:: JUNE 2009 $2.95

NEO Exclusive Nia Vardalos AHEPA in San Francisco New Acropolis Museum L100 Leader Stefanie Gail Roumeliotes Advertising Maverick George Lois James M. Orphanides honored

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It s just another 08 20 23 32 ordinary Friday…

19 The New Generation of Leaders 10 26

AKTINA’s Concert Scholarships and AHEPA’s Cigar Smoker with Melina Travel Fellowships Benefit A Churchil-size Aslanidou by Faith success a Huge Success 16 21 34 37 George Lois

The AHEPA Family Key US Policymakers Prepares to “Leave Its show support for Heart” in San Francisco Cyprus and Greece Beyond Borders 18 22 28 38

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Obama’s speech Leadership 100 to James M. Orphanides The New Acropolis in Cairo Continue Grants honored by HABA Museum The New Leaders The L100/NEO New Generation leader profiled in :: magazine this issue is Stefanie Gail Roumeliotes who had a pioneering grandfather who was an immigrant but managed to graduate Brown in the 1930s, and the strong women in her family, most noticeably her Editor in Chief: mother, who gave her the courage to follow her Dimitri C. Michalakis [email protected] dreams. :: Features Editor “I have always been awed by their courage, Katerina Georgiou [email protected] strength and grace under fire,” she says. Stefanie’s :: dream turned out to be politics, which she learned at the home of another Lifestyle Editor seminal influence, her godfather. “From congressional internships starting at the Maria Athanasopoulos age of 15 to serving as high school student body president, I have always had the [email protected] :: drive and desire to participate actively in my community.” Western Region Desk She went on to work for Senator Dianne Feinstein, Phil Angelides and eventually Irma Seferi-Goodenough form her own political and philanthropic fundraising firm and is making a big (323) 651-3507 difference in the greater community. [email protected] :: Baltimore Desk Light is the main attribute of the New Acropolis Museum which is scheduled to Georgia Vavas open this month in Greece to house the entire collection of surviving antiquities [email protected] :: from the Acropolis. Light pours from the glass-floored atrium of the Parthenon Photo/Fashion Galley, light enters the archaeological excavation and the light of hope is what ETA Press kept the dream alive that this museum would actually be built over the three :: decades that it took to make it a reality. Graphic Design NEOgraphics Inc. Adrian Salescu And it’s a wonderful reality: architect Bernard Tschumi says “if architecture can be :: described as the materialization of concepts, this building is about the clarity of Publishing Committee Chairman: an exhibition route expressed through three materials, marble, concrete and Demetrios Rhompotis [email protected] glass.” :: Marketing and Advertising Director In this issue, we also highlight the conventions of AHEPA in San Francisco and Kyprianos Bazenikas PSEKA’S 25th Annual Cyprus Conference in DC and the many faces that made it [email protected] :: notable. Enjoy. Athens Liaison Konstantinos Rhompotis George Lois was a pioneer in the world of advertising, the bad boy of the industry (01130) 210 51 42 446 who shook it up and whose innovations are still daring decades later. He helped (01130) 6937 02 39 94 [email protected] create the iconoclasm of the 60s and his style is a signature style of the era. He : hasn’t slowed down in the decades since and is still as outspoken. Check our website www.neomagazine.com :: Finally, Nia Vardalos is back with her new movie based in Greece and taking full NEO Magazine advantage of Greece’s ancient and modern glory. It’s a comedy (naturally) and is published monthly by Vardalos in it is Vardalos, once again: funny and charming and bound to fall in love. Neocorp Media Inc. P.O. Box 560105 College Point, NY 11356 Phone: (718) 554-0308 e-Fax: (718) 878-4448 Dimitri C. Michalakis [email protected] By Maria Athanasopoulos ‘It s just another ordinary Friday…

ou’re having your usual date night at a two personalities. One is the caring and sweet arranged perfectly, the uber elegant venue and yrestaurant, trying to let loose and forget person your fiancé loves and wants to be with gourmet spread of food will definitely make about the gruelling work week you just until eternity and two, the wedding monster you happy, but will not make or break your day. endured, but something is very off. Your aka “bridezilla” that wants what she wants and The materialistic things that will matter are the significant other has been acting weird all day… is willing to do anything to get it when she multiple vendor payments that are due and the well weirder and nicer than usual. The staff wants it. Whether you spend weeks, months fact that when you return from your keeps staring, as if you have food all over your or years planning your big day, it is extremely honeymoon, you still don’t have your own face, and the Maitre ’D has not stopped walking imperative to think the process through and home. The majority or even all of your savings in circles and flashing his not so pearly whites at having a non family member step in to help for went into your “one big day” and now you are you. These actions alone are enough to make a wide variety of reasons. left financially insecure. Is this something you any female over the edge insecure or at least want to have happen to you? extremely nervous. You begin to wonder what Now enter the role of the must needed gives, did you subconsciously do something wedding planner! Meet Helen, a creative and You can have a stunning wedding if you don’t wrong? Suddenly, your boyfriend downs his classy wedding consultant that is always seen allow yourself to fall prey to what society 5th glass of pinot noir and begins to heavily with a smile on her face despite the chaotic expects. There are tons of ways to have it all sweat. When you ask him to slow down and if conditions that often dwell around her. Helen, and not spend it all. Plan wisely and be smart. there is something wrong, he jumps up and owner of the wedding planning company, An In the end, remember, it is just One Day shouts no loud enough for even those outside Unforgettable Affair, has worked with a variety whether it be “big” or small. the restaurant to hear. Okay, super of brides whose budgets range from embarrassing and strange, time to order $800,000.00 to $10,000.00 and has seen and Here are some of Helen’s great money dessert and leave quickly! heard it all. “It’s my day… I am the princess… saving tips for your upcoming My daddy…I want, I want, I want!” Somewhere wedding: As you anxiously wait for your dessert to arrive, along the never ending wedding related rants, you are mentally planning a clever exit strategy brides tend to forget they’re not alone and that • Wedding venues often offer cheaper ‘off- while your boyfriend continues to ramble on there is a groom involved. Doesn’t he have at peak’ rates for non-Saturday weddings. If you and on about nothing. When your waiter least a little say in all this? The answer sadly is don’t mind getting hitched on a Friday or arrives with your dessert, it’s not the chocolate no, the fact that there wouldn’t be a wedding Sunday, this could save you loads. soufflé you ordered, rather it’s a stale looking without him barely crosses a bride’s mind. fruit tart, ick! While you are trying to motion However, having a wedding planner can • Think long and hard about your guest list your waiter to come back, your boyfriend change all this and is much more affordable because this is where you can save a huge deal seems to have fallen… or maybe not. He is than you may think. Our unpredictable and of money. If you haven’t seen someone for a down wobbling on one knee with a little black weak economic climate can help in keeping very long time, (for example: over a year), do velvet box in his hands and appears to be wedding costs within your budget, you just they really need to be invited to your wedding? twitching. Goosebumps rapidly cover your have to speak up and demand your vendors to Will you be friends with them in 5 or 10 years? body and you know what’s coming…now it all give you a discount. Trust me, they need your • Make your own invitations by visiting your makes sense and you begin to cry business! If the thought alone of trying to local craft shop and purchasing all the materials uncontrollably. Then you hear the four words bargain makes you cringe, then once again, you need to add that personal touch. Ask that every girl wishes to be asked all her life bring in the wedding planner! Their insider friends who are very creative to help you make from her prince charming, “Will you marry industry connections and professional up a gorgeous invite, one that is unique and me?” negotiating skills will save you more time and specific to your wedding theme. money than you ever imagined. Now girls, we’d be bluntly lying to each other if • If you have a friend who is great at doing we didn’t admit that the planning for our BIG Whatever your plans ladies, (and gentlemen) makeup, why not ask her to do yours on your DAY had begun from the moment our man remember this, when your big day arrives you special day? You’ll not only save money, but stood on one knee. He’s talking, but your will want it to be the fairytale you’ve always your friend will be honored that you asked. thinking: flowers, limos, the cake, the venue dreamed of. This is the celebration of your love and most importantly the dress! As you smile for one another and the start of your life • Save by choosing seasonal flowers vs. at him lovingly, you realize that he is still waiting together. It shouldn’t be the gateway to imported or green house flowers in your for your answer. Quickly, you snap out of it and marriage counselling or filing for bankruptcy. bouquets and centerpieces. Flowers that are say YES! So take a step back and re-evaluate the not in season significantly up the cost. situation, remember, your wedding day will For more helpful wedding advice and tips on From this moment on, many times unwillingly, come and go faster than the blink of an eye. In you will slowly be transformed and develop saving money, feel free to email Helen at the end, the exotic Cymbidium orchids [email protected] JUNE 2009 life & style 8 Scholarships and

Travel Fellowships Metropolitan Bishop Methodios with Michael and Mary Jaharis, From right to left are Vassilios Labropoulos(chair), Prof. Artemis Leondis, George Reganis, presenting the signed agreement, Larry Stassinos, Intr. President, founders of Faith. Gus Kaounas, Sam Roumanis, John Kaounas, Mke Melhem, George Keros and Dr. Anthony Kales. All are members of FMGS Board of Directors. by FaithPhotos by D. Panagos FOUNDATION EXPANDS ITS SUPPORT FOR MODERN GREEK AT MICHIGAN The Foundation of Modern Greek Studies University and aid in stimulating interest for at the Sunday event on behalf of the “Faith: An Endowment for (FMGS) has entered a new gift agreement the establishment of a second endowed Program, and George Reganis on behalf of with the University of Michigan to help the professorship in Modern Greek History and the Foundation. Following the Modern Greek Program expand its Culture. presentations, the Board of Directors of Orthodoxy and Hellenism” curriculum and meet increasing student FMGS presented to the Professors a signed needs for more courses and graduate As part of its outreach activities, the copy of the Foundations’ third gift once again is supporting a degrees in modern Greek language, culture, Foundation for Modern Greek Studies held agreement for Modern Greek Studies with and history. This is the third gift agreement recently a Rebetiko Taverna Night at St. the University. between the Foundation and the University, George Cultural Center in Bloomfield Hills, MI. It was an extraordinary evening with For more than ten years, the Foundation has series of academic Participants following the endowment of the C. P Cavafy Professorship (1999) and the annual Greek food, wine, and music by the famous been working in harmony with the of the Ionian Village Rebetiki Istoria Band from Athens, Greece, University of Michigan, making considerable scholarships and travel program commitment to provide support for student scholarships and funding for cultural events who were invited by the University for two progress as it pursues its mission to support (2004). events, a concert at the School of Music on the Modern Greek Program as a world-class fellowships for young Saturday night and the Taverna Night on center for the study of Modern Greek The FMGS’ new gift agreement has Sunday. Both events were sellouts (total Language, Culture and History. On average, established a new Fund at Michigan which attendance for the two nights of over 800) each year enrollments in Modern Greek people throughout the can be used along with additional and audiences were delighted by the courses reach 400 students, and in all Greek contributions by charitable organizations Rebetiki performances, their first in the U.S. courses 2500 students. The Foundation is and individuals to support annually visiting grateful to the Hellenic community for its Greek Orthodox scholars in Modern Greek history and Professors Vassilis Lambropoulos and continuing support and enthusiasm for the culture. Thus, the Fund will provide Artemis Leontis gave informative Modern Greek Program at the University of Archdiocese of America in additional scholarly resources to the presentations Michigan. 2009.

Two years ago, Faith launched one of its offers its participants a unique experience to inaugurate a series of new opportunities most prominent funding initiatives by travel across Greece, venerate the relics of related to its mission and the development underwriting several merit-based saints, walk in the footsteps of the Apostles, of new programs that will support the scholarship awards offered by the and visit significant sites of Greek history enrichment and enlightenment of future Archdiocese to the graduating valedictorians and culture. community members and leaders. and salutatorians of its parochial schools. The Faith Scholarships for Academic Peter T. Kikis, President and one of the The academic scholarship application deadline is June 26, 2009. For more Excellence are merit-based scholarships Original Founders of Faith, remarked on last year’s scholarship recipients: “We are very information about the Archdiocese designated for educational purposes and proud to be able to support the Archdiocese scholarship programs, please contact the underscore the commitment to excellence scholarship programs. The past recipients of Archdiocese office of Administration at 212- in education throughout the Archdiocese. the Faith Scholarships for Academic 774-0566 or [email protected]. This year, Faith increased its funding for the Excellence are truly outstanding candidates For application guidelines and forms, please scholarship programs to include Greek - unilaterally, they not only excelled visit: www.faithendowment.org. Orthodox valedictorians of any public or academically but they are also the young private high school in the United States. leaders in our community by commendably The core mission of Faith is to promote Hellenism and an understanding of the In addition to the scholarships for academic, donating their time and effort to Greek Orthodox faith through a series of as part of its 2009 scholarship program, volunteering and actively building our high quality innovative educational Faith once again funded several Archdiocese community through their extracurricular programs and cultural initiatives under the travel scholarships for students to activities.” auspices of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese participate in the Ionian Village summer Cathy Papoulias-Sakellaris, a Founder of of America. Founded by a group of Greek program this summer. These need-based Faith and also an alumna of Ionian Village American leaders representing a diversity of scholarships were awarded by the said that “we (the Founders of Faith) are professional fields and philanthropic values, Archdiocese to students who displayed happy to support young people wishing to the organization’s first priority is to fund the financial need, assisting to cover the tuition participate in Ionian Village, which is a truly development and expansion of educational and travel fees to the program. In 2009, transformative experience – one can see the and cultural programs that focus on there were approximately 34 recipients of intellectual, spiritual and emotional growth Orthodox and Hellenic heritage and cultural Faith Ionian Village Travel Scholarships. that takes place for young people attending legacy. Faith’s mission is to promote a Ionian Village is located in Greece and the summer camp.” diverse series of educational and cultural operated by the Archdiocese under the programs that will be available to the Greek spiritual direction and guidance of His Faith looks toward continuing support of American community. For more Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of these vital educational programs as well as information, the website is: JUNE 2009 America. Established in 1970, Ionian Village to working with the Archdiocese to news and notes www.faithendowment.org. 10 It’s probably easier to find But don’t wait to see it, the lost city of Atlantis than a Greek who hasn’t seen “My warns Vardalos. Big Fat Greek Wedding.” Not “Theatre owners are looking since the invention of the for a sure thing, so we need frappe, has a single shared experience united the Greek to tell them this is a sure community in such frothy thing or they’ll replace it delight. with films like “Transformers,” Nia Vardalos’ first and most she said, referring to the famous film shattered box office records when it came big-budget blockbuster. Vardalos calls her new film “a love letter to “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.” Her out in 2002. It has since Greece.” “It is a place where people believe transformative journey to create a family magic happens, and I’m here to tell you I inspires her latest film. Seven years after grossed over $240 million. know it does,” she said during a recent her meteoric rise to stardom, she’s back in phone conversation. When it comes to theaters with a romantic comedy about a Her latest film, “My Life In magical things, Vardalos is a credible source. woman who finds her kefi, or passion for Her own life reads like a Cinderella success life, while leading a tour group through story: going from Hollywood hopeful to the mystical sites of Greece. Ruins,” opened in theatres Oscar nominee seemingly overnight. But she’s quick to note: “Luck is opportunity on June 5th. meeting hard work. That’s what happened to me with my first movie,” she said. “I had already written a script when Tom Hanks Life Imitates Art and Rita Wilson came to the play, so that was my preparedness.” Although “My Life In Ruins” was written by Mike Reiss, one of the writers of “The Simpsons Movie,” Vardalos contributed to the script, taking a page from She was raised to believe that with hard her own life to enhance the story. “I promised Mike when we brought him work anything is possible. But it turned out into Playtone (Tom Hanks’ production company) that this was going to be the “not to be that true” she said. best experience of his life working with these people. Because they’re the For all her accomplishments something was greatest people on earth. And I said, this is what we’re going to do: I’m going still lacking. “I couldn’t figure out how to get to add some things to your script and I’m never going to take your credit. I a child into my life,” said Vardalos, now 46. just want to add some authenticity.” “I’m very grateful for the career success, Soon afterwards, Nia and her alter ego Georgia found themselves on a but…for me it felt less special because I

NEO Exclusive journey to Greece to get back their kefi—albeit for different reasons. wanted to be a parent.” In the film, Nia plays a Greek-American history professor who has moved to Today her battle with infertility is well Greece to work as a tour guide after being unlucky in love and unable to land documented, but her struggle to have a her dream job back home. But her heart’s desire is to get back her mojo or child was the “big secret” she’d been hiding kefi as the locals call it—and as Anthony Quinn made famous in Zorba the Nia Vardalos: ever since she burst onto the scene with Greek. My Life in …Bloom! By Katerina Georgiou

JUNE 2009 JUNE 2009 cover story cover story 12 13 An academic who takes pride in her Greek roots, Georgia is disenchanted when she’s assigned (yet again) to lead a group of A Family Affair hedonistic tourists more interested in eating ice cream and frolicking on beaches than The idea that families are created in different ways isn’t just the visiting Greece’s abundant cultural that aren’t funny—dramas, subtext of her personal life but of her films as well. “In my treasures. tragedies…different things. I struggles with my fertility, I realized that I’m very, very family just poured my angst out and oriented,” she said. So it’s not surprising that her films echo this To make matters worse, the tour agency let scripts go where they theme. sticks her with Greece’s version of wanted to go…that was a Chewbacca, Procopi “Poupi” Kakas (Alexis Vardalos clearly has a gift for synthesis—a knack for bridging freeing process to not only Georgoulis). It’s amazing he can see his feet differences through laughter. Like “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” have to write romantic through all that hair let alone drive the bus. “My Life In Ruins” brings culturally diverse people together as a comedies,” she said. family. Rounding out Georgia’s misfortune, she runs In the meantime, her early into her rival tour guide – the scheming Nico At first glance, Georgia’s tour group looks like a mismatched attempts at adoption proved (Alistair McGowan) – every step of the way. band of misfits. There’s Georgia in the midst of a personal and difficult, and though she was Through bribery and trickery, Nico has professional crisis, a couple of Spanish divorcees, an American offered the chance to cut the ensured his A-listed group gets the royal widower and a medley of others—all of whose lives have adoption line, she never treatment. Meanwhile Georgia’s “Group B” intersected for a brief moment in time. But their shared considered using her star is forced to roll through Greece in a experience bonds them and their interaction teaches Georgia, in power to trample the rights of dilapidated bus that blows steam instead of particular, something about herself. other would-be parents. For all air conditioning. They’re also relegated to her hard-earned fame, she As for those critics who’ve attacked the film’s characters as budget hotels where the coffee-guzzling suddenly felt transported back ethnic stereotypes, Vardalos says they’ve missed the point. She owner (played by Vardalos’ husband Ian to her earlier angst-ridden days applauds Director Donald Petrie for taking the “risk” of allowing Gomez) propositions female guests over in Hollywood, when she had the characters to initially be seen through Georgia’s narrow postage stamps. difficulty getting acting jobs perspective so that they have room to evolve as individuals by The problem is that Georgia perceives life as and had to write roles for the end of the film. difficult and isn’t able to let go long enough herself. “He makes them seem like obnoxious stereotypes because he’s for her soul to fully experience the magic of So she mustered up the drive showing the audience them through Georgia’s unhappy eyes,” Greece. So it’s up to the group’s “funny guy” and persistence that had she said. “When the tourists change and become happy human Irv, (Richard Dreyfuss) to prod her out of her propelled her to stardom and beings they actually haven’t changed at all. She’s changed—her comfort zone and get her to embrace life kept her “eyes open” for vision, her worldview has changed—and she begins to see them instead of focusing on all the obstacles. adoption opportunities. “I just as the people they really are.” With his guidance, Georgia learns to listen kept searching the internet,” to her heart instead of her over-educated she said. “So when I stumbled But in real life the cast was nothing like the characters they mind. on an American Foster Family played. They took in all the sites together and marveled at Greece’s natural wonders while having a fantastic time. “The truth of the matter is wherever you go Agency I went: “here’s a path.” “We laughed so hard at each other,” said Vardalos. It was one of there you are,” said Vardalos. “So if you run I didn’t know what was going those really relaxed film sets because we were together in one away from your problems you look in the to happen, but I chose to of the most beautiful settings on the planet. On our days off we mirror and they’re still there.” believe the agency when they went climbing, we went to cafes, we went to Lycabettus. I’d ask assured me that I would be a Just as life had called upon Georgia to take a everyone: “Are you OK?,” and they’d say: “Yeah, we’re on mother by the end of the Delphi!” leap of faith and go with the flow, it was year…and I thought: “well, I’m doing the same with Vardalos. After 10 going to go and make this One of the most memorable scenes in the film expresses a years of battling infertility, she had to accept movie and we’ll see.” Around similar sense of wonderment when Georgia assembles the that her path to motherhood would take a nine months later, Vardalos group at the Acropolis towards the end of the journey. It’s at different direction than the one she had became a mother. Since the that moment she senses the invisible strands of her life coming originally envisioned for herself. adoption in 2007, she and her together as she listens to the wind blowing through the “Parenthood isn’t for everyone, but without husband have chosen to keep columns. Once again, it was a moment drawn from personal it, I felt my life would be lacking… the toddler out of the spotlight. experience. For a while I did say: “why is this happening “Now it’s all worked out and I “When I was reading Mike Reiss’ script I was trying to find the to me? The only thing I can think is that…it have my beautiful, perfect little perfect way of expressing what it is I love about the Parthenon, was just this karmic slap. We, the fates, are daughter,” she said. “So God and on the plane there I still didn’t have the scene. I still didn’t going to give you huge success with “My Big forbid, the next crisis that I’m have the words. Well, when we got to Greece I just walked up Fat Greek Wedding” but we’re not going to in, I’m just gonna ride it out. Yia there on a scout, to see which way the director was going to let you be a parent. And so, I kind of kalo— there’s always a reason.” shoot from…to get a feeling. And that’s when I heard it. I know shrugged and thought: “this is my fate.” when I see it…when I feel it. When it’s right, I don’t touch it For Vadalos, the moment of She retreated from the public eye and spent again. If it’s rooted in truth I know it will play. It’s always such a clarity came when she and her lesson no matter how much I obsess about something, a “quiet period of reflection” at home with husband brought their her husband. “I just didn’t have the kefi to occasionally, when I take a step back from it, that’s when it clicks daughter to church one Sunday into place.” go on camera,” she said. “I couldn’t fake it. I and the priest offered to bless didn’t want to smile and pretend. There was her with a special prayer for And so it seems the pieces of Vardalos’ own life have come no way through this grief other than to walk adoption. “I realized then that together nicely. Since wrapping “My Life In Ruins,” she directed it and go through it.” the reason it was so hard for her first film, “I Hate Valentine’s Day,” based on her original So she kept busy off-camera, writing scripts me was because I was script which co-stars John Corbett. for Tom Hanks and Jonathan Demme. supposed to find this little girl,” Still, she says, nothing compares to the “awed sense of Though a difficult, soul-searching period, it she said. “And so, in the same satisfaction” that comes with motherhood. And, at least for was liberating for her creatively. way when I make a movie, the now, she’s content to go with the flow. “Whatever happens next ones that are more difficult to “I’m not afraid to go to places in my writing it will be interesting and surprising to me because, for once, I’m get made are usually the more not going to plan it.” fun.” JUNE 2009 cover story 14 by Dimitri C. Michalakis “The pervading symbol of the whole Pop the Vietnam War was a continuation of that restaurant...to doing Esquire covers...I don't attitude and that war. So [Ali] made a think everything should be important. But Art movement of that era was Warhol's principled stand...But then there were guys the point is, everything I work on is who were pure draft dodgers, draft dodgers important from the point of view of making Campbell's soup can. I 've never been like the Clintons of the world and half the it successful, because I work in commerce guys you ever heard of, who did everything and people come to me and they have a able to regard Pop Art as a serious they could to not fight in the war. And to product, and I gotta make that thing movement...When this article in Esquire me, there's a moral difference between goddamn sell. No matter what, I'm gonna them. make it work and I know the only way to came up, I decided to show him truly make it work is to come up with an You worked for many causes, including the idea that startles the hell out of you... [Warhol] drowning in his own soup...We freeing of boxer and convicted murderer Rubin "Hurricane" Carter. What keeps you motivated? photographed Warhol and the open can I guess I'm a compassionate Greek, or is that I say if you don't get burned out every day, of soup separately. When we put Andy redundant?...I like to think I stand up for you're a bum. When you go home at night, truth and justice and the American way. I you should be exhausted, I mean, mentally into the soup, we almost lost him." mean, I don't like when people get pushed and physically exhausted. And then you get around. I don't like the Nazi bastards, I'm up in the morning and you come to work like Jackie Mason. And I've always been and you say, "I'm going to kick ass today." Dubbed "The Superman of Madison know." I think my passion, the passion for we're big and successful, we gotta quiet our involved politically. I did Bobby Kennedy's ad And then by the end of the day you can't Avenue" and "The Golden Greek", George what I do, if anything, grows. work down." And I remained the young campaign. And I guess I feel strongly about even see straight. And maybe a lot of it is Lois grabbed the advertising industry by the Greek, or young Turk, raising hell. And I certain things, and I'll do all I can to make my upbringing, it's in my blood. My father throat and revolutionized the game with What did you want to contribute to remember I was 35 and everybody around things right. That doesn't mean I'm right, worked 20 hours a day, my mother worked campaigns that were always startling and advertising? me was 45 and they were all acting like they but at least I think I am. 22 hours a day. It's almost a guilt thing, it's never dull: the minimalist Volkswagen ads, were dead, or gonna retire. And I surprised also growing up in the Depression. I mean I always understood, I almost created, the Why did you title your 1972 autobiography the Braniff "When you got it, flaunt it" the hell out of them. I just left to start work, work, work. Don't waste your time. idea of creating ideas. Of creating what I "George Be Careful"? slogan, Mickey Mantle blubbering "I want another agency. I shocked the advertising wall The Big Idea. I always look for the Did your parents understand your career? George Lois: my Maypo" and a reprise with "I want my startling, surprising idea...Advertising should world. Giorgo, prosexe. From the day I was born my MTV!", among others. He also worked on mother told me, "Giorgo, prosexe." No, they didn't have a clue. My father [a attack your throat, your eyes should tear, Why did you do the Esquire covers? To Robert Kennedy's 1964 senatorial campaign, Certainly as far as my work is concerned, Bronx florist], one morning, he came to you should choke up, you should almost express yourself? fought to free Rubin "Hurricane" Carter and pass out. When you see an advertising idea, you can't be careful, you have to be wake me up to go to the flower designed ten years of covers for Esquire it should absolutely be a blow to your No, I can express myself in a million ways in dramatic, you gotta be exciting, you gotta be market...and he said, "Giorgo, get up. It's Former magazine that encapsulated the decade. stomach. advertising. No, what actually happened in on the edge. four o'clock in the morning." I said, "Dad, "George Lois may be nearly as great a 1960-1961--Harold Hayes was the editor, I'm starting college today." "What college?" Do you think you changed the world, as you genius of mass communication as he Were there risks being audacious in what is and a great editor, and I think he was doing "I'm going to Pratt." And he said, "Okay." advised others to do? acclaims himself to be," declared New York really a very conservative business? a great magazine--but nobody recognized it That was that. And he thought I would take Magazine. Oh, sure, and by the way, you do take was a great magazine. And he came to me Well, I mean, it's a crazy thing to say, except over the store and I just went to school. And “wild man” wounds. Because with all the great and he said, "George, can I just have your every time you attack a problem you gotta I think he thought I was nuts, he was very Did you once say, "If advertising is a science, worried about me obviously...Then I start an then I'm a girl"? excitement, all the great things you do, opinion? I know you're a hot-shot art think that way. For good or bad, there's a lot there have been dozens and dozens of director. Do you have any suggestion how I of things I did that I know changed the ad agency and my father comes to the That was my facetious and maybe crude rejections of work that I thought was can improve the covers?" I said, "Oh, God, I world, as far as advertising is concerned. I agency. He's looking around, and you try to way of saying that advertising certainly was brilliant. But, somehow, I liked the mean, how do you do that?" Well, think I influenced hundreds, thousands of explain it, and he was a pretty sophisticated and presiding not a science, but was an art...Advertising is excitement of putting an idea down on a flat everybody talks about what we should people in the business...And there's a lot of guy, but it was a little mind-boggling. What an art based on some basic understanding piece of paper and creating a commercial do...bah-bah-boo-bah-bah. And I said, things that wouldn't exist without me today, he taught me, and what I got from my and knowledge of marketing. But to turn that changed people's minds about "Well, that's ridiculous. Is that the way you that literally changed the culture, for good parents, is that you work your ass off and do that understanding and marketing into something. do your articles?...I'll do one for you." And I or for bad: like the MTV's, the USA Today's, everything right. Do everything right. Just exciting strategy, and exciting execution, and did one, and it became very famous [Floyd and the Tommy Hilfiger's, and the Lean do everything perfectly. I still come in at patriarch of advertising that knocks you down and Why did you leave agencies you started and Patterson, the seven-to-one favorite in a Cuisine's, and a lot of things. Bobby 5:30 in the morning and first thing I do is convinces you to do something, is so far were very successful? fight with Sonny Liston, shown knocked out Kennedy absolutely would not have won his clean the kitchen and I make the coffee. And from being measurable and so far from My gag was, "Hey, I'm going to keep doing it in the ring]. The balls of calling a fight on the first election in New York State, that's for my wife five o'clock in the morning bakes being a science, it isn't funny. until I get it right." I started my last agency, I cover of a men's magazine. And then I just sure...So it's a grandiose way of talking stuff I bring in with me. She's a Polish girl kept doing them, and the only reason I kept when you say you can change the world. But who has Greek instincts: I get up, she gets Your work has a "commando flair for the think in 1976-1977, so it's almost twenty doing them is I told Hayes, "I'll keep doing what I'm basically trying to teach people up. advertising audacious" said The Wall Street Journal. Do years now. And I think really what happened them as long as you give me what's going to and young people, is that communications-- you try to outrage the industry? in the first agency was that I was one of Any regrets? three partners. The second agency, I be in the magazine and I'll deliver your dramatic, bold, edgy--can literally sell ideas. It was just a natural thing, I didn't think it brought two young guys with me and made cover. And you gotta run it. The first time And the idea could be selling a product, I don't think so...I remember there was an through...They still call me a wild Greek. And them equal partners. And I think the third you say you don't want that cover, you something as mundane as a product, but Aspen conference ten years ago and they that kind of reputation never bothered me. time I said, "I'm not going to do this again." I won't run it, that's the end of that." important to you and important to your asked me to be a speaker...And they had this In fact, I always got a kick out of it. I talk like client, or selling the idea of justice. big intellectual thing about how you can mean, it's really as simple as that. I said, You showed Muhammad Ali as a martyred I'm from the Bronx, and I kind of lay it on a take advantage of learning from your "This time I'm going to run it and I don't St. Sebastian for refusing the draft but Can you get as excited over selling frozen bit thick. I don't care. I think from the mistakes. And at the every end of the whole want to argue with anybody." portrayed an ordinary kid as a draft dodger: food as electing Bobby Kennedy? beginning I was considered the enfante goddamn thing, with these impressive What's the difference? terrible of Madison Avenue, Madison You also mistrust success? I really enjoy that difference. The really silly people, the intelligentsia of the world there, Avenue's bad boy...I still have the same What I told everybody was, "I'm too young Ali stood for his principles, as he said, it was thing about it is, I can get excited about I got up and I said, "I never made a mistake craziness and excitement about what I do to die." What happened, basically, was all a terrible war. It was a war of genocide, I selling almost something so mundane. I say, in my life. The second I make it, I forget and I still have a temper when I protect my my partners, everybody around me, were don't think he used those words. I'm a "How can you get so excited, George?" I about it. It doesn't teach me a goddamn work...Most guys say, "Jesus Christ, George, incredibly successful and they all started to Korean veteran, I fought in the Korean War, I think that's the excitement that when you thing." ...Man, I forget about it. I didn't how old are you now? You're sixty-six. chicken out and started to say, "Now that thought that was a war of genocide, I work on something, you make that a make the goddamn mistake. Kick ass the When are you going to stop?" I say, "I don't thought that was an awful war, and I think thrilling part of your life. From selling a next day.

JUNE 2009 JUNE 2009 profile profile 16 17 by Peter Shakalis Obama’s speech in Cairo: GOS A tangible course alteration in American foreign policy? ANA By Matthew Ellias “No single speech can The reality of many of the most divisive develop their society,” it is tempting to eradicate years of mistrust, issues in the Arab world, and in the Muslim believe that this generation of Americans

nor can I answer in the world at large, is that they cannot be might actually see a tangible course O: DIMITRIOS P T time that I have all the addressed as black and white. A detailed alteration in American foreign policy in

complex questions that understanding of religion, politics, culture Palestine. At the same time, the use of the PHO brought us to this point. and history is needed, but often not applied. language “continued settlements” cleverly His Beatitude Anastasios, Archbishop of Albania (left) with His Eminence But I am convinced that in Perhaps this is symptomatic of the fact that skirts the issue of the previously established Demetrios, Archbishop of America and Chairman of SCOBA, during the order to move forward, we we live in a world of twenty four hour news, illegal settlements, which is one of the blessing of the new Missionary Training center that bears their names. must say openly the things and public opinion is too often dictated by greatest, if not the greatest impediment to a we hold in our hearts, and who can shout the loudest and provide the viable two-state solution. that too often are said most incendiary sound bytes. In this light it The New Archbishops Anastasios FEELING A LITTLE BETTER only behind closed doors.” is not surprising that polarizing ideologues With the balance of the speech, Obama and Demetrios Mission Center in Florida have recently dominated the discussion on spoke frankly about the desire to prevent The new Archbishop Anastasios and Archbishop Demetrios Missionary ABOUT A BAD SITUATION This sentiment appeared Middle-Eastern politics. However, it would the spread of nuclear weaponry, responsibly Training and Administration Building of the Orthodox Christian Mission early in the President’s seem that Obama’s goal is truly a lasting apply democratic principles, promote The hedge funds and top-tier investment banks that are located in Center (OCMC) in St. Augustine, Florida, was dedicated recently, in the speech to the Muslim peace and stability, and not a quick and easy religious tolerance and freedom, advocate Midtown along the premier Avenues were the first companies in New presence of both hierarchs whose work and spirit has been monumental world in Cairo, and alliance with vocal ideologues on either side for women’s rights, and encourage York City to experience the tumult of the current recession. The decline throughout the Orthodox Catholic and Christian world in general. The epitomizes the spirit of his of the issues concerning the Muslim world. economic development and opportunity. in their business that began in the second quarter of 2008 was Dedication Committee, chaired by Mrs. Helen Nicozisis, OCMC staff headed oration. For all the pundits Each of these topics in and of themselves, preceded by the collapse of the residential housing market that began a That last sentiment is particularly vexing, in by Executive Director Fr. Martin Ritsi, and Board Members were honored to eager to chastise Obama and their implications in the Muslim world year earlier in the rest of the country. that this speech to the “Muslim world,” felt receive 10 hierarchs from all the Orthodox Jurisdictions represented in the for his perceived arrogance could have filled a lecture series, but were an awful lot like a speech to the “Arab Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas and naivety in thinking that he can make When New York City’s financial sector started to contract in 2008, the world.” Despite the fact that the majority of (SCOBA) as well as over 300 clergy and lay people from around the world. demand for office space in the Midtown market shriveled. As a result foreign policy progress by speaking directly the world’s Muslims are not Arabs, the the availability of office space in the Plaza and Rockefeller/Fifth Avenue to historical adversaries, this line must have speech was held in Cairo, and dealt The night before, a reception was held at the Renaissance Resort at World come across like a sobering slap, and a primarily with American political interests in Golf Village; OCMC Board President, Mr. Clifford Argue opened the evening districts in the Midtown market, in particular, escalated. By the end of reminder that there is a new sheriff in town- the Arab world. It is tempting and by welcoming many of these distinguished guests after an Invocation from the 2009 first quarter, the availability rate in Midtown was substantially one willing to speak to the American people dangerous to conflate the words Arab and Metropolitan Nicholas of Amissos, of the American Carpatho Russian higher than the level in Midtown South and Downtown. The financial and the rest of the world like adults. Much Muslim, and makes the president’s Orthodox Diocese in the USA, assisted by Fr. Mark Arey, General Secretary of sector is the lead horse that pulls the New York City economy, so the like his speech on race, the president’s references to the Maronites and Copts in SCOBA. other major sub-markets in Manhattan were expected to follow the speech in Cairo faced the immense task of Lebanon and Egypt respectively all the more Following Mr. Argue’s remarks, OCMC Missionary to Albania Mr. Nathan downward trend and show weakness in subsequent months. addressing hot button issues to a broad significant. However, one must wonder if spectrum of listeners, many of whom hold Hoppe offered his reflections on the past, present and future of the OCMC. In fact, the very preliminary numbers for the second quarter of 2009 do these subtle references are enough to “With this new center we are equipped in a new way to reach out and to deeply entrenched positions, ideals, and differentiate Arabs and Muslims to an show that the degree of weakness among the major Manhattan even prejudices. For this reason it seems, powerfully proclaim that Christ is truly risen and that He has transformed all American audience. While the reference to of reality.” markets is beginning to equalize. In the second quarter, the Midtown very few groups were one hundred percent Maronites and Copts and even to Christians availability of space has increased, although not quite as much as is as happy with everything the President said. in Palestine are important in their own right, Two men, however, were recognized for their pivotal roles in the growth of much as both the Downtown and Midtown South markets will likely Nonetheless, Obama’s rhetoric was even the Orthodox Missions movement. His Beatitude Anastasios, Archbishop of they confirmed that this was indeed a simply themes in the overture of this increase. handed, and far more nuanced than that to Tirana, Durres and All Albania, and His Eminence Demetrios, Primate of the speech about many of the political President’s forthcoming foreign policy which Americans were accustomed from his Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and Chairman of SCOBA, who were In recent weeks there have been some references to green shoots situations in this Middle East, and less an symphony. Without a doubt there was a predecessor. the honorees during the dedication. Addressing the two prelates, Board address to the Muslim world per-se. tremendous amount of rhetoric in Obama’s when talking about the national economy’s incipient recovery. In member Fr. Matthew Tate shared, “your missionary efforts throughout the Cairo address, some of which will likely virtually all of these instances, it was noted that the rate of decline was Regardless of who the speech was Church truly are legendary, and it is most appropriate that the Mission Indeed, the fact that ideologues on both amount to simply that – rhetoric. However, slowing. The consistent uptrend in the stock market is, for the moment, technically addressed to, it contained a Center building be dedicated in each of your names.” sides of many of the more controversial if Obama is able to deliver on even some of confirming that upbeat assessment. While it is important not to get aspects of Obama’s speech responded with great deal of content that set it apart from the declarations made in this speech, it will The new building will prove to be a vital resource in the continuation of this caught up in some type of mass self-deception, our data for the outrage is probably a good thing. For historical presidential orations on the go a long way in dramatically changing the work. Broader understanding and support of missions, however, is still Manhattan office market also shows some green shoots among the example, Conservative pundit Sean Hannity Middle-East. Particularly notable was the way the United States relates to the a Arab needed, reminded keynote speaker, OCMC Board Vice President and rubble. In May, the total amount of space added to the available supply lambasted the president’s speech and went President’s use of clear and accurate world, and the Muslim world at large. If Chancellor of St. Vladimir’s Seminary Fr. Chad Hatfield. did increase, but the amount of space added was about 40% of the as far as to claim that it was sympathetic to language to describe the daily plight of Palestinians. Obama directly addressed “the anything, the Cairo address is reason to amount added each month during the previous six months. The deluge 9/11 and Obama’s way of “faulting the U.S. hope for change…two themes which At the banquet, OCMC was honored to receive a $25,000 donation from the for the tensions that exist between pain of dislocation…refugee camps in the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, presented by National of new space in the Midtown market slowed even more, with the rate at West Bank, and Gaza… [and] daily certainly have been President Barack about 30% of the level during the previous six months. The markets are Americans and Muslims.” The hard line Hussein Obama’s bread and butter. President Aphrodite Skeadas. Settlers Council on Israel Radio said humiliations - large and small – that come still weakening, but at a much slower pace. Of course, one month of “Hussein Obama preferred the false version with occupation.” Such direct language is Dedication proceedings were held immediately after next morning’s Liturgy. data does not indicate a trend, but there is additional fundamental data of the Arabs over the Jewish truth, spoken rarely used by the President of the United Matthew Ellias served as the New York Field The Ceremony included a blessing service celebrated by Archbishop that may lend credence to the property level statistics. in a weak and stammering voice.” At the States to describe Palestinian life. When Organizer for the Arab American Institute’s Demetrios. Following the service, a hand painted icon of the Mission same time, Hamas leader Khaled Meshal taken in context with the fact that Obama “Yalla Vote!” initiative, and presided as the Center’s patron saints, Cyril and Methodius, was presented by Archbishop Again, based on the preliminary data, the employment situation does said: “The essence of the speech was to declared that “the United States does not founding president of Fordham University’s Demetrios from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.Then OCMC not seem to be deteriorating more. The year-over-year job losses in total improve the U.S. image and to placate the accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli Middle Eastern Cultural Association. was blessed to receive the relics of two of Orthodoxy’s most renowned employment are about 100,000, or 2.4%. In the financial sector, Muslims. We don't mind either objective, settlements,” and demanded that “Israel Matthew is an Antiochian Greek Orthodox missionary saints, Cosmas Aitolos, Missionary to the Balkans, presented by employment levels seem to be holding steady, and the business but we are looking for more than just mere must also live up to its obligations to ensure Christian and currently resides in Bay Ridge Archbishop Anastasios, and St. Innocent, Apostle to America, presented by fundamentals in that industry are improving. The unemployment rate words.” that Palestinians can live, and work, and Brooklyn. He can be reached at His Beatitude Jonah, Metropolitan of the Orthodox Church in America for residents of New York City has been steady over the last few months, (OCA). Following a ribbon cutting and plaque unveiling, guests took time to [email protected]. and the labor force number has continued to rise. These are additional venerate the relics and tour the new 12,000 square foot facility. positive signs, hopefully of things to come. The Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) is the official missions agency of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA) dedicated to fulfilling Christ’s last command to make Peter Shakalis is a Director at FirstService Williams Real Estate JUNE 2009 disciples of all nations. MAY 2009 commentary [email protected] people and places 18 19 AHEPA’s Cigar From the memorable Athens Convention in 2008. Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis will receive the AHEPA Pericles Award in Smoker Benefit San Francisco. From left are Convention General Chairman A. Steve Betzelos, Ambassador Daniel Speckhard, Supreme A Churchil-size Vice President Nicholas Karacostas,

ADAS Supreme President Ike Gulas, Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, Archbishop success VV Demetrios at the Opening Ceremony held at Zappeion. The ceremony was Seasons Caterers in Westwood, NJ, was in full—season--at the 6th sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Annual Cigar Smoker Benefit, held earlier this spring by the AHEPA Ramapo Chapter 453. All premises, in and out, had to be reserved for the almost 1,000 people that showed up in what has become an O: CHRIS KA annual ritual where locals and their friends from throughout the Paul Savidis Chairman, John Psomas Co-chairman,

state and surrounding states come to welcome the summer season, Jim Giokas Chapter President and committee members. PHOT to reunite with old acquaintances, or meet new ones. Chris Pappas and Jeff Symeonides At the same time, as James Giokas, the Chapter President explains,

“the proceeds from this event over the past five years have ADAS

supported several significant projects, which include scholarships as VV The AHEPA Family Prepares to “Leave Its Heart” in San Francisco well as facility grants for the school and gymnasium at St. Nicholas of The American Hellenic Educational intends to be a part of the banquet Wyckoff.” It is estimated that from this year’s event alone, which Progressive Association (AHEPA), a leading program. included an auction, more than $100,000 will go in support of the association for the nation's three million The Daughters above mentioned institutions. According to Giokas, “these programs American citizens of Greek ancestry, and “We are thrilled and honored to have such provide valuable community services for athletic and educational O: CHRIS KA countless Philhellenes, will hold its 87th distinguished leaders, representing all facets of Penelope activities in the Wyckoff and Northwest Bergen county area.” Annual Supreme Convention, June 29 to July of society, participate at the convention,” PHOT 5, 2009, in San Francisco, Calif. AHEPA will said AHEPA Executive Director Basil Celebrate 80 Years Paul Savvidis was the Chairman this year and John Psomas served as Mossaidis. co-Chairman. be joined by its affiliated organizations: the Daughters of Penelope, Sons of Pericles, and In addition, the convention program will The Daughters of Penelope, an affiliate

This annual gathering started six years ago as a rather modest event, ADAS Maids of Athena. consist of: educational and policy symposia, organization of AHEPA, will be celebrating its

drawing together the Chapter’s cigar lovers and their friends to share VV athletic events, business sessions, and social 80th anniversary in the city of its founding. fellowship moments and good smokes, while benefiting AHEPA’s According to Supreme President Ike Gulas, there will be two themes for this annual affairs hosted by the San Francisco AHEPA “We dedicate our 2009 Supreme Convention to community activities. “It didn’t take long before it turned to Family. something bigger, until it came to be the major event it today is,” said gathering, which is one of the largest of our Founder, Alexandra Apostolides Sonenfeld Philip Vogis, one of the “founding fathers”. “Soon, a huge numbers or Hellenes and Philhellenes in North America. The policy symposia will include a policy and the founding of the Daughters of Penelope From left, Philip Vogis, 80 years ago,” said Daughters of Penelope Grand Greek and non-Greek professionals from the area saw the potential O: CHRIS KA "We're excited to return to the West Coast speech by Foreign Minister Bakoyannis to of this gathering to attract and meet customers and started to attend Savas Tsivicos for our Supreme Convention where we will the entire community on Saturday morning, President Barbara Stavis Wolf. “We will celebrate and Kosta Linardis reaffirm our commitment to community July 4. Supreme President Gulas will also and pay tribute to Alexandra and those and sponsor it.” PHOT service in step with President Barack follow-through with the concept of hosting members who ventured forward to join together According to Mr. Vogis, a major percentage of this year’s sponsors Obama’s ‘Year of Community Service’ a “Unity Forum” with leaders of other to form a women's organization that would work came from the wider community. Moreover, “only a small initiative," said Gulas. "In addition, San Hellenic organizations from across the to ensure a more progressive role for women in percentage of the participants are Greeks anymore. The Cigar ADAS Francisco is a poignant location for the country on Saturday afternoon. their communities and that would give the Smoker Benefit has come to be perhaps the Northwest Bergen VV Daughters of Penelope which was founded Greek American woman the opportunity to county major annual gathering.” there 80 years ago.” “This will be the first of what we hope will make significant contributions to both her be a series of similar events to address and Hellenic and her American communities.” While the food and drinks are served inside the spacious and He added, “We believe we have a wonderful examine issues pertaining to the role of Renaissance-inspired Season’s main hall, a huge tent with bar in the program for the entire family to enjoy, American Hellenic organizations in society,” One popular misconception is that the AHEPA Caterer’s open space serves as the cigar lovers’ refuge. There, they O: CHRIS KA including a gala affair honoring a said Gulas. “We aspire to provide an open Supreme Convention is open to members only. can enjoy drinks, cigars and talk, while those who don’t like smoking Jim Giokas, Louis distinguished group of Hellenes." forum for this initial Unity Forum, discussing Not true according to Executive Director can stay inside in the clean, air-conditioned environment. Mossaidis. "Everyone is welcome to attend the Arvanitis and Philip Vogis PHOT our mutual goals, challenges and concerns Honorees attending the 87th AHEPA Grand convention," he said. "One can register as a “By using the outer space, since the law doesn’t allow smoking that we face as a community. What are our More than 700 people showed up for the event Banquet on Friday, July 3, include: Her guest, or non-AHEPA family member; although a inside, the event has also become more women friendly,” says Philip realistic expectations from the Obama Excellency Dora Bakoyannis, foreign registration discount is offered to non-members Vogis. “In the beginning it was mostly a men’s affair, but lately we see ADAS Administration and Congress? What are our minister, Hellenic Republic, who will receive who join."

VV assets and liabilities as a community? How increasing numbers of women and that will make it a more integrates the AHEPA Pericles Award; Mr. George M. can we get more Hellenic Americans crowd”! Marcus, chairman, The Marcus & Millichap The social functions are open to all willing to pay working in government or involved in a small entrance fee. The educational and policy The AHEPA Ramapo Chapter #453 meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each Company, who will receive the AHEPA advocacy? These are just some of the symposia are free as a public service to the month at the Community Center of St. Nicholas, Wyckoff, NJ, (467 Archbishop Iakovos Humanitarian Award; questions that we seek to answer. Our community. “We’re looking forward to a Grandview Ave). More information is provided at their website and Mr. Basile Z Katsikis, comedian, who will O: CHRIS KA ultimate vision is for our community to receive the AHEPA Aristotle Award. Actor productive week of events that will enlighten www.ahepa453.org speak with one voice when addressing these Michael Papajohn will serve as Master of and entertain the community while the AHEPA

PHOT questions.” DEMETRIOS RHOMPOTIS Ceremonies. Family goes about with its administrative In addition, the AHEPA Cyprus and Hellenic business,” said Mossaidis. The Grand Banquet program will also Affairs Committee will host a panel feature remarks from His Eminence The AHEPA Family will hold its elections for new discussion with Ambassador Kakouris on “Syn… phonia” in New York Archbishop Demetrios, His Eminence officers, and make legislative amendments to its Friday morning, July 3. Its purpose is to brief Metropolitan Gerasimos, and His Excellency governing constitution and bylaws, as is the community on developments pertaining Andreas Kakouris, Ambassador of the customary at each annual Supreme Convention. “SYN…PHONIA” is a joint-effort by new friends who happen to be an esteemed group of to the Cyprus question, what current Republic of Cyprus to the U.S. Moreover, For more information about the 87th AHEPA artists, distinguished in New York jazz and Greek music scene. Panos Chrysovergis (keys), challenges are being faced, and what the U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, co-chair of the Supreme Convention, please visit Aphrodite Daniel (vocals), Engin Gunaydin (drums), Panagiotis Andreou (bass, vocals), future may hold for a solution. Christos Papadopoulos (bouzouki, vocals) and Ismail Lumanovski (clarinet) have joined Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, www.ahepa.org/convention.

JUNE 2009 talent and effort to create a winning selection of beloved Greek songs, old & new. Catch JUNE 2009 news & notes them before this season is over, every Wednesday, 9:00 p.m. at Ammos Estiatorio (52 news & notes 20 Vanderbilt Ave., New York, NY). 21 Leadership 100 to Continue Grants Leadership 100 The Leadership 100 Board of Directors at its recent meeting in New York City Stephen G. Yeonas and Dr. George J. Tsioulias voted unanimously to fund its grant Neo Magazine and Leadership 100 have partnered to present a monthly profile of the New Generation of Leaders who belong to the Leadership 100 Partners Program which recruits young Greek American commitments for 2008, 2009 and 2010 professionals on the rise in their careers, making membership affordable and providing a network for meeting for a total of $2 million. Total grant Leadership 100 was founded 25 years ago by the visionary Archbishop Iakovos and a small band of outstanding Greek American businessmen who wished to support the Greek Orthodox Church and perpetuate their faith and commitments since the inception of Hellenic heritage in America, passing it on to future generations. the organization in 1984 will now reach Stefanie Gail Roumeliotes $30 million in 2010, an average of $1.2 Position: President & Founder of SGR Consulting, Fundraising & Strategic Development Education: University of California, Los Angeles million a year.

Dr. George Carayannopoulos, Justin Bozonelis, Dina Theodosakis, Where were you born and where did you grow up? given me incredibly valuable insight into my own community and Peter P. Parthenis and Peter Pantelidis Michael Plakogiannis, John Vavas and Iakovos Koutras I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area and grew close to culture as well as that of our ancestors. L100 is my way of supporting my Faith and Greek heritage at the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church Orthodoxy and Hellenism on a national level. I see this commitment in Belmont, California. I also spent each summer living on the coast of as an extension of my mother’s long-term involvement with the Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts with family. My father Church and its philanthropic arm, Philoptochos. Her dedication and arrived in America at the age of 13 and his family settled in years of service inspire me to stay closely connected and involved in Massachusetts after leaving Greece in the late 1940’s. My mother was our local and national Orthodox and Hellenic programs. born and raised in the Greek Orthodox community of Dover, New Hampshire. Both felt strongly that their children return to the How would you evaluate your experience in the organization so far? Northeast each year and stay connected to their first-generational I absolutely love the organization. Through the L100 Partners roots. Program, I have been able to connect with different Orthodox Faith- based programs and financial initiatives as well as network with some Who or what were the main influences in your life? of the most influential and successful leaders in our community. I am My grandfather, who helped raise me, was a Greek immigrant who also thrilled to see that the L100 Partners Program is growing and that graduated from Brown University in the 1930’s. He taught me the younger members are joining every year. importance of education as a gateway to opportunity. But the women in my family, particularly my mother, have had the greatest influence As a new generation leader, what are some ideas of yours on the George Demos and John A. Payiavlas Stephen G. Yeonas, George D. Behrakis and Paulette Poulos on my life. I have always been awed by their courage, strength and future of Leadership 100? grace under fire; raising children, being devoted wives, achieving With the L100 Partners Program on the rise and growing each year, I success in their careers or philanthropic work and most importantly in would like to see more L100 Partners be given the opportunity to serve in leadership roles within the Organization to help keep the In 2008, Leadership 100, in response to the current economic crisis and its effect on its Endowment their commitment to preserving and promoting our Greek Orthodox Faith and Hellenic culture. They were instrumental in nurturing my charitable activities fresh and focused. I would also like to see the Fund, formed the Leadership 100 Grant Fund to fund its prior grant commitments and resume future L100 Partners Program schedule more prospecting events grant distributions. Headed by Charles H. Cotros, a member of the Executive Committee, the special development and gave me the confidence that I could do or be anything in this lifetime as long as I remained true to my values, faith throughout the country, on an annual basis, to help promote fund was initiated with a challenge grant of $250,000 by Michael Jaharis, a Founder of Leadership 100, membership. and raised more than $1 million from members to fund the Leadership 100 Scholarship for Excellence and heritage. Program at Holy Cross School of Theology in 2009. How did you get into your present work? How has your involvement in Leadership 100 proved valuable in I believe politics chooses you, you don’t choose it. I was deeply other activities of your life? Stephen G. Yeonas, Chairman of Leadership 100, said the development put the organization on a steady affected by my late godfather who was very involved in San Francisco Through the annual L100 conferences, I have met like-minded Greek- course for the future, especially since membership has now reached 820 with events planned in 2009 and California State society and politics during my early years. I had Americans who have also become my close friends. These are to recruit more members. “The positive action of our Board will allow Leadership 100 to continue the opportunity to observe strategic and tactical meetings hosted at friendships that I know will last throughout our lifetime and together support of the National Ministries of our Greek Orthodox Church while continuing scholarships to his home during my formative years. This sparked a lifelong we will ensure that our generation is successful in preserving and prepare our priests, fund technology infrastructure at Hellenic College-Holy Cross School of Theology fascination with campaign politics and public service. From promoting our faith and heritage. and provide assistance to our Retired Clergy in Need through 2010,” he said. congressional internships starting at the age of 15 to serving as high What qualities do you most admire or value in others? The night before the Board meeting, Leadership 100 members and prospects, 60 in all, were hosted school student body president, I have always had the drive and desire Courage, Balance, Faith, Heart, Integrity, Generosity, Passion and Angelo J. Coutris, Christine Coutris to participate actively in my community. In 2000, I jumped at the once again at Kellari’s Parea in the Gramercy Park section of New York City, to continue the 25th and Peter J. Pappas Resilience. Anniversary Membership Campaign into 2009, with a goal of 50 members. Last year, a similar event opportunity to learn fundraising on Dianne Feinstein’s US Senate From left, John Neamonitis, Alexandra Frangos, reelection campaign. After that, I was deputy finance director for Phil What do you consider your greatest achievement? helped the 2008 goal reach 50 new members. Peter J. Pappas, Membership Chairman for the Direct When I was asked to be Hillary Clinton’s Northwestern Finance Archdiocesan District and co-owner of the restaurant with James, George and Peter Pantelidis, served George Soterakis and Keke Kyriakopoulos Angelides’ gubernatorial campaign, and in 2004, I created my own political and philanthropic fundraising firm. Since then, I have been Director in the last presidential campaign, I never expected that I as Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Pappas welcomed members and prospects from throughout would play such a significant role in helping a female presidential the New York region, as well as from the Midwest and West Coast, introducing many of the young committed to raising funds for AIDS research and helping the Democrats regain control of our government. candidate obtain over 18 million votes in the Democratic presidential professional Leadership 100 Partners. Also in attendance was the President of the Hellenic Medical primary, and therefore making 18 million cracks in the highest and Society, Dr. George Tsioulias. As a successful American you could and perhaps have joined major hardest glass ceiling. I have been so blessed to have worked with Pappas introduced the other speakers, including Michael Bapis, Chairman of the Leadership 100 organizations that are focused more on mainstream society. Why some of the greatest political and philanthropic leaders of our time. I Partners Program, John A. Payiavlas and George D. Behrakis, Chairmen Emeriti, Paulette Poulos, L100? am humbled and amazed by these experiences, and grateful for the Executive Director (Interim), and Stephen G. Yeonas, Leadership 100 Chairman. Gus Caras, Leadership As a Greek-American, I am blessed with a heritage that combines two opportunity to have an impact on our world. 100, Vice Chairman, and Kassandra Romas, Secretary also attended. of the most idealistic and democratic societies the world has ever known. In addition, being raised in the Greek Orthodox Church has Continues on page 32 JUNE 2009 MAY 2009 Leadership 100 Leadership 100 22 23 The Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals had their 2nd Annual Meet and Greet Reception & on May 26 at the Greek Press and Communication Office in New Meet Greet York City. Costas Kondylis, senior partner and CEO of the world renowned architectural firm Costas Kondylis and Partners, LLP, was the keynote speaker. Kondylis proved to be very inspirational as he captured the attention of most everyone with his speech “How I Came to Success as a Young Hellenic Professional in America.” The Grecian native from the island of Reception with Samos, spoke about why he decided to be an architect and how he finally made it in such a difficult market in a foreign country. A captivating slideshow of some of his most coveted projects was also featured. The down to earth mastermind’s story and designs triggered many questions, particularly from young professionals who stood in lines after the event just to get a Costas Kondylis chance to speak with him. By Maria Athanasopoulos Young professionals are not the only ones intrigued by Kondylis, his clients include some of the world’s most powerful developers, corporations and real estate moguls. Since establishing his innovative firm in 1989, he has been named one of New York’s most active, imaginative and best architects. Many call him the “Developer’s Architect” due to his practical and affordable, yet fashionable designs. Costas Kondylis Anastasios Pardalis Kondylis and his firm have designed more than 75 high-rise residential towers, luxury hotels and many other polarizing projects including the “W” South Beach Hotel & Residences, the intricate Plaza Hotel conversion and the Trump World Tower, which happens to be the world’s tallest residential building. For more information about Costas Kondylis and Partners LLP Architects, please contact: [email protected]. If you are interested in attending future events hosted by the HACC Young Professionals, feel free to contact the organization’s President, Anastasios Pardalis: [email protected]. In Memoriam Key US Policymakers Mr. Lambros show support for Nikos Kotziamanis Secretary Clinton met with Greek American leaders. From left Archdeacon (left) with

Panteleimon Papadopoulos, Tasos Zambas, Nick Karakostas, Zenon Christodoulou, Charis Lapas SS Cyprus and Greece Andy Manatos, Nikos Mouyiaris, Secretary Hillary Clinton, Peter Papanicolaou,

Archbishop Demetrios, Philip Christopher, Andrew Athens, George Tsunis, Member of Parliament A PRE This year, 1/3 of the members of the House Europe Subcommittee, four of Lambros the seven Chairmen of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Mike Manatos and Michael Galanakis. Eva Kaili with Nick Mouyiaris

O: ET at the AHI gala Subcommittees, 15 members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, nine T in DC this past

of the top advocates for Hellenic and Orthodox issues in the Senate were PHO March. among the 50 key U.S. policymakers, including U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, that participated in the 25th Annual Cyprus and Hellenic Leadership Lambros Papantoniou a Washington D.C. Conference in Washington, D.C., May 20-22, an event that – unlike any other based journalist and correspondent for in the Greek-American community – engages large numbers of elected and almost four decades, going back to Administration officials who actually formulate U.S. policy toward Greece, President Nixon, passed away last May, at Cyprus and Turkey. Moreover, PSEKA and CEH, who sponsored this the age of 63, from a stroke. conference, brought together over 120 Greek-American leaders from across Mr. Papantoniou, known to officials as "Mr. the country to take part in the meetings. Lambros," was the Washington diplomatic On the closing day, conference participants visited and honored U.S. correspondent for the Greek daily Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the State Department. Led by his Senator Bob Menendez was honored this year. newspaper Eleftheros Typos, Radio Eminence Archbishop Demetrios the delegation included Philip Christopher, With him from left are Peter Papanicolaou; Cyprus Government Spokesman Thessaloniki, and the U.S. weekly Andrew A. Athens, Andy Manatos, Peter Papanicolaou, Nikos Mouyiaris, Stefanos Stefanou; Andrew Athens; Tasos Zambas; Mayor of occupied Famagusta, George Tsounis From left, Peter Papanicolaou, newspaper Greek News. Famous for his wit, George J. Tsunis, Mike Manatos, Tasos D. Zambas, Zenon Christodoulou and Cyprus, Alexis Galanos; Philip Christopher; Cyprus Government Director of Overseas and State Senator Congressman Mike McMahon and humor and benevolent character, Lambros Lou Raptakis Michael Galanakis. Cypriots, Ambassador Charalambos Ioannides. Member of Parliament Grigoris Niotis was passionate and relentless when it came to extracting news during White House and Also honored on that day were New York State Assemblyman Mike Gianaris State Department briefings. His barrage of and Greece’s outgoing Ambassador to the U.S.Alexandros Mallias who was questions to then State Department the 2009 recipient of the Conalis-Kontou Award. Both, the husband, Lefteris, Spokesperson Nicholas Burns, in the and daughter, Christianna, of Marialena Conalis-Kontou, after whom this aftermath of the Turkish invasion of the award is named, flew in to attend this ceremony. At the conference banquet, Greek Imia islets, was vintage Lambros. participants honored George and Cathy Sakellaris as the 2009 recipients of Besides, over the years, he managed, before the Livanos Award and Illinois State Treasurer and likely candidate for the the dawning of the blogosphere, to develop U.S. Senate, Alexi Giannoulias. a pioneering style of journalistic writing. Perhaps his most important legacy was the Members of Congress who were honored at the conference included: In the courage to come up with his own style in an U.S. Senate, Assistant Majority Leader Richard Durbin (D-IL) with the era when the “wooden language” of press Paraskevaides Award, leading advocate for Hellenic issues on the Senate releases and political correctness had come Foreign Relations Committee and member of the Senate Leadership Bob to replace the journalism of Hemingway and Menendez (D-NJ); fellow advocate for Hellenic issues on the Foreign Senate Assistant Majority Leader Richard Durbin was honored From left, Byron Georgiou, Senator Richard Durbin (right) other legendary writers. Relations Committee, Barbara Boxer (D-CA), and long-time advocate for at the conference. With him are from left Peter Papanicolaou, Congresswoman Dina Titus, with Endy Zemenides and Hellenic issues and member of the key Senate Foreign Operations Andy Manatos, Andrew Athens and Philip Christopher. Savvas Tsivikos and Nick Mouyiaris Dimitrios Kozonis (right) Far from serving as a vehicle for American Appropriations Subcommittee Arlen Specter (D-PA). In the U.S. House of officials to pass messages or policy line to From left, Cathy and George Sakellaris, Byron Georgiou, Representative, conference participants honored House Foreign Affairs From left, Chairman of the House Senator Bob Casey, George Tsounis and Andy Manatos Greeks, Lambros as a correspondent Committee Members Ed Royce (R-CA) and Russ Carnahan (D-MO), who both Foreign Affairs Committee Howard repeatedly spearheaded the effort to get just returned from separate Congressional Delegation visits to Cyprus. Berman (D-CA), Andy Manatos, real news from those people (often paving the way for other less assertive colleagues On the opening day, conference participants recognized the following George Tsunis, Congressman Gary Ackerman (D-NY), Philip Christopher to follow. As a real fighter he wouldn’t mind dignitaries who came from Cyprus to attend this important conference: the and Congressman Gene Green (D-TX). being used, he cared mostly about the big Mayor of occupied Famagusta, Cyprus, Alexis Galanos; the Mayor of picture.) occupied Lefkoniko, Cyprus, Michalis Pilikos; the Mayor of occupied Akanthou, Cyprus, Savvas Savvides; and Deputy Mayor of Morphou, Cyprus, He was born on July 4, 1945 in Mandra Charalambos Charalambous. As well, Cyprus Government Director of Xanthi, a village in Greece's Western Thrace Overseas Cypriots, Ambassador Charalambos Ioannides was honored that region. His parents were refugees, who fled From left, CEH evening. from Asia Minor in 1922 to settle in Greece. Board Member He studied law at Aristotle University in Other officials from Greece and Cyprus who participated in this conference Michael Galanakis Thessaloniki, and arrived in the United included Cyprus Government Spokesman, Stefanos Stefanou; Chairman of with Irene Antonoglu States in 1973. He studied international law the Hellenic Parliament’s Permanent Inter-Party Committee on Greeks and John Antonoglu and political science at the University of Abroad, Nikolaos Tsiartsionis; three other members of the Hellenic California, Berkeley, where he obtained his Parliament Grigoris Niotis, Spyridon Georgiadis and Eva Kaili; as well as Tasos Zambas with Debbie Camilaris (left), President of Master's Degree and Juris Doctorate. Canada’s Minister of Industry Tony Clement and Member of the Canadian Cypriot Youth of America, and friends Parliament James Karygiannis. In 1975, after the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, he began working as a journalist, CEH leaders included in their conference the heads of several other major specializing in U.S. foreign policy issues Greek-American organizations: AHEPA Supreme Vice President Nick relating to Greece, Turkey, Cyprus and the Karacostas; AHI Executive Director Nick Larigakis; SAE Coordinator of for the Balkans. Over the course of a prodigious U.S. Ted Spyropoulos; and Pan-Macedonian Association President Nina career, he was correspondent to many Gatzoulis, among others. Greek and Greek-American Media, and participated in numerous foreign policy conferences and panels in the United JUNE 2009 George and Cathy Sakellaris news & notes States, Greece, Cyprus and Australia. were honored at the Banquet. Over 120 Registered 26 Here with Philip Christopher, Conference Participants Andy Manatos and Andrew Athens. came to DC this year. James and Nora

PRESS PRESS Orphanides with PRESS A A members of their A family. O: ET O: ET O: ET PHOT PHOT PHOT

Mr. & Mrs. Orphanides with John Catsimatidis. Emanuel Polychronakis, President of Marathon Bank, and Tina Handras, Senior Vice President, Area Manager, James M. Orphanides honored by HABA Marathon Bank. From left, HABA Secretary Emmanuel Caravanos, Arab Bank Plc, Mistress of Ceremonies Dorie Klissas, NYU Langone Medical Center, HABA Treasurer Nicholas Agrotis, CPA Transfirst, HABA President James Hansel, Eight Winds Capital, Costas Kellas, Objecutive, Inc., Mr. & Mrs. Orphanides, HABA Vice President Georgia Mouzakis, Citi Private Bank, John Giapoutzis, Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management, Peggy Delfinopoulos, Prudential Financial, Inc, and Emmanuel Argerakis, Tri-State Capital. PRESS A O: ET PHOT

“Let’s stick together. If you need a job, don’t fields of endeavor, such as Dr. John Brademas, CB Richard Ellis Realty Trust and Wilshire be afraid to ask. You are part of our family,” President Emeritus of New York University Enterprises, Inc. Mr. Orphanides had been declared James Hansel, President of HABA, and the first Greek-American elected to actively involved in many non-for profit addressing hundreds of members and friends Congress in the 20th century, and New York organizations. Today he sits on the Boards of: at the Executive of the Year Award Gala held State Minority Leader Dean Skellos. Dorrie the Foundation for Medical Evaluation and earlier this spring at the historic Union League Klissas, Director of Media Relations at NYU’s Early Detection, Seeds of Peace, Citizen Club of New York City. Langone Medical Center was the Mistress of Budget Commission and the American Ballet Ceremonies, while Rev. Frank Marangos, Theatre. He is also a member of the Lincoln James M. Orphanides, Chairman Emeritus of Dean of the Archdiocesan Cathedral, offered Center Corporate Fund Leadership First American Title Insurance Company, was the Invocation and praised Mr. Orphanides’ Committee, the Hellenic American Bankers this year’s honoree, and echoing Hansel’s philanthropical activities. John Catsimatides, Association (HABA) and the Economic Club of words, he spoke of solidarity in these tough CEO and Chairman of the Red Apple Group, New York; TPC Golf Club at Jasna Polana in times for the banking industry. “We are here himself a past recipient of the Executive of Princeton, New Jersey; the Nassau Club in together tonight, because we are all linked to the Year Award, was the Event’s Chairman. Princeton, New Jersey and the Union League each other.” He also sought to remind Club in New York City. everyone of the hardships the early James M. Orphanides is Chairman Emeritus generations of Greek immigrants faced when of First American Title Insurance Company of The Hellenic American Bankers Association, they came to this country and nevertheless New York and a Director, effective December Inc. (H.A.B.A.) is one of the premier Greek- managed to overcome and prosper. 31, 2007. He has worked for First American American organizations in the New York since 1992 in key executive positions. From metropolitan area. HABA is a not-for-profit “Is this today as bad as what those people 1996 through 2007 he was President, CEO organization established in 1982 to promote experienced? I don’t think so,” he said. He and Chairman of the Board. Prior to joining the professional and educational interest of also spoke about the need to distinguish First American, Mr. Orphanides was a Greek-Americans in the banking and finance people for their real worth and not just “the Principal and President of Preferred Land industries. Its current active membership size of one’s checkbook.” In the same spirit, Title Services, Inc., from 1982 to 1992. He was consists of over 200 professionals Mr. Hansel added that “a good person may Vice President and head of the National Sales representing more than 50 institutions across suffer, but his virtue remains intact.” department in New York for Commonwealth the financial spectrum. However, far from suffering, the evening was Land Title Insurance Company from 1979 to For further information, the telephone a happy gathering, bringing together 1982 and an Executive at Chicago Title number is 212-421-1057 and the website exceptionally successful people from various Insurance Company from 1972 from 1979. He JUNE 2009 www.HABA.org. event is currently a Trustee of two Public Companies 28

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Beyond Borders: The Los Angeles Greek Film Festival will the people." Greece on the present Beyond Borders: Greece on the International Film Stage, a special panel Over the years, Greece has attracted the International discussion sponsored by Greece's Ministry interest of various international producers of Tourism on Saturday, June 27, at the who have taken advantage of the country's Film Stage Linwood Dunn Theater. Greece's Minister of old culture, unique light and beautiful Tourism Kostas Markopoulos will attend the landscape. Greece is an integral part of the event as guest of honor. Panelists include European Union and has a visual wealth of actor Nia Vardalos (MY LIFE IN RUINS), natural landscapes. President of Fox International Productions The Greek Film Centre, which is supervised Sanford Panitch, cinematographer/director by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture, has Phedon Papamichael (ARCADIA LOST), supported the production and promotion of Director of the Hellenic Film Commission Greek films and fosters the participation of Markos Holevas, Top Cut Founder Stamatis Greek producers in foreign productions. Athanassoulas, to be moderated by Since 2007, within the framework of the producer Terry Dougas (BRIDES). organization, the Hellenic Film Commission The panel will discuss recent productions in Office provides an array of services that Greece and how the Greek culture and new make filming in Greece one of the most infrastructure aided in the telling of their enticing places for production in Europe. stories. In addition, advantages, challenges MAMA MIA!, MY LIFE IN RUINS, FOREVER as well as future possibilities of foreign film THE MOMENT, WANTED DEAD AND ALIVE, production will be expanded on. "With the and ARCADIA LOST, as well as, several recent success of MAMMA MIA!” and the documentaries and TV programs, are some soon-to-be-released MY LIFE IN RUINS, of the projects the organization has recently starring Nia Vardalos, the Greek culture is served. making its way to the mainstream through Guest of honor Kostas Markopoulos was Greece's Minister of Tourism the art of filmmaking," said Angeliki recently appointed Minister of Tourism, Kostas Markopoulos Giannakopoulos, Festival Co-Founder and after an active career in politics and in the will attend the event as guest of honor Director. ‘MY LIFE IN RUINS’ director Donald medical profession as a thoracic surgeon. He Petrie adds, "Greece was an amazing place is a member of the Greek Parliament's to shoot a film from the breathtaking National Defense and Internal Affairs locations, to the warm and welcoming Committee and Permanent Social Issues attitude of both the Greek government, and Committee. periX scope Working for an Apartheid statelet in a EU country By Katherine Skaris When Graydon Carter wrote in the June edition of Vanity Fair that not only would elevate the new Turkish component of the about the need for us, the people, to find ways to actively protest federated state to an equal status with the existing Cyprus Republic, the unpunished and, in many cases, rewarded lack of which had to be dissolved first, but through the Turkish, ethnically responsibility on the part of the big Wall Street and money cleansed and purified, statelet, a control over the whole new scheme players that drove the American and world economy to federated republic would be exercised. Cyprus wasn’t a EU member shambles, I felt vindicated and, why not confess, proud! yet, so that was the last chance that such a racist, colonialist-minded plan could be imposed, if the Greek had voted yes, which as it turned If you remember, in NEO’s March issue, that is, two full months down, they didn’t. before Vanity Fair, I attempted to herald a revolution, to call people to arms (I mean that only metaphorically; I don’t want the European Union membership and the population enrichment that NRA or other militias to start courting me for membership), to has made the island a multi-national society, provides Cyprus with a stop paying bills, unquestionably. It seemed a little radical then, unique opportunity to seek a solution based on the Aquis but, boy, the idea is not radical now, as Carter showed by himself Communitaire, the European Union legal framework, which cannot joining the revolutionary ranks. I can in all humility proclaim that accept the formation of ghettos, based on ethnic or religious criteria. it is a big thing for me that Graydon Carter had the guts to follow If the Annan Plan had been approved before the country joined the my leadership (even if it took him two full months)! You would EU, Greek Cypriots would not be allowed to buy property or live in normally expect it to be vice versa, as Vanity Fair is like a gospel to the Turkish component state, although every other European would every magazine lover. But there is something that makes that have the right to do so! possibility obsolete: I could have never mastered--his hair style! Turks know all that and they will try to drag their feet as much and as In VF’s July edition, which also features a very well-written story long as possible. It is very important, though, that the Cyprus by Christopher Hitchens on the New Acropolis Museum, Carter Republic does not budge, because after so many years, time is on her tackles the issue of the lost ground in the newspaper industry side, despite what many people say about things getting worse as and, among other things, he suggests the need for newspapers to time goes by. That was true before the European Union, and things reinvent themselves, to come up with a new language, one that have irrevocably changed since. Professor Van Koufoudakis who the public can identify with again. knows the Cyprus issue as few in the world, points out these facts in his new book titled International aggression and violations of human I was thinking all that as I was about to start a commentary on the Established in the late 1950s, the “Ikaros” and the arni is roasting on the spit. The surprise as to why; the lemon potatoes, rights: The case of Turkey in Cyprus, and reminds that the Turkish recent PSEKA Cyprus Conference in Washington DC that brought Hellenic Orthodox Club of Queens College, Ikaros club members, distinguished by their spanakopites and pasticcio are always a hit. together Greek-American leaders and key US legislators for three New York, reached its glory in the 70s, when bright blue T-shirts, are running around The DJs for the event are students that A framed cover of NEO's May issue was offered to Senator Robert days, discussing ways to resolve the Cyprus issue and to address Manendez at the PSEKA, Washington, DC Conference, by Demetrios Greek and Cypriot foreign students joined making sure the food is set up right, and volunteered to play for Ikaros free of charge, the rest of the crucial Hellenic matters. In these matters, too, we Rhompotis and Tasso Zambas (left), a friend of the Senator's. the club. Since then Ikaros has had a that everything is in order. The courtyard is and the T-shirts that every club member is need to be more creative and come up with a new language, a profound influence on the Greek filled with tables, as well as students that wearing, were sponsored by Pearl of breakthrough: ideas that can lead us away from the stalemate community for many years. Not only is it a are eating, laughing and thoroughly Bayside this year. In essence, this event has and, more importantly, won’t offer a solution that could prove club, but together with Dr. Harry J Psomiadis enjoying their time. turned into something more than simply worse than the current division of Cyprus. they founded the Byzantine and Modern Greek; the entire campus wants to be a part Greek Studies center; however it does not Why does Ikaros hold this event? As Peter of it as well. For a number of years, the negotiating policy of the Cyprus stop there. In the past years, Ikaros has Markou, former Ikaros President, explains, Republic – and not the Greek Cypriot side, as very arrogantly the worked with the Byzantine and Modern “the annual lamb roast is significant to “This event is what attracted me to the US and the UN have come to impose – is geared towards “a bi- Greek Studies Center to promote the major Ikaros because it symbolizes a cultural Greek Club my first semester at Queens zonal, bi-communal federation.” This is a basis for discussion that and minor to the Greek and non Greek celebration that goes on in Greece and College,” Koroneos states. “Not only is it the the representatives of the occupied territories have accepted students of Queens College. They have also Greek households worldwide during biggest event that is held by the Greek Club, (And not the Turkish Cypriot side: the number of the Turkish worked together to co-sponsor events Pascha.” However the day does not only but it is a great success due to the large troops and colonizers brought from the Turkish mainland where key speakers (poets and politicians), have a cultural side; “Ikaros also functions number of Greek students attending outnumber the remaining Turkish Cypriots; this “homogeneity” is funded by the Onassis Foundation have as a club representing Orthodox Christians, Queens College.” a result of ethnic cleansing since the Greek–Cypriots, along with offered lectures. While the center, under and as the sole Orthodox Christian club on Armenians and Maronites, were expelled and their property was campus we feel that it is our duty to I am interrupted by Matina Katsihtis, the leadership of Dr. Chris Ioannidis, Treasurer of Ikaros, passing around red illegally confiscated.) represent Eastern Christendom at Queens coordinates the events, Ikaros promotes the eggs; I pick mine out with an exceptional As Philip Christopher, President of PSEKA, one of the conference’s high student attendance. The importance of College,” Markou adds. However, it is not to say that the Annual Easter Lamb Roast is scrutiny and wait for the tsougrisma to main organizers for the past 25 years, stated, this talk on “a bi- these lectures is evident; the speakers not begin. Sadly I was not amongst the winners, zonal, bi-communal federation” can only lead to another only talk about issues in Greece today but simply a day of eating and dancing; a lot more goes into the event. but still laughed at those who pouted and “solution” along the lines of the voted down Annan Plan, ignoring also include the Diaspora, working hard to whined about their “weak” eggs. Once again at the same time two important new facts on the ground: a) involve and educate everyone on the “Planning began in September and the DJ begins to play Kalamatiana, this time Cyprus is a European Union country and the occupied territories subjects. It is also important to note that continued up until this moment” John with about 20 students holding hands and are part of the same Union. b) The population is not Greek and not only Ikaros was the largest attending Koroneos, President of Ikaros states; “There dancing around in a circle. As spectators Turkish anymore, as thousands of people have come from a invasion of Cyprus is mainly a violation of human rights case, in which Greek Club at the Greek Independence Day is a lot of paperwork, checks, signatures that begin to stop their route to class, I am number of countries and made Cyprus their home. Under the Turkey contravenes treaties she has signed. Parade, but it is also the only Greek club, in goes into setting up the event.” Finding a amazed to see how many people, Greek and new conditions, in a country as diverse as it is today, where the Professor Vassilis K. Fouskas, offering a more left-leaning look in his the New York Tristate area to celebrate caterer and a DJ are the easy parts; getting non Greek, are part of this event. “It is great Aquis Communitaire applies (even if it’s suspended for the recent book written with Professor Alex O. Tackie, Cyprus – The Post- Easter with a huge lamb roast; I was approval from the school and funding how all the Greeks came together, not only moment in the occupied areas) it is obsolete to talk about a Imperial Constitution, also talks about the need of a new language fortunate enough to attend it this year. requires a lot more. Fortunately there are a to have a good time, but to show the rest of federation of which one component is the result of a brutal that would move away from the colonialist framework in which talks group of people that continue to support Queens College our culture and traditions,” Walking to the Student Union, where the invasion and its raison d’etre will depend on maintaining its of developing the Cyprus state and society have been based until Ikaros. The biggest contributors on Queens said Zoe Saviolis, while Koroneos sums up: Annual Easter Lamb Roast (also called Arni ethnically cleansed status! today. Day by the many members) celebration is College campus have been the MSA (Muslim “The Annual Lamb Roast is an event to Turks knew they would lose Cyprus forever the moment it As absurd as they might sound in the beginning, new ideas on the being held, the sounds of klarina begin to fill Student Association), Catholic Newman celebrate the Resurrection of Christ, our entered the European Union five years ago. Erdogan, shrewder Cyprus issue in no way can be more absurd than the effort – with the my ears. The smell of arni overpowers my Center, and the Hillel. In addition, Zenon culture, the end of the semester and an end than most in the deeply corrupted Kemalist establishment, saw it Republic’s consent - to legally establish an Apartheid-like statelet on senses, as I come closer to reaching my Taverna in Astoria, caters the event for to another great year for the Ikaros Greek coming and convinced the generals to accept the Annan Plan, European Union territory, the survival of which will be dependent on destination. The DJ is playing Kalamatiana Ikaros every year. In fact they have done so Club.” for the last five years, and there is no hoping that the Americans would make the citizens of the Cyprus not allowing Greek Cypriots to live there! Republic do the same. After exhaustive negotiations in Switzerland, Ergogan succeeded in forcing the UN to draft a plan JUNE 2009 DEMETRIOS RHOMPOTIS MAY 2009 event [email protected] periXscope 36 37 A Dream that came true : Although boasting a wide range of exhibits, the physical authority to buttress an argument including ceramics, bronzes and coins, the New that has too often relied on shrill sentimentalism m Acropolis Museum, scheduled to open to the and unsubtle jingoism. The museum is a

u public June 22, is principally a museum of provocation, an enticement, a tease. Bernard

e sculpture. Many of the sculptures are Tschumi [the Swiss architect] has done

s architectural pieces, originally adorning the everything other than daub slogans on the

u monuments of the Acropolis, seen under all exterior walls to say to the world at large: 'The variations of daylight. Appreciation of these Parthenon Marbles belong here, next to the

M variations in the sculptures is assured for the building from which they were taken.'" visitor through the extensive use of glass in the

s The construction of the New Acropolis Museum

i Museum’s design. The emphasis on natural light l is reflected in all the Museum’s galleries. Light – for which two historic buildings had to be o penetrates down through the glass floored demolished - to house the entire collection of

p atrium of the Parthenon Gallery, onto the glass surviving antiquities from the Acropolis has been Greece’s objective for more than three decades. o floor of the ground level galleries – allowing r natural light to gently touch the archaeological Almost as soon as it was first built in the 19th c excavation below. Natural light enters the century, the old museum became too small for the wealth of antiquities recovered on the

A archaeological excavation at its perimeter through the opening at the perimeter of the Acropolis. excavation and through the perforated walls of w As a result, many of the finds were displayed in claustra. According to the Architect Bernard various Athenian museums or simply left in e Tschumi, "if architecture can be described as the storage. The old museum’s limitations, the

N materialization of concepts, the building is about extraordinary significance of the finds and the the clarity of an exhibition route expressed effort to reunify all the surviving pieces of the e through three materials, marble, concrete and Parthenon’s unique architectural sculptures,

h glass. Within the unusual constraints of the site, made the construction of a new museum

T the project ought to appear effortless and imperative. almost undesigned: a base of pilotis above the For the first time since the completion of ruins, a middle section containing the main archaeological excavations, all significant galleries, and a glass top at the summit findings from the Acropolis are consolidated in containing the Parthenon frieze. The goal of this one Museum, telling the complete story of life orchestrated simplicity is to focus the viewers' on the Athenian Acropolis and its surrounds. emotions and intellect on extraordinary works of From prehistory through to the highpoint of the art". Classical Period and the Parthenon, to the The new museum is expected to increase artifacts created during the Roman Period and pressure on the people in charge of the British late Antiquity – rich collections will provide Museum to finally agree and return to Greece visitors with a comprehensive picture of the the of unparalled beauty Parthenon Marbles, human presence on the Acropolis. The extensive exracted by Lord Elgin, after bribing the remains of the ancient Athenian city revealed on Ottoman authorities, in order to bring them to the Museum’s site by the pre-construction England, causing unreversed damage to many of archaeological excavations, will also grace the them in the process. After Grece officially Museum’s exhibition program. requested their return in the ‘80s, British would For more information on the New Acropolis base their refusal on the lack of an appropriate Museum the website is place in Athens to keep and display them. Now, www.newacropolismuseum.gr as the British Committee for the Reunification of the Parthenon Marbles says: "The Greeks have Information for this article was taken from the long wanted their Marbles back, but the building American Friends of the New Acropolis of the new Acropolis Museum finally gives them Museum website www.afnam.org

JUNE 2009 art & culture 38