2 COMMUNITY THE NATIONAL HERALD, OCTOBER 31-NOVEMBER 6, 2009 In the Spotlight: Debbie Riga GOINGS ON... ■ OCTOBER 29-31 clude four distinguished and By Eleni Kostopoulos DR: In my 'partying' days, I fre- outlook changes. You sometimes LIGONIER, Penn. – Orthodox Christ- award-winning Greek Americans: The National Herald Staff Writer quented Studio 54 (never guessing will grow into liking things you dis- ian Laity (OCL) will hold its annual George Chakiris, Michael Chiklis, that I would one day work for Ian liked as a person when you were conference in Ligonier, Pennsylva- Nicholas Gage and Marilu Henner; NEW YORK - New York City-based Schrager). As a New York Hotel younger. I would say relax about nia on October 29-31. Focusing on Greek American singer Kalomira Debbie Riga is the general manager Manager, I get many invitations to things. Never say never. Orthodox unity in America, it is ti- will receive the Elios Spotlight of Morgan’s, New York’s first bou- great restaurants and events and I Because I work with a lot a tled, “The Road to Unity: From Vi- Award, and television personality tique hotel. Morgan’s was founded have had the privilege of meeting younger people, I admire their hon- sion to Action.” Metropolitan Jon- Maria Menounos will serve as Mis- 25 years ago by Ian Schrager and many celebrities. (But my favorite esty about things; if they don’t like ah, Primate of the Orthodox Church tress of Ceremonies. Proceeds from Steve Rubell, who also founded the thing to do is to go to a local taver- something, they say they don’t like in America, will present the keynote the Hellenic Charity Ball provide fi- popular nightclub, Studio 54. Ms. na in Astoria with my husband fol- that- there’s no beating around the address. Other hierarchs joining nancial support for select Bay Area Riga, whose parents are of Greek- lowed by a quiet evening at home bush. What unnerves me a little him include: Archbishop Nathaniel organizations dedicated to the pro- Cypriot heritage, has been with the with our five pets: two dogs and about youth, however, is that there of the Romanian Orthodox Episco- motion and preservation of Hel- company for 17 years. three cats!) soft and I’m from the school of hard pate of America; Bishop Thomas lenic culture and heritage, which TNH: How does your Greek- TNH: What is your greatest knocks; you can do with out your Fitzgerald, Dean of Holy Cross this year includes, “The Eye of the Cypriot heritage affect your career? achievement thus far, and what do cell phone for 24 hours. Everyone’s School of Theology; author, Frederi- Painter: Ancient Greek Pottery Art,” DR: Where my heritage influ- you hope to achieve in the future? become so accustomed to gadgets ca Matthews-Green; John Maddex, a project in conjunction with The enced me most in what I do is in the DR: Writing plays in the Greek- and the gadgets run their life, and CEO of Councilor Media Ministries; Legion of Honor Fine Arts Muse- area of hospitality; just the basics Cypriot dialect. To me, my greatest you have to give yourself a break and author/lecturer, Kyriaki Fitzger- ums of San Francisco in Spring of being gracious and welcoming to joy comes in thinking of a story from those things and enjoy other ald. Panelists include Fr. Johannes 2010. This year’s Ball will begin people, always providing for them, line, actually writing the play and things in life. L. Jocabse, Fr. Justin Mathews, Peter with a festive cocktail reception at the idea that they should be treated seeing it performed. We’ve done TNH: What are you most proud Marudas and George Michalopou- 6 p.m. at the Fairmont Hotel’s Ter- as a guest in your home- this is two so far and are walking on a of? los. For more information, visit, race and Vanderbilt Rooms, fol- what I spread through the hotel. third. It’s a matter of bringing to life DR: I’m happy I’m a Greek. I just ocl.org/roadtounity/, or call: 877- lowed by a sumptuous dinner at 7 Our goal is to make people feel at the Greek-Cypriot character and feel so privileged to be Greek. I en- 585-0245; e-mail: p.m. in the ornate Grand Ballroom. home so that they come back. I heritage. The first play was called joy so many things about our cul- [email protected]. For tickets, call (415) 561.9214 or think the Greek heritage played a “To Horkon” (the village), the sec- ture, our heritage, our history, our www.elios.org big role in that, because no matter ond one was “O Xenos” (the for- cuisine. I think Greece is truly the ■ OCTOBER 30 how little you had, you shared it eigner) and the third one is called motherland. It will always be that LONDON, UK - The 2nd London ■ NOVEMBER 7 and you always welcomed guest in “I Pakira”, which is an Cypriot coin. way. When I go to Greece, I feel like Greek Film Festival will be held on NEW YORK, N.Y. – The Hellenic the best way possible. In general, Debbie Riga, seen here, is a man- The plays are performed in Astoria I’m home. I feel very strongly about October 30 to November 1. The American Women's Council will host Greeks tend to be, without stereo- ager at Morgan’s, a company locally. (I am currently the second the fact that we’re coming to the film festival begins on October 30 their 16th annual conference, typing, friendly people who are she’s been a part of for 17 years. Vice President of the Panpaphian third and fourth generations in this at 12:00 p.m. and ends on Novem- “Oikonomia,” Women as Pillars of gregarious. As far as our ancient Association of America. I was one country, and I do hope they retain ber 1 at 7:30 p.m. For more infor- the Home, on November 7 at the heritage go, many years ago, the gracious to them and that’s why of the founding members of this As- that connection, because it’s a very, mation, visit: www.londongreek- Union League Club in New York City. Ancient Greeks were extremely people would come back to his sociation a number of years ago very rich culture and we also know filmfestival.com/ Keynote speaker will be, Margaret progressive in their outlook and shop. So I think he taught me a lot and really enjoy participating in how to have fun; our music, our Ajemian Ahnert, best-selling author that is something we should hold because I spent a lot of time in the their cultural events. The Panpa- dancing- we should always keep ■ OCTOBER 30 of, The Knock at the Door – A Jour- on to today. shop when I was growing up and I phian Association has graciously that. And in spite of hating Greek TORONTO, CANADA – Celebrate the ney Through the Darkness of the Ar- TNH: Do you have any role was on holiday; he wasn’t a very produced two of my plays and is school at the time (at St. Spyridon 100-year anniversary of the Greek menian Genocide; Aristeon Award models? highly-educated person, but he currently producing “I Pakira”.) in Washington Heights- there were community of Toronto at the Cen- Honoree, Angeliki Frangou CEO and DR: I have a lot of role models, learned enough French, German, TNH: Share with us some words a lot of Greeks there during the tennial Gala on October 30. The Chairman of Navios Maritime Hold- but as far as my career goes, I have English, Spanish and Italian to be of wisdom. 1960s) I wouldn’t be able to write Centennial Gala will be held at the ings, and the Honorable Dora an uncle who ran a shop in Limas- able to converse with people and DR: I think the biggest advice I’d my plays in the Greek-Cypriot di- Crystal Fountain Banquet Hall. Bakoyianni will be presenting this sol in Cyprus and he owned the make them feel very at home in his give, especially to a young person alect if I didn’t go to Greek school. Cocktails will begin at 7:00 p.m. and award to Ms. Frangou. Speakers will shop for many years. When his cus- shop. who says, “I’d never do that…” is So to all the kids who go to Greek dinner is at 8:00 p.m. For more in- be Anne Erni, Dr. Catie Mihalopou- tomers walked in, whether they TNH: What’s the most enter- don’t think that, because your taste school, eventually you might ap- formation, visit: www.greekcommu- los, Ph.D, Dr. Fay Kastrinos, M.D., bought anything or not, he was so taining aspect of your profession? changes, your life changes, your preciate it! nity.org. Tickets are $100. To pur- M.P.H., Dr. C. Christine Wheeler, chase tickets, call: 416.425.2485 Ph.D., Dr. Charles Calomiris, Ph.D., x299 or email: fundraising@greek- and conference sponsors: Dr. C. community.org. Crystal Fountain Christine Wheeler and Robert J. Banquet Hall is located at 60 Mc- Pierot, Jr. The event will be held Dowell Gate, Markham, Ontario. from 12:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Direc- Innovative Doctors Lead Educational Presentation tions: The Union League Club, 38 ■ OCTOBER 30-NOVEMBER 6 East 37th Street, New York, New By Eleni Kostopoulos FAIRFIELD, Conn. - An Archaeolo- York. Additional Information: Stacey The National Herald Staff Writer gist’s Eye: The Photographs and Sava at (201) 944-6432 or staceysa- Parthenon Drawings of Katherine [email protected]. NEW YORK - An estimated 11.5 Schwab” are on display at the Lukacs percent of adults ages 20 or older, Gallery at Fairfield University in Fair- ■ NOVEMBER 8 or 23 million adults, have physio- field, CT, until November 6. For more Encoure Productions, Inc. presents logical evidence of chronic kidney information: (203) 254-4000 ext. Notis Sfakianakis ’10 Years After’ disease, according to data collected 2459. North American Tour. It has been through the National Health and exactly ten years since Notis Nutrition Examination Survey. Kid- ■ NOVEMBER 5-7 Sfakianakis last crossed the At- ney disease, hypertension, dia- BERGENFIELD, N.J. —St. Antho- lantic and after a series of success- betes, transplantations and the ny’s Church will host is 32nd annu- ful albums, Notis Sfakianakis is new horizons in stem cell research, al International festival on Novem- once again back in North America were at the forefront last Sunday, ber 5, 6 & 7. Holiday shopping for a series of performances. On October 25, at a medical sympo- starts here with a variety of terrific November 8 he will be performing sium organized by The National merchandise – from jewelry to ac- at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods Hellenic Museum in Chicago in cessories; icons to home gifts; and Casino in Manshantucket, Con- partnership with the National Kid- novelty items for children. Bring necticut and Novermber 13 and 14 ney Foundation of Illinois as a your appetite for mouthwatering in Atlantic City. For tickets and oth- means of raising public awareness. multi-ethnic entrees, including er venue information: call: (718) Dr. Andreas Tzakis, M.D.,Ph.D, shish-kabob, spanokopita, and 721-1969 or e-mail: spoke to The National Herald prior pierogi, and delicious desserts. [email protected] to the symposium to discuss what Merchandise for sale includes he planned to say to the Chicago- Christmas decorations, distinctive ■ NOVEMBER 14 based audience. ornaments, gorgeous household SOMMERVILLE, Mass. - The “Mainly, I want to present a hu- items, Faberge-style egg pendants, Fundraising Committee along with man chart of transplantation and scarves, antique and contempo- the Parish Council is proud to an- offer some basic information re- rary-style jewelry, crosses, a won- nounce Angelo Tsarouchas will be garding the scope liver transplanta- Dr. Bartholomew (second from left), Dr. Tzakis (second from right) and Dr. Bakris (right), talked to an audi- derful selection of icons, linens, performing his comedy act on Satur- tion, for example, and hopefully ence about kidney disease last weekend at the National Hellenic Museum's medical symposium in Chicago. and children's items. Also visit our day, November 14, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. show some studies of my own pa- Attic Treasures area for great buys at the Dormition of the Virgin Mary tients and to answer any questions things, and in the beginning I con- F.A.H.A., F.A.S.N., Professor of Hospital and Clinics. She received on gently-used items. In addition, Social Center. To purchase tickets, that the audience may have,” Dr. sidered being perhaps a civil engi- Medicine and Director of the Hy- both her undergraduate and med- Green Market Fundraising will be visit the church office Monday Tzakis said. neer, or something along those lines. pertensive Diseases Unit in the Sec- ical degrees from the Honors Pro- distributing free 13-Watt CFL light through Friday between the hours of Dr. Tzakis is a Professor of What impressed me about doctors tion of Endocrinology, Diabetes and gram in Medicine at Northwestern bulbs on behalf of New Jersey’s 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or Sunday surgery at the University of Miami, was that all the doctors that I knew Metabolism at the University of University, having completed her Clean Energy ProgramΣ. Lunch from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or call Miller School of Medicine and is were very dignified people, respect- Chicago, Pritzker School of Medi- internship and residency in surgery and dinner will be served each day the ticket-line at 1-781-710-4646. one of the top transplant surgeons ful people, and I thought that in the cine, and Dr. Amelia Bartholemew, at the University of Illinois in and will include authentic home- $40 General Admission (If Pur- in the world, as well as a top educa- end [being a doctor] would be the M.D., FACS, Chief of Translational Chicago and Cook County Hospital, made entrees such as moussaka, chased in advance); $60 VIP Seat- tor and research scientist. He has best thing for me.” Research at the Department of where she served as a lecturer in shish-kabob, and pierogi. The bak- ing; $50 General Admission performed more than 2,000 liver Dr. Tzakis won international ac- Surgery, University of Illinois at surgery while an administrative ery will offer the ever-popular (Puchased at the Door) or e-mail: transplants and has been a leader claim in 1994 by performing two Chicago. chief resident. She then completed baklava, Russian teacakes and oth- [email protected]. For in innovative techniques that have transplantations of baboon livers Dr. Bakris has published more a multi-organ transplantation fel- er exotic desserts to satisfy even the additional information, visit: advanced transplant surgery. into humans. Since then, he has than 450 articles and book chapters lowship at Massachusetts General sweetest tooth. There will be musi- www.dormitionchurch.org/joomla10/ Dr. Tzakis also shared with TNH served as a trailblazer in trans- in the areas of diabetic kidney dis- Hospital in Boston. cal entertainment each evening. On what drove him to become a doctor planting insulin-producing cells ease, hypertension and progression According to its Web site, “The Saturday evening My Greek Wed- ■ NOVEMBER 18 and how his heritage played a role from the pancreas and performing of nephropathy and he is the editor National Hellenic Museum (NHM), ding Band will delight the crowd. Under the Auspices of the Ambas- in that decision. intestinal and multi-visceral organ or co-editor of eight books that spe- formally known as the Hellenic Mu- For those who like to take chances, sador of Greece, Vassilis Kaskarelis, “My family played a very impor- transplantations. His is currently cialize in the areas of kidney dis- seum and Cultural Center, was there will be a super 50/50. How in cooperation with The Alexander tant part because they gave me the focused on the avoidance of organ ease progression and diabetes. He founded in 1983 to serve Greek big will the pot get? Last year, the S. Onassis Public Benefit Founda- opportunity to decide what I want to rejections and research methods in has also served as the co-principal Americans, and the larger commu- winner took home $10,000! Admis- tion and The Smithsonian Resident do and guided me to look into what the preservation donor organs. investigator of an NIH Clinical Re- nity of diverse ethnic cultures, with sion to the festival is free. Hours are Associates Program, presents, “Be- would be best for me to do and what Two other important doctors search training grant to train clini- programs that promote under- 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Directions: tween Byzantium and Venice: Icon I would be most useful in doing; so, who have made their own major cal researchers for five years in standing of and appreciation for Teaneck Road to Liberty to Ivy Lane Painting in Venetian Crete until the my family and my heritage, by ex- marks in the field also shared the 1999. Dr. Bakris chaired the Na- the rich cultural traditions of an- or Knickerbocker to Ivy. For further Age of El Greco.” A lecture by Anas- tension, was very important to my spotlight with Dr. Tzakis in the in- tional Kidney Foundation Consen- cient and contemporary Greece. information, call the Church at tasia Drandaki, curator of the development,” he said. “I always formative symposium: sus report on blood pressure and With the strong support of the 201-568-8840 or visit: www.stan- Byzantine collection at the Benaki wanted to construct things or fix Dr. George L. Bakris, MD, impact on renal disease progres- Chicago area community of ap- thonysorthodox.org Museum in Athens. The presenta- sion (2000). proximately 250,000 Greek Ameri- tion will take place on November Dr. Amelia Bartholomew found- cans, the NHM has developed inno- ■ NOVEMBER 7 18 at 7:00 p.m. at the S. Dillion ed and helps direct the UIC Stem vative education programs that re- SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - The Elios Ripley Center. For more informa- Cell and Regenerative Medicine flect the high value Greek culture Society will be hosting the Hellenic tion, visit: www.onassisusa.org for Program and she is an attending places on history, arts and culture, Charity Ball on Saturday, Novem- more information. Quick Tix Code: surgeon in General and Transplant and, in 1992, opened the doors of ber 7 at the historic Fairmont Hotel 1J0-573. Directions: S. Dillon Rip- POCKET-LESS Surgery at the University of Illinois its first museum facility.” on Nob Hill to honor five Greek ley Center, 1100 Jefferson Drive, American celebrities.. The Ball pro- SW, Metro: Smithsonian Mall Exit vides an opportunity to formally (Blue/Orange) or call: 202-633- PITA BREAD celebrate Hellenic culture by hon- 3030. For additional information, oring Greek-Americans for their contact: Connie Mourtoupalas, Kontos Foods professional and civic achieve- Public Affairs Advisor, Office of the ments, and who best exemplify the Ambassador- Embassy of Greece, The Leading Company in Flat Breads spirit, values and ideals of Hel- at: 202-939-1352 or visit: Well known for the Pocket-Less Pita lenism. This year’s honorees will in- www.greekembassy.org Manufacturers of Authentic Ethnic Hand Stretched Flat bread. Kontos the first family in fillo dough and fillo products. QUESTION OF THE WEEK

FILLO KATAIFI, BAKLAVA, SPANAKOPITA, TYROPITA NUT ROLL, MELOMAKARONA Vote on our website! and the TRADITIONAL MEDITERRANEAN DESSERTS. Excellent quality and service. You have the chance to express your opinion on our website on an important question in the news. The results will be published in our printed edition next week along with the question for that week. We distribute in USA and Canada. The question this week is: Have you ever thought of running a Special prices for communities, schools, churches marathon? festivals and other events ❏ Yes ❏ No ❏ Maybe

The results for last week’s question: Is the Ecumenical Patriarch 27-02 Astoria Boulevard, successful in his efforts to present the Greek Orthodox Church to the Kontos Foods, Inc Astoria, NY 11102 World? Box 628, Paterson, NJ 07544 30% voted “Yes” Tel.: (973) 278-2800 ñ Fax: (973) 278-7943 Τηλ.: 55% voted “No” a b Kontos.com (718) 932-7858 15% voted “Maybe” Please vote at: www.thenationalherald.com