Quick viewing(Text Mode)

Another Marshall Plan?

Another Marshall Plan?

O C V ΓΡΑΦΕΙ ΤΗΝ ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ Bringing the news ΤΟΥ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΣΜΟΥ to generations of ΑΠΟ ΤΟ 1915 The National Herald c v A wEEKly GREEK AmERICAN PUBlICATION www.thenationalherald.com VOL. 14, ISSUE 715 June 25 - July 1, 2011 $1.50 The World Puts the Squeeze on – Another Marshall Plan? The Troika Tells Papandreou to Cut Valiotis’ Workers Wages, Big Bet on Raise Taxes Again – A year after a $155 Paterson’s bailout of rescue loans failed to save Greece’s economy from falling into an abyss, the so- Downtown called Troika of international creditors said a second bailout of nearly the same amount de - By Alexander MacInnes pends on Greek Prime Minister Herald News Staff Writer George Papandreou ushering in another round of pay cuts for PATERSON, N.J. - The man public workers and tax hikes. who put up $100 million to de - That pressure came as U.S. Fed - velop Paterson’s largest shop - eral Reserve Bank Chairman ping and entertainment center Ben Bernanke said the Greek six years ago is raising his stakes sovereign debt crisis could in the struggling Silk City, bet - threaten the stability of the ting he can succeed where other global financial system if a so - developers have not. Efstathios lution is not found, and as Eu - “Steve” Valiotis, a Greek-born ropean Commission Chairman furniture maker who oversees a Jose Manuel Barroso, who was real estate domain through his a Maoist Communist in college, development company Alma Re - squeezed Papandrou to ram alty Corp., is the largest private through the new austerity mea - landowner in Paterson. He has sures that have largely hurt the spent nearly $200 million over working class, pensioners and the last six years on his vision poor while leaving the rich to revive the downtown district nearly untouched. Bernanke — marketing high-end, market- said, “If there were a failure to rate apartments to those who resolve that situation, it would can’t afford the gentrified pose threats to the European fi - refuges of Jersey City or Hobo - EUROKINISSI nancial systems, the global fi - ken. Leading Another Greek Revolution nancial system and to European “I believe in Paterson,” he political unity,” he said. “I think said recently from his office in The protests and nightly sit-ins across the street from the Greek leader of the Greek War of Independence from the Ottoman the Europeans appreciate the in - Queens. “We can make money Parliament have brought out all sorts of demonstrators and Empire. Now their enemy is the Greek government, which has credible importance of resolving there.” No outsider has bet so characters, including Those Who Would be Kolokotronis, the cut workers wages, raised taxes and caused turmoil. the Greek situation,” he said. much on Paterson, hometown “It’s a very difficult situation,” of comedian Lou Costello, Beat he said. Bernanke stressed that Generation poet Allen Ginsberg the Fed is not part of the nego - and Teresa Giudice of The Real tiations to resolve the crisis, but Housewives of New Jersey. Greek Women Try to Soften the Blow of Austerity has been “kept well-informed,” When Valiotis buys, he buys big, citing a conference call over the acquiring mostly vacant, histor - weekend with the G7 (Group of ically significant buildings that By Niki Kitsantonis sor of Economics at Panteion year-old architect who speaks mortgage repayments. With vir - Seven) rich countries on the is - can be converted for residential The Times University who briefs the Euro - three languages, never expected tually no money coming in, find - sue. development. He has been able pean Commission on gender to apply for work as a cashier at ing work has become a pressing to grow his investment through ATHENS - As the debt crisis in equality issues. “As joblessness her local supermarket in Athens. concern. “I’m willing to do any - the recession, mainly because Greece hits male-dominated sec - rises among men, a growing But five months after losing her thing,” said Mrs. Papapetrou, he does not rely on financing tors like construction and thou - pool of women are seeking to job as an administrative assis - who has applied for dozens of from banks. In Paterson, Valiotis sands of men lose their jobs or offset losses in household in - tant to a state-run organization, positions in stores and offices, owns 2.6 million square feet of suffer from salary cuts, Greek come,” said Ms. Karamesini, 51, and 18 months after her hus - but has yet to get a single offer. real estate, according to his women are making a brave ef - who has been supporting her band lost his, the responsibility Government statistics show daughter, Ekaterina Valiotis, Di - fort to become the breadwin - husband since early 2009 when of feeding two children weighed that unemployment among rector of Management for Alma ners. Few are finding any joy. he lost his job as an architect. heavily. The couple moved their Greek women rose 4% in the Realty in New Jersey. That in - “It’s an attempted defense “Most aren’t finding work, of elder daughter from a private last quarter of 2010, reaching against the crisis,” said Maria .” school to a state school, and Continued on page 4 Karamesini, an Associate Profes - Natalia Papapetrou, a 36- their parents are helping with Continued on page 7 Spartan Spirit Secret Ingredient

By Diana Louise Carter Greek key design popularized For many immigrant groups, Democrat and Chronicle in the 1960’s has become an restaurant work is a first step icon of New York eateries. Here in becoming American. “They ROCHESTER, N.Y. - The in Rochester those cups aren’t couldn’t speak English. It was gives them away as Greek. The common currency, but an easy industry to get a job business names might be simple and Greek-Americans own what back then,” said James Pappas, like Tom’s or Sam’s or Jay’s or is undoubtedly a majority of the co-owner of Parkside Diner in AP PHOTO the “Such and Such” Family . They run the gamut from Irondequoit. And, Polopolus Once a fierce rival of Prime Restaurant. Their menus are bare-bones places where you noted, entry-level restaurant Minister George Papandreou, filled with American classics - can get an after-school or post- jobs don’t require capital. After Evangelos Venizelos is now burgers, , blue plate pub hot dog, tonier establish - U.S. immigration laws changed his Finance Minister. specials such as pot roast or a ments with elaborate brunch of - to allow migration from south - hot turkey sandwich - and some - ferings and dinner specials ern Europe around the turn of “We are mostly just following times Italian or Mexican dishes, including suggestions. Be - the 20th Century, Greeks left the situation closely and making too. But look closely at the hind them all are family stories hardscrabble farms in droves. sure as best we can that our own menu of any local diner and of immigration from an impov - “Most of the immigrants who institutions are well-positioned you’ll almost always find a gyro, erished Mediterranean country, came were (at) low levels of for - relative to sovereign debt in the a uniquely Greek sandwich con - a sturdy work ethic in their mal education and low skill lev - so-called peripheral countries,” sisting of roasted, pressed meat, adopted country and a fierce els but high IQ,” said Polopolus. he said, referring to the smaller, lettuce, , tomatoes and love of self-employment. “That’s “So what do you do? You be - ailing Eurozone economies such AP PHOTO/THANASSIS STAVRAKIS dressing. The dish alone a very Greek characteristic — come a peddler, you have as Greece, Ireland and Portugal. Another Greek Soccer Scandal or in the company of avgole - being the boss, being the per - a hot dog stand, you go into the “A disorderly default in one of mono, and son who gives the orders rather restaurant business.” The dev - those countries would no doubt Achilleas Beos, owner of the Greek Superleague soccer team reveals the restaurant owners’ than takes the orders,” said astation of Greece caused by roil financial markets globally. It Olympiakos Volos, escorted by police, arrives at a court in heritage.Greek-owned diners Leonidas Polopolus, a retired World War II and the civil war would have a big impact on Athens, June 23, 2011. Police said 10 people were arrested as are so predominant in the New professor and former director of that followed prompted another credit spreads, on stock prices, part of a match-fixing probe based on irregular betting patterns York City area that a blue-and- the Center for Hellenic Studies identified by European football’s ruling body UEFA. white cup with the traditional at the University of Florida. Continued on page 4 Continued on page 7 The Happy Day for Andrea Everyone Catsimatidis and Chris Cox Still Comes to

By Cara Buckley B. Maloney, the New York De - The Terrace The New York Times mocrat. Later, Ms. Maloney had a Hewitt senior that she knew, NEW YORK - , ushered to By George P. Embiricos could never have scripted it — the stage. Ms. Maloney and Mr. Special to The National Herald that it would take a Democrat Cox were chatting when Ms. to help his avowedly Republican Catsimatidis arrived, so Ms. NEW YORK - When George oldest grandson fall head over Maloney introduced them. Makkos accompanied his family heels in love. Yet that is what “Chris went on talking to An - from Athens to New York in fate had in store in April 2008 drea,” Ms. Maloney recalled. 1974 to finish high school in the for , then “And he hasn’t stopped.” Mr. United States, his uncle pointed 29 and working for Senator Cox found Ms. Catsimatidis to the nearby Terrace on the John McCain’s presidential cam - poised and engaging. “She was Park and said: “One day, you are paign. Mr. Cox appeared on a the only person I remembered going to get married there.” Lit - debating panel at the Hewitt meeting that day,” he said. Ms. tle did Makkos know that he School on the , Catsimatidis, who at the time would have an even stronger as - arguing the Republican position was five days shy of her 18th sociation with the famed ban - against Representative Carolyn birthday, found herself taken by quet hall, as his company, Crys - Mr. Cox’s political convictions, tal Ball Group, would eventually as well as his boyish looks. “All take over the venue, and he the girls were cutting me in would become one of its own - For subscription: line,” remembered Ms. Catsima - TNH/COSTAS BEJ ers. Terrace on the Park was 718.784.5255 tidis, now 21. “They all wanted We Want Our Church Back! constructed in Flushing, New [email protected] to meet the cute McCain guy.” York to serve as the heliport for Both come from families An estimated 700 Greek Orthodox Christians and their friends braved the cold to honor St. the 1964 New York World’s Fair. steeped in politics. Mr. Cox, now Nicholas and support the rebuilding of the church at Ground Zero in New York last December. Over the following decades, the 32, is the only child of Tricia On June 26, AHEPA is leading another rally at the site trying to mobilize the community and banquet hall became one of the pressure the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to honor its pledge to rebuild the Continued on page 5 church destroyed in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. It’s been a long time coming. Continued on page 5 2 COMMUNITY THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 25 - JULY 1, 2011

GOINGS ON...

n THRU JUNE 30 tatives and the Port Authority of NATIONAL – The American-Hel - New York/New Jersey came to lenic Chamber of Commerce, in a halt in August 2010. In sup - cooperation with Cisco and un - port of the effort to rebuild St. der the auspices of the Prime Nicholas at 130 Liberty Street, Minister of Greece, has a site chosen by the Port Author - launched the Make Innovation ity, AHEPA submitted more than Work Competition, offering a 20,000 signatures collected via $100,000 first prize to an inno - electronic petition to the Port vative business plan that ad - Authority. For more information, vances the Greek economy. The contact AHEPA Executive Direc - competition focuses on innova - tor Mossaidis at (202) 251- tive ideas from entrepreneurial 1476 or via email at Greeks around the world that [email protected], or Jimmy could make Greece more com - Kokotas at 917-584-5599. petitive in one of four areas: Green Energy, Tourism, Alterna - n JUNE 29 – AUGUST 7 tive Agriculture and Transporta - (WEEK LONG SESSIONS TNH/COSTAS BEJ tion & Shipping. For more in - STARTING EACH Republic of Cyprus Sponsors Childrens’ Visit formation, please visit MONDAY) www.miw.gr. BOSTON, MA – Greek Orthodox Showing off the Flag on Their Graduation Day The Cyprus Federation of America and the Cypriot Consulate Metropolis of Boston presents hosted a reception for children who will be visiting Cyprus n JUNE 24 – 26 Summer Camp 2011 for youths (L-R) Michael Kontilios, Jordan Nicholas, Stephanos Kolokithas, this summer. Seen (L-R) Andreas Pavlou, Andreas Lambiris, LOWELL, MA – Transfiguration aged 8-18. The weeklong sum - Theodore Roukas, Barbara Chriti and Michael Dontas hold the Stavros Asprou, Emily Philipous,Christina Paxinos, Maria Elena presents mer camp sessions embrace chil - Greek flag at the Ascension Church’s celebration of their grad - Nicolaidou,Yiannos Loizou, Alexis Georgiou, Alexis Phili, Peter Grecian Festival 2011 featuring dren from throughout the uation from the 8th grade of its Greek School in Fairview, N.J., Tabanos, John Icanna,Anna Tsatsos,Ellie Ziongas, Despina Ax - Greek food, pastry, beer, and world, and feature a dedicated the only one of its kind teaching grades K-8 in New Jersey. iotakis and (back row, 2nd L) Consul General Koula Sofianou. wine. There will be live Greek staff of counselors, priests, and music and dancing, lay leaders. Activities include demonstrations, Hellenic the - sports, swimming, arts and ater, agora marketplace, church crafts, and Greek dancing. Chil - tours, mosaic iconography, and dren also learn more about their a raffle as well as running races. Greek Orthodox faith and cul - Friday from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m., tural heritage. For more infor - Saturday from 11 a.m. – 11 mation on the camp, please visit p.m., Sunday from 12 p.m. – 6 www.mbcamp.org or call 603- p.m. The Festival is located at 746-4400. 25 Fr. Sarantos Way. For more information, call 978-458-4321. n JULY 8 – 10 JOLIET, IL –All Saints Greek Or - , IL – Annunciation thodox Church presents Taste of Greek Orthodox Cathedral pre - Greece, held at St. Sava’s Picnic sents a three-day festival includ - Grounds. There will be lamb, ing traditional Greek food, beer, shish kabobs, gyros, louk - wine, , and pastries. There oumades, and Greek pastries, as will be live Greek music by the well as Greek music, dancing, John Linardakis Band, Greek and gifts. The grounds are lo - dancing, children’s games, sou - cated at 3457 Black Road. For venir shop, and Cathedral tours, more info, call 815-722- 1727. as well as a raffle. Admission is $2. Friday from 4 pm – 11 pm, SACO, ME – St. Demetrios mARIA mARTIN TNH/COSTAS BEJ and Saturday and Sunday from Greek Orthodox Church pre - Zane Finds Himself in a New Kind of Role Bronx’s Annual Sweet Journey to Greece 12 pm – 11 pm. The Festival is sents 2011. There located at 1017 N. La Salle will be a live band, “Ta Pethia,” Actor Billy Zane, who presented the audience award to Nick The women behind the loukomades and other treats at Brook - Drive. For more information, a Greek market, and special Gaitalis' Without Borders at the closing night awards ceremony lyn's Zoodohos Peghe Greek Orthodox parish festival (L-R): call (312) 664-5485. dancers. The Festival is located of the 5th Los Angeles Greek Film Festival on June 12, 2011. Lefkothea Karagiannis, Rena Petrakis, Stavroula Drivas, Zoe at 186 Bradley Street. For more Director Tassos Boulmetis (A Touch of ) spoke, as the Aslanidis, Susan Kores, Mary Paraskevaides, Diana Panopoulos, GRAND BLANC, MI – Assump - information, call 207-284-5651. President of the new Hellenic Film Academy. There was a green Janice Rosvoglou, Margarita Gianos, Frederiki Pertsinides, with tion Greek Orthodox Church pre - theme to this year's festival, which drew some big crowds. Rev. Fr. Sylvester Berberis. The festival was held June 15-19. sents its Greek Festival 2011. n JULY 10 There will be homemade Greek SOUTHBRIDGE, MA – Join the food and pastries, family enter - St. George Greek Orthodox tainment, and much more! Ad - Church for the 100th Anniver - mission at the door is $2 and free sary Annual Picnic. There will In the Spotlight: Little Greek Kyrtatas for children under 12. Friday and be Greek food and music, and Saturday from 12 p.m. – 11 p.m., admission is free. Rain or shine. Sunday from 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. The Festival is located at 55 By Angelike Contis in Athens to visit my godson and The Festival is located at 2245 North Street. For more informa - TNH Staff Writer his family and then travel to E. Baldwin Road. For more in - tion, call 774-230-5572. to visit people from my formation, call 810-771-4611. NEW YORK – “It’s the way that wife’s side that I now consider n JULY 11 we cook when we are in Greece. close family. n JUNE 25 , NY – The Ameri - We don’t really have the time to TNH: How does your Greek CHICAGO, IL – Chicago’s Greek can Hellenic Institute Business spend hours cooking,” says heritage play a role in your life Troubadour, Vasilios Gaitanos, Network and The New York George Kyrtatas, a/k/a the Little (and your cooking!)? performs the Classic Elliniko Chapter of the American Hellenic Greek Chef as he enthusiastically- GK: My heritage plays a huge Songbook at Katerina’s from 10 Institute request the pleasure of even breathlessly- tears through role in my life and cooking. I sur - p.m. – 2 a.m. His haunting in - your company at our Monthly recipes like Baby Lamb Chops round myself with Greece and terpretations of timeless compo - Informal Networking Reception with Grilled Haloumi Cheese and Greek things – from eating Greek sitions awaken our philosophical for members and guests. Mon - Mediterranean in to speaking Greek to my passions about life. Special guest, day, July 11 from 5:30 to 7:30 videos on his website Little - children. Demetra Gaitanos. $10 cover. p.m. at Avra Restaurant, 141 GreekChef.com. The redheaded TNH: Do you have any role Located at 1920 West Irving Park East 48th Street (212-759- chef with roots in was models? Road. For more information, visit 8550). Cash bar & complimen - raised in the restaurant business, GK: In my personal world, my Katerina’s at www.katerinas.com tary hors d'œuvres. Please RSVP co-owns his own diner (with his role model is my father, Evange - or call 773-348-7592. to Col. Andonios Neroulias at an - brother and parents) and makes los. To this day I still have not [email protected] by July 9. TV appearances. Kyrtatas may be met a man the measures up to n JUNE 26 called Little Greek Chef, but he’s him. As a chef, I would consider VANCOUVER – “Greek Day On n JULY 15 – 17 been carving out his own culinary Marc Vetri a role model. In my Broadway” – The street festival CENTERVILLE, MA – St. George spaces from an early age. A grad - opinion he is nothing short of the is back for another exciting day Greek Orthodox Church of Cape uate of the Academy of Culinary most talented chef in America. filled with the sights, sounds, and Cod presents Greek Festival Arts in Mays Landing, N.J., he His food is amazing. I can only tastes of Greece. Broadway, from 2011. Delicious Greek food and was perhaps the youngest ever hope that I have the chance to McDonald to Blenheim will be pastries and authentic Greek chef certified by the American do to Greek that he has closed off to traffic for the 7th coffee, as well as live entertain - Culinary Federation at age 20. done with Italian. year to make room for a world ment and Greek boutiques. Live Now in his early 30s, he has TNH: What is your greatest of delicious Greek food, interest - Greek music performed with trained with chefs including achievement thus far? What do ing kiosks, and exciting entertain - dancing. There will also be a Mario Batalli and Emeril Lagasse, you hope to achieve in the fu - ment. The original and still the raffle. Free admission and park - written a cookbook entitled My George Kyrtatas, a/k/a the Little Greek Chef wields a large ture? best street festival in Vancouver. ing, rain or shine. The Festival Big Fat Greek Feast (2005) and knife and is on the lookout for a cooking show of his own. GK: My greatest achievement This year the fest is going green. is located at 1130 Falmouth co-owns Hathaway’s, a diner in thus far is that I have the most Free family event – everyone wel - Road. For more information, call Cinnaminson, New Jersey, where tiator, but his one dream is hav - chef I am today. remarkable family in the world. come! Broadway, between Mc - 508- 775-3045. he is Executive Chef. The father ing his own TV show, as he ex - The moniker ‘Little Greek I have an amazing wife, Frances, Donald and Blenheim. More info of two makes time for philan - plained in an email communi - Chef’ came about many years the love of my life, who I’ve been at www.greekday.com. n JULY 22 – 23 thropic events, demos and is cation. ago. Being only 26 when I first married to for 11 years, and the NEWPORT, RI – St. Spyridon planning a new restaurant too. TNH: How did you acquire really began being noticed for my greatest girls that anyone can n JUNE 26 Greek Orthodox Church pre - Hathaway’s also holds special the name Little Greek Chef? food and cooking, I was consid - dream of, Katerina, 7, and An - MANHATTAN, NY – Ground sents Greek Festival 2011. Come events including, most recently, GK: When I was eight years ered young. I am also not the toinette, 4. In the future I hope Zero Rally to Rebuild St. enjoy Greek food, pastry, live a benefit with Chef Christine old, my parents opened the fam - tallest person around so a maga - to have a cooking show on a ma - Nicholas. The leading member - music, and dancing, and shop Pirello and Chef Aaron McCargo ily restaurant. In order to make zine that was printing an article jor television network so that way ship-based association for the at the Greek marketplace. Bring (of Big Daddy’s House fame) that the restaurant a success, they on me had a heading... America’s I can promote on nation’s three million American the whole family to this spec - benefitted McCargo’s nonprofit spend most of there time there. Little Greek Chef. It stuck. a grander scale. I also hope that citizens of Greek heritage, the tacular celebration of Hellenic organisation Play to Win, for 9- When I was growing up, my TNH: You wear a lot of hats - with this show I can influence American Hellenic Educational heritage and culture. Free ad - 12th graders in Camden. brother and I would be picked with your restaurant, cookbook, people to eat more like the Greek Progressive Association mission. The Festival is located His skill for taking traditional up from school and would do our TV appearances, demos, Face - and Mediterranean diet so we (AHEPA), will host a Ground at 390 Thames Street. For more dishes from Greece and mod - homework in the office. When I book page. How do you see your can help make society a little Zero Rally calling for St. information, call 401-846-0555. ernizing them has landed him was finished with my school - role in promoting Greek cuisine? healthier. Nicholas Greek Orthodox guest appearances on TV shows work, the only way to pass the GK: I like to think that I have, TNH: What are some upcom - Church to be rebuilt at 130 Lib - n JULY 24 like Flavors of America and time was to work. There I learned and continue to play a key role ing projects/events we can look erty Street. The rally will begin LA CROSSE, WI – Join St. Elias Horizons and in magazine pro - all the skills and developed a pas - in promoting Greek Cuisine. In forward to? at 2 pm at Liberty Street and for its Mediterranean Festival. files from Greek Playboy to Es - sion for food that made me the 2004, when my cookbook first GK: Currently I am designing Trinity Place. Federal, state, and complete dinner of came into print, Greek cuisine be - a new restaurant in Cinnaminson local legislators are invited to chicken, lamb, or vegetarian, gan to really be noticed. Wearing NJ. A bar and grill that will not attend. Negotiations to rebuild bake sale, fresh beer, clowns, many hats is not easy but it is only have traditional bar foods the Church, the only house of stilt walkers, and a silent auc - very important in order to pro - but a fun, hip entree sections that worship destroyed in the attacks tion. From 12 pm – 5 pm. The mote Greek Cuisine. People have will showcase local ingredients of September 11, between the Festival is located at 716 a negative opinion, or narrow and Mediterranean flavors. For Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Copeland Avenue. For more in - view of the cuisine. I have been upcoming events please become America and church represen - formation, call 608-782-8641. told by several major television a “fan” on Facebook and I will heads that there is no following always keep you posted. George for Greek Food or a Greek Cook - Kyrtatas, public figure. ing Show. There is no demo - TNH: Share with us some QUESTION OF THE WEEK graphic in the United States words of wisdom. showing that a Greek Cooking GK: My words of wisdom are Vote on our website! show would be popular. It has words that I apply every day. been my goal to prove them Take only the freshest of ingredi - You have the chance to express your opinion on our website wrong. One day I will have a ents and do very little to them so on an important question in the news. The results will be pub - Greek Cooking show on a major you don’t mess them up. lished in our printed edition next week along with the question network and then I can show the TNH: Anything else you’d like for that week. rest of America what Greeks have to add? The question this week is: Do you have confidence in Greek “A book is a gift you can open known for thousands of years... GK: If anyone out there Prime Minister George Papandreou? Greek food, Greek Cuisine, and knows anyone who can make the o Yes ...again and again.” the Mediterranean Diet is the television show happen, call me! o No healthiest and most delicious way LOL. o Maybe - Garrison Keillor to eat. The results for last week’s question: Should laypersons TNH: What part of Greece or For more info visit www. Little - have a greater oversight role in the operations of the Archdio - Cyprus are you from? Do you GreekChef.com or join Kyrtatas’ cese? The National Herald Bookstore visit often? Facebook page (by searching for 80 % voted "Yes" GK: I am from Andros and my George Kyrtatas under public 16 % voted "No" (718) 784-5255 wife is from Chios. When we do figures). 4% voted "Maybe" [email protected] have the opportunity to travel to Greece we usually make a stop [email protected] Please vote at: www.thenationalherald.com THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 25 - JULY 1, 2011 COMMUNITY 3

PLEASE JOIN AHEPA AS WE RALLY TO REBUILD ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2011 2 PM Liberty Street and Trinity Place

WE WANT TO THANK THE FOLLOWING FOR THEIR SUPPORT: ALMA BANK • ATLANTIC BANK • MARATHON BANK • LUKE’S COPY SHOP 4 COMMUNITY THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 25 - JULY 1, 2011 Valiotis’ Big Bet on Paterson’s Downtown: Will it Pay Off For Him?

Continued from page 1 the company purchased two ten backed by a patchwork of Trenton properties, consisting of public incentives, including tax cludes the 320,000-square-foot 500 apartments, one through credits, historical preservation Center City Mall; the former foreclosure and the other grants and transit hub tax cred - Alexander Hamilton Hotel, through bankruptcy. All of Vali - its. “The list of projects getting which houses 115 market-rate otis’ downtown properties in Pa - done now are using public apartments; 160 Market St., a terson, which are in different funds,” he said. “Without public large retail building across from stages of development, are key subsidies, you cannot get rents City Hall; and a 226,000-square- to supporting Center City Mall to make the economics work.” foot industrial building on Getty and bringing new nightlife to an In Paterson, Valiotis pulled cap - Avenue. area largely deserted after busi - ital needed to buy and renovate Urban development profes - ness hours. “We do all the sur - his buildings from Alma Realty, sionals say Valiotis’ ventures are rounding investments to sup - a company he built up through a rare example of continued, ag - port Center City,” he said. the acquisition of more than 200 gressive growth during a down “Paterson has no night life after buildings around the New York economy. “I would have to say 5 o’clock. The stores are closed. metropolitan area. it is unique,” said Robert There’s nothing there. That’s The Valiotis properties in Pa - Burchell, Professor at Rutgers why we created good apart - terson will generate $2.2 million University and chairman of its ments. … Living and playing in in municipal taxes this year, ac - planning department. “Nobody the same town.” cording to city records. The in the New York metro area can Center City Mall was the company’s latest venture in Pa - get money for real estate from jumping-off point for Valiotis, terson is a former textile mill banks, without plunking a ton who in 2005 partnered with that covers a city block on Beech of money down. And, even then, Ridgewood architect and engi - Street. The property is listed for there’s a question if they’ll give neer Nicholas Tsapatsaris to $2.5 million, and the building it to you.” Even so, Valiotis faces build a retail magnet in the is under contract, according to major challenges in Paterson, heart of downtown. Despite broker Brian Marsek. Valiotis where 25% of families live be - years of failed attempts to de - plans on constructing 250 units low the poverty level, according velop the city block between at that location. On a recent to the U.S. Census Bureau, com - City Hall and the county court TNH/COSTAS BEJ walk-through of the former mill, pared with the 6.5% state aver - complex, Valiotis saw the site’s Steve Valiotis, a Greek-born furniture maker who oversees a real estate domain through his de - Ekaterina Valiotis pointed out age. The city, the cradle of the potential, immediately. “It took velopment company Alma Realty Corp., is the largest private landowner in Paterson, N.J. arched doorways, custom-made Industrial Revolution, struggles no less than five seconds (for windows and vaulted roof lines with one of the highest foreclo - him) to say: ‘Do it,’ “ said Tsap - ter. Today, the mall is home to million, according to land owners while also changing the — all of which she said the com - sure rates in the state. Earlier atsaris, who introduced Valiotis 32 stores, many of which are records. His company also pur - building codes so building own - pany will use in any designs for this year, Paterson laid off 125 to Paterson. “He saw the (num - national chains, including The chased an old brick building on ers can better adapt to those the apartments. police officers in an effort to ber of) people on the street and Children’s Place, vitamin giant Straight Street for $1.8 million spaces. Frank Blesso came to Pa - “If nobody lives there, no - close a $77 million budget with his level of experience, he GNC and Marshalls, which in 2009. Both the Alexander terson in 1968 as part of team body’s going to shop there,” she deficit. Valiotis said one of his could see it in a minute.” opened last March. Hamilton and Straight Street of economic development offi - said in a May interview in biggest obstacles is combating a Valiotis was an unknown in VIEW FROM THE TOP buildings are 85%t occupied, cials for then-incoming Mayor Queens. James Hughes, dean of negative perception that the city Paterson and the city had very On the top floor, which has and rents range from $750 to Kramer. Blesso has since worked the Edward J. Bloustein School is unsafe. “It is clearly a chal - few successful, retail or com - views of City Hall, is an eight- $2,000 a month, according to in various administrations as a of Planning and Public Policy at lenge and huge demonstration mercial development projects in screen movie theater and a Ekaterina Valiotis. Despite that consultant for specific projects. Rutgers, said any development of faith,” said former Paterson 2005 to convince doubters. “Vir - 32,000-square-foot arcade. The commitment, Valiotis is not con - “City and state planners talked that emphasizes or redevelops Mayor Lawrence “Pat” Kramer, tually everyone in the City of family did not disclose the mall’s vinced city officials share his ur - about the concept of a transit historical buildings in Paterson who has worked in development Paterson who knew anything occupancy rate, saying they gency. Valiotis spoke at length village, of residential and com - has a better chance at success. since leaving office in 1979. about that (site) was skeptical,” could fill current vacancies, but about the city’s inability to en - mercial development along the “A developer bringing in their THE POWER BUILDER said George McLoof, President want to be selective in who tice commercial property own - railroad lines,” he said. “And, own resources is unusual,” During an interview at his of Longstreet Development of opens there. A recent walk- ers to convert the floors above here is someone doing some - Hughes said. “If you can build Queens office, Valiotis declined Paterson. “I knew it would take through of the top two floors their stores, often vacant or thing about it, on his own, with - something in Paterson with the to comment on his personal deep pockets and staying power showed 61% of the stores were boarded up, into viable residen - out government assistance.” history … maybe it will work.” worth, but said his Paterson in - to deal with myriad problems occupied. Within the mall, Vali - tial units. Many of these build - Valiotis is building even as de - Valiotis said he is still optimistic vestments represent up to 8% and the ownership issues.” otis opened Hamilton & Ward ings around City Hall reflect the velopers around the state are about his vision to “start a busi - of his business, which includes Valiotis and Tsapatsaris, who Steakhouse, a tony restaurant city’s rich architectural back - finding it difficult to secure tra - ness fire” in Paterson, but he ex - Alma Bank and real estate formed Center City Partners, do that offers visitors top-shelf ground that could attract out - ditional bank financing, and are pected more developers to join throughout New Jersey, New not own the Center City prop - liquor, a walk-in cigar humidor siders, Ekaterina Valiotis said. increasingly turning to govern - in the city’s revival. That hasn’t York City and Westchester erty, leasing it from the Paterson and an extensive wine list. The Mayor Jeffery Jones did not ment. happened because of the devas - County, N.Y. The developer, who Parking Authority for $1 a year. Zagat-rated eatery draws wish to comment after repeated BRICK BY BRICK tating effects of the recession immigrated to the United States The authority, in turn, operates lawyers, politicians and court of - attempts to contact him. “It’s an Steven Burns is a partner and the dearth in lending. Vali - in 1972, is not new to investing the two-story, underground ficials at hour. effort for everyone to get in - with Crawford Street Partners, otis is still waiting. “The town in distressed cities. Valiotis parking deck and collects the During and after the mall’s volved,” Valiotis said. “So far, a Newark-based development is not a one-man job,” he said. bought the Garden Spires build - fees. Center City Partners pays construction, Valiotis continued yes, I feel like [it’s] a one-man firm that specializes in urban McLoof, the longtime Paterson ing in Newark in 1983, a 1,000- taxes to the city on its retail op - buying and renovating some of job over there to (reinvigorate) residential projects. He said the developer, said Valiotis could unit structure he sold in 1998, erations, in addition to a one- Paterson’s largest properties. He the whole town.” market has improved slightly bring about that change, alone. according to Ekaterina Valiotis. time $1.1 million deposit made purchased the former Alexander Specifically, Valiotis is push - from two years ago, but there “Steve is being modest,” McLoof A year later, Alma Realty bought to the city. Center City opened Hamilton Hotel and the old ing for the city to tailor new or - are still “very few projects going said. “He can do it by himself, a bankrupt, 800-unit building in in the fall of 2008 with a PSE&G Fabian movie theater building dinances that would provide fi - forward.” Those that do have and it looks like he’s doing it.” Jersey City, and three years ago, branch office and payment cen - in 2006 for a combined $6.5 nancial incentives to property momentum, Burns said, are of - (http://www.northjersey.com) Spartan Spirit Secret Diner Ingredient Keeps Them Coming Back For More

Continued from page 1 came into the restaurant every Tahou’s eldest daughter, Nicole, ness. They’ve expanded several point to the industry. Peter’s fa - getting a degree in economics day until he physically couldn’t is working there.Though simple times and bought the venerable ther, George, arrived in the U.S. and working in the corporate wave of Greek migration around any more.The restaurant has in its offerings, Tahou’s continues Whispering Pines miniature golf in 1954 at age 21, having real - world for a year, Peter Gines the globe. Many of today’s kept a simple menu, featuring to attract and fascinate genera - course next door in 1996. No ized that the family farm would found himself falling asleep at his restaurant owners or their pre - items and grilled sand - tions of Rochesterians, from the longer running his own restau - not be able to support him and a desk. He missed the pace of decessors came to the United wiches but no gyros.“By offering homeless to movers and shakers. rant, Pappas’ father comes into future family. He worked first in restaurant work.“I wasn’t suited States in the 1950’s. Local the food most diners love, you’re With high-profile criminal attor - The Parkside nearly every day to his uncle’s Rochester ice cream to working 9 to 5,” Gines said. Greek-Americans say their fa - going to attract most kinds of ney John Parrinello sitting in a help out and take on host duties factory, Critic’s.An ice cream “I’m still not.”For Gines, what thers or grandfathers came to people,” he explained.But by booth nearby, Tahou said, “You when his sons’ other obligations shop led to adding a popcorn makes a restaurant a diner is work in restaurants that rela - combining those basic menu can come in with a dollar in your take them awayn from the maker and hot dogs, and by 1961 serving three a day. Some tives or other Greeks had estab - items into a pile of chow, Nick pocket or $500 in your pocket restaurant. The Parkside’s menu George Gines was running Critic’s go further and operate 24 hours, lished. Many got their start at Tahou has created a diner icon and still be treated equally.” is classic diner stuff, but on West Main Street. though that’s far more common Nick Tahou’s. Alex Tahou’s for Rochester that rivals New THE DINER LIFE specials have been so popular In the early ‘70s, he opened a in the city that neversleeps than grandfather, also named Alex York’s funky blue paper cups: the Parkside Diner is miles away that Pappas said he’s adding diner on up-and-coming Park Av - in Rochester.“You don’t see a lot Tahou, immigrated to Syracuse much heralded Garbage Plate, from Nick Tahou’s, but its history them to the menu full-time for enue — naming it Jines to imitate of places serving breakfast, lunch, when he left Greece as a young in which a base of (pick two) was born at the downtown the summer to see how they’ll the soft G in the family name — and dinner. That’s one way we man, said the current owner of macaroni salad, home fries, eatery’s . James Pappas do.What makes the restaurant and sold Critic’s. Another Critic’s separate ourselves and do it Nick Tahou’s. Thinking baked beans or french fries are said his father, Jerry Papacon - a diner, he said, are the tradi - in Greece was owned by a rela - well,” Gines said of his fellow Rochester was more affluent, topped with burgers, hot dogs or staniou came to the U.S. in 1952 tional comfort foods and the tive.The diner business allows Greeks. The menu at Jines strays the first Alex Tahou moved both, and a splash of condiments, at age 16 after his family decided counter. Sitting near that counter, people to build a solid economic far from the variations on eggs here and started Hots and Pota - including meat-based hot he should seek his fortune he ticked off all the Greek-owned footing, regardless of their edu - and toast that were available in toes on West Main Street in .Today’s restaurant is so abroad. His first job was in the diners in Irondequoit, coming up cation level, and then set up the 1970’s. The restaurant nearly 1918. functional in décor that it looks kitchen at Tahou’s.Seventeen with seven in a town of just other relatives in business with doubled in size recently and its a like the waiting room of a train years later, the immigrant con - 52,000 residents.“That tells you new locations, Gines said.At 42, menu goes on for pages, often Nick Tahou joined his father station that it once was. The main verted a gas station at Mt. Read the demand for this type of the majority owner of Jines and including an entire page of daily in America on St. Patrick’s Day decorations are neat photo mon - Boulevard and Emerson Street restaurant,” Pappas said. “There father of two baseball-playing specials.Why not go entirely up - 1937, his son said, and about five tages of customers’ into Point West. That later be - are so many who’ve been in busi - sons, Peter Gines understands scale Greek? “If it’s not broke, years later took over manage - children.“Many of our regular came Andy’s Mt. Read Diner. ness for so long, we have to be how difficult it must have been don’t fix it” is Gines’ short answer. ment of the restaurant that came people become like family,” said Meanwhile, uncles were running doing something right.”Pappas’ for George Gines to get away A longer one involves weighing to be known as Nick Tahou’s Tahou, 58, a resident of Wolcott, White Tavern downtown and theory about why so many from the restaurant to attend his the bigger investment but higher Hots.Young Alex grew up and Wayne County. Gone are the late- Mitchell’s Restaurant in Pittsford. Greeks are drawn to the restau - son’s sporting events years ago, check amounts of fine dining, eventually managed the restau - night hours that invited trouble, Family members here and in rant business is “personality.”“I which he did without fail. At 77, versus the smaller amounts but rant after his father fell ill in the he said. And the restaurant is Canada changed their difficult think Greek people are outgoing his father still helps out nearly much more plentiful number of late 1980’s. Telling a story that looking ahead with a second lo - to Pappas, Popoff, in general and talkative.” And, of every day.“You realize the sacri - checks available in a three-- echoes those of many Greek fam - cation, which opened on West Joucas, and Mitchell. Like the course, they work really, really fices that Dad made,” said Peter a-day setting.Diners are “a for - ilies, Tahou said his late father Henrietta Road in August. children of many diner owners, hard. Gines, who lives in Pittsford. “I’m mula that works,” he said, admit - James Pappas, now 46, grew up FROM THE FLOOR UP experiencing the struggle myself ting they can be very labor helping out at his parents’ restau - Peter Gines has some news for as my Dad warned me at 21.” intensive. But that doesn’t bother rant but thought he might go into his elder son about summer George Gines had emphasized him. “Call it the Spartan ancestry. white-collar work. He spent a plans: “Camp this summer is go - the negatives: working weekends As an ethnic group, failure is not year at Monroe Community Col - ing to be ‘Camp Jines,’” referring and nights, working more hours an option. We will work so hard lege and got a corporate job. But to the family’s Park Avenue diner. than other people, and giving up knowing it’s not an option. Call POCKET-LESS he soon realized that he really What can an 11-year-old do in family and social time.But after it stubbornness if you must.” wanted to be self-employed.In a restaurant? He can sweep 1991 he bought a former diner floors, portion out foods, break at Culver Road and Lakeshore down boxes, his father said with Drive, next to Durand Eastman a lengthy to-do list in mind.And Park. His late mother supplied so continues a three-generation Kontos Foods the perfect name: Parkside.A tradition in the restaurant busi - The Leading Company in Flat few years later, James’ older ness.Gines’ family history in - brother, Greg, joined the busi - volves a slightly different access Well known for the Pocket-Less Pita manufacturers of Authentic Ethnic Hand Stretched Flat bread. Kontos the first family in fillo and fillo products. ATHENS LAW FIRM FIllO KATAIFI, , , TyROPITA MARIA M. MANOLAKA & KONSTANTINOS A. PETRATOS NUT ROll, mElOmAKARONA INTEGRATED LEGAL SERVICES THROUGHOUT GREECE and the TRADITIONAl mEDITERRANEAN DESSERTS. Excellent quality and service. We distribute in USA and Canada. mESOGEION AVE 451, 15343 AG. PARASKEVI - ATHENS Special prices for communities, schools, churches TEl.: 01130 211 0123 345, Fax: 01130 211 014 1919 COURTESy lOwEll HEllENIC CUlTURE AND HERITAGE SOCIETy festivals and other events Cell: 01130-6947-106-544, 01130-6948-383-011 Family Album e-mail: [email protected] The National Herald wants your old family photos, up to 1960. We’re looking for slices of life from Greeks who set - • CONTRACTS • REAl ESTATE TRANSACTIONS, lEASES THROUGHOUT GREECE • PROPERTy mANAGEmENT IN GREECE tled in the US. Please send to english.edition@thenational - • DONATIONS / PARENTAl GRANTS herald.com and include the place and identification of the people shown and something about the subject. Here are Kontos Foods, Inc • lAND REGISTRy CASES Panagiota Tournas (L) and Stavroula Milonopoulos in Low - b Box 628, Paterson, NJ 07544 • PENSIONS • CIVIl AND COmmERCIAl lAw ell, Mass. in 1939. It was a period when the city about 40 Tel.: (973) 278-2800 Fax: (973) 278-7943 miles north of Boston was teeming with Greek immigrants Kontos.com • PUBlIC AND CRImINAl lAw a • COmPANy lAw creating their own society including coffee houses. THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 25 - JULY 1, 2011 COMMUNITY 5 Deep Dish , Deep Debt for Giordano’s Owners, Not Enough Dough

TNH Staff Writers tolou’s links with -based named the chain - opened in bankruptcy, filing his own papers Independent Rights Party Mar - 1974 - after their mother, a without an attorney). NEW YORK – Among busi - shall Home, who was involved Northern Italian woman with a In a court hearing, Martino nesses facing tough times is in their bankruptcy case. Apos - knack for stuffed . The noted that Giordano’s was prof - bankrupt Giordano’s Pizza tolou told the Tribune that he company’s website claims there itable but suffered from faulty chain. But in a legal case that is had been introduced to Home are 55 Giordano’s in Illinois and accounting (including question - proving messy to say the least, by a friend who thought he’d Florida, while, as the Tribune re - able owner compensation) and as the Chicago Tribune reports, help the couple out of their ports, court documents indicate management. Apostolou was the chain’s owner, John Apos - predicament. Today, Apostolou there are 45 locations, with 35 barred from the company head - tolou, 65, is no longer allowed says he and his wife did not fully of these owned by franchisees. quarters after a meeting with to step foot in Giordano’s head - understand the documents In 2005, the chain first expanded Martino that got ugly involving quarters – or any of his restau - drafted for them by Home. outside of Illinois to Florida. The his moving out of the headquar - rants. In the case, as the Tribune Meanwhile, Apostolou’s ini - Apostolou family suffered from ters. Trustee Martino asked the reports, Apostolou had to give tial lawyer, Michael Gesas, with - the real estate collapse, as the court for an emergency order to up control of the Chicago com - drew from the case after the Tribune points out, owning sev - have the Apostolous vacate their pany known for its Chicago-style Apostolous’ filed a document in eral Giordano’s buildings and be - headquarters and cooperate. deep dish pizza. Up for sale and April stating they were “Ameri - ing unable to lease or sell com - Meanwhile Home has filed pa - operating under bankruptcy can Freeman.” This was a mercial properties in both states. pers with the bankruptcy court, protection, Giordano’s and other strange twist for an immigrant A second loan was provided by as the Tribune reports, stating, family businesses owe $45.5 success story that Apostolou Fifth Third to keep Giordano’s “He had a $150 million lien million to Fifth Third Bank. hoped would build something afloat, says the Tribune. The against Giordano’s.” Apostolou Apostolou immigrated to the Giordano’s Pizza chain’s owner, John Apostolou, 65, is no to leave behind for his children. Apostolou case went from bad said that if Home succeeded in U.S. from Greece at age 17 and longer allowed to step foot in Giordano’s headquarters. "My dream was to transfer it to worse too as monthly bank - getting Giordano’s back, he’d worked his way up from a hotel over to the children," Apostolou ruptcy operating reports weren’t have a stake in the company. job to owning several Gior - for the Greek American entre - per, in which they tried to ter - told the Chicago Tribune, speak - filed and stakeholders found it Apostolou’s first job in the U.S. dano’s franchises, before buying preneur. As the Tribune states: minate the bankruptcy. In a filed ing of the company. unclear to determine who was was working at the Bismarck the entire company in 1988. He “But he is mostly to blame for affidavit they claim to not rec - His two sons are Giordano’s in control of the company in Hotel. He got his foot in the told the Tribune he was frus - his predicament. Apostolou's ognize U.S. currency and being franchisees and his daughter bankruptcy- resulting in U.S. door at Giordano’s, according to trated by the company slipping lawyer admits that his client free of legal constraints, which works in the headquarters. His Bankruptcy Judge John Squires the Chicago Tribune, working in through his fingers. “I didn’t made some mistakes that re - may – as the Tribune noted- link wife Eva owns half the company approving attorney Philip Mar - the kitchen. However instead of want to sell the pizza chain,” he sulted in losing control of the them with an anti-government and was Secretary and Trea - tino of Quarles & Brady’s being an immigrant success story, the told the paper. Some messy do- business while in bankruptcy.” movement entitled “sovereign surer. hired the trustee to oversee Gior - Giordano’s story may prove a it-yourself legal work – and the Apostolou and his wife of 31 citizens.” The sovereign citizens’ OUT OF DOUGH dano’s. (Squires made this deci - cautionary tale of real estate in - role of an influential outsider - years and business partner Eva connection was reinforced, as Giordano’s was launched by sion, notes the Tribune, a day af - vestment mistakes and bad han - made the bad situation worse filed paperwork, reports the pa - the Tribune points out, by Apos - Joseph and Efren Boglio, who ter Apostolou tried to end the dling of bankruptcy. Everyone Still Comes to Terrace on the Park For Views and Good Times

Continued from page 1 Terrace on the Park with some the organization “appreciated travagant events in the past, association to the Greek Ameri - the extraordinary hospitality, Thermos joked that she has wit - largest and most recognizable can community. When asked friendly service, and superb ac - nessed her share of “Greek wed - venues in . The about some of the recognized commodation” during the gala. dings with Cristal Champagne, Grand Ballroom alone, one of Greek organizations that have Thermos reiterated that, “The lobsters, and a full seven-course three large ballrooms on site, hosted events at the venue in hall’s ties are very strong to the meal in the Grand Ballroom.” can hold up to 700 guests. Ter - the past few years, Makkos Greek American community… While Terrace on the Park may race on the Park is well known chuckled. “Every one!” he said. we support the community and be known predominantly for its for its panoramic views of the “Absolutely, all Greek Americans know that the feeling is recip - incredible views of Manhattan, New York City skyline, as well know about Terrace on the rocated.” She stated that several Makkos instead highlighted the as its proximity to landmarks Park,” Makkos continued, before former Prime Ministers of importance that he places on such as the New York Mets’ Citi noting that “It is accessible for Greece, as well as the President the hall’s product. “The views Field. The banquet hall hosts all all the Greek community” due of Cyprus, have visited Terrace are there for everyone to share,” types of events on a daily basis, to its proximity to large com - on the Park, adding that the he said. “But we want to be from weddings to bar mitzvahs munities of Greek Americans in PanCyprian Association has known for the quality of our to organizations’ dinner parties. New York, such as Manhattan, used the venue to host quite a product and service rather than Its owners stated that there are Bayside, Brooklyn, and Astoria. few of its events over the years. for our views and location.” Ter - often up to 40 events per month He mentioned Greek weddings In a recent article in The New race on the Park is one of New during the peak season. and christenings as common oc - York Times, Thermos discussed York’s largest banquet halls, and Along with his business part - currences at Terrace on the some of the over-the-top affairs Makkos revealed that his com - ner at Crystal Ball, Dimitrios Park, with the months of May that have taken place at Terrace pany has spent over $10 million Kaloidis, Makkos became owner and June being the busiest times on the Park. The groom at an dollars in improvements, mostly of Terrace on the Park in 1998. of the year. Indian wedding once trotted up within the first five years of tak - The firm currently pays the city’s As a Greek-owned venue to the building on a horse. One ing over the venue, something parks department 20% of the with stunning views of Manhat - bar mitzvah boy marched into in which he takes great pride. gross receipts or $2.5 million tan, Terrace on the Park has the ballroom on a baby ele - “Our hallmark is our service, the per year, whichever is greater. hosted its share of high profile phant, and another had the for - quality and presentation of our The 20-year contract runs until Greek events. In October 2006, mer Knicks star Walt Frazier food, and hosting excellent 2020. In an interview with The there was a reception honoring New Yorkers well know the Terrace on the Park, built as a he - sign autographs. There have events,” he concluded. These National Herald, he claimed the former Minister of Foreign liport for the New York World’s Fair in 1964, although it’s been weddings at which the tab staples have successfully drawn that the venue is “probably the Affairs of Greece, Dora Bakoy - been a mainstay for functions because of its enormous banquet was $400 a person, bringing the individuals and organizations, number one location in the New annis. Eleni A. Thermos, the rooms and capacity to hold large events, such as weddings. cost for 275 guests to roughly both Greek and not, year after York area where Greek organi - banquet hall’s controller, also $100,000, flowers, music, and year, and it appears there is a zations run their events.” He es - mentioned the Venizelos and Minister Konstantinos Mitso - tan Association of America attire not included. Asked by bright future ahead for the ban - timated that there are about 75- Kazantzakis Award Gala, which takis and real estate guru An - praised Terrace on the Park for The National Herald whether quet hall and the Cristal-drink - 100 events per year held at honored both former Prime gelo Tsakopoulos. The Pan Cre - hosting this event, saying that Greeks have pulled off such ex - ing, lobster-eating crowd alike. The Happy Wedding Day for Andrea Catsimatidis and Christopher Cox

Continued from page 1 peace,’ ” Mr. Cox said. “I had no Partners, a consulting firm that At the end of October, Mr. Cox security camera. Last year, Mr. a tittering clutch of Ms. Catsi - idea that it was the Strategic raises money for investment asked Ms. Catsimatidis if she Cox ran for a congressional seat matidis’s high school friends. Nixon Cox and Edward F. Cox. Arms Limitation Talks.” funds, even though he lived would be his girlfriend. Fortu - on Long Island and lost a bitter “Can we talk about the fact that His father, a member of an old Ms. Catsimatidis grew up seven blocks away in a co-op nately, her father had relaxed primary battle, but the couple this is actually happening?” one New York family, is a lawyer and with senators, governors and overlooking the Frick. Her fa - his no-dating stance. He also said the experience drew them of the young women, round- the chairman of the New York presidential hopefuls spending ther, she added, was quite strict grew to really like Mr. Cox. even closer. Ms. Catsimatidis was eyed, said to a friend. A recep - Republican State Committee. long hours in her family’s living (“one of those overprotective “He wouldn’t have given me Mr. Cox’s constant companion, tion for 700 guests was held at His aunt, Julie Nixon Eisen - room. Her father, John A. Catsi - Greek fathers,” she says) and up to anyone else,” Ms. Catsi - and baked cookies and made the Waldorf-Astoria, which was hower, is married to David D. matidis, who owns the Gristedes would insist, among other matidis, who will be taking his lemonade for his political ap - decorated with images of doves, Eisenhower II, a grandson of supermarket chain, among things, that she come straight last name and keeping her own, pearances. This spring, they es - including an outsize pair cov - President Dwight D. Eisen - other holdings, is a prominent home after school. said. Mr. Cox had dated other chewed bachelor and bache - ered in orchids and crystals in hower. political fund-raiser and donor, “If I was not in the house at women, but felt a deep connec - lorette parties because they did the greeting hall. Guests danced As a child, Christopher Cox and has flirted with running for 3:20,” she said, “he would tion with Ms. Catsimatidis. Mr. not want to spend the time apart, to a 24-piece orchestra that would go to sleep listening to office himself. He regularly threaten to call Ray Kelly,” the Cox’s mother said she knew the and instead flew in May with six played pop tunes and classic tapes of President Nixon reading brought luminaries from both New York police commissioner. couple was getting serious when close friends to the Bahamas for rock and a traditional Greek books. A family story has it that sides of the political aisle — the Throughout the summer of they began suggesting that she a three-day weekend. song that had guests looping when Christopher was 3 or 4, Clintons, Rudolph W. Giuliani, 2008, Ms. Catsimatidis and Mr. watch My Big Fat Greek Wed - On June 4, they were mar - their hands together and diving he was sitting at the dinner John Kerry, Evan Bayh — to his Cox kept seeing each other at ding. “We knew from the begin - ried at the Greek Orthodox under one another’s arms. “I’m table when someone asked for family’s Fifth Avenue home. Yet political events. “We’d have ning we wanted to marry each Cathedral of the Holy Trinity on so happy,” said Ms. Catsimatidis, the salt. “I said, ‘Be careful with Ms. Catsimatidis had never met these great conversations,” Mr. other,” Mr. Cox said. “We be - the East Side, before a church in a dress by the Lebanese de - the salt, it’s important for world Mr. Cox, an owner of OC Global Cox said. “We think about a lot lieve in love at first sight.” packed with family members signer Reem Acra. As she spoke, of things the same way.” The He proposed in April 2010, and political powerhouses George E. Pataki, New York’s more she saw him, the more after dinner at Le Cirque. He sug - (Hillary Rodham Clinton and former governor, grooved be - she, too, became impressed. gested a walk, and directed her Mr. Kelly sat on the bride’s side, hind her on the dance floor, And as she did, their 11-year to Hewitt, where they had met. and former Secretary of State pumping his arms to the orches - age difference seemed to melt The proposal, with him on one and Mr. Giu - tra’s rendition of AC/DC’s You away. But she did not always knee, was caught on the school’s liani on the bridegroom’s) and Shook Me All Night Long. see him as a potential boyfriend. “I was always drawn to him,” she said. “But it didn’t cross my mind until a whole bunch of my friends said, ‘You should date The Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Paul him.’ ” That October, shortly after invites you to Ms. Catsimatidis started at , Mr. Cox asked her out to lunch — to thank her, THE FEAST DAY OF THE he said, for donating to the Mc - HOLY APOSTLES PETER AND PAUL Cain campaign. They met at Blue Ribbon Bakery in the West JUNE 29th, 2011 Village, and Mr. Cox suggested they share bread pudding. “That’s when I knew it was a date,” Ms. Catsimatidis said. “I The Great Vespers Service was so happy because I had Tusday , June 28, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. such a crush on him.” For their second date, Mr. Cox took Ms. will be celebrated by his Eminence Catsimatidis to the presidential debate at Hofstra University on Archbishop Demetrios Long Island. By then, she said, she had come to recognize how well their backgrounds, values and beliefs meshed. “It made it Wensday June 29, 2011, so much easier,” she said. “If politics are so important in both Orthros at 9:00 a.m. of our lives, we have to agree.” Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m. After another date a few days later, Mr. Cox walked Ms. Catsi - matidis back to her dorm and leaned in for a kiss. Their lips Both followed by a reception b brushed. An awkward parting followed. She sent him an hosted by St. Anna’s Philoptochos TNH/COSTAS BEJ apologetic e-mail the next day, a Christopher Cox and Andrea Catsimatidis are seen here wearing explaining that she had not their wedding crowns during their wedding ceremony at the known how to act. “I had never 110 CATHEDRAL AVENUE HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550 • PHONE: (516) 483-5700 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Cathedral. kissed anyone before,” she said. 6 OBITUARIES CLASSIFIEDS THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 25 - JULY 1, 2011 , Travel Writer, Greek Resistance Leader, Intellectual, Dies at 96

By Richard B. Woodwar to German occupation in the of beer and bodies and old makes one anxious about his in - New York Times Aegean. For 18 months he lived clothes and farmyards sprang at fluence on other boys.” disguised as a shepherd in , the newcomer. I squeezed in at a After he accepted a knight - Patrick Leigh Fermor, the emerging from the mountains table of peasants, and was soon hood in 2004, an honor he had British writer whose erudite, with a team that in 1944 kid - lifting one of those masskrugs to turned down in 1991, he was high-spirited accounts of his ad - napped Gen. Heinrich Kreipe, the my lips. It was heavier than a known as Sir Patrick. But to his ventures in prewar Europe, island’s German commander. The brace of iron dumbbells, but the many friends he was Paddy, a southern Greece and the operation provoked brutal blond beer inside was cool and man who maintained a zest for Caribbean are widely regarded reprisals toward the local popu - marvelous, a brooding, cylindri - life, even into his 90’s. “If you as classics of travel literature, lation. It earned Mr. Leigh Fermor cal liter of Teutonic myth.” think you can match him ouzo died on June 17 at his home in the Distinguished Service Order Patrick Michael Leigh Fermor for ouzo, on a back street in Worcestershire, . He was and later became the basis for was born in London on Feb. 11, downtown Athens, you’d better 96. Roland Philipps, Mr. Leigh the 1957 English film Ill Met by 1915. His father, Sir Lewis Leigh think again,” Anthony Lane Fermor’s editor at John Murray Moonlight, directed by Michael Fermor, was a geologist in India wrote in an admiring profile in Publishers in Britain, confirmed Powell and starring Dirk Boga - who became the first president in 2006. Mr. his death. Mr. Leigh Fermor was rde. of the Indian National Science Leigh Fermor continued working regarded by many as the finest By the time the film was re - Academy. His mother, the former well into his last years, leaving travel writer alive on the strength leased, Mr. Leigh Fermor had re - Eileen Ambler, joined her hus - no immediate survivors; he and of two autobiographical volumes, ceived a measure of attention for band on the subcontinent shortly his wife had no children. A Time of Gifts (1977) and Be - his writing. He toured the after Patrick’s birth, leaving the A planned third book about tween the Woods and the Water Caribbean with two friends after boy in the care of a farmer’s fam - his youthful travels never ap - (1986), which both recalled his the war and in 1950 published BACK TO GREECE wanderings in Europe, under - ily in Northamptonshire. (Re - peared, but his biographer walk across Europe in the 1930’s, The Traveller’s Tree, a collection The warmth of Greece drew taken when he was scarcely 18 united in adolescence with his Artemis Cooper told the British begun when he was a teenager of island-hopping tales. They first him back in the 1950’s. He and reconstructed for publication mother and older sister, he con - newspaper that and lasting more than three revealed the qualities readers bought a home in Mani, in the in adulthood, that earned him in - tinued to regard them as “beau - Mr. Leigh Fermor had completed years. Reviewing Between the would learn to expect from his southern . He and ternational acclaim. tiful strangers.”) Mr. Leigh Fer - a draft, and that it would be pub - Woods and the Water for The books: sly humor, curiosity, wide- his wife, the former Joan Eyres He set off across the English mor grew up willfully lished. Asked to confirm the im - New York Times, John Gross ranging social connections and Monsell, a photographer, divided Channel in December 1933 with independent, unable to adapt for pending publication, Mr. Philipps wrote that it was not primarily sympathies, familiarity with ar - their time between Greece and little more in his backpack than long to any school’s regimen. His responded by e-mail, “I am afraid for the “information it contains cane history and a dashing liter - Britain. They married in 1968 af - clothes, a copy of Horace’s Odes, housemaster at King’s School, I cannot confirm this, except to that his book deserves to be read ary style steeped in the ancient ter many years of companion - and some letters of introduction. Canterbury, where he was ex - say I very much hope it is the (though he packs in a great deal,) writing of Greece and Rome. ship. She died in 2003. The cou - His journey did not end until Jan - pelled, reportedly for holding case.” In his eagerness to com - but for its sumptuous coloring, “The afternoon was baking ple’s tables, in Mani and in uary 1937, when he reached hands with the local greengro - plete his last book, Mr. Leigh Fer - the acuteness of his responses, and shadowless, and the town Worcestershire, were reputed to (now Istanbul.) cer’s daughter, wrote him up as mor also accomplished some - the loving precision with which seemed only with an effort to re - be among the liveliest in Europe. On foot and on horseback, by “a dangerous mix of sophistica - thing he had long put off: he he conjures up people and main upright among its thor - Guests, both celebrities and local train and automobile, Mr. Leigh tion and recklessness which taught himself to type. places.” Once described by the oughfares of dust,” he wrote of a people, came to dine with them. Fermor found hospitality among BBC as “a cross between Indiana trip to Guadeloupe. “It was as The journalist and historian Max people alien to most English Jones, James Bond and Graham empty as a sarcophagus.” The Hastings called Mr. Leigh Fermor speakers of the time: Orthodox CLASSIFIEDS Greene,” Mr. Leigh Fermor was Caribbean was the setting for his “perhaps the most brilliant con - Jewish woodcutters in Transyl - as renowned for his feats of der - only novel, The Violins of Saint- versationalist of his time, wearing vania, Hungarian Gypsies, White ring-do as for his opulent prose. Jacques, published in 1953 and his literacy light as wings, brim - Russian exiles, German barons, Legal Notice/ Notice of Formation commis sions. E-mail resume and After joining the Irish Guards turned into an opera in 1966 by ming over with laughter.” Mr. French-speaking monks in Aus - cover letter to [email protected] during World War II, he was the Australian composer Malcolm Leigh Fermor’s books about life tria, and Romanian shepherds Notice of formation of: Tavaldo Publi - or fax to : (718) 472-0510 Attn. cations LLC. Articles Of Organization judged to be promising officer Williamson. Mr. Leigh Fermor in Greece — Mani, in 1958, and along the Danube. At one point filed with Secretary of State of New Publisher or call (718) 784-5255 material for the Special Opera - also published in 1953 A Time to Roumeli, in 1966 — confirmed he strayed by mistake into a Mu - York (SSNY) on 5/23/11. Office loca - and ask for Veta. tion: Nassau County. SSNY designated tions Executive, the unit created Keep Silence, a short, reverent him as the armchair traveler’s nich beer hall crowded with as agent upon whom process may be by Winston Churchill to wage study of the monastic life result - ideal. (For his decades of writing Nazis. “The vaults of the great served. SSNY shall mail process to 74 FUNERAL HOMES war by unconventional means. ing from his stays in a pair of about Greece, the government in chamber faded into infinity Linmouth Road, Malverne NY 11565. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. Mr. Leigh Fermor’s superiors French abbeys and a tour of the 2007 awarded him its highest through blue strata of smoke,” he 271093/17601/07-16 CONSTANTINIDES deemed his fluency in Modern rock-carved monasteries in Cap - honor, the Commander of the wrote. “Hobnails grated, mugs FUNERAL PARLOR Co. Greek useful in leading resistance padocia, Turkey. Phoenix.) But it was his earliest clashed and the combined smell HELP WANTED 405 91st Street Bay Ridge - Brooklyn, We’re Looking for Good Writers! NY 11209 DEATHS The National Herald offers an op - (718) 745-1010 portunity for enterprising college Services in all localities - students or recent graduates, partic - Low cost shipping to Greece n ATHAS, SOPHIA lian, Marcus and Zoe Lara. The ularly those with liberal arts or jour - nalism backgrounds, or good writers PRICE, Utah - The Salt Lake Tri - funeral was held at Holy Trinity ANTONOPOULOS bune reported that Sophia Greek Orthodox Church in Clear - around the United States, including those with experience, who want a FUNERAL HOME, INC. Cavoulas Athas, 85, passed water. chance to hone their skills and build Konstantinos Antonopoulos - away on June 14. She was the their resumes by writing news and Funeral Director third of three sisters born to im - n GEKAS, IRENE feature stories. These are unpaid po - 38-08 Ditmars Blvd., migrant parents George and Di - SANBORNTON, N.H. – The Con - sitions but you will have a chance Astoria, New York 11105 ane Cavoulas in Aliquippa Penn. cord Monitor reported that Irene to work with our staff as well as offer (718) 728-8500 She graduated from Aliquippa Gekas, 90, passed away June at stories of your own about what’s go - Not affiliated with any High School and went to beauty the Pyareo Home in Sanbornton ing on in your Greek American com - school and owned a hair salon following a period of failing munity and get choice assignments other funeral home. business in Aliquippa. She met health. She was born in Skowhe - to help you develop or enhance your career. Please send resumes and a APOSTOLOPOULOS a recent graduate of Holy Cross gan, Maine Aug. 26, 1920, sample of your writing, and story School of Theology in Brookline, daughter of Arthur and Fannie Apostle Family - ideas, to english.edition@thenation - Gregory, Nicholas, Andrew - Mass. who was serving as a Pas - (Spiraulis) Hulares. Irene grad - alherald.com toral Assistant at the Aliquippa uated from Portsmouth High 2/06-26 Funeral Directors of Parish of Kimisis Tis Theotokou. School and in the same time pe - RIVERDALE He was directing the choir and riod attended Greek school, fur - LEADING GREEK AMERICAN FUNERAL HOME Inc. she was singing and hit the right AP PHOTO ther honing her written and lin - NEWSPAPER SEEKS 5044 Broadway note and they married and had The Flag’s at Half Staff guistic skills which in time would Full-time AD sales representa - New York, NY 10034 a melodious marriage for 50 become invaluable in her quest tives for both GREEK and ENG - (212) 942-4000 years. They were blessed with In this Jan. 11 2011 photo, Centenarian Vasiliki Lambidou, to know and experience her LISH language publications. Ap - Toll Free 1-888-GAPOSTLE three children Stephanie (Teek) the woman beloved by fellow Greeks for raising the country's Greek origins first hand. Irene plicants should have some sales Brower, Peter and George (Lisa) flag every day for nearly half a century at the border with worked many years as a sales as - and/or marketing experience. LITRAS FUNERAL HOME Athas and three grandchildren Turkey, poses for photographer at her home in the village of sociate and artisan seamstress for Fluency with computer use and ARLINGTON John Athas, Chrystal (Brian) Marasia, in the country's remote northeast. A funeral service the former Solomon's Women's knowledge of Internet a plus. Bi- BENSON DOWD, INC Thatcher, and Julia Athas and was held on Monday, June 20, 2011 for the 107-year-old whose Apparel in Franklin and Con - lingual command of both lan - FUNERAL HOME great grandchildren Nevaeh and simple act of raising the flag at the border since 1962 made cord. She was predeceased by guages preferred. This positions 83-15 Parsons Blvd., Damon. She will always be re - her into a national symbol. her husband of 60 years, An - offers base salary, plus marketing Jamaica, NY 11432 membered for vibrant personal - thony "Tony" G. Gekas who died experience. Fluency with com - (718) 858-4434 ity, witty humor, delicious Greek in 2002. Irene is survived by puter use offers base salary, plus • (800) 245-4872 cooking, her unselfish hospital - countless surgeries, treatment, n BERTSOS, MARY three children, Roxanne Vogel ity and beautiful smile. As the and spiritual strength that CLEARWATER, Fla. – The St. Pe - and her husband Richard, Brig wife of a priest, Presbytera, she would reveal her courage to tersburg Times reported that Gen USMC, Ret. George Gekas REAL ESTATE and Father John Athas served fight for life. During her last Mary Bertsos, 74, passed away and his wife Sharon Arnold, and parishes in Altoona, Penn., Day - seven years she found enjoy - on June 11. She was born on Stephanie Storey; grandchildren, tona Beach, Florida, Clearwater, ment in traveling around the Jan. 21, 1937 in the Back of the Adrienne Hill and her husband Florida and Price, Utah. She was world with her special compan - Yards Neighborhood, Chicago, Christopher and Leah Storey; active in the ministry always ion Jerry McCoy who gave Ill., the oldest daughter of Mil - great-grandchildren, Ivy Isabelle supporting her husband in the strength and support. She was dred and Anthony Katsibubas. Storey, Andre Storey and many seen and unseen aspect preceded in death by father Throughout grammar school and Gabrielle Hill. of the Church always being a George Markos and husband high school, Mary sang at nu - Christian example to others. So - Robert Benson. She is survived merous community ceremonies This is a service phie enjoyed working at the by her mother Bessie Markos, including the Chicago State Fair. to the community. Durrant Elementary School son Bobby (Nichole) Benson, As a teen she began to cultivate Announcements of deaths cafeteria, volunteering as a Pink daughter Briana (Rex) Udink, her secretarial skills that led her may be telephoned to the Lady at the Castleview Hospital, grandsons Brody and Kayden to a 35-year career as an execu - Classified Department of was a member of Philoptochos Benson, brothers Harry [Linda tive secretary for several promi - The National Herald at and dedicated member of the (Deceased)] and Frank nent Chicago based CEO’s. Mary (718) 784-5255, PRINTED EDITION OF THE NATIONAL HERALD Assumption Greek Orthodox (Sharon) Markos, sisters is survived by her husband Nick; monday through Friday, VIA THE POST-OFFICE: Church. She is survived by her Francine (Walter) Stout, and and her children, Penelope (Ce - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST 1 month $11.00 3 months $22.00 children, grandchildren and Elaine (Nick) Bapis and many sar) Lara, Anthony (Jackie) Bert - or e-mailed to: o o 6 months $33.00 One year $66.00 great grandchildren and her two nieces, nephews, grandnieces, sos and Christina Bertsos as well [email protected] o o sisters Athena Hullis and grandnephews, and friends. as her three grandchildren, Ju - VIA HOME DELIVERY (NY, NJ & CT): Dorothy Mathews. The funeral o1 month for $14.00 o3 months for $33.00 was held at Assumption Greek o6 months for $48.00 oOne year for $88.00 Orthodox Church, Price, Utah. VIA HOME DELIVERY n BENSON, PATRICIA (New England, Pennsylvania) SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - The Salt o1 month for $18.00 o3 months for $41.00 Lake Tribune reported that Pa - o6 months for $57.00 oOne year for $109.00 tricia Markos Benson passed ON LINE SUBSCRIPTION away peacefully with her family www.thenationalherald.com by her side on June 5 after a e NON SUBSCRIBERS: oOne year for $45.95 gallant battle with colon cancer. uare feet, 2nd floor 3,900 sq o6 months for $29.95 Pat grew up in Plain City, Utah o3 months for $18.95 and enjoyed learning the values SUBSCRIBERS: One year for $34.95 of hard work where her family o

b 6 months for $23.95 ran a dairy farm. She was grad - o 3 months for $14.95 uated from Weber High and the o

University of Utah. She married i Robert Scott Benson on July 18, NAmE: ...... 1976 in Ogden, Utah and to - ADDRESS: ...... gether they raised two children. r Pat had a passion for creative CITy: ...... STATE: ...... ZIP: ...... design that she displayed in her TEl.: ...... CEll: ...... professional and personal life. E-mAIl: ...... Her love for making events c PLEASE SEND A GIFT SUBSCRIPTION TO: unique displayed her love of life. NAmE: ...... She celebrated everything from ADDRESS: ......

birthdays, to camping to shop - s CITy: ...... STATE: ...... ZIP: ...... ping with a contagious zest. She was a seamstress extraordinaire, TEl.: ...... CEll: ...... designing everything from ex - E-mAIl: ...... quisite pillows to personalized Please specify method of payment camera covers and shoe bags. Rent $4,500/month. b I enclose a check/money order for $ ...... Her greatest joy was spending 2 blocks away from 2 subway stations in Astoria made payable to: The National Herald, Inc., 37-10 30th Street, Long Island City, NY 11101 - 2614 time with her children and 7 minutes away from Manhattan grandchildren. Her patient na - or please debit my o mastercard o Visa ture gave her strength as a care - o American Express u taker during her husband's Location: 37-10 30th St., Long Island City, NY CARD NUmBER: ...... struggle with melanoma. After Call (718) 784-5255 and ask for Dimitri ExPIRATION DATE: ...... Pat's cancer diagnosis in 2003, SIGNATURE: ...... she put all her energies into s THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 25 - JULY 1, 2011 GREECE 7 The Hard Grind of Life in Greece Hits Families and Workers the Hardest

To get to the home of Petros government announcements to ternational aid, pressures have ros ($102) that they also spend his best friends, not a huge praying that a projected in - Triantopoulos and Eleni Drak - the pocketbook and purse, fear mounted and they are taking a on meat at the local butcher. parea (group). It’s the same crease in arrivals will help kick ouli you ascend several back - has also grown. toll. Greece may be at economic “The crisis has made me a with clothes. We’re down to start the economy. But both streets in a neighbourhood of “First and foremost, the eco - war but it is low-wage earners, lot more conscious about buying buying the bare essentials. A lot Eleni and Petros say counting new apartment blocks in one of nomic crisis has affected us psy - like him, who are “paying for as much as we need,” adds of things we haven’t worn in every cent as they do, they have Athens’ more built-up southern chologically,” says Petros, 47, a the crisis.” “Working in the pub - Eleni. “I no longer throw any - years have come out of the cup - had to put holidays behind suburbs. When the couple found gymnastics teacher at a state- lic sector makes you an easy tar - thing away and I never buy the boards.” them. “Forget about going to the the first-floor, three-bedroom run primary school in the capi - get who can be easily taxed,” kids crisps or sweets. Now I OUT OF GAS theatre or cinema, forget about flat in an ochre-coloured block tal. “There’s no solution in sight the school teacher insists. “I think more in terms of baking a Desperate to fill up the state’s health insurance and certainly facing several other blocks and no sense of the situation im - know a lot of people who are cake. We’ve also had to reduce near-empty coffers, the Socialist forget about summer holidays. across a narrow, nondescript proving any time soon. You depressed, who are so stressed our meat intake. Before, we’d government imposed a levy on “Last year we went to my village road, they knew they had struck wake up and you have no idea out they can’t sleep at night. eat meat about four times a fuel last year. For Greeks like for a couple of days but that was it lucky. “We waited for years to what the day will bring, if you’ll “Eleni has colleagues who are Petros it has been among the about it,” Petros says. have something of our own and have work or if you’ll be fired.” literally poverty-stricken. They “I know a lot of people most biting measures. In the The prospect of yet more this seemed like the perfect After Christmas, he says, his don’t have enough money for good old days, he says, the cou - measures - seen as crucial if the place,” said Eleni, perched on a wife’s job went from a “guaran - food. who are ... so stressed out ple liked nothing more than a country is to stave off economic sofa in her sitting-cum-dining teed eight” to six hours a day With the cuts have come fun - they can’t sleep... Eleni drive en famille down to the sea collapse - has reinforced fears room. “For eight years we and her wage decreased from damental change to the family’s in his dark-blue Alfa Romeo. “I that things are likely to get rented and for six years Petros, 1,000 to 700 euros ($1,453 to lifestyle. “In the past we’d go to has colleagues who are now need about 180 euros worse before they get better. like most Greeks, held two jobs. $1,017.) “With all the cuts in a at least twice a month literally poverty-stricken” ($252) a month to cover fuel With speculation rife that I never saw him. He was out of the public sector and my own but at 80 euros ($116) a throw bills when it used to be 100 eu - Greece’s international creditors, the house from eight in the salary and benefits also drop - we’re lucky if we do that twice week, now it’s more like two.” ros ($145.”) That, with in - the European Union and Inter - morning until 11 at night. It was ping, we’ve calculated we’re a year,” says Eleni. “Instead, we With her own paycheck docked creased VAT on the price of cig - national Monetary Fund will hard.” down by about 6,000 euros all spend a lot more time social - as a result of the factory reduc - arettes -- at another 100 euros now have to throw Athens a sec - Still, those were the “good ($8,719) a year, just over 450 ising at home, taking a dish and ing work schedules following a ($145) per month their “only ond lifetime if it is to service its days”. And the couple are aware euros ($654) a month,” he a bottle of wine to friends, drop in demand, the raven- treat” -- has knocked them side - ever-growing debt, anxiety is from watching TV that the Irish sighs. “Together we earn about which in Greece is something haired Greek says she has also ways. “Every week Dimitris has mounting. “We can’t even resist are suffering too -- both are 2,000 euros ($2,907) a month. very new.” had to “go slow” on the gifts English lessons, karate lessons, because protesting is expen - members of what economists Our kids are still young. Giorgos Just as it is for so many fam - that are traditionally given at football and basketball and it’s sive,” said Petros who works in call ‘The PIGS’: Portugal, Ire - is five and Dimitris has just ilies in Ireland, the days when marriages, baptisms and births. usually me who ferries him a children’s camp over the sum - land, Greece and Spain. For the turned 11. It’s meant there’s not she loaded up the supermarket “Often I’ll say ‘we’ll get you around,” says Petros. “If you in - mer. “Each time someone like 40-year-old mother of two, who a euro to lose.” trolley, almost unthinkingly, are something next month’, and clude the 80 euros ($1165) we me (in the public sector) goes has spent 20 years working in a Solemn, tall and lean, also over. The couple has calcu - presents are not like they were spend on Giorgos’ pre-school on strike they dock 70 euros factory that produces childrens’ Triantopoulos’ nervousness is lated that in addition to the in the past. The same goes for nursery plus all of Dimitris ac - ($102) from your salary.” “But,” toys and clothes, life over the hard not to miss. Post “memo - $1,060 they pay in monthly the boys’ birthday parties,” she tivities, we’re looking at another says Eleni interjecting, “we con - past six months has changed ir - randum,” he says, referring to mortgage installments and com - says, bear-hugging her older son 260 euros ($378) in total. sider ourselves lucky. We’ve got revocably and dramatically. In - the debt-stricken country’s mon expenses for the apartment Dimitris. “Before the crisis we’d There’s not much left.” our children, we’ve both got jobs creasingly, the couple has found agreement to enforce a program block, their supermarket bill take lots of his friends out on As Greece wages the epic and we love our home.” itself struggling in an atmos - of draconian austerity in ex - comes to around 450 euros his birthday to a fast-food place battle with its debts, tourism has phere of pervasive uncertainty. change for 110 billion euros ($653) a month. like Goody’s. Now we only stay fast become the sole bright light -Irish Independent As austerity has moved from ($160 billion) in emergency in - That is exclusive of the 70 eu - at home and I ask him to invite on the horizon, with officials www.independent.ie/ The World Puts the Squeeze on Greece – Another Marshall Plan?

Continued from page 1 potential for popular pressure to funds. Barroso said the Euro - get to some of the less commit - pean Commission, which man - and so on. And so in that re - ted MPs (lawmakers),” Robert ages the funds, could accelerate spect, I think the effects in the Ryan, an analyst at BNP Paribas, payments and frontload projects United States would be quite sig - a bank which could take a big to give Greece quick access to nificant,” he added. His remarks hit if Greece defaults, told the about €1 billion — a small frac - amplified how the economic cri - Associated Press. tion of what is available — to sis in a tiny country of 11 million IT DON”T ADD UP boost job creation and help people has the world’s economy Despite growing belief by make Greek businesses more on a precipice of teetering again, many economic analysts that competitive. That money would only three years after a world - Greece will either have to de - come with “tight supervision” wide recession that still has fault or restructure its near $500 and increased technical assis - many countries in a grip. Papan - billion debt and that the country tance for Greek authorities from dreou, as expected, got a vote is being hurt by piling on more the Commission and other EU of confidence from the Parlia - loans and debts and that the aus - states, Barroso stressed. ment he controls and now has terity measures have crippled THE BATTLES RAGE ON to get that same body to approve spending and closed more than All that came as tension ran new austerity measures that 65,000 businesses, the Troika of high in the streets of Athens, have already led to weeks of the European Union-Interna - with 100 members of the pow - nightly sit-ins in Syntagma tional Monetary Fund-European erful GENOP electricity workers Square across the street from a Central Bank is insisting on more union occupying the Transport heavily-guarded Parliament and pay cuts and tax hikes. Critics Ministry to protest plans to pri - a number of protests and riots have said that is protect the in - vatize their company and as between demonstrators and po - terest of French and German AP PHOTO/KOSTAS TSIRONIS workers held rolling 48-hour lice. All 155 lawmakers from Pa - banks who have a high risk of A protestor sits in front of riot police during a peaceful ongoing rally against plans for new aus - strikes causing brief, country- pandreou’s Socialist party voted exposure from lending so much terity measures, outside the Greek Parliament in Athens, June 21. It was a peaceful session. wide blackouts. “Our struggle is to back their leader in the 300- money to Greece, while to protect the last big public seat parliament, eliminating the Bernanke’s comments showed as Portugal, Ireland and Spain, calling for a new approach - a how much,” she said. business of the country,” said chance of early elections. As they how involved American banks and spark financial uncertainty Marshall Plan that would jolt its EASING CASH CRUNCH union President Nikos Fotopou - voted, several thousand protest - are as well with their European across world markets. German economy back to life and give The French government los. “Electrical energy is a public ers outside Parliament chanted counterparts in whom they’ve Chancellor Angela Merkel its citizens new hope. Lawmak - called the Greek confidence vote good and should not be played “Thieves! Thieves!” and riot po - invested. Fearing the financial warned that a default would ers in the European Parliament, “a very important step” toward with.” Papandreou’s Socialist PA - lice guarded the building. “I un - chaos caused by decades of over - have “completely uncontrol - economists and business leaders more European aid for Greece, SOK party has close ties with the derstand the anger, the fear, and spending and packing public lable” consequences on the fi - — including the heads of Ger - although it was a foregone con - union and many lawmakers the question whether we will payrolls with political hirings nancial markets, but she insisted man heavyweights Deutsche clusion, while the European were members and they are said make it,” Papandreou said. “My and that a Greek default would that private creditors should vol - Bank and Allianz — have in - Commission promised to stump to be unhappy with plans to pri - answer is that we have been ignite, EU leaders promised Pa - untarily share the pain of a sec - creased their calls recently for a up some cash to kick-start the vatize but so far have done what making it every day for the last pandreou additional funds to ond Greek bailout. “You can’t stimulus package for Greece, Greek economy if the austerity Papandreou has told them. 20 months, with difficulties and help the shrinking Greek econ - tighten the thumb screws indef - similar to the U.S.-funded Mar - measures are passed. Barroso, Officials from the IMF, the mistakes, with a price to pay and omy to get back on its feet. initely,” warned Andreas Rees, a shall Plan that helped create after pressuring Papandreou to European Commission and Eu - with sacrifices but we are suc - Greece’s creditors, particularly UniCredit economist based in ’s Wirtschaftswunder make more cuts, told the Euro - ropean Central Bank who have ceeding.” its partners in the 17-country Eu - Munich. Yet more austerity — or “economic miracle” - after pean Parliament that existing been overseeing Greece’s finan - Papandreou still needs to rozone, are demanding that Pa - might drown the economy, lead the Second World War. If Papan - funds currently blocked should cial reforms were in Athens to con vince several of his own So - pandreou get parliamentary ap - to lower tax intakes and ulti - dreou does not get the new aus - be freed to push “growth and discuss the new austerity mea - cialist lawmakers to support the proval for $40.24 billion in mately backfire and drive the terity measures passed, the 17- jobs.” But he warned it was tied sures as the political gambits austerity measures. At least one budget cuts and new taxes and debt burden yet higher. Already, nation Eurozone would have to to more austerity measures were being played out, including deputy, Alexandros Athanasi - for a $72 billion sell-off of gov - the Greek economy is expected hold emergency talks and would again. “If Greece can demon - at a critical meeting of EU lead - ades, said he would vote against ernment assists by the end of to shrink 3.7% this year, follow - come under enormous pressure strate that is generally commit - ers in Brussels, seat of the Union. them due to objections about June. Only then, they said, will ing a decline of 4% in 2010 and to find a new solution for the ted to the reform package What no one denies is that selling off state assets, but that they hand over $17 billion in 2% in 2009, while unemploy - debt crisis that threatens all of agreed with the EU and the IMF, Greece is in deep trouble, as it would be offset by a declaration bailout funds that Greece needs ment has shot above 16%. Citi - them. In Berlin, Merkel warned we will accompany Greece on now has to convince not only from a member of the major op - to avoid bankruptcy in mid-July zens who have held on to their that imposing a so-called haircut its journey back to growth,” Bar - the markets that it has the position Conservative New and to be able to keep paying jobs have lost much of their pen - on Greek debt - reducing the roso said. Of the $29 billion in wherewithal to get its finances Democracy Party, Kyriakos Mit - public workers, who make up sion, had their salaries slashed amount to be repaid - would development funds budgeted to back under control, but also its sotakis, who said he would nearly two-thirds of the coun - and face more job cuts in the endanger banks and other cred - help Greece catch up with the own citizens that the efforts are break with his party and vote for try’s workforce and are notori - years to come as Greece slims itors who hold Greek bonds, as richer regions in the 27-nation worth it. “Foremost you need a Papandreou’s plan. “The deal is ous for being unproductive. down its public sector. well as institutions that sold in - EU between 2007 and 2013, strategy for the time after the not yet done and dusted — one A default could drag down As budget cuts and tax in - surance policies against a de - only $7 billion has been paid imminent debt crisis,” said Ul - major risk to the budget may be Greek and European banks, en - creases push Greece deeper into fault. “Nobody around the globe out. The rest is still sitting un - rich Kater, chief economist of the size of street protests be - danger the finances of other recession, politicians, econo - knows exactly who holds those used as Greece struggles to show Germany’s DekaBank. “And that tween now and the vote, with weak Eurozone countries such mists and business leaders are papers, who will have to pay it can come up with matching has to be a growth strategy.” Greek Women Try to Soften the Blow of Austerity With Old Measures

Continued from page 1 rate for Greek women fell 0.8% managed to open small busi - A new law, foreseeing just restaurants where employers of - must employ babysitters. As cut - in the period. nesses. Others, failing to find one hiring for every five depar - ten do not pay social security backs close state daycare cen - 17.9%, compared with an aver - THEY’RE NOT CLEANING UP jobs, moved abroad. tures in the civil service, will af - contributions. As these jobs are ters, more women will be age of 9.7% in the 27-member “This shows that Greek Oxana Ovseenko, for exam - fect women more than men. Of not recorded, there are no sta - obliged to hire domestic work - European Union. For Greek women ventured into the labor ple, came to Athens in 1997 Greece’s female university grad - tistics, but anecdotal evidence ers, but dwindling salaries will women aged 29 and under, the market in a bid to cushion the from Ukraine. She has worked uates, up to 60% traditionally suggests a trend. Anna mean a struggle to pay the help. rate stood at 33%. Joblessness impact of the recession on their ever since as a cleaner in the of - enter the public sector, accord - Stylianou, 29, lives in the north - “This is an expense that fewer among men increased by about family’s income but often failed fices of a shipping company, ing to Ms. Karamesini, of Pan - ern port of Salonika where un - and fewer women will be able the same rate, reaching 11.5 to find a job, at least one that is sending money to her husband teion University. employment among women is to afford,” said Maria Stratigaki, percent compared to a Euro - reported to the government,” and son who earn a pittance as “The state used to represent above 20%. A qualified nurse head of the government’s gen - pean Union (EU) average of said Paul Swaim, principal labor security guards back home. “In a guaranteed source of employ - unable to find work, she took a eral secretariat for gender equal - 9.5%. The spike in male unem - economist at the OECD. Mr. my country, all women work ment for women and had part-time job at a cafe in Febru - ity. Her office has recently cre - ployment reflects months of lay - Swaim noted that in Spain, and they have to keep the family boosted gender equality,” she ary when her husband’s salary ated a phone line for victims of offs that have fueled frequent where unemployment among together, too,” said Ms. said. “This is a big step back - at a construction firm was cut domestic violence. She said such angry protests in Athens. But women is above 20%, there had Ovseenko, 50, who was a textile ward.” A tough austerity pro - in half. With a total monthly in - violence did not show up in sta - there have been no mass redun - been a similar reaction. In Ire - factory worker back home. gram leaves the government lit - come of €1,200, or $1,750, and tistics, but seemed to be rising. dancies in female-dominated ar - land, also weathering a tough Although the Greek economy tle scope for initiative. In a rumors of layoffs at the com - “Open a newspaper any day and eas like the public sector and recession, discouraged women is very different to the post-So - statement in April, Greece’s La - pany, the couple’s childbearing you’ll see at least one report the service industry - at least not tended to give up the job search. viet one, Greek women face sim - bor Minister, Louka Katseli, her - plans are on hold. “We can’t about a killing or beating in the yet. So the main reason for the In the 1990’s, after the fall of ilar challenges — and the same alded two new programs aimed have a baby with all this uncer - home,” she said. rise in women’s unemployment Communism, many women in lack of options. Both private and at integrating women into the tainty,” Ms. Stylianou said. Violence in the home often would appear to be the unsuc - former Soviet and East Euro - public sectors are contracting. job market and encouraging Some mothers in low-income rises when money worries add cessful search for jobs. pean countries became the main Tourism is virtually the only sec - them to start their own busi - groups have been overwhelmed to tension, Mrs. Karamesini said. Economists at the Organiza - breadwinners - or tried to - after tor driving the Greek economy, nesses. But she also recognized by the cost of raising children. “I don’t know of a household tion for Economic Cooperation their husbands lost their jobs in and even it has been hit by the the hurdles. “Women who have SOS Children’s Villages, a char - that is free of tension right now,” and Development (OECD) in the transition to a market econ - crisis, though there are signs of lost their jobs or who were not ity organization that provides she said. She is worried that jug - Paris are drawing the same con - omy. Many women also lost jobs a recovery this year as unrest in working due to external factors housing for children in several gling motherhood with working clusion. According to the after the closure of Soviet-era the Middle East diverts visitors now face great difficulties in cities, including Athens and Sa - life will become increasingly un - agency, the labor force partici - factories and plants. Some re - to Greece from places like Egypt, reentering the market,” she lonika, reported a 45% increase affordable, and that the already pation rate among Greek sorted to menial work, often be - Tunisia and Morocco. The noted. in applications from single plummeting birth rate of 1.3 women (those either employed ing paid under the table, while prospects for female entrepre - GONE BABY, GONE mothers last year. children per woman may fall or actively looking for a job) in - caring for children and trying to neurs are also slim as small busi - With full-time jobs increas - Although traditionally tight still further. “How are women creased 2.9% over the past three console unemployed spouses nesses, which constitute 96% of ingly elusive, many women are family bonds mean many Greek going to have children in such a years - nearly triple the 1% EU who lapsed into apathy, alcohol all enterprises in Greece, are settling for part-time work like women benefit from relatives difficult job market?” she asked. average. But the employment abuse or violence. A handful closing at a rate of one in four. waiting on tables in cafes and that help with childcare, others “It’s a lost generation.” 8 EDITORIALS LETTERS THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 25 - JULY 1, 2011

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The National Herald A weekly publication of the NATIONAL HERALD, INC. Greece Pushed Us to they were unwilling to eliminate money than I would in Greece their dependency on their gov - (ΕΘΝΙΚΟΣ ΚΗΡΥΞ), America, and Opportunity the corruption and irresponsible by simply living off my unem - ernment and its entitlements, reporting the news and addressing the issues of paramount interest economic policies that lead to the ployment benefits. I hope that work harder, and elect their rep - to the Greek American community of the United States of America. To the Editor: collapse. Even within my personal someday Greece will be able to resentatives based on their merit. It was really moving to read circle I found many friends, for - offer its youth the opportunities Thanks again for your won - Publisher-Editor Antonis H. Diamataris such a warm hearted article es - mer colleagues, and classmates, that they deserve. In my view this derful article. Assistant to Publisher, Advertising Veta H. Diamataris Papadopoulos pecially since I am one of the lat - whom I considered to be more can only happen if my fellow Alexander Skouras Executive Editor Andy Dabilis est additions to the Greek com - qualified than myself, to be un - Greek compatriots decide to end Arlington, VA 22201 On Line Assistant Editor Christos Tripoulas munity in America. I am the son employed with no end in sight. Production Manager Chrysoula Karametros of a repatriated Greek-American Multiple efforts to find a new job Webmaster Alexandros Tsoukias family. I always felt proud for were not even answered despite both of my countries. I lived my the fact that I was sometimes The National Herald (USPS 016864) is published weekly by entire life in Greece where I even overqualified for the posi - The National Herald Inc. at 37-10 30th Street, LIC, NY 11101-2614 earned a bachelor’s degree from tions I applied for. fotograffiti Tel: (718)784-5255, Fax: (718)472-0510, the American College of Greece Despite this situation, I would e-mail: [email protected] and worked for 5 years in the pri - have never considered leaving vate sector in managerial posi - my country of birth, family and Democritou 1 and Academias Sts, Athens, 10671, Greece tions. Recently, before I left loved ones if I believed that I Tel: 011.30.210.3614.598, Fax: 011.30.210.3643.776, e-mail: Greece, I also became a postgrad - would still have a reasonable [email protected] uate student at the George Wash - chance to achieve my dreams ington University pursuing an on - there. This overpowering hope - Subscriptions by mail : 1 year $66.00, 6 months $33.00, 3 months $22.00, 1 month $11.00 Home delivery NY, NJ, CT: 1 year $88.00, 6 months $48.00, line Master’s in Political lessness filled my heart as I was 3 months $33.00, 1 month $14.00 Management. Your article oblig - watching the daily news irre - Home delivery New England States : ated me, as part of this new breed sponsibly spreading fear and in - 1 year $109.00, 6 months $57.00, 3 months $41.00, 1 month $18.00 of immigrants you described, to security, or as my friends and fel - On line subscription : Subscribers to the print edition: 1 year $34.95, 6 months $23.95, 3 months $14.95; Non subscribers : 1 year $45.95, 6 months $29.95, 3 months $18.95 share with you and the rest of low patriots who lost their jobs your readers the reasons that led suffered. This feeling of empti - Periodical postage paid at L.I.C., N.Y. and additional mailing offices. me to America. ness, numbness and insecurity re - Postmaster send change of address to: Last March I was informed by garding my future was ultimately my company that the branch I the driving force that brought me THE NATIONAL HERALD, 37-10 30th Street, LIC, NY 11101-2614 managed would shut down due to America. I knew I needed to to the economic crisis. Immedi - leave the country of my birth and ately I started thinking of my next embark on a new challenge. move. Unfortunately it didn’t take Currently I am working as an AP PHOTO/THANASSIS STAVRAKIS) me long to discover that right intern at a prestigious public pol - Jim Jones Special A thank you, from Greece now Greece is currently an inhos - icy think tank while continuing pitable place for young individu - my postgraduate studies. After For just a split second, Greece’s new Finance Minister Evan - Nothing shows the extent of the improvement in Greek American als with ambition and aspirations. three hard years I am finally op - gelos Venizelos wondered if he should hire a drink tester relations as do the recent remarks of the President of Hellas, Karolos The uninspiring actions of the timistic about my future, even after Prime Minster George Papandreou ordered for him. Papoulias. Greek government illustrated that though I currently earn less Papoulias received a group of Greek American youth, part of a trip organized by the Hellenic American Institute to Greece to famil - iarize them with the motherland. What Papoulias told them would be unthinkable in the past few ΛΟΓΟΣ decades. In fact it is reminiscent of the "Thank you" Prime Minister Simitis gave President Bill Clinton the day of the peaceful resolution of the Imia crisis that would have almost certainly led Greece and Turkey to war if it were not for Mr. Clinton. Mr. Simitis was widely O Canada, America’s Role Model, Greek Trailblazer criticised for it. "I want to thank President Obama," said President Papoulias, "for his interest in the difficult period Greece is going through. And he I was living in Toronto when with him. I never jority government. Athens, as well as business lead - spoke to the European leaders and especially to Mrs. Merkel and the movie My Big Fat Greek have felt “a thrill He now has four ers, with the goal of strengthen - Mr. Sarkozy. This is very important. We do not forget it. I thank him Wedding was being filmed. Ac - going up my leg” more years to lead ing bilateral relations between personally and I hope to meet with him and discuss our common in - tress and filmmaker Nia Varda - when Obama his country and has Canada and Greece. Harper and terests and our common dreams." Papoulias’ comments make official los is a Canadian of Greek her - spoke. His “Ameri - growing popular Papandreou signed a bilateral what is obvious to all: a massive change in the attitude of our Greek itage. There is a large and proud can Idol Meets the support (gained agreement on youth mobility. brothers and sisters towards the U.S., along with a change in the Greek Canadian population in Apprentice” ap - from respect) to “Our government values the ex - opposite direction when it comes to the Europeans, and especially Toronto and its Greektown Taste proach to leader - achieve his aims. cellent relationship it shares with the Germans. of the Danforth, now in its 17th ship has done a dis - Already, Canada Greece and is proud to further It may be the moment for Greeks to ask themselves what gained year, is one of the city’s signature service to the Office has taken bold ini - strengthen the ties between our from turning against the U.S. in a general, thoughtless way in the events, showcasing the best of of the Presidency tiatives to deal with two countries,” said Harper. He first place? Hellenic food, culture, and mu - and contributed to the country’s eco - went on to say that this “agree - It is true that the Greek people - and especially – sic. its decline. I grew by Dr. ALEX nomic issues and ment will empower youth to had-and continue to have- legitimate grievances against the U.S. for Toronto, of course, is not the up respecting this PATTAKOS has made its mark broaden their horizons and de - its insensitivity concerning the invasion of their country and their only place in Canada with a size - office and, as a life - on foreign affairs velop a better understanding of thousands of refugees. Greeks of Greece too have legitimate concerns able and concentrated population long student and Special to (economic sanc - each other’s cultures. Their ex - regarding America’s blind eye to the continuous provocations of the of citizens of Greek origin. Mon - professor of govern - The National Herald tions against Syria periences abroad will enhance Turks in the Aegean and the mistreatment of the Patriarchate. The treal, and Vancouver have signif - ment and politics, and the oppressive their personal and professional U.S. is supposedly neutral, yet this stance in effect favors the Turks. icant numbers of Greek Canadi - have always held those in regime of President Bashar al- development, giving them a com - Now the situation has changed. The people of Greece are turning ans. While the broadly defined elected public office, especially Assad) in ways that warrant em - petitive edge in the job market.” again to the U.S. for hope, not because any one of these issues has Greek “community” may be the President, to a higher stan - ulation by the US. Closer to The arrangement intends to been resolved, but because another issue has come up, the financial smaller in other provinces when dard. Seeking popularity over “home” is the approach taken by make it easier for Canadian and crisis, in which the U.S. is seen as taking on a relatively friendly role compared to Ontario, the foot - earning respect has never been Canada to build relations with Greek youth to travel and work toward Greece. print and influence of the Greek the most important part of this Greece. During his first foreign in each other’s country. As a re - This may not be sophisticated reasoning, but it is the way the population across Canada are no - standard of conduct. When it trip since winning a majority, sult, young people will gain valu - world works. Let’s hope that the friendship between our two countries table. Like the US, Canada is a comes to managing the public’s Harper led an official delegation able life experiences, be able to grows by leaps and bounds and that it will be based on a strong multi-cultural nation. But unlike business, it’s better to have lead - to the Hellenic Republic. He in - build international networks, and foundation - so that we avoid possible future disappointment. the US, Canada appears to be es - ers and representatives who say vited AHEPA Canadian President acquire skills and work experi - pecially proud of its citizens of what they mean and mean what Nick Aroutzidis to participate. ences to help them succeed in an Greek heritage. At least this seems they say and “walk the talk.” This honor was the first time that increasingly globalized society. Isaiah’s problem to be the case when viewed from Harper could teach Obama an AHEPA Canadian President While in Greece, Harper broad - Ottawa, the capital of Canada, in about governing. Obama should was asked to participate in a del - ened his horizons and developed comparison to the view from the make note of what has been egation to Greece and, according a better understanding of Greek Why would Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver insist upon splitting White House. Canadian Prime happening with Canada’s econ - to Mr. Aroutzidis, “was a testa - culture. He visited Kalavryta, fa - up the Greek Church of Greater Salt Lake in Utah? It is difficult to Minister Stephen Harper has omy. Canada is leading the way ment to the myriad of contribu - mous for developments that oc - understand. It is also hard to understand his insistence on defying demonstrated a commitment to toward economic recovery in tions the AHEPA Family in curred on March 21, 1821, which the decision of the Holy Eparchial Synod asking him not to proceed his Greek citizens and their home - ways that the US could only Canada makes to our communi - ignited the Greek War of Inde - with those plans and apparently nobody can do anything about it. land that is extraordinary and wish for under its current policy ties on a consistent basis.” It’s pendence. How many times has Or can they? overshadows any rhetoric we direction. Like Greece, the US is also a testament to Harper and our President set foot on Greek The Metropolitan’s actions, orchestrated by Father Michael may hear coming from President fast approaching a cliff and no his administration for recogniz - soil, experienced firsthand the Kouremetis , to divide and conquer the community are bizarre. Barack Obama. Apparently, our amount of putting our collective ing the strategic importance of spirit of the Greek people in the Why would a Metropolitan destroy a well-managed, well-financed, “American Idol” President doesn’t heads in the sand is going to Greece to Canada, along with Cradle of Democracy, and expanding community built by volunteers who devoted endless think there are enough votes stop the country from following leverage potential of the Greek demonstrated he was committed hours to it and - on top of that – attempt to ruin the good name of coming from Greek Americans to our homeland into the abyss. Canadian community to advance to building and strengthening bi - upscale, widely-respected members of the community, is truly im - warrant giving them serious at - This is not a time for relying on his aims. lateral relations between the USA possible to comprehend. tention. And this says nothing the “audacity of hope!” We It is perhaps no coincidence and Greece? It is now up to the people of that community to block his deci - about following through with should be consulting our neigh - that Harper traveled to Greece sion. But it also falls upon the Synod to take the appropriate steps many of the campaign promises bor to the north before we reach following the G-8 meeting to Dr. Pattakos, author of to enforce its decision. he made to secure votes and fi - the point of no return. meet Greek Prime Minister Prisoners of Our Thoughts, is Barring that, the Ecumenical Patriarchate should remind Isaiah nancial support from Greek Coming off an historic elec - George Papandreou. Optimistic co-founder of The OPA! Way, a that there is a higher authority that doesn’t take the destruction of America. tion win just last month, Conser - and confident that the Greek sov - business initiative based on a beautiful and - until recently - united community lightly. I’ve never been impressed vative leader Harper has ereign debt crisis will be man - Greek culture. Readers may with Mr. Obama and have emerged as a much more pow - aged, Harper made contacts with contact him at: aleko@theop - Bernake on Greek default grown increasingly disappointed erful prime minister with a ma - state and political leadership in away.com COMMENTARY Incredibly two of the questions posed to Ben Bernanke, Chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank during his press conference on Wednes - day, had to do with Greece. Would Greece default, he was asked and if she did, what would Turkish Stratejik Derinlik, Greeks’ Never-Ending Nap the effect be on Europe and the U.S.? His answers are the stuff of newspaper headlines. He painted a darker picture, much darker than anyone in such a position has be - Recently, the New York Times of a domestic issue than a foreign Turkish American Community is Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan fore. ran a lengthy article about the one, criticism must far wealthier, (frequently named among Concerning the crisis itself, he called it "very important and very astounding development of Turk - not only be limited greater in number, Gulen’s most prominent follow - difficult. " As for the impact it might have on the U.S., he stated that ish charter school across the to a lack of imagina - and dynamic that ers,) it’s hard to argue that a "disorderly default " of Greece could "roil global financial markets. United States. There are 120 of tion on behalf of the Greek American Turkey hasn’t been achieving this. To that extent that the impact on America could be quite significant." these schools, believed to be Greek politicians, Community, al - The country has been making "We've been," he responded, "very assiduous in examining the linked to Fethullah Gulen, whom but also a lack of dy - though it’s not. major strides economically and exposure of financial institutions to so-called peripheral countries. the Times describes as “a charis - namism, planning, Of course, these diplomatically, and solidified its We've asked the banks to do stress tests to see what the effects on matic Turkish preacher of a mod - and interest from schools have had claims to regional leadership. Its their capital would be if Greece defaulted. And the effects are very erate brand of Islam whose devo - the Greek American their problems with economy is so productive that small. However, as we saw in a small situation last spring a disorderly tees have built a worldwide Community. The the U.S. govern - just a few weeks ago it came default in one of these countries would roil global financial markets. religious, social and nationalistic Turkish schools span ment agencies, ei - close to winning a bid to produce To that extent the impact on America could be quite significant." movement in his name.” The 25 states. Thirty- ther because they New York City’s next fleet of taxi - There are, then, two main parts to the Greek issue as the Fed sheer number of schools he’s three of them, lo - are allegedly cir - cabs. Where is Greece in all this? Chairman sees it. Part one is that Greece is headed for default and managed to build since his arrival cated in Texas alone, by Christopher cumventing labor The homeland is facing its own Part Two is that the Europeans should do whatever it takes to make to the U.S. in 1999 shows his ef - are run by Harmony TRIPOULAS law by bringing in problems, now that default is vir - certain that default is orderly so as to avoid hurting the American ficiency and commitment to the Schools, Cosmos Special to so many expatriate tually certain. But what about the and world financial markets. task and indicates the importance Foundation: “A The National Herald Turkish teachers, or ? Greek Ameri - As for the Europeans, Bernanke’s remarks could only be charac - the new group of Turkish elite charter school oper - are under scrutiny cans seem to be thriving, ex - terized as usual if not intended to scare the markets and the Euro - places on education. For some ator founded a decade ago by a for inappropriately spending pub - celling in per capita income and peans into action. In which direction to take action you decide. years now, it was evident that group of professors and business - lic money, as the Times wrote. education levels, but as a group, The chairman of the Fed, went so far as to state that the Greek Turkey made it a point to invest men from Turkey - has moved The point is that the Turkish it’s hard to share the same opti - crises threatened even the political unity of Europe could be: heavily in Turkish Studies Pro - quickly to become the largest charter school achievement has mism. "Question: Mr. Chairman, could you describe the situation in grams at U.S. universities. Turkey charter school operator in Texas, left the Greek American Commu - From the Church in America Greece and in Europe, whether it was discussed at the meeting, and has even been accused of with 33 schools receiving more nity eating its dust, a real shame, to local associations, societies, what policy conclusions were reached? bankrolling academicians (pri - than $100 million a year in tax - because Greek Americans are not federations, and larger umbrella Bernanke: Well, with respect to Greece, that's obviously very im - marily historians) to deny the Ar - payer funds,” it was reported in lacking in know-how or re - groups, there seems to be no un - portant that -- it's a very difficult situation...I think the Europeans menian Genocide and other the press, which added: “The sources. What they are lacking in derlying inspiration or guiding appreciate the incredible importance of resolving the Greek situation. atrocities. The brilliance behind group is the leading edge of a is some Stratejik Derinlik, Strate - vision. Everyone appears to be in If there were a failure to resolve that situation, it would pose threats the charter schools is that Amer - network of businesses and orga - gic Depth, title of a highly touted the rat race for themselves, and to the European financial system and to European political unity, I ican taxpayers are financing nizations run by Turkish immi - book by Turkish Foreign Ministry Stratejik Derinlik is nothing more would conjecture, as well...” them. What’s even more trou - grants. The businesses include Ahmet Davutoglou. One of the than a funny sounding foreign Scary stuff. bling about this latest success of vendors selling school , points it makes is the importance word that means nothing. Greek However Mr. Bernanke raises, by implication, another related Turkish strategy is the ineffi - uniforms, after-school programs, of using culture and history to Americans should learn it fast be - question: If the financial situation in Greece is hopeless, if the only ciency of the Greek strategy. Web design, teacher training and promote a nation’s geopolitical fore the word Omogenia starts to question that remains to be settled is between an orderly and an There are about 10 Greek charter special education assessments.” importance. After the latest land - sound just as foreign, and the disorderly default, then what must the Greek government and people schools, 12 times fewer. With these numbers, one slide election victory of the ruling words raya and janissary start to do? Wait for the inevitable or be proactive? Since charter schools are more would be led to believe that the Turkish party headed by Prime sound all too familiar once again. THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 25 - JULY 1, 2011 VIEWPOINTS 9 LETTER FROM ATHENS Sad Saga of Missing Pages in Greek American History

Greeks Wanted Hope, They By Steve Frangos scure academic journals. At the Greek academic can not simply in fact a blurring of those gen - very least, why has no one have their university presses res. No standard historical ac - reprinted Theodore Saloutos’ print a book at his or her com - OUT OF PRINT Got The Papandreou Shuffle count on the Greeks in the landmark history, The Greeks in mand, no matter what they may The voices within many of United States is now in print. I the United States or even Charles tell you. They need community these new Greek American vol - do not mean a specialist’s study Moskos’ Struggle and Success? support. umes are mixed. Instead of a sin - Greek Prime requisite for being a on some arcane feature of the This goes beyond simply being It is also very obviously the gle narrator telling his or her life Minister George Minister. Venizelos Greek experience in North Amer - lazy or indifferent - it moves into case that Greek America is at a story exclusively from their own Papandreou’s tried two years ago ica. I mean a readable historical the realm of cultural suicide. An - unique historical moment. More point of view, these new Greek timid shake-up of to replace Papan - narrative on the arrival and es - other unfortunate twist is that Greek Orthodox Church commit - American biographies jump from his wounded Cab - dreou as the leader tablishment of the 1890 to 1920 no matter where the current gen - tees, Greek fraternal organiza - one character’s perspective to an - inet, in which Fi - of the Socialist PA - wave of Greeks into this country. eration of Greek academics may tions, and individual Greeks are other. Given that these Greek nance Minister SOK party but Pa - This gross omission occurs at a find themselves, teaching the writing and publishing local American writers have little or George Papacon - pandreou beat him time when more Greeks and per - prevalent interpretative orienta - community histories than at any absolutely no contact with each stantinou, who has like a rented mule sons of Greek descent hold more tion seems to place contempo - other time in our collective ex - other only strengthens the argu - a background in fi - so maybe this is Pa - academic degrees and teach at rary Greek cultural views above perience. This New Preservation ment that deep commonly expe - nance but was pandreou’s revenge, all levels of the education system all others in World Hellenism. By Movement is being conducted by rienced social forces are at work born without a throwing Venizelos in North America than at any definition, the historical and cul - an extremely small group of in - all across Greek America. An - charisma gene, by ANDY to the wolves out - other time in history. It is also tural experiences of Greeks in dividuals principally consisting other point about self-publishing was replaced by DABILIS side the doors of the case that more Modern Africa, America, Australia and of the children of the 1890 to that many individuals have Defense Minister Parliament and gov - Greek Studies Programs, as well elsewhere do not always and on shared with me is the question Evangelos Venize - Special to ernment, the scores as those related to the Greek Di - all occasions circle around those of editing. Greeks don’t like to los, who has no The National Herald of thousands of In - aspora, are now available at of the nation state of Greece. “So we find circles be edited. They fear their work background in fi - dignants camped more American universities than WE WON’T PAY within circles of will altered by someone totally nance but knows he’s smarter night after night in Syntagma at any other time in history. Ac - Even local historians working disregard, disinterest, unqualified. That is why I have than Papandreou, is reminiscent Square and to the next series of cording to the United States Cen - within their home communities never accepted any of the offers of the story about Allied Prison - riots coming after working class sus, Greeks are among the most receive little support for their re - and apathy. Fine...” I have received, so far, to write a ers of War in a World War II Greeks will be told their pay will educated and wealthiest people, search. Various local historians I history of Greeks in North Amer - camp complaining they’d not be cut 100% so Members of Par - counted among their own num - have spoken with have told me 1920 wave of immigration and ica. had a change of underwear in liament can get another raise. bers, in the United States of essentially the same story. Once those Greeks who came to the If things stay as they are into months. The Nazi Commandant, If they’re lucky, maybe the In - America. Wouldn’t you suppose a church history is available and United States between 1965 and the foreseeable future then any who, like Papandreou, knows dignants can catch some an educated person might be cu - for sale, few within the commu - 1985. This is a socially organic histories of Greeks in North how to seize a moment and dis - chicken bones thrown out of the rious about the group from nity will pay for a copy while movement clearly arising out of America you are going to find arm opponents, called a camp window of Parliament. which they hail? nearly everyone expects to be a commonly experienced belief are out of print books many first meeting and had the itchy pris - What’s complicating any so - Let’s face some hard realities. given one for free! In speaking that their individual and collec - written over 30 to 50 years ago oners line up. “I huf good news lution is that real needed re - All the “history” Greek Ameri - with many of these local histori - tive history as Greeks in North or those historical accounts gen - und I huf bad news,” he said, forms are caught up in the cans are generally interested in ans, it is also the case that they America is not being docu - erated from within the commu - slapping a swagger stick against machinations of the Greek pub - is about themselves, their imme - are largely uninterested in the mented. The proof of this claim nity. his burnished black jackboots. lic work force, which has hun - diate family, and their closest cir - research of those Greek-Ameri - is in the similarity of the social Curiously enough, in Byzan - The prisoners didn’t know what dreds of thousands of unneeded cle of friends. The late Arch - can historians outside their com - organizations and the historical tine times, chronologies written to think until he said: “The good workers, so instead of getting bishop Iakovos hired the Gallup munities. So we find circles publications they are now issu - by local Greek priests and news is that there vil be a rid of redundant civil servants – Group sometime in the early within circles of disregard, dis - ing. wealthy well-educated mer - change uf undervear.” They votes - Papandreou cut all their 1980’s, I believe, to survey Greek interest, and apathy. Fine, so Compounding this fact is that chants are often all we now have smiled until he said, pointing at salaries in return for getting a America. Among the polled find - what does all that have to do individual Greeks from all in terms of the history and cul - ings was that the printed source with just having a reliable 200 around the country are publish - tural experiences of various re - most Greek-Americans turned to to 300-page history on Greeks in ing and often self-publishing gions. While I would personally read about other Greeks was the United States? Well, if no one their own biographies. Many of like to see more of the commu - their home church’s bulletin. can benefit from it and no one these published accounts fall into nity-based histories published it Academics do not want to waste wants to read it, why bother to the well-recognized genres of au - is still a disgrace that no readable their time on any topics that will raise the issue at all? Well, for a tobiography and biographies. historical account on the Greeks not immediately advance their number of reasons. First, yes it Others do not and here we find in the United States is now in careers. Business is business. is absolutely true, there are more ourselves once again in a puz - print. No one will be Greek for Many academics preen about as Studies Programs zling and sociologically interest - us. If the strongest aspect of our Greek-American historians after and classes on the Greek Dias - ing realm. Many of these Greek collective experience is hate and one or two generally unreadable pora at more American universi - American ‘biographies’ are in fact jealousy for one another then and mostly unavailable to the ties than at any other time in his - neither autobiographies nor bi - what can we expect from the rest general public publications in ob - tory. But even the most powerful ographies by any definition, but of humanity? A Daughter Remembers Her Father on Father’s Day

By Christina Hiotis those days. Ours was no differ - Nothing will be impossible for ent. His last prayers of the day you.” For the past 16 years I have were before he went to sleep. Fr. My father was such a strong been involved with the work of Thanasis Nainos, the pastor of believer in the power of prayers the Philoptochos. It has involved St. Nicholas in Doxa in 2005 that when my elder brother countless hours spent attending when I was visiting there, told Nikos was diagnosed with sup - and conducting meetings, con - me that when he was a little boy posedly incurable cancer and the ventions, domestic and overseas in the village and used to see my doctors said he had six months AP PHOTO/DImITRI mESSINIS trips, baking cookies, planning father bowing down in front of to live, my father used to leave Greek Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Evangelos special events, giving speeches, the Church, it instilled the re - the house early in the morning Venizelos talks at the Parliament, in Athens on Tuesday June serving coffee and holding do - spect, veneration, and holiness and disappear in the wilderness 21, 2011, just before PM George Papandreou won a key vote nation trays at the church, and of the Church in his mind. My on the outskirts of the village and of confidence needed to now persuade lawmakers to adopt myriad of other chores. The father would help the widows, pray for my brother’s recovery another round of austerity measures that the Troika wants. Philoptochos Ladies Society was the orphans, and the very poor until sundown. He continued to established in 1931 by the then in many ways. He used to wait pray in this manner every day one prisoner and another and series of $155 billion in rescue Archbishop Athenagoras as the until the sun was down and then for months on end close to a another, “The bad news is that loans from the Troika of the Eu - official philanthropic auxiliary of send me and my younger brother year. Miraculously my brother you vil change vif you, und you ropean Union-International the Archdiocese in America. Demetri to their homes carrying recovered and his cancer went vil change vif you.” Monetary Fund-European Cen - Philoptochos activities and work with us , oil, , into remission. However, my fa - That’s what working Greeks, tral Bank, which holds the mort - has taken away valuable time chicken, and wine. He always ther died in 1986 from the same desperate for relief from a year gage on Greece. Papandreou that I could have instead spent used to say that “what your right form of cancer. My cousin Nikos of crushing austerity measures couldn’t sell that snake oil to the with my daughters, my grand - hand does, your left hand should says that knowing my father’s de - that included deep pay cuts for people, nor could Papaconstan - children, my brothers and sisters, not know.” Therefore it was al - votion to his children it would them and big tax hikes, and im - tinou, who couldn’t sell heaters and other members of my ex - ways in the darkness of the night Yiannis Damalas not be unthinkable if he had punity for the rich, politicians, to Eskimos, so Papandreou tended family. Being a single that we were sent to take these prayed to God to save my and tax evaders, were hoping wants Venizelos to try. Good mother, sometimes that feeling food staples to the homes of the church on Sunday and, after tak - brother and take him instead. for a day after Papandreou’s luck. Venizelos has been Minis - gnaws at me and sometimes my needy. ing communion, to head home COATS FOR THE POOR shameless gambit in which he ter of Press, Minister of Trans - children even asked me, “Mom, However what he did in the directly because “you have re - My father owned only one faked a proposed resignation port and Communications, Min - why are you at the Church, and brightness of the daylight was to ceived Jesus in you and you must coat. My mother used to nag him and a coalition government if ister of Culture, and Minister of not with us.” I have often con - invite them to his home and sleep at least half an hour” be - to get at least one more but he his rival, the main opposition Development, but his latest go- templated that question myself share a bite to eat and have a fore you do anything else, never would always refuse saying, “If Conservative New Democracy round as Defense Minister suits at times. In moments of reflec - cup of Greek coffee or a glass of to steal, never to lie, and to be you have two coats, give one to party head Antonis Samaras him best for dealing with the tion the answer has appeared to wine. Some of these people were good people and to love God, the poor.” Years later I read in would agree to everything he people, which the government me. I am inclined in that direc - strangers and some were so far love their family, and love the Luke 3:11: “If you have two said. Samaras, who is about as sees as the enemy, so the pro - tion because of what I saw my down on their luck that few people of their village. I believe coats, give one to the poor. If you exciting as watching paint dry testers had better hope he does - father doing in his life and show - would look at them and fewer those were the outer limits of his have food, share it with those and makes the glamorless, hu - n’t call in an air strike the next ing me the way from his personal yet would help them. Some of world, the world he lived in. I who are hungry.” When my fa - morless Papandreou look like a time they try to surround the example. My father Yiannis them were older people whose was fortunate to have the oppor - ther passed away my mother rock star by comparison, didn’t Parliament. Venizelos is a pretty Damalas was a simple man who children had moved away in tunity to visit Greece every sum - placed the only coat he had take the bait, maybe because smart guy whose intelligence is led a simple life. He was born in search of a livelihood. In dis - mer for many years and to enjoy owned in his casket. The epitaph they once roomed together at always overwhelmed by his am - a small village called Doxa, a putes, sometimes domestic and his company and spend time on his grave reads: “Love Your Amherst College in Massachu - bition, so Papandreou is using hilly terrain in Gortinia-, marital, and sometimes more with him. It was spiritually up - Neighbor as You Love Yourself,” setts and got to know each Venizelos’ own weight against Greece. Most of its inhabitants mundane, the neighbors or vil - lifting to hear him bless me and a code he so fervently believed other’s habits. Papandreou, a de - him, which war - were farmers like my father was. lagers would ask my father to my family. “Dirt you will touch, in and so perfectly practiced all cent man, who, like his New riors did using the first martial My earliest remembrance of my mediate because of his patience and gold it will become,” he through his life. On June 19th, Democracy predecessor, Costas art of Pankration to defeat a big - father was him tending his to listen carefully to both sides would dispense his wishes and we l celebrated Father’s Day. Karamanlis, doesn’t have the ger opponent. groves, orchards, and fields and and the respect he commanded blessings to us. Every time when Every Father’s Day I see people, stomach to go after powerful tax Papandreou decided to dance his herd of animals. He grew to make his opinions and sug - it came time to depart and say who are fortunate enough and evaders who are the country’s this jig because even some of his , , and corn. He gestions palatable to both par - goodbye to him to come back to lucky to have their fathers living, real problem, is hoping that re - own Members of Parliament, a raised honeybees and harvested ties. One of my recollections the U.S. he would stand in the buy gifts for their fathers. And I arranging the deck chairs on the submissive lot, were starting to honey. He had a herd of cows, from the time when I was very balcony waving his handkerchief think of the gifts that my father Titanic will convince Greeks to mutiny after a survey showed , and , besides a horse little is standing by the roadside watching our car go through the has left for me and my family: shoot themselves in the head af - PASOK’s popularity fell 21% in and a donkey for transportation. holding my father’s hand and my seemingly never-ending curves the gift of love, hope, and ter he shot them in the foot, but one month, leading two of them Cows were used for farming and father counseling a man and turns of the hills around prayers. And the gift of his teach - he’ll have about as much chance to resign, and others to speak goats and sheep were to feed his mounted on his horse leaving his Doxa until he disappeared be - ings he inculcated in us: faith, as convincing Samaras to be - up, which Mr. Open Door Policy family and to feed the poor and wife and kids in a marital dispute hind the horizon. humility, honesty, truth, patience, come a Communist. Venizelos doesn’t allow. “The political sys - needy. He brewed his own wine. for another woman who lived in My father’s devotion to his prayers, perseverance, hard will also become a Deputy Prime tem is rotting ... The country is He had one friend in particular a nearby village where the man family was legendary. He gave work, contentment, uncondi - Minister, although Papandreou not being governed the way it who was also a farmer and had worked. My father was able to time to every one of my brothers tional love of family, God, and already has one in Theodoros should be,” said Socialist Deputy a farm nearby who was not that convince the man to stay with and sisters. He would listen to people, and our village (which I Pangalos, who, like Venizelos is Nikos Salagianis. “A reshuffle well-off that my father would the family. But apparently my fa - our problems and would offer took it to mean as our country.) both an intellectual and physical will not resolve the country’s generously share his farm’s out - ther’s pleadings fell on deaf ears words of solace, advice, and He used to teach us to forgive heavyweight, so these two will problems.” This job needs a put with. My father started work - and were not fruitful for any guidance. Even after I was mar - people and if someone slapped never see face-to-face because math teacher, not an English ing at the crack of dawn and length of time because years ried and settled in the United our face to give them the other they can’t get that close to each teacher, or, as Papandreou really would continue until late in the later, during my last trip to States, whenever the stresses of cheek. He would counsel us to other. is, a Non-Governmental Organi - day but Sunday was a day for Greece, I met the man’s son from everyday life would overwhelm not do anything to others that we So exactly how does playing zation personality. He made a church, family, and rest. He the first wife who told me that me or if I was sick or going would not want them to do to musical chairs and moving ma - few other irrelevant changes to never worked on Sunday but his father had left them nonethe - through some difficulty I would us. He told us to defend and pro - nure around the barnyard make his broken Cabinet, people who church was mandatory even less shortly thereafter. instinctively start writing a letter tect the weak and to serve them any difference to solving will do nothing except collect fat when he was not well or running A TRUE BELIEVER to my father thus: “Patera Mou” and not only that but also to help Greece’s plight? It’s like telling pay checks while ordinary a high fever. My father served on the …….and then I would pour my those who protect and serve the high school math teachers they Greeks look for an exit strategy Prayers were a part of his life parish council of the church and heart out to him. By the time I poor and the weak. In moments are now English teachers. And from their own disappearing and his daily routine. His first on the village council, as did his was reaching the end of writing of reflection it dawned on me how does replacing people who country. prayer of the day was in the own father during his time. My the letter, which invariably were that my inclination to serve in do what they’re told with other He did make one brilliant morning immediately after he father believed in obeying the never mailed because I did not the Philoptochos is rooted in the people who do what they’re told move, however, naming Stavros got up and before he left for the priests and the clergy as he be - want to worry him with small lit - imprints of my father’s footsteps. create any opportunity for ana - Lambrinidis, a Washington, D.C.- farms. If he was with his friends lieved that the men of cloth were tle things of my life, I would al - Patera Mou, Rest in Peace, you lytical thought or finding a so - trained lawyer and Member of at the kafeneion and it came representing our faith and God. ready be feeling better with his have made every day of the year lution: oh wait, it’s right there – the European Parliament as For - close to sundown, he would A hallmark of my father’s per - words ringing in my ears: “Have Father’s Day for me. just collect the taxes – but Pa - eign Minister because Lambrini - leave and passing by St. Nicholas sonality was his dedication to his trust and faith in God always.” pandreou would rather play dis used to have a job that is Church, which was in the middle immediate and extended family. Years later I knew what he meant Christina Hiotis, a resident of switch lane chicane and hope now the most important in of the village, take his hat off, He doted on his grandchildren. when I read this passage in Chicago area since age 16, was people believe he’s doing some - Greece. In 2004, he was head of bow and do his cross in front of Normally a serious and reserved Matthew 17:20: “I tell you the born in Doxa, Gortinia-Arcadia, thing. Papaconstantinou was de - the Olympic Truce movement. It the Church, and proceed home. man he was all smiles near his truth, if you have faith as small and serves as Board Member of moted to heading the Environ - failed. I did not know a Greek home grandchildren. He was always as a mustard seed, you can say Chicago Metropolis ment Ministry, about which he where the family did not pray counseling them in basic and to this mountain, 'Move from Philoptochos and Hellenic knows nothing, which is a pre - [email protected] together at the dinner table in simple things of life: to attend here to there' and it will move. American Academy. 10 THE BACK PAGE THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 25 - JULY 1, 2011 Raise the Greek Flag for Astoria, The Little Athens in the Big Apple

By Bill Cotsis I won’t forget being taken to Special to The National Herald the Greek supermarket to see what Greek products we could ASTORIA, N.Y. - There is a place find. Within minutes, he was sur - I know where one is virtually sur - rounded by fellow thespians and rounded by Greek shops and store workers each trying to get Greek speakers. A place were you his attention. It was like a slap - can buy a yeeros, not a . A stick comedy being performed in place were old men can be seen front me, one person would want playing with their kombologia at to arrange a meeting with him, their usual table in McDonald’s. whilst others just wanted to chat. This place I know would not be All at the same time, an experi - out of sync in Athens, except it’s ence that simply reminded me of in New York! Welcome to Astoria, daily life in Athens. Antonis took just a 10-minute drive from Man - me to the Athens Square Park, hattan. It was my first day in New which is just off Ditmars Boule - York, my first ever visit to Amer - vard. The park was full of Greek ica, and it was freezing. To the statues and an “ancient” Greek point were my fingers had turned theater, somewhat fitting when purple and Hellenic blue. I scram - you consider who my host was. I bled into the first diner I could marveled at the fact that the find... with a Greek flag! I Greek pillars are higher than any stepped into Michael’s Diner, des - of the trees in the park and on a perate to have a coffee and a Billy Cotsis didn’t have to worry about finding someone who A Greek can’t pass Yia-Yia’s bakery in Astoria without being day with snow falling and the breather from the bitter cold out - spoke Greek at Titan Supermarket – nor his favorite foods. drawn in by the smell of those fresh goods. sun shining, it was, to say the side. I was greeted by a friendly least, a truly spectacular experi - ‘good morning’ by the waiter. Be - and was founded as a more per - sands of Greeks came to America phonist. I had the pleasure of kitchen, designed by Effie Karam - ence. As I continued my tour, I fore I could reply in English, my manent village in 1839 as Ham - with little more than the shirts watching him perform in Astoria belas of Long Island. Most of the tried to count the number of Greek brain took over and I said let’s Cove. It was renamed Astoria on their backs and they, like so in another French bar/restaurant kitchen is made from recycled Greek shops around Astoria, es - a simple, Kalimera. Within min - after a wealthy American, John many other migrant communi - owned by a Greek and was taken material with the appliances all pecially on Ditmars Boulevard, utes I was talking to Antonis in James Astor, invested in the vil - ties, worked industriously to aback by his style and that of his being easy on the environment. but I must have stopped at 40 Greek. From that moment on, I lage, and within a few decades it build a new home for themselves band. His band consists of Peurto You can follow the show on PBS before being distracted by the knew that my trip to New York was dominated by Irish and then and their children. Rican, Italian, and Greek cultural in America. Greek bakery and the glika. In would not be your typical tourist Italian migrants. According to SAINT DEMETRIOS’ CHURCH influences blending in to the Astoria has a number of Greek true Greek style, I was invited be - visit, it would be another Greek The National Herald’s Dean Siri - I met Father Ioannis American experience. eateries scattered around various hind the counter to make use of adventure. You see, I had decided gos, who lives there and whose Antonopoulos at the impressive I asked him why he came to streets. From the bakery that the old-fashioned village oven. to stay in Astoria, the traditional newspaper’s offices are nearby, Saint Demetrios Church. He has the U.S. and it was his desire to made the cake in My Big Fat Around the area you can’t escape heart of the Greek community. Astoria started to take in a large written a book on the Greek his - grow as a musician at the presti - Greek Wedding, to a Greek such inventive Greek named Astoria, home to more than influx of Greek migrants in the tory of Astoria, making him a real gious Berklee School of Music in Bouzoukia run by Romanian gyp - shops as Athena Video Store, 17,000 people of Greek origin is 1960’s. I had always believed that authority on the area. In his 44 Akropolis Meat Market, Telly’s the antithesis of New York. Lack - Boston had the biggest popula - years of being a priest he has seen Taverna, and Elliniki Agora Fruit ing in tall buildings (the highest tion of Greek speakers, but Dean people come and go in Astoria. and . I could leap in a single bound was quick to show me that New Father Antonopoulos told me that A CULTURAL HUB was 4 stories) and devoid of the York was the home of Hellenes many people come to Astoria and There are many Greek associ - hustle and bustle one would find in the U.S. He pulled out his then move on every 10 – 15 ations in Astoria which cater to a years. He gave me a personal region in Greece or a sports affil - tour of the church which in - iation. One place which stood out cluded a hall downstairs that was was the quaint Greek Cultural buzzing with volunteers working Centre. Antonis was featured in on a mail out. What impressed a number of plays here, but what me was the sense of community, struck me was the passion of the a sense of belonging by all the theatre director, Maria. Her Cen - people associated with the tre plays host to many a Greek Church. You could see it in their production, and through it she work, and the way they spoke, has helped to influence many ac - that they felt Astoria. As the Fa - tors to reach their dreams. Like ther told me, you are in the Little any number of organizations I Athens of America. The Church was fortunate to visit, I realized was built around 1942, however, that the Centre was another way work had commenced in 1927, to ensure the longevity and con - being slowed down by the Great nection with Greece. Theater af - Depression. ter all was one of the creations of The church also has a large our Hellenic ancestors, and in As - Youth Adult Discussion group Parea with George Stamou, the Cooking producer. toria it is thriving. At the Centre that meets every Thursday night, you can find Greek dancing, which is well attended. Other ac - Boston. That was at the age of sies, you can find just about any classes, summer tivities that have been organized 22, and since then he has re - style of Greek food outlet here. movies, and a small Greek library. by the church include mentoring, leased a number of musical As a fan of great food, I can only There has been a slow decline in Admiring the statue of Athena in Athens Square Park in Astoria. prayer groups, a regular bulletin, works and toured extensively in say that I ate a number of fantas - Greek numbers in Astoria, re - boy scouts and brownies, and a Greece and the U.S. Some of the tic Greek dishes during my stay placed by people of other nation - music band in the 1990’s called famous venues he has played at in the area. alities, particularly from Mexico. the Saint Demetrios Band. The include Dizzy’s Coca Cola, Broad - FAMOUS GREEK ASTORIANS There has been a trend for second Saint Demetrios School, which is way, Lincoln Center, and the Jazz Some of the other famous or third generation Greeks to located next door, was built Standard. True to his roots, he names to come out of Astoria in - move further out, and many are around 1957 to cater for the returns to Greece six times a year clude singer and actor George marrying outside their Hellenic growing number of Greek speak - for work and that ensures he Maharis (born 1928), comedian roots. A number of the shops that ers in the area. These days, the never gets homesick. Having Ted Alexandro (born 1969), the are Greek-owned have long since school offers classes for Grades 4 lived in Astoria for the last incredible Maria Callas (born stopped trading on the Greek – 12 with approximately 700 stu - decade, the talented musician 1923) who spent her childhood theme and it is inevitable that the dents. For the Kindergarten – said he always feels like this is years in Astoria, and film director chirpy group of 10 Greek men Year 4 students, the nearby Saint where he belongs. The food, the Tony Spiridakis (born 1959). who meet at McDonald’s will not Kathryn Greek Orthodox Church, strength of the community, a Other famous names to come out be replaced at their usual table which was established in 1973, good parea and of course, the of Astoria include Tony Bennett by a younger generation. How - oversees them. support he receives from local and Christopher Walken. As I am ever, as long as there is a hint of MEET THE VIBRAPHONIST people, ensures that is the case. When I had asked my friend, On the night he played, I met not a talented translator from Greece, just local Greeks who were there to tell me who was the most fa - to support him, but also people mous person she knew in Astoria, from Greece who had come to she said: “You must meet the New York as teachers and other Greek vibraphonist.” New York is professions to broaden their life home to many famous and inspi - experiences. rational musicians. I was fortu - A FOOD JOURNEY Antonis Armeftis (C) the actor, with friends at Telly's Taverna. nate enough to meet Christos There is always one aspect of Rafilides through my friend. After Greek life that is perhaps the in Manhattan, Astoria has a dif - Greek Directory and as an exam - a few days of non-stop Greek vis - most significant, that rises above ferent setting altogether. Covered ple showed me that there is ap - its and eateries, I had been look - all considerations, and that is in snow and divided down the proximately double the amount ing forward to having dinner at food. George Stamou is another main street by a rather unattrac - of Greek churches in New York a French restaurant. Little did I Astoria local who has created a tive air train, one can’t help being than in Boston, an indication of know that the French restaurant concept that taps into the famous mesmerised by the Greek flavour how many people the Greek Or - had been in existence for about Greek cuisine and appetite. The in all its glory and a touch of thodox Church has to service. 40 years as a Greek family-owned cleverly, titled The Cooking Mexico and other migrant groups Estimations place the number business. The owner asked me a Odyssey, is a culinary television on the periphery. If its yeeros, of Americans from Greek her - question I hear countless times show that focuses on the souvlaki, Greek music, and the itage in the US from 1.5 million every year, “Do you know such Mediterranean diet and is filmed Olympiakos shop you seek, As - to more than double that figure. and such in Australia,” and to our on location in Greece. It is hosted toria is the place to be. Astoria is When you take into considera - mutual amazement, it was a by chef Yianni Mameletzis, while St. Demetrios Church in Astoria looms large in the life of the a real hub of the Greek commu - tion that Greek people have been close friend of mine from my stu - the music on the show is com - Greek American community, to whom it is a beacon. nity in the U.S., and it became migrating to the U.S. in large dent days. Rafilides, who has just posed by Christos, adding an ex - my ‘home’ for a few days. numbers for 100 years, especially released his latest CD, Blue No - tra element of Astoria to the se - slightly Greek focused, I tried my yeeros in the air, soccer mad Before I continue, some his - after the Asia Minor catastrophe vember, is an acclaimed musician ries. best to find a Hellenic link to Greek supporters, aspiring actors, tory first. The area around Asto - in 1922, it is plausible that there from , Greece. His sound, What is even more impressive these famous names. Sadly, they or people who like to celebrate ria was settled by German and could be such numbers. One Manhattan Vibes, is based on his about The Cooking Odyssey is are not Greek! It’s not every day their unique cultural heritage, As - Dutch settlers in the 16th century, thing is for certain: tens of thou - unparalleled talent as a vibra - that it is filmed in an eco-friendly that you spend time getting a per - toria will remain what it is: a sonal tour with an actor. Antonis magnet. To the new Greek ar - Armeftis came to the U.S. from rivals and those who enjoy pick - Cyprus. There was a large wave ing up a Greek newspaper or the of migrants from Cyprus since latest Greek movie, the area will the 1974 invasion of the island keep its Hellenic traditions going. by Turkey, and it is estimated that Importantly, I met many peo - almost 30% of Greek speakers in ple who were not Greek, who all Astoria are from Cypriot roots. I appreciate the Greek character of met him at the diner and over the area. Daniel was one such the next few days, he became not person who I met at the Greek Από το 1915 just my tour guide, but my friend diner and just like many others I για τον Ελληνισμό in Astoria as he shared personal came across, he was enthusiastic experiences of his neighbourhood of his appraisal of the Greek iden - with me, especially around Dit - tity of Astoria. For it makes it an mars Boulevard, which follows even more interesting, unique ex - the air train. Antonis has reveled perience to live in this xorio. This in the many roles he has played, is just a taste of Astoria, a theater from theater to movies that in - of Greek dreams. My few days clude Maid in Manhattan and here ensured that I was captive How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. in the square mile radius of Hel - When the work is scarce, he en - lenic Astoria. This colorful Hel - tertains customers at Michael’s lenic outpost has many more sto - Diner. Fortunately for me, I was ries just waiting to be written. not only entertained, but I gained And you never know. On my next a real insight into the cultural visit here, I might just pay a visit hub that is Astoria. A charming to New York itself. man with a strong theatrical ΤΟΤΕ και ΤΩΡΑ background meant that every Billy Cotsis is an Greek - time he took me on a visit to a Australian who lives in London. Εγκυρη και έγκαιρη ενημέρωση με μέτρο new place, he was either He has spent the last 12 years swamped by people who knew writing about his experiences to him or just somehow created a magical 'Greek' locations that (718) 784-5255, 888-547-9527 ext. 108 - 109 • Fax: (718) 472-0510 slightly off beat situation. It was even the history books have for - e-mail στο [email protected] • www.ekirikas.com as if Astoria was his stage and I, gotten. He is available at and the community, were his au - http://www.herculean.word - dience. press.com

Top View