ANNUAL NEWSLETTER 2015

SIATISTA ASSOCIATION - USA Chartered 1923 in Bradford, Pa

President: Constantine J. Ditsious [email protected] Vice-president: John P. Plumpis [email protected] Secretary: Argery Bitchakas Cooke [email protected] Treasurer: Katrina Butzer [email protected] Historian: Peter J. Plumpis [email protected]

Perpetuating the ideals, values, beliefs and loves of our ancestors and parents is perhaps the most moving tribute we can offer – a truly honorable way to immortalize them

President’s Corner

Dear Members, Friends and Family,

WE WANT YOU! It is that time of year again … Our 93rd annual Siatista Association - USA Convention will take place July 18th and 19th. This year’s Convention is pivotal. We are experiencing a lack of participation that threatens the future of this wonderful event and indeed the Association itself. As you will see in more detail later in this newsletter, the Association loses money on the Convention every year and that attendance is critically low. It is only through greater attendance – your attendance – that the Convention will continue. We must face this predicament, and so at this year’s Convention we need to make critical decisions to help prolong or curtail the Convention and the existence of Siatista Association - USA. Therefore, your participation at our gathering and at our annual meeting is crucial.

I invite you to join us as we gather again in Dunkirk, NY. Please take this opportunity to partake in a wonderful weekend of fellowship, fun, and heritage. Our membership meeting on Sunday is most important. As always, there will be Bingo and the hot dog roast, followed by dinner and dancing under the tent. Your participation is crucial to the success, and survival of the Association. Make this the weekend to celebrate your Siatistian ties, and remember our founders - your parents, παππούδες and γιαγιάδες. Make your attendance a priority in your busy life. Get your reservations in early; it promises to be a great time. Let’s make this a celebration to remember. Just return the enclosed Response Card or e-mail the Secretary by July 3, 2015.

Sincerely,

Constantine J. Ditsious President

President: Constantine John Ditsious ([email protected]) Vice-President: John P. Plumpis ([email protected] Treasurer: Katrina (Plumpis) Butzer ([email protected]) Secretary: Argery (Bitchakas) Cooke ([email protected]) Historian: Peter J. Plumpis ([email protected])

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The Siatista Association had 89 members at the end of 2014, including 76 paying members, five lifetime members (who no longer pay dues), three honorary members and five recent graduates. The five graduates were given complimentary membership for two years based on a recent change in the Association’s practices meant to celebrate graduates’ achievements and cultivate the Association’s relationship with young Siatistian Americans. The 89 members also included three new members, Sue Kirages, Sophia (Krestos) Salonikis and Trulla Curtis. In March 2015, we welcomed Nina Krestos as a new member. These four are new to the membership, but they are old friends of the Association. Please pay your 2015 dues of $20 at the Convention or by mail. Mail your check to Katrina Butzer, SA USA Treasurer, 5641 Blacksburg Rd., Catawba, VA 24070.

Our Siatistian Community Stories and Photos

Jim Giatas, son of deceased former member Mary Giatas, wrote that he has made available his original contemporary Orthodox Christian music (not many of them around) and asks us, with his blessings, to please forward to friends. His music mission is totally non-commercial and he does not sell concert tickets (free admission always). His music is available for free at http://www.indieheaven.com/artists/jimgiatas. He asks for prayers and financial gifts that are needed and greatly appreciated.

Sue and George Kirages submitted this picture of their grandson, Drew, and his bride, Lauren, on their wedding day in June last year. Drew is still going to Law school and Lauren is in nursing. Grandson Tyler and girlfriend Makenzie both moved to Seattle, WA, and will be married next year. Granddaughter Stacy will be doing some more classes in her printing, and Granddaughter Kate is still in college.

Sue Tremos graciously sent the Siatista Association – USA pins that John Tremos always wore at every Convention. They are a reminder of the bonds our forefathers created for us and serve as a memory of John Tremos. She wishes she and John could have attended just one more Convention and wishes us all a Kali Thiaskethasi.

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Our Siatistian Community Stories and Photos (Continued)

Here’s what the Butzers are up to: Don is running for Roanoke County School Board. Visit his website ButzerforSchoolBoard.com and like his Facebook page: Donald Butzer for Roanoke County School Board. Katrina is a teacher in a Roanoke County Middle School and both Arianna and Eleni attend Roanoke County schools. Don is also a member of Holy Trinity’s Parish Council. Katrina is in her third year of teaching 7th grade math. She turned 50 this spring and celebrated with a big party. Her dad and brother traveled to town to participate in the birthday celebration. Arianna is a high school sophomore, and plays on the varsity tennis team. Eleni excels at tumbling and is the first seat oboe player in her school’s 7th grade band.

Who would have thought the George Washington has a connection with the Greek Community? Argery Bitchakas Cooke met Prince Charles and Camilla during their visit to George Washington’s Mount Vernon. It was a very special day for everyone. The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall took time to acknowledge visitors, pet the animals, and were very gracious. Argery had the pleasure of having some individual time to speak with Prince Charles about Customer Service, but she did not have the chance to tell him about the Greek heritage they share. Note that Camilla’s coat is bordered by the Greek key design.

Another special visitor to Mount Vernon was Maddie Ditsious from Louisiana! She is the daughter of Mark and Mollie Ditsious, and the Association President’s (C.J. Ditsious) niece and granddaughter of Katie Ditsious. Here are Maddie and Argery in the Ford Orientation Center. Maddie was selected to lay a wreath at Washington’s Tomb during a special ceremony reserved for her school.

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Our Siatistian Community Stories and Photos (continued)

John Plumpis had a busy year. Last fall he was seen on an episode of the CBS Drama “The Good Wife," as well as directing Noel Coward's "I'll Leave It To You," for The Actors Company Theatre (TACT). From November through January he appeared Off-Broadway in "Soul Doctor," which he is relieved only a few people saw. He once again directed for TACT in May: Neil Simon's "Come Blow Your Horn." He rounded out the year playing Franz in "The Producers" at the John Engeman Theatre on Long Island through July 12. He is also a faculty member in the BFA Acting Program at Montclair State University in New Jersey, where he teaches Voice and Speech.

Nick and Dotty Karras (Karakotsios) say hello. In the photo are Mark & Nikki (son and daughter-in-law) at Lila Emily Karras’ 40 Day Blessing, who was born on March 9, 2015. Lila Emily is Nick and Dotty’s granddaughter and the great granddaughter of the late Constantine & Vassiliki Karakotsios and the late John and Amalia Pekmezaris. Nick and Dotty reside in Wyckoff, NJ, while Mark, Nikki, and Lila Emily reside in Ramsey, NJ. Nick and Dotty convey an additional hello from daughter Nicole, Amalia Karrras, MD, who recently relocated to Pasadena, CA to join the staff at the City of Hope. They wish us a successful convention.

Argery Bitchakas Cooke proudly announces the birth of her first grandchild, Mason James, who was born on April 27, 2015 to Teddi Cooke (daughter) and Daniel Mehaffie. Argery’s son, Dustin, is now a proud uncle! We are thankful for our new titles of Yiayia and Theo Dustin, and Great Yiayia Nora Bitchakas, and especially that everyone is healthy and happy. Here is a photo of Teddi, Daniel, Mason James, and of Stella, the outstanding boxer who constantly watches over Mason James.

James Siotas informs us that he had his hernia removed on May 20 in . The doctor's team was supervised by his nephew (his niece's Anna Z. Svoli's husband), Dr. Spyros Metaxas, who heads the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) department at the Siatistians' Papageorgiou Hospital in Thessaloniki. He had partial hypnosis, the operation lasted about two hours, and he was released the next day. He was looked after by his daughter--both were guests at Dr. Metaxas' home until May 24 when they flew back to Athens. He remarks that it is amazing that medical science is so advanced that a man going on 88 years old can feel comfortable. He sends his regards to everyone and says ΚΑΛΗ ΔΙΑΣΚΕΔΑΣΗ.

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Abbagale Fitzpatrick, daughter of Stephen and Jaenell Ditsious of Stevens, PA was engaged to Timothy Naugher in February 2015. Abby is the Granddaughter of Katherine (Johnson) Ditsious. A July 10, 2015 wedding is planned.

Graduations

Terry Paul Scouras, son of Kelly and Paul Scouras, will graduate from Lancaster High School. He will attend Niagara University.

Elena Georgetson , daughter of Dr.& Mrs. Michael J. Georgetson, graduated from Athens High School, Sayre, PA. Elena will begin her studies at the University of Pittsburgh in the fall. Elena is the grand aughter of the late Dr. James M. and Ann (Plumpis) Georgetson.

The Hatzis family announces the graduation of two of their daughters: Mimi Hatzis graduated from Hunter College with a Masters in Geography and a Geographic information Science certificate and Eleni M. Hatzis graduated from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University, with her Juris Doctorate.

Andrey Pitliangas, son of the late George A. Pitliangas and Catherine P. Galarneau (and grandson of the late Antonios Pitliangas and Jerry and Christina Candiliotis) graduating from Charter School for Applied Technology in Buffalo, NY. He will be attending Niagara County Community College in the fall.

Our Siatista Association - USA gift to the graduates is two years free membership and the waiver of the initiation fee. This policy was adopted in 2014 to celebrate graduates’ achievements and cultivate the Association’s relationship with young Siatistian Americans.

Acknowledgment of Donors for the 93rd Annual Convention: Thank You

• Despena Eptamenitis, $40 in memory of her husband George. • Nick and Dottie Karras (Karakotsios), $200 in memory of parents, Constantine and Vassiliki Karakotsios, brother--the late Trifon Karakotsios, and uncle--the late Louis Kamesas. • Sue and George Kirages, $70 in memory of their parents, Tom and Frieda Kirages and James and Katherine Duliakas, and $40 in memory of John Tremos. • Betty Pappas, $200 in memory of Rose Pappas for Saturday night coffee hour. • Betty Pappas, $50 in memory of Elaine and Merle Johnson for general Convention expenses. • James Siotas, $90 for general Convention expenses.

New Members since last Newsletter

• Sue Kirages • Trulla Curtis • Nina Krestos • Sophia Krestos-Salonikis

These five graduates were given two years free membership (in line with the new policy described above):

• Iain James Johnson • Michael Wisniewski • Alexandra Ladas • Suzanna C. Ladas • Dora Turner

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Losses of Our Loved Ones Since the 92nd Convention

George Giatas (Fellow Siatistian)

George T. Giatas, age 89, of Rocky Point, NY died Monday, June 16, 2014. Born April 8, 1925 in Fall River, MA, he was the son of the late Thomas and the late Alexandra (Veross) Giatas. He served in the Navy during World War II from 06/09/1943 to 12/11/1945. He was employed by Mink Mart, New York City, NY as a furrier. He is survived by his loving wife: Ismine (Coch) Giatas, his loving daughter: Alexis Maulella of FL, son: Timothy Giatas of Commack, NY, and four grandchildren.

George J. Cheronis (Fellow Siatistian)

George J. Cheronis, 84, of Cayuga Ave, Warren, PA., fell asleep in the Lord on Sunday June 29, 2014. Mr. Cheronis was born on June 28, 1930 in Neapolis, Greece to the late Demetrios and Aphrodite Cheronis. He came to the U.S. in 1957 and lived in Warren, PA for 57 years. Well known to many for his cooking, during his working years he owned and operated George's Place and George's Kitchen, and he was cofounder of The Plaza Restaurant. Surviving are his children James Cheronis and his wife Christine, of Warren, PA and their children Allie and Christian, Angie Turner and her husband William, of Russell, PA and their children Dora, Lexie and Eva, a brother-in-law Demetrios Kioumourtzis, nieces Voula Zorich and her husband Ron and their family, Afroula Snell and her husband Bill and their family, and Sandra Crump and her husband Stephen and their son. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a sister, Eftihia Kioumourtzis, of Warren, PA, on March 8, 2012, and 5 siblings in Greece. The family suggests memorial donations be made to the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Johnson Educational Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 264, Jamestown, NY 14702.

Mary D. Giatas (Fellow Siatistian and Former Member)

Mary D. Giatas, 93, of Fredonia, NY passed away peacefully in her sleep at home, surrounded by her loving family, on Saturday, September 20, 2014. Born Mary Kay Dwyer in 1921 to John and Philomena Dwyer in Columbus, Ohio, she grew up in Clarion, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Clarion University, she began her teaching career in Bradford, where she met her beloved husband Peter, whom she married in 1949. Peter was a composer, and Mary was his inspiration for many of his songs. In the early 1950s, the couple and their two children, James and Elizabeth, moved to Fredonia. Mary and her family traveled extensively, to Greece, Italy, Ireland, and throughout the USA. Mary continued to teach elementary school in Silver Creek until her retirement in 1983. Mary dearly loved Fredonia, and was well known in the community, not only as an educator, but as a volunteer. In 1997, she was awarded the New York State United Teachers Community Service Award. She was active in many community service projects at the Barker Library, the Fredonia Opera House, the Rockefeller Arts Center, the Chamber of Commerce Information Booth, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, Relay for Life, March of Dimes, and local voting. Mary was also deeply involved in church activities at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Fredonia. She served as Eucharistic Minister, RCIA instructor, CCD instructor, member of the Lazarus Committee, the Bishop's Committee, the Prayer Group, and was co-founder of the Summer Bible Camp. She was awarded the St. Joseph Worker's Award for her tireless efforts to be of service to others, and was honored by the Buffalo Diocese and Bishop Henry Mansell. She is survived by her son James, daughter Elizabeth (Quattrone), and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Mary will be fondly and lovingly remembered by anyone who knew her as a joyful, kind and giving person who cherished each day. As autumn nears, Mary was the last rose of summer. Memorials may be made to Catholic Charities at St. Joseph Church in Fredonia or Northern Chautauqua Catholic School.

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Charles J. Liarakos (Friend of the Association)

Charles J. Liarakos, a retired insurance salesman who served with the Office of Strategic Services in his parents’ native Greece during World War II, died on October 15, 2014 in Clarence, NY. He was 93. Born in Buffalo, NY, he was raised in Maine. During World II, Mr. Liarakos and 11 other members of a special operations unit parachuted into the German-occupied Greece. As documented in a story that appeared on Nov. 1, 2010, in The Buffalo News, Mr. Liarakos’ unit moved across the country on foot and, mostly at night, blew up bridges, German radio transmission stations, convoys and train stations to compromise the German positions. He was chosen for the OSS because he spoke fluent Greek. He also was a sniper with the unit. During his mission, Mr. Liarakos met Maj. Gen. William J. “Wild Bill” Donovan, the Buffalo native who founded and commanded the OSS. In addition to two tours of duty behind enemy lines in Greece, Mr. Liarakos served in the former Yugoslavia with British commandos and Scot Highlanders. He also served in Italy, attached to an OSS unit of Italian-Americans. Mr. Liarakos, a longtime Allegany, NY resident, retired as a district sales manager for Prudential Insurance in 1969. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, the former Helen B. Balasis; two sons, Dr. Charles D. and John A.; a daughter, Jamie Ann Shaner; four sisters, Anna LaRocca, Bessie Hildredthe, Tonie Ramsey and Joanne Liaros; 11 grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.

Dimitria H. Bechaka (Fellow Siatistian)

Dimitria H. Bechaka, 96, passed away in South Bend, IN on Sunday, October 19, 2014 in her residence, surrounded by her family. Dimitria was born November 26, 1917 in Siatista, Greece to the late Evangelos and Kaliopei Varveri. On February 12, 1939 in Greece, Dimitria married Harry (Agoras) Bechaka, who preceded her in death in September, 1996. They spent many wonderful years together raising their family and making great friendships through their business The Good and Plenty Restaurant in Plymouth, IN. Survivors of Dimitria include her children, Kika (Michael) Beres, Terry H. Bechaka, Sonia Bechaka, and Leah (Dan) Martindale along with 5 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Dimitria was a proud member of the Philoptochos National Organization and the Eastern Star in Plymouth. She enjoyed painting and sewing; and most of all she loved cooking for her family and friends. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Leukemia Foundation, 941 East 86th St., Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240.

John P. Cotsonas (Member)

John P. Cotsonas, USN (ret), age 80, died on October 24, 2014 after a long battle with cancer. Commander John P. Cotsonas is survived by his wife, Bessie, and four children: Peter Cotsonas, Joanne Cotsonas Markey, Tessa Cotsonas Hewitt and Michael Cotsonas. He also leaves behind 16 grandchildren. A native of Astoria, NY, John attended New York University in New York City. He served in the United States Navy as a Naval Aviator for 22 years, retiring at the rank of Commander. Upon graduation from flight school in 1956, John was commissioned an Ensign and transferred to Patrol Squadron 10 (VP-10) at Naval Air Station Brunswick where he achieved the rating of Patrol Plane Commander in the P-2V Neptune. Following this tour he was transferred to VP-30 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, FL to serve as an instructor and help set up the first replacement training squadron to train P-2V Neptune aircrew, and is a Plank Owner of that squadron. Following this tour LT Cotsonas was transferred to Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey California to finish his undergraduate studies and was subsequently promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Upon graduation, he was transferred to VP-11 at Naval Air Station Brunswick, Maine where he served as the Administrative Officer and Operations Officer. He completed multiple deployments to Bermuda and Iceland

ANNUAL NEWSLETTER 2015 8 and was early selected to the rank of Commander. He was then transferred to Syracuse, NY to serve as the Navy Liaison and Intelligence Officer to the North American Air Defense staff stationed at Hancock Air Force Base. CDR Cotsonas retired from this tour and the Navy in 1977 after 23 years of faithful service to this nation. His military decorations included the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. After retiring from military service, John started a second career in the flight simulation industry for Singer-Link Flight Simulation in Binghamton, NY as their Director of Marketing. He also worked for MicroFlight and Hughes before retiring in 1994. In civilian life, John was very active in his local community of LaFayette, NY where he lived from 1970-2007, serving as a member of the Optimist Club. John went on the Honor Flight on October 18, 2014 and as he described it, “a trip of a life time.” Donations can be made in his memory to Honor Flight Rochester, Inc., P.O. Box 23581, Rochester, NY 14692 or Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Spirit, 835 South Ave., Rochester, NY 14620.

Mary Krestos (Fellow Siatistian)

Mary Krestos (nee Voulgaris), passed away on February 21, 2015, at age 88, beloved wife of 60 years of the late Michael A. Krestos; dearest mother to Thomas M. Krestos, Sophia (Valentinos) Salonikis, Nicholas M. (Carol) Krestos and Dean M. (Estelle) Krestos; loving grandmother of Timothy (Yvonne) Hagerty, Alexis (Joseph) Rybny, Nicole Krestos, Andrea (Jeffrey) Baker, Michael D. Krestos, Shane Stephenson, Sara Stephenson, Niki Salonikis and Niko Salonikis; great-grandmother of Maximos Rybny, Jocelyn Garcia and Jesus Garcia; sister-in-law of Angie (Krestos) Brown, Nina Krestos and James Kanutsu; also survived by several nieces and nephews. If desired, contributions may be made in Mrs. Krestos memory to the Hellenic Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, 146 W Utica St, Buffalo, NY, 14222.

John Tremos (Fellow Siatistian and Former Member)

John Tremos was 92 years old, passed away on March 11, 2015. He resided in Freedom Village in Coatsville, PA. He leaves his wife, Sue, and daughter, Stephanie, and grandson, Brandon.

Helen “Lela” Sideris Douvlos (Fellow Siatistian)

Helen "Lela" Sideris Douvlos passed away on March 14, 2015. She was born on Nov. 9, 1932, in , Greece, daughter of the late Ayrios Sideris and Sultana Aloupy Sideris. She trained and worked as a seamstress in her hometown of Kozani. In 1963, she married Anastatios Douvlos and moved to Warren, PA. As a homemaker she was active in the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and was a member of the League of Women Voters. She continued working as a seamstress at Levinson Brothers and from home. She is survived by her daughter, Maria Stanton and husband, Dean; son, James Douvlos and wife, Lukia; daughter, Suzanne Douvlos of Warren, PA; and one brother, Spiros Sideris of Greece. Grandchildren include, Christopher Barr of Pittsburgh, Ryan Douvlos, Jameson Douvlos, Landon Douvlos, Lucas Douvlos and Ashley Stanton of Warren, PA. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Sylvia; and brother, Taki. The family will be sustained by her love, connected by her strength and comforted by her courage. She was passionate, possessed a great sense of humor and was always supportive. She taught us to seek happiness in simple joys as well as triumphs. A gift to all was her abiding faith and her continued delight in family. We are blessed by her life. The family suggests memorial donations be made to the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Mount Vernon and Francis Street, Jamestown, NY 14701, or the Friends of the Rouse Home, 701 Rouse Ave., Youngsville, PA, 16371.

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James Kanutsu

James Kanutsu passed away on April 15, 2015 at age 89, beloved husband of the late Bessie Kanutsu (nee Voulgaris); dearest father of Irene D., John J., and Nicholas (Katherine) Kanutsu; loving grandfather of Rebecca (Scott) Benaglio, Kristin (Charles) Gibson, Alexis (Andrew) Syracuse, James J. (Hilary), James N., Stephen and Nicholas Kanutsu. Dearest brother-in law to the late Agnes Manios and Mary Krestos. Cherished great-grandfather to seven. Also survived by nieces and nephews. If desired, contributions may be made in Mr. Kanutsu memory to the Hellenic Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, 146 W Utica St, Buffalo, NY, 14222

Did You Know?

Over the more than nine decades that the Siatista Association - USA has been in existence it has been know by 3 different names. The original name was the Siatistian Business Men's Association, later it became the Siatistian Businessmen's Association and with the acceptance of women in its ranks it morphed into the Siatista Association - USA.

At one time in the 2nd decade of the 20th Century, over 75 Siatistians, almost exclusively men, made their homes in Salamanca, NY, a small community in Western, NY. The railroad, repair shops, tanneries, and lumber yards of this Cattaraugus County settlement offered jobs that required little knowledge of English and only basic labor skills. Very few remained in these jobs very long. Most, after saving a modest sum, set out on their own to establish business, usually in nearby communities. A few returned to Siatista.

As we reflect back, some of the early conventions lasted a full week and members made the conventions their annual family vacation. Several baptisms were held at the conventions, some couples who first met there, later married, a few engagements were announced there and at least two weddings were held there.

At one time, many restaurants and confectionaries were owned and operated by Siatistians in Bradford, Pennsylvania. There also was a fruit and vegetable market as well. Bradford reached a peak population of 17,000 and over the years was home to the following Siatistian establishments: Bay State Restaurant and Hotel, Candyland (Confectionary), Congress Street Diner, Coney Island Lunch (Restaurant), Johnny's Restaurant, Johnson's Restaurant, Nick's Red Hots (Restaurant), Old Spain Restaurant, Star Lunch (Restaurant), Sugar Bowl (Confectionary), Texas Hot Lunch (Restaurant), and the Washington St. Restaurant. In the parlance of the 1920's and 1930's, the words "Lunch" and "Restaurant" were used interchangeably; the word "Lunch" often, but not always, denoted a less formal setting. Perhaps this appealed do the factory workers and the oil field workers of the time.

In the early 1950's, our Association, along with a small one in Washington, DC and one in the New York City, undertook a major project to bring a water supply to Siatista. At the time most wells had become tainted and unfit for human use. The few springs in Siatista were inadequate to meet the demands. As a result of waging a successful campaign for funds and using ALL of the funds in our Association's treasury, the goal was met. A short time later the Association received a commendation from King Pavlos, the ruling monarch of Greece and the Greek government acknowledging our efforts.

"EFEMIRIS," Siatista's monthly newspaper is the oldest newspaper in continuous publication in Greece. First published in Vienna, Austria in 1775 by the Poulkous brothers, it served the ex-patriots of Siatista who had left to trade and established businesses there and in other European countries. It later came to be published in Siatista. This publication has been very supportive of our Association, printing information about our annual conventions and other items submitted to them.

Why is it that the fur industry, particularly the production of fur jackets, coats and accessories has been so prevalent in Siatista's history? It is largely because a number of years ago, Siatista and , a much larger

ANNUAL NEWSLETTER 2015 10 community about 40 miles northwest of Siatista, were granted a monopoly by the Greek government. A number of Siatistian furriers settled in New York City and Montreal where they thrived. A member of our Association, Thomas Nacos of Montreal, Canada operates one of the largest (perhaps the largest) companies, Global Furs, there. Costas Dios operated Royal Furs there prior to his retirement.

The very large area of Greece was conquered by the Ottoman Turks in the later part of the 1400’s. Siatista was established approximately about 200 years later. Following the Greek Revolution (War of Independence) of 1821, Greece became a nation. Macedonia, including Siatista and Thessaloniki as well as some islands were not liberated until 91 years later, in 1912. Some islands did not become part of Greece until after WWII, about 1947, when possession was transferred from Italy to Greece.

Incidentally, the main square of Gerania, in the lower part of Siatista is known as the "Platea (Square) of November 4, 1912", the date of liberation. The Platea in Hora, the upper part of Siatista, is known as "Ta Tria Pigadia, “The Three Springs" that were there a long time ago.

Two distinct areas once made up Siatista. Gerania was in the lower part of town. This was the area that travelers using the main road would enter. Hora, the upper portion of the community, contained the city hall as well as the high school and the home of the Metropolitan (Bishop). Both Gerania and Hora each had their own neighborhoods. The rivalries, once intense, have largely subsided as the population of Siatista grew and the areas separating the two sections filled with residences and businesses.

Remember When?

Sue Kirages sent a photo of her parents’ wedding on July 12, 1931 (est.). She writes that they were married at the Greek Church in Siatista. In attendance were her dad James and mom Katherine (Trahanas) Duliakas; her grandparents Chris and Victoria Trahanas; aunt Stella and uncle Alex Verros; Gus and Helen (Rouziou) Bechakas; Nick and Sophie Paikos; Mark and Alice Procas; Peter and Theologia (Bechakas) Beros; Thomas and Malamate (Doudouliakes) Kaliaris; James and Aglaia Bechakas (Terry and John's mom); and Mom's sister Rula (Trahanas), now Pappas.