm” and the pig that God couldn’t change his mind and decide to these individuals were employed to drive features prominently in it doesn’t look or sound send a few more in the future) is for all people! elevators, they refuse to do anything else, and Portuguese, Italian, Spanish or Greek! With a brilliant revelation like this one, I expect as a result, the hospital is understaffed in other Qaddafi to condemn all those Islamist empty- sectors! Just some small but indicative examples Well, I’ve used most of my space and didn’t even headed fanatics that started burning and killing that help shed light on the bigger picture. pick on Germans. Maybe I’ll devote another indiscriminately when a Danish newspaper commentary entirely to them. Led by Chancellor published a couple of funny cartoons featuring However, given all that and much more that’s Angela Merkel, the anti-Greek sentiment in the Prophet! If Mohammad is for everybody, going on, one cannot justify the intensity and Germany has trickled down to the average then nobody has exclusivity in speaking for him the impossible to hide hatred behind the people who faithful to their DNA tendency (?) or protecting his honor. The same goes for barrage of negative statements unleashed in the gathered behind their leader, as they did when Christ and the not so few “Christian” empty- northern European media—in which even Hitler was the boss, and started blaming Greece headed fanatics who don’t think twice before government officials participated with gusto. for everything. In polls conducted in February assuming personal crusades, simply because What “poor” (with rich inhabitants) Greece has about 70% demanded that Greece be they can’t think …even once! experienced in the last five months amounts to a …punished! The noise subsided somehow when public lynching – a favorite practice employed some cooler minded economists pointed out until not too long ago by most northern that Greece is Germany’s number one customer DEMETRIOS RHOMPOTIS European peoples. How very indicative of their when it comes to military equipment (and the [email protected] omplishments and immeasurable Greek-Americans have been recognized for their acc from politics to the arts and music. contributions to the United States in many areas ranging revived classical coloratura roles and Talented artists such as the monumental Maria Callas helped put Greece on the map in the former American Idol contestant Constantine Maroulis Greek Americans are now adding music industry and Broadway. A new dynamic wave of young oes by Drew32, an 18-year-old Greek- Hip Hop to this expanding list. Meet Andrew Parks who g which is just north of Detroit. American rhythmic rapper/producer from Troy, Michigan,

Despite his frenetic schedule, the young station that was the only urban music show in rapper took some time out of his crazy day to Greece. It was really cool – my show was chat with me. called "Destination Detroit" and I was trying to spread Detroit hip-hop and rap music to MAP: Glad to see a Greek-American making the listeners in Greece. his mark in the world of hip hop! You say you are of Greek American and Cretan descent, MAP: How is school going? Crete is part of Greece, why have you chosen Drew32: Class of 2010! School is great, I'm to put an emphasis on this? having a fun senior year. I managed to take all Drew32: Because the Kritiki are so damn my hard classes junior year so I now only have clannish! Ha-ha. Everyone on the Cretan side about 2 classes I need to study for. I've also got about a 3.9 grade point average. of my family calls themselves Cretan, not As always, f MAP: Do your classmates treat you with an eel free to email me Greek. It's sort of like the Sicilians in Italy. y questions or sug differently due to your fame? for future in gestions MAP: Your formal last name Parks doesn’t mapar terviews: sound very Greek. How are you Greek and do Drew32: Classmates don't treat me [email protected]. you speak the language? differently really because they've known me Drew32: My grandfather changed his name forever, so I'm just a normal kid to them. from Papistas to Parks to make it easier when Shout-outs to Avondale High School! They've been really supportive of my career. the family came to America. No I don't speak Drew32: I write all my own lyrics. I mostly that much Greek, but I can understand quite a MAP: Are you planning on attending a write my songs, but when I do occasionally bit. college or university? freestyle ever y thing is obviously MAP: What inspired you to purse a career in Drew32: Yeah I'm still debating on whether I spontaneous. the music industry and how old were you want to go to Michigan State University or MAP: What is your most memorable when you first got your start? Oakland University. Either way I want to go performance? into something business-related because I Drew32: I really fell in love with the music Drew32: The second to last night that I was in making experience after being in a recording feel it would be a good complement to my music career. Greece in the summer of 2008 I performed studio for the first time when I was about 9 live at Akrotiri Boutique in Glyfada, Athens. years old. I loved listening to rap on the radio MAP: Tell us about some of your influences The club was packed with about 2,500 people and I realized I had a talent for it when I could and motivators. Who would you say is your – I hopped on stage at about 1 am and rap every word to Lil' Bow Wow's songs. main role model? performed my first set. I came back on later MAP: You have said that you are “a rapper Drew32: I'm influenced by many great artists, for my second set and it lasted hours! first and a singer second”. Why rap? too many to name. So much good music MAP: How many CDs do you have out? Drew32: Well I guess it's a Greek thing – comes from the Detroit area, it's hard not to be influenced by guys like Eminem and Royce Drew32: I've put out a bunch of material – but ancient Greek poets were called currently available for download I have 3 mix "Rhapsodies" so I guess I’m trying to rap like da 5'9" – two of my favorite rappers. My main role models however are my parents. tapes available: "Quarter Till Infinity" and the ancient Greeks. Ha-ha honestly though, "TwitterMania", both hosted by DJ Mo Beatz. rapping is my thing. Singing is just secondary MAP: What is a recording session like for My 3rd is called "Who is Drew32?” My new for times when I’m trying to fill a chorus or you? mix tape was released on March 22nd and is bridge in a song. Drew32: A recording session with Drew32 is hosted by Jersey Shore's DJ Pauly D! That's MAP: What about Greek music, any dope! I usually get my inspiration in the late called "Take the World: Who is Drew32? Mix interest? hours of the night, so that's when I'm most tape Vol. 2". Drew32: I like listening to it, but creating it… musically productive. I start off by making the MAP: Do you have any upcoming concerts or no. But I actually would like to collaborate beat on my computer with Reason and Pro events? What about a website? with some Greek vocalists because that Tools and then record the song myself the next day. Drew32: I'm actually going to be performing would be dope! in late April with Big Sean and Mike Posner. MAP: I’ve read that you have a show that is MAP: That sounds like fun! Take us through Details TBA. a day in your life. 62 broadcast from Athens, Greece. Can you tell MAP: Thank you for your time Drew32 and us more about this? How did you acquire Drew32: Wake up at 6:20, go to school, come good luck!

0 this gig? home, dinner with the family, work on any 1 w 0 e If you want to learn more about this up and i 2 homework, talk to friends and girls, then rv L I

e Drew32: During the summer of 2008, I t R coming Greek-American rapper, check out his n P

i make music the rest of the night! A traveled to Athens and performed live at a website: www.drew32.com and blog: few amazing clubs. While there, I met this guy MAP: Do you write your own lyrics or do you www.drew32.wordpress.com. Panos from Mango Radio Urban who invited mostly freestyle? me to DJ/Host a show for his online-radio-