O C V ΓΡΑΦΕΙ ΤΗΝ ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ Bringing the news ΤΟΥ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΣΜΟΥ to generations of ΑΠΟ ΤΟ 1915 The National Herald Greek Americans A WEEKLY GREEK AMERICAN PUBLICATION c v www.thenationalherald.com VOL. 11, ISSUE 559 June 28, 2008 $1.00 GREECE: 1.75 EURO AHEPA in Dean Skelos Succeeds Joe Bruno as NYS Senate Majority Leader Greece for Grandson of Greek Immigrants Says He Aims First Time To Increase Slim GOP Majority in State Senate ALBANY – State Senator Dean Ske- in the conference. Rivals for the top los (R-9th District, Nassau County) leadership post, including State Since 1970 was chosen NYS Senate majority Senators Thomas Libous of Bing- leader last night, entrusted with hamton and George Maziarz of preserving his party’s slim hold on North Tonawanda, pledged loyalty. Ike Gulas to Seek 2nd its only power base in state govern- Stressing the importance of two- ment. party government in Albany, Skelos Term at Historic 86th Skelos, the 60-year-old grand- said, “It’s my objective not only to son of Greek immigrants, succeeds maintain the 32, but to grow this Annual Convention Joe Bruno, 79, who announced this majority.” past Monday, June 23, he would Skelos, a Rockville Centre na- By Evan C. Lambrou not seek re-election this fall to the tive, has spent most of his career in Special to The National Herald seat he’s held since 1976. Skelos politics. He joined the State Assem- was crucial to Bruno becoming ma- bly in the early 1980’s; lost his first NEW YORK – When AHEPA returns jority leader in 1994 after a coup bid for the State Senate; and finally to Greece for the first time in four against the late Ralph Marino (R- won a seat in 1984. He has been decades this coming Sunday, June Muttontown), who was the first Bruno’s deputy for 14 years, and 29, its young leader will seek a sec- Long Islander to lead the Senate. serves on the Metropolitan Trans- ond one-year term, making him the Speaking after being sworn in this portation Authority’s capital pro- second consecutive president to do past Tuesday evening, June 24, gram review board. so after a long run of presidents Skelos listed his top priorities as “Dean has proven to have a serving one-year terms. property tax relief and job creation. unique flair for addressing break- “I’ve announced several times “There is no issue that is more ing issues, things that are difficult during my travels that I’m running important to the people of this state to bring people together on and ac- for a second term, and I’m looking than relief from escalating property tually enacting legislation,” said forward to building on the success taxes. I look forward in the next State Senator Kemp Hannon (R- we’ve enjoyed this year,” said several weeks to sit down with Gov- Garden City). “Given the political AHEPA Supreme President Ike Gu- ernor (David A.) Paterson and As- situation, he’s the right man for the las, who was elected to the helm sembly Speaker (Sheldon) Silver to time.” during the organization’s 85th an- put together legislation that will go Paterson, addressing the Senate nual supreme convention in Denver, a long way to solving that prob- last night, also praised Skelos, with Colorado last July. lem,” he said. whom he worked for eight years Mr. Gulas hails from Birming- EUROKINISSI Forestalling retirements, raising when both were deputy leaders. Pa- ham, Alabama. He plans to seek a Dora Meets Condi campaign money and guiding terson called Skelos a “friend” second term on the strength of a ten- novice candidates will be among whom he was “very much looking percent increase in membership un- Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, right, met with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in Skelos’ early priorities. But it ap- forward” to working with. Senators der his presidency. AHEPA’s mem- Berlin on Tuesday, June 24 on the sidelines of an International Donors Conference on boosting law and or- peared last night that he wouldn’t bership swelled by 2,000 this past der in the Palestinian territory. The two women discussed the FYROM name issue. See story on page 9. have to worry about disunity with- Continued on page 5 year, he said. “The response we’ve had this year in terms of our membership and electronic media campaign has been widely accepted. Our members are getting ‘This Week for Greeks’ on PASOK Embroiled in Bribery and Kickback Scandal Study Finds the Internet and printing it out, and forwarding it to non-Ahepans. I’ve By Evan C. Lambrou Greek media allege that marks (the equivalent of 420,000 ceived any funds from Siemens, but heard from members and non-mem- Special to The National Herald Siemens paid more than 100 mil- euros) through a friend’s private the discovery of illegal funding de- Odysseus' bers alike that it’s very informative. lion euros ($155.8 million) to bank account offshore in 1999, livered a serious blow to the main It let’s people know we’re still NEW YORK – PASOK, the Greek Greek officials for state contracts funds which were later transferred opposition. around. That’s something that was Government’s socialist main oppo- while PASOK was the governing to party coffers. Ever since 2006, when it was Travel Date lacking before – a way to reach sition party, is currently embroiled party. Several Greek newspapers Mr. Tsoukatos admitted to being disclosed in Germany that Siemens members directly and frequently – in a local political scandal involving have alleged that the kickbacks visited by senior Greek Siemens ex- was keeping a large slush fund WASHINGTON (AP) _ Using clues and that’s very important, and the possible bribes and kickbacks from were sent before the 2004 national ecutives to discuss a political con- through which bribes were given from star and sun positions men- feedback has been very positive. It German technology giant, Siemens elections, as well as to OTE staff tribution, but has denied any per- both domestically and abroad in or- tioned by the ancient Greek poet helped increase membership. We’ve AG, a major multinational contrac- and officials involved in the con- sonal gain from the transaction, der to secure industrial contracts, Homer, scholars think they have de- enjoyed one of the biggest increases tor and supplier of state-run Hel- struction of Olympics venues worth which he argued was made to help analysts predicted a major political termined the date when King in both reinstated members and lenic Telecom (OTE) throughout billions. finance PASOK’s political cam- crisis in Greece. Odysseus returned from the Trojan new members in the last decade,” much of the 1990’s, as well as a pri- Theodoros Tsoukatos, a former paigns. An unofficial list circulating War and slaughtered a group of suit- Mr. Gulas told the National Herald. mary contractor in a costly contract high-ranking PASOK executive and Spyros Avgerinos, the man in among media circles showed that ors who had been pressing his wife Reinstated members refer to to install a security system for one of former Prime Minister charge of PASOK finances at that known politicians, who served as to marry one of them. those who were members at one Greek law enforcement ahead of Costas Simitis’ top advisors, was al- time, says that, to the best of his It was on April 16, 1178 B.C. that time, but had stopped paying dues the 2004 Athens Olympics. legedly sent 1 million German knowledge, the party never re- Continued on page 9 the great warrior struck with arrows, for one reason or another, he ex- swords and spears, killing those who plained, so there was a lapse in their sought to replace him, a pair of re- active membership, and they decid- searchers say in Monday's online edi- ed to come back to the fold by re- tion of Proceedings of the National newing their membership. Gianoulias Academy of Science. MORE MEMBERS = RESULTS Experts have long debated “We were obviously looking for whether the books of Homer reflect more. We were aiming for a 20-per- Meets Greek the actual history of the Trojan War cent increase (an additional 4,000 and its aftermath. members). We didn’t get 20 percent, Marcelo O. Magnasco of Rocke- but we did get 10 percent, so we’re Businessmen feller University in New York and moving in the right direction, and Constantino Baikouzis of the Astro- that’s one of the reasons I’ve decided nomical Observatory in La Plata, Ar- to stay on and run for a second term. By Demetris Tsakas gentina, acknowledge they had to I’ve spoken to the members of the Special to The National Herald make some assumptions to deter- Supreme Lodge. They’re all very mine the date Odysseus returned to supportive, and I’ve got to credit NEW YORK – “The multifaceted his kingdom of Ithaca. them with all the successes this year. support provided by the Greek But interpreting clues in Homer's We followed the initiatives we set American Community sealed victo- "Odyssey" as references to the posi- forth, and we’ve seen results. And ry for us in the previous election, tions of stars and a total eclipse of hopefully next year, we’ll build on and for the first time in the history the sun allowed them to determine of Illinois a Greek American was when a particular set of conditions Continued on page 4 elected to such an important state would have occurred. office. Even though I am the "What we'd like to achieve is to youngest State Treasurer in the get the reader to pick up the United States, everything I do, I do "Odyssey," and read it again, and not for myself, but so that I can do ponder," said Magnasco. "And to re- Charlie Crist: something about Greek issues, the alize that our understanding of these Ecumenical Patriarchate, Cyprus, texts is quite imperfect, and even the FYROM name dispute, and the when entire libraries have been writ- Is He the Greek American Community,” Illi- ten about Homeric studies, there is nois State Treasurer Alexi Giannou- still room for further investigation." lias, 32, said during a speech on Their study potentially adds sup- Ticket for VP? June 19 in New York City. port to the accuracy of Homer's writ- Mr. Giannoulias addressed a ing. group of businessmen and repre- "Under the assumption that our By Deborah Solomon sentatives from the Greek Ameri- TNH/COSTAS BEJ work turns out to be correct, it adds New York Times can Community during an event High Turnout For Exam to the evidence that he knew what held at the Olympic Tower Atrium he was talking about," Magnasco The New York Times inter- Café in Manhattan. New York State Approximately 600 students took this year's Greek Regents exam on Tuesday, June 24, at testing sites in said. "It still does not prove the his- viewed Florida Republican Gov. Assemblyman Michael Gianaris the local New York area. Regents exams are issued by New York State and are required for successful com- toricity of the return of Odysseus," he Charlie Crist, a Greek American, of- was on hand for the event, together pletion of high school coursework. Pictured at the podium are Elias Sideras and Maria Makedon. said. "It only proves that Homer ten mentioned as a possible run- with Mr. Giannoulias’ mother, An- knew about certain astronomical ning mate for Sen. John McCain, na Xirouhakis-Giannoulias, his phenomena that happened much be- the presumptive Republican presi- brothers Demetris and George, and fore his time." dential candidate. The following members of his campaign commit- Homer reports that on the day of ran in the Sunday, June 22, edition tee. the slaughter the sun is blotted from of the New York Times Magazine. The President of the Cyprus Fed- Greek President on Official China Visit the sky, possibly a reference to an Q: As the popular governor of eration of America Panicos Pa- eclipse. In addition, he mentions Florida and a Republican known panikolaou, who served as event BEIJING (ANA) – Further enhance- quent contact between the leaders change, environmental protection more than once that it is the time of a for supporting relatively progres- coordinator, praised Mr. Giannou- ment of economic relations be- of the two countries and coopera- and sustainable development. new moon, which is necessary for a sive causes, you are often men- lias for his interest in Greek affairs tween Greece and China was the tion between their governments, as Greek deputy foreign minister total eclipse, the researchers say. tioned as a possible running mate and the future of the Greek Ameri- main thrust of talks on Tuesday, the well as mutual understanding and Petros Doukas, who is accompany- Other clues include: for Senator McCain. It’s been said can Community. Afterwards, he in- second day of Greek President of agreement on matters of common ing Papoulias on his China trip, • Six days before the slaughter, that you could deliver Florida for troduced the members of the the Republic Karolos Papoulias' interest. spoke along the same lines in his Venus is visible and high in the sky. him in the November election and evening’s organizing committee, state visit to China. President Hu proposed that em- address to the Business Forum, at • Twenty-nine days before, two lend him some overall centrist ap- along with the President of the Hel- Papoulias began on Monday af- phasis be placed on collaborations which he highlighted the Greek constellations - the Pleiades and peal. lenic American National Council ternoon an official visit to China among small and medium size en- economy's progress and its growth Bootes - are simultaneously visible at Charlie Crist: It’s very flattering and the Pancretan Federation Em- designed to strengthen bilateral re- terprises of the two countries, and rates, citing the economic reforms, sunset. manuel Velivasakis. lations in the financial and invest- boosting commercial transactions and stressing the need to increase • And 33 days before, Mercury is Continued on page 4 The Vice-Chairman of the Arch- ment sectors, and a memorandum and bilateral economic coopera- Chinese investments in Greece and high at dawn and near the western diocesan Council Emmanuel Ja- of bilateral cooperation was signed tion, particularly in the sector of in- widening the bilateral trade bal- end of its trajectory. This is the re- haris also spoke highly of Mr. Gian- after a meeting between Papoulias vestments and in the shipbuilding ance, and closing the gap which is searchers' interpretation, anyway. To subscribe call: 718.784.5255 noulias’ leadership qualities and and his host, Chinese President Hu industry. at Greece's expense, Homer wrote that Hermes, the e-mail: executive skills, noting that he Jintao. Hu further called for increased Doukas further noted that Pa- Greek name for Mercury, traveled far [email protected] “does not frequently publicly en- The Greek President also at- cultural exchanges, and proposed poulias' visit to China will con- west to deliver a message. dorse politicians,” and adding that tended the closing session of the that Greece take part, as the Coun- tribute to the two countries getting "Of course we believe it's amply the last politician he openly sup- Greek Chinese Business Forum at a try of Honor, in the Beijing Interna- to better know each other and fur- justified, otherwise we would not ported was Joe Biden. “I do not talk central Beijing hotel on Tuesday. tional Book Fair (in September ther strengthen their already excel- commit it to print. However we do about politicians often, but Alexi is According to Chinese media re- 2008), while he also invited Greece lent relations. recognize there's less ammunition to worthy and he deserves it,” Mr. Ja- ports, Hu proposed to Papoulias a to maintain communication and He said the visit was also an af- defend this interpretation than the four-point plan for strengthening cooperation with China on interna- Continued on page 3 bilateral relations, founded on fre- tional issues such as climate Continued on page 9 Continued on page 9 2 THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 28, 2008 THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 28, 2008 COMMUNITY 3

GOINGS ON...

■ JUNE 28 register for the folk arts programs PORTLAND, Maine – The Holy associated with this traveling ex- Trinity Greek Orthodox Church hibit, please call the Commission, (133 Pleasant St.) cordially invites 732-745-4489. Persons with hear- the community to its festival on ing disabilities may dial 732-745- Saturday, June 28 at 11:30 AM – 3888 (TTY users only) or 711, the 9:30 PM. This spectacular three- New Jersey Relay System. East Jer- day Greek Festival is a wonderful sey Olde Towne Village and Plains- family event that each year draws boro Middle School are accessible more than 10,000 visitors from sites. An Assistive Listening System around the greater Portland area. will be in use during all programs. Along with the exquisite Greek cui- An American Sign Language inter- sine, there will be live Greek music preter can be provided without and traditional dancing nightly. Ad- charge with a two-week advance mission is free. Guests will dine on request. Wheelchairs are also avail- exceptional Greek food, cooked the able at the Village upon request for old-fashioned way by hard-work- visitors who may need assistance ing members of the Holy Trinity from the parking lot to the pro- parish, using authentic Greek grams. recipes, all-natural ingredients and lots of tender, loving care. Lamb ■ AUGUST 15 – 17 Souvlaki, marinated in olive oil, ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich. – The lemon and herbs, will be grilled to Assumption Greek Orthodox perfection and served with rice pi- Church cordially invites the com- laf and Greek salad. Other favorites munity to its festival at the church will include dolmathes (grape (21800 Marter Road) from August PHOTOS: TNH/COSTAS BEJ leaves wrapped around ground 15-17. More than 2,000 are expect- Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias addressed a group of businessmen during an event held in Manhattan on Thursday, June 19. beef and rice), moussaka (layers of ed to gather throughout the week- eggplant, ground beef and topped end to enjoy live music, visit the gift with a cream sauce) and spanako- shop, enjoy homemade Greek pita (layers of phyllo stuffed with foods and pastries, take a chance at spinach and cheese). Visitors will the raffle and much more. Festival Illinois Treasurer Giannoulias Speaks to Businessmen be able to satisfy their "sweet tooth" highlights include: Opening Cere- as well. Delicious Greek pastries, mony with community dignitaries Continued from page 1 including baklava (layers of phyllo and lighting of the “Festival Torch” and nuts soaked in honey), on Friday. Eat and drink in the tav- haris added. kourambiethes (crescent-shaped ern. Enjoy Greek favorites like gy- Philip Christopher, Chairman of butter cookies covered with pow- ros and souvlaki. Relax at the cof- the International Coordinating dered sugar) and loukoumathes fee café and enjoy Greek pastries Committee – “Justice of Cyprus,” (fried dough balls covered with and coffee. For more information, said that he sees the same opportu- honey and chopped nuts) will be call 586-779-6111. nities for the Greek Community served. A local Greek band will pro- with Alexi Giannoulias that existed vide live entertainment each night ■ AUGUST 21-24 with Michael Dukakis, and asked so visitors can try out their fancy PORT JEFFERSON, N.Y. – The Mr. Giannoulias to turn his atten- footwork on the dance floor. Other Greek Orthodox Church of Port Jef- tion to the Cyprus issue. He also Festival highlights include; beauti- ferson cordially invites the commu- noted that paid advertisements will ful displays of icons, art, clothing, nity to its four-day Greek Festival be placed in the New York Times and jewelry, as well as tours of the from August 21-24 at its church and other large national newspa- Holy Trinity church. For more infor- (430 Sheep Pasture Road). Festival pers to inform the public about the mation, call Greg Tselikis (207) Times: Thursday, August 21: 5 PM 34th anniversary of the Turkish in- 883-3612 or Fr. Constantine Saran- to 10:30 PM; Friday, August 22: 5 vasion of Cyprus, which took place tides at (207) 774-0281. PM to 10:30 PM; Saturday, August in July 1974. 23: 1 - 11 PM; Sunday, August 24: Mr. Giannoulias spoke to the au- ■ JULY 9 1 - 10 PM. Delectable Greek Food dience about the role of the Greek BELLMORE, N.Y. – The Golden and Pastries; Live Greek Music and American Community in his elec- Apricot and Long Island Interna- The Hellenic Dancers of NJ for En- tion campaign, and the important tional Film Festivals cordially invite tertainment. Carnival Rides and role his family played in his accom- the community to see Apo Games for the entire family; Magic plishments during his first years in Torosyan's documentary “Voices,” Show; Petting Zoo; Cooking office. at the festivals (222 Pettit Avenue) Demonstrations. Phenominal Fire- He went on to cite the reasons on Wednesday, July 9, 2008 at 4:30 works on Friday night. Sweep- that led him to run for Illinois State PM. Voices, 2007, is a compelling stakes Drawing of 270 "Fantastic Treasurer when he was only 29 documentary including interviews Prizes on Sunday night. Sweep- years old. His victory made him the Michael Jaharis speaks to the audience before introducing Alexi Giannoulias to the attendees. of survivors of the Armenian and stake $100 donation (limited to youngest State Treasurer in the en- the Greek Genocide who vividly re- 3,999 tickets; 1 out of 15 prizes tire United States. “I won because I Mrs. Xirouhakis-Giannoulias, member the terrible events of wins!) Prizes include 2008 Mer- had my family, friends and the unit- the 32-year-old Illinois State Trea- 1915- 1922. For more information, cedes Benz, 2008 Jeep Wrangler X, ed Greek American Community by surer’s mother, spoke to The Na- please call the Nassau County Film 2008 Maxum Boat & Trailer, 2008 my side,” Mr. Giannoulias said. Fol- tional Herald about her son. “I feel Office at 516-572-0012 or check Nissan Frontier King Cab, 2009 lowing his speech, Mr. Giannoulias like every other mother who is the website liifilmexpo.com. Toyota Corolla,2008 Toyota Yaris met with friends and supporters, proud of her son, and cannot con- Sedan, 2008 Seadoo Jetski & trailer and spoke to the press as well. tain her joy. I do my cross and pray ■ JULY 11 – 13 or any one of the other 263 prizes. Mr. Giannoulias talked to the to God to help him keep going ERIE, Penn. – The Assumption You can buy a ticket through media about where Barack Obama down his path. The Greek Ameri- Greek Orthodox Church cordially church's website: www.kimisis.org stands on Greek issues. “Whenever can Community helped him very invites the community to its festival or send a $100 check payable to the we asked for Barack Obama’s help much with the support it provided, from Friday, July 11 to Sunday, July Greek Orthodox Church of As- on issues regarding the Ecumenical and with his victory, we Greeks 13. Voted #8 of 100 best things to sumption (include your name, ad- Patriarchate, or the FYROM name proved that when we are united we do in Erie, Pa., this festival draws dress & phone number). Admission dispute, or the Cyprus issue, he can work miracles. There was not a crowds from Cleveland, OH, to Buf- is $2. Free under 18. Free shuttle stood by our side. I cannot speak on Greek out there who did not sup- falo, NY, to Pittsburgh, PA and all buses to and from Ward Melville behalf of the Senator, but I can as- port him morally or financially. I points in-between. Come join in the High School (Old Town Rd) to Fes- sure you that he always believes am proud of him and I know he will 20th year of our celebration of Hel- tival Grounds. For more informa- that justice should prevail – which go far, because he is not only lenic food, culture, dancing, and tion or for tickets you may call is very important in the settlement bright, but also because he is good hospitality. For more information, church office: (631) 473-0894 or of the Cyprus issue. I am convinced natured and has a courageous please call 814-838-8808. (631) 473-0829. that he will remain by our side and soul.” that he will support Greece with its When asked if her first priority ■ JULY 16 ■ SEPTEMBER 5-7 issues,” he said. as a mother was to see her son be PLAINSBORO, N.J. – Middlesex DAYTON, Ohio – The Annunciation “Barack Obama is a great friend elected Governor or get married, County Cultural and Heritage Com- Greek Orthodox Church cordially of the Greek American Community, she sighed and said “that is a hard mission, and the Folklife Program invites the community to Greek and he has supported Greek Ameri- question. I am proud of Alexi just for New Jersey cordially invite the Festival 2008 at the church (500 cans who have gotten involved in the way he is, and I am certain that community to a traditional Greek Belmonte Park North) on Septem- politics. If Barack Obama did not whatever he will do, it will be the Folk Dance performance by the ber 5-7. Hours: Friday, September support my candidacy, I would not Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias at a fundraiser in New York. right thing. I pray that he continues Hellenic Dancers of New Jersey at 5, 11 AM to 11 PM; Saturday, Sep- have won the election and a Greek to be happy and satisfied in his life. Plainsboro Middle School (55 tember 6, 11 AM to 11 PM; and American would not have won the from the very beginning we had existed in other European countries, He never complains. He is happy Grovers Mill Road), on Wednesday, Sunday, September 7, 11 AM to 6 office of State Treasurer for the first agreed that we would support the because people want change. with his work. I just hope he is well July 16, 2008 at 7:30 PM. Combin- PM. Guests will enjoy traditional time in Illinois history,” Mr. Gian- candidate who won the Democratic “Barack Obama will bring and continues to be happy,” Mr. Gi- ing traditional music and dance, as ethnic specialties such as moussa- noulias added. primaries, so that we could send a change to American politics, public annoulias’ mother said. well as authentic regional folk at- ka, pastitsio, dolmades and the Mr. Giannoulias said he enjoys Democrat to the White House.” administration, and the economy. “I advise him to be himself and tire, the Hellenic Dancers will take great gyro sandwich, which is good cooperation with Eleni Mr. Giannoulias also mentioned He is giving us hope that he can do not let his career change who he the audience on a tour of Greece as available in traditional, vegetarian Tsakopoulos-Kounalakis, who that he had been to Greece recently, more for America,” Mr. Giannoulias is,” Mrs. Xirouhakis-Giannoulias they perform dances from all over or chicken varieties. Exquisite headed the “Greek Americans for to attend his brother’s wedding. He said. Referring to John McCain, Mr. continued. Mr. Giannoulias’ moth- the Greek diaspora. During the Greek pastries, breads, cheese and Clinton” campaign, despite the fact said that during his conversations Giannoulias said that the Republi- er was born in Crete and came to event, the traditional handmade spinach pies and honey puffs are that they both supported different with Greek politicians and citizens, can candidate represents a continu- Illinois to go to college. It was there outfits that the dancers wear will highlights you won’t want to miss, candidates. “Eleni has contributed he was able to discern a clear enthu- ation of the policies of the Bush ad- that she met her late husband, with also be discussed. Established in and the Greek coffee in the Kafe- so much to the campaigns of so siasm for Barack Obama’s candida- ministration, at the very moment whom she had “three sons, who are 1972, the Hellenic Dancers of New nion is a must if you’re having any many Democratic candidates, and cy. He also said that the same feeling that people are seeking change. the best children in the world.” Jersey is a group of first, second of the dessert features. For more in- and third generation Greek-Ameri- formation, call 937-224-0601 cans dedicated to researching, pre- senting and passing on the tradi- ■ NOTE TO OUR READERS tional folk dances of Greece. Since This calendar of events section is a its inception, the troupe has pre- complimentary service to the Greek served over 300 dances from the American community. All parishes, Greek regions of Epiros, Macedo- organizations and institutions are nia, Thrace, Thessaly, Crete, the encouraged to e-mail their informa- various island groups, Cyprus, as tion 3-4 weeks ahead of time, and well as Pontos and Cappedocia in no later than Monday of the week Asia Minor. For more information before the event, to english.edition about Culture in Context and to @thenationalherald.com.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Vote on our website! You have the chance to express your opinion on our website on an important question in the news. The results will be published in our printed edition next week along with the question for that week. The question this week is: Did Greece's performance in this year's Euro taint their victory in 2004? ❏ Yes ❏ No ❏ I Don’t Know

The results for last week’s question: Will high gas prices and a strong euro stop you from traveling to Greece this year? Results so far... 66.7% voted "Yes" 29.6% voted "No" 3.7% voted "I Don’t Know"

Please vote at: www.thenationalherald.com

www.thenationalherald.com 4 COMMUNITY THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 28, 2008 Ike Gulas Eyeing 2nd Term as President of AHEPA during Athens Convention

Continued from page 1 we’re fulfilling a promise to hold an- stantly, and we’re continuing to put other convention there,” Mr. Mos- the call out to our membership to those results,” Mr. Gulas said. saidis told the Herald. help raise money for earthquake re- Mr. Gulas succeeded Gus James Prime Minister Costas Karaman- lief, in addition to our fire relief ef- of Richmond, Virginia last summer. lis, Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyan- forts. We have a disaster relief fund Mr. James also served as AHEPA’s ni, Hellenic Parliament Speaker that’s been in place for several years, top man for two years from 2005 to Demetris Sioufas, U.S. Ambassador and people donate all the time,” he 2007. When Mr. James announced to Greece Daniel V. Speckhard and added. his intentions to seek a second term, Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens & More fundraising efforts will he encountered stiff resistance from All Greece are among the dignitaries probably be announced at the some quarters within the organiza- expected to attend this year’s con- Athens Convention, Mr. Gulas said, tion – some traditionalists argued vention. His Eminence Archbishop but AHEPA is waiting to hear from that a yearly change in leadership Demetrios of America is also sched- various ministers about specific pumped fresh blood into the organi- uled to attend most of the weeklong needs. zation – but his popularity and ac- festivities. “So we’re going to see what the complishments were enough to get “It’s a very exciting and historic needs are before making any an- him re-elected in the summer of time for AHEPA, and I’m very fortu- nouncements. If there’s a need, we’ll 2006. nate to be serving as supreme presi- definitely address that. In ‘This Week Mr. James reinvigorated public dent in a year when we’re having our for Greeks,’ we’ve asked our mem- interest in AHEPA, the country’s old- supreme convention in Greece for bers to continue giving to the disas- est and largest Hellenic American the first time in almost 40 years. Go- ter relief fund, so that we’re in a posi- grassroots organization, and provid- ing back to Greece makes this a spe- tion to address any needs that are ed a reason for AHEPA to examine it- cial year. Everybody is interested in identified,” he said. self internally. The community’s calls putting their best foot forward, and I Part of what made this past year for continuity in effective leadership haven’t seen any of the negative pol- even more rewarding, Mr. Gulas apparently did not go unheeded, as iticking that we’ve seen in the past,” said, was the fact that Congress vot- it became increasingly difficult to Mr. Gulas said. ed to posthumously honor Constan- justify AHEPA’s dwindling numbers “We’re going to see a whole other tino Brumidi, the artist of the Capi- in recent years. facet of participation among our tol, earlier this month. Mr. Gulas, now 46, is one of the members. We’ve got people who typ- “It’s an exciting time to preside youngest supreme presidents ever ically spend their summers in Greece TNH ARCHIVES over AHEPA – during a time when elected. His decision to run for a sec- who don’t fly back to the United Ike Gulas, pictured front center, with the newly-elected members of AHEPA’s Supreme Lodge after election Congress passed the Brumidi legisla- ond one-year term comes at a his- States for a week just to go to the results were announced at the organization’s 85th annual Supreme Convention in Denver last summer. tion, which passed on the House toric time. The last time AHEPA held convention. But since they’re al- Floor unopposed with 305 cospon- its annual supreme convention in ready in Greece, and the convention ple in charge of smaller organiza- received. I’m sure there are people only in the last couple of years, but sors. Anytime you can play an instru- Greece was in 1970 – 38 years ago. will be taking place there, they’ll at- tions,” he added. out there who are against the idea, for the last several years, to have mental role in making law out of bill And since he was elected last sum- tend,” he added. AHEPA has chapters all over the but you can’t please everybody. Our presidents who have committed you’ve nurtured since its inception, mer, increasing membership has Simply going to Greece and hav- country, and all over the world, Mr. members are very astute and knowl- their time and resources to lead the it’s a great thing. I had the privilege been his clarion call. He says his ing the convention in Athens is a ma- Gulas pointed out, and an AHEPA edgeable. I don’t think they want organization. My predecessors have of being involved with the kickoff of travels throughout the country over jor accomplishment in and of itself, president must devote a substantial somebody in there for two terms just laid the groundwork for me. And I’d this legislation when I was still vice the past year had a lot to do with the he stressed. amount of personal time and re- to have someone serve two years. It be remiss if I didn’t thank and men- president a couple of years ago,” he recent increase in total membership. “I’ve been cautiously optimistic sources do the job effectively. has to be somebody who has a clear tion my family – my wife and two said. “Grassroots activity absolutely since day one. It’s already a success “And that creates a problem be- agenda and who has demonstrated kids – who have been very support- “The ceremony is taking place in had a lot to do with that. The cara- in my mind. The numbers and feed- cause it taxes the person who’s doing an ability to produce. That’s a big ive of my commitment because lead- the early fall – maybe even before vans we undertook, and the fact that back we’ve gotten have been over- it. But that’s a commitment the indi- part of having the honor to serve as ing AHEPA definitely detracts from the end of summer – and I look for- we contacted people directly whelming. We’ve been pleasantly vidual has to make,” he said. president,” he said. my ability to spend more time with ward to participating in that. It’s through electronic media, generated surprised, and I think there will be Someone who enjoyed good re- “It all boils down to accountabili- them,” he said. great for AHEPA, and it’s great for a very positive response. And the several hundred more people who sults and managed to get things ty. That’s what really matters. If you “I’ve, also been blessed with a the Greek American community,” he Greek American media – like the Na- will register and bring their fami- done, and is willing to commit his get elected, people who spend their great supreme lodge that adhered to added. tional Herald – have also been very lies,” he said. time and money for an additional time and money to go to these con- the agenda and initiatives we set With respect to Greece’s long-de- helpful in helping us achieve our “In my travels in every city that year, should have the option of seek- ventions – you’d better be able to tell forth, and they have accompanied sired participation in the VWP, Mr. goals. All that combined has helped I’ve gone to this past year, we’ve ing election to a second one-year them you got the job done. As me on the trips I made. I couldn’t be Gulas said there were a few bumps keep us on a new course,” he said. heard from people that they were term, and not be barred from doing AHEPA grows, and we attract more thankful to them for affording in the road yet, but said he expects to In seeking re-election, Mr. Gulas planning on going to Greece. There so, he added, but the organization younger members, I think there’s go- me the opportunity to lead, and for discuss the matter with Greek Gov- said he wants to ensure his initia- was the occasional detractor out would probably want to avoid lock- ing to be an increasing need for their hard work. They’ve gone out ernment officials while he’s in tives take root for the future. His there who said it’s going to fail, but ing an ineffective leader into a sec- that,” he said. and attracted new members; they’ve Athens. platform for the coming year will be for the most part, people have been ond year. “And the fact that I’ve been one of expanded the e-mail list; and have “There was a small setback a cou- an extension of the past year, he supportive. We’re seeing a whole “You don’t want to keep qualified the youngest supreme presidents raised money for our disaster relief ple of weeks ago. Our staff met with said, with membership drives and new AHEPA. We’re seeing a lot of people from doing the job if they’re has been helpful in getting the mes- efforts,” he added. the Department of Homeland Secu- Internet development being key ini- first-timers, along with long-absent capable and can commit to it, but sage out to younger people and PAST ACCOMPLISHMENTS rity. They laid out what the remain- tiatives. Ahepans who haven’t been to con- two years might be too much for prospective new members. It’s ener- AND FUTURE OBJECTIVES ing issues are, and we plan on pass- “I’m obviously interested in con- ventions in years, all of whom are some people. The good thing about gizing for younger people to see a Over the past year, Mr. Gulas ing that along to people in the Greek tinuing the membership campaign. I going to be at this year’s conven- the one-year term is, if someone is president who is close to their age, said, AHEPA has made tremendous Government to see if we can keep think that’s an important initiative tion,” he said. popular, but has not necessarily and who has taken the time to visit strides in terms of philanthropy and them on track to get admitted into every year. Every lodge and every “We’ve overcome a lot of obsta- been an effective supreme president, them and ask them to stay involved. its impact on Congressional legisla- the program. I suspect that's going to president should be concerned with cles. The euro is so strong; the dollar he can be replaced a year later,” he But to attract younger people – mid- tion and U.S. foreign policy with re- happen relatively soon. Based on keeping our membership numbers is weak; and the economy here is said. dle-aged people with children and spect to Greece, citing the wildfire what we were told, it's nothing ma- up, and increasing those numbers. suffering. There were a lot of rea- Those are just some of the proce- families – having two years to chart and earthquake relief efforts; the jor. But I don't want to go public with And I’d like to continue to modern- sons people shouldn’t go, but they dural considerations being discussed your course makes it easier from an legislation to award the famous that until we've had a chance to dis- ize the Order in terms of bringing us put all those things aside, and concerning the implementation of administrative standpoint. It also Greek-Italian artist Constantino Bru- cuss it with the Greek Government. into the 21st Century. We’ve got a they’re going,” he added. two-year terms, he said. “You have makes balancing family and career midi with the Congressional Gold It's not a big snag, and I think it'll be webmaster now (Phil Attey), which It’s good for AHEPA to hold its an- to have some checks and balances. It more feasible in this day an age,” he Medal; and ongoing efforts to help resolved fairly quickly,” he said, has been very instrumental in help- nual convention in Greece periodi- has to be something carefully said. Greece participate in the U.S. Visa adding that he is still hopeful that ing us develop our web initiatives. cally because it revitalizes members’ thought out before it’s implemented. “Being supreme president is very Waiver Program. Greece will enter the VWP before the I’ve also talked about establishing a interest in Greece and Hellenism, You can’t just do it, and then figure taxing. When you spend 10-12 days “For the wildfire disaster, we sent end of this year. professional association within Mr. Gulas said, but it’s also very good out how to correct it after it’s done. on the road – and we drive to most of several hundred care packages last Asked whether any of the Greek AHEPA for many years – for net- for Greece to host the convention. But if a two-year term is mandated, the places we go to – it can take a lot fall, and the money that we raised – American community’s wealthiest working purposes – and I think this “Tourism is one of Greece’s eco- it becomes even more important for out of you. But the response has about $275,000 – we want to identi- members were becoming more re- year we’re going to kick that off ear- nomic mainstays, so it’s good for members to make the right choice been so very positive, and that has fy areas where we can most effec- sponsive to AHEPA and it’s mission, ly,” he said. Greece when we bring thousands of and vote for someone who is going energized me even more. And to tively spend the money and donate Mr. Gulas said he thinks they are, And what did Mr. Gulas tell peo- Greek Americans to Greece. It’s also to follow through, and for candi- have older members receive you so it. At our last Lodge meeting, we dis- and said he hopes to continue reach- ple to generate and rebuild interest good for Greece to see how we, as an dates to decide how much they real- warmly – people who treat the office cussed building or expanding a burn ing out to them. in AHEPA during his cross-country American organization of Greek her- ly want to commit themselves.” of the supreme presidency with such unit in Peloponnesos,” he said. “The wealthiest members of the travels? itage, support Greece and Hellenic AHEPA may finally be warming respect, and who have remained “I’ll be meeting with Health Min- community all give amply to Hel- “Really and truly, AHEPA is an issues. I think the Greek Govern- up to the idea of at least the occa- committed to their own local chap- ister (Demetris) Avramopoulos to lenic causes. In my experience this easy sell. We’ve been around for 86 ment knows that, but this is also a sional two-term president, in any ters over the years – is a very hum- discuss sites where we can build an past year, in meeting with these indi- years now. Our longevity and the ac- chance for the people of Greece to case. bling experience. It’s inspiring. You AHEPA burn unit or expand one they viduals and discussing AHEPA initia- complishments that have accumu- see that,” he said, noting that this Mr. Gulas said he has not noticed can’t help but want to do all you can already have. We want to put some- tives with them, they’ve all been sup- lated over those years are amazing year’s convention will place a any resistance or negative feedback for them. It reminds me of my father thing in the Peloponnese. We built portive. I’d certainly like to see them when you think about it. We basical- greater emphasis on social and cul- to his candidacy for a second term, (Aleck) and how he brought me the AHEPA hospital in Thessaloniki. get more involved, of course, but ly talked about those things. For peo- tural activities, and spend less time but said anyone who wishes to pur- along, and it makes me want to try We’ve given a lot of money to hospi- one thing I’ve observed is that they ple out there who may not have on administrative matters. sue a second term must expect to be that much harder. That’s what’s kept tals in Athens. And this would be a are all genuinely interested in pro- been Ahepans, or who may not have “To see us coming in numbers held accountable. Attracting me going,” he added. continuation of what we’ve been do- moting Hellenism. And the one known about AHEPA, it’s pretty easy like this and actively participate – it’s younger members is also a big part Mr. Gulas also said he feels very ing in Greece. For earthquake relief, thing I’ve tried to impress upon them to tell them about the things we’ve much different than conventions at of the job these days, he added, be- fortunate to have the firm support of we bought ambulances and rescue is that AHEPA is a vehicle that can done and the things we’re doing – home. It’s not your average conven- cause an organizations future rele- his family and fellow lodge mem- equipment. So that goes hand-in- definitely promote Hellenism effec- that many their parents and grand- tion. In the United States, we spend vance depends on it. bers, and also credits his predeces- hand with what we’ve already tively. We’ve done it for 86 years. I’d parents were also involved,” he said. a week deliberating on and passing “Based on the feedback that I’ve sors with paving the way for him to done,” he said. like to keep the dialogue going. It’s “The bottom line is, if the legislation; running for office; and gotten during my travels throughout follow. “Unfortunately, we have to keep another reason I’m seeking a second younger generations want to help electing the new Supreme Lodge. the country, I feel like I’ve been well “We’ve been very fortunate, not our disaster relief efforts going con- term,” he said. Hellenism flourish, they’ve got to This year, it’s heavier on social and join. AHEPA didn’t succeed with a cultural activities, and lighter on the small number. We did it with a large business sessions. And we planned it number of members spread that way. We want people to enjoy throughout the country,” he added. being in Athens,” he said. Many of the local chapters he vis- PERSONAL DECISION, Charlie Crist: Is He the Ticket for McCain? ited had not seen a supreme presi- MAJOR COMMITMENT dent in decades, Mr. Gulas noted, Asked whether the National Her- Continued from page 1 estimation. “so it’s a shot in the arm for them to ald’s position over the past two years CC: I appreciate his counsel. meet with the national leadership – – i.e., that AHEPA presidents should that people would even consider Q: If you became vice president, and a shot in the arm for us, as well, serve at least two years – had any in- that a notion. he wrote in The Miami Herald, you to hear feedback at the local level. fluence on his decision to seek a sec- Q: Is it fair to describe you as so- would be better remembered for Many chapters work civically at the ond one-year term, Mr. Gulas said cially progressive? your tan than for your leadership. local level on projects that are visible that, while two-year terms are a top- CC: I think it is fair to describe CC: I hear that too. And that’s al- in their local communities, but not ic of discussion among the AHEPA me as a common-sense Republican. so very flattering. nationally. So it’s very encouraging leadership, his decision was a per- Q: Which implies that some Re- Q: I trust you use self-tanning to travel across the country and see sonal one, emphasizing the need to publicans lack common sense. lotion and stay out of the sun. the diversity of our organization.” interact with other Hellenic organi- CC: That’s possible. CC: No. It’s the sun. And it’s my A NATURAL DRAW zations. Q: You have supported stem-cell heritage. I’m of Greek descent. The fact that this year’s conven- “It was more of a personal deci- research, unlike most Republicans. Q: What was your family’s origi- tion is being held in Athens was also sion. The two-year term has been CC: I do support that. I think it is nal name? a natural draw, he said. AHEPA al- discussed, and it may even be imple- common sense to pay attention to CC: Cristodoulos. My father ready had 500 pre-registered con- mented at some point. In terms of what is happening in science. My changed it when he was in high vention participants, twice as many the continuity, it does take more father is a physician, my sister is a school. as AHEPA normally gets 1-2 weeks than one year to become acclimated physician and I try to be enlight- Q: Your personal life is not that before the convention, which clearly with all the other Greek organiza- ened on things that might extend of a typical Republican candidate. indicates a high level of excitement tions. You have to be willing to do it. and create productive life. For starters, I hear you’re not a about the convention being held in The good thing about it is, when you Q: This Wednesday (June 25), property owner. Greece. have continuity and people who you’ll be hosting your annual cli- CC: It is true. I do not own prop- AHEPA Executive Director Basil serve in the Lodge and work their mate-change summit meeting in erty. I just never found a need for it. Mossaidis said he was expecting way up, they’re around these entities Miami, and you have already Now I have the Governor’s Man- thousands of people to attend this for a period of years – a sense of fa- signed an executive order to reduce sion, and I rent a condo in St. Pe- year, easily exceeding numbers in re- miliarity is developed, and that’s the state’s greenhouse-gas emis- tersburg. cent stateside conventions, citing what helped me,” he said. sions, which is not a traditional Re- Q: You were married nearly 30 the wreath-laying ceremonies at the “I definitely think that sense of fa- publican goal. years ago, but the marriage lasted Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the miliarity needs to be in place on CC: Yes, but it should be, in my less than a year. Do you prefer liv- Truman and Marshall Statues, and AHEPA’s part. It’s easier when you view, much in the mold of Teddy Florida Governor Charlie Crist speaks to the media during the Repub- ing alone? the OSS Statue; the basketball tour- know somebody is going to be there Roosevelt. Here’s a guy who found- lican Party of Florida salute to past governors on Thursday, June 12. CC: I got married and divorced nament between Greek American for a couple of years. He can lay out ed our national parks system and because it didn’t work out. I haven’t Division I players and the Greek na- his agenda. He doesn’t have to try obviously cared about the environ- CC: Congressman Robert zens? found the right one since. It’s really tional team; the “Reunification of and cram it all into one year. That ment and preserving it. Wexler, the great Democrat of Q: Where were you during the that simple. the Parthenon Marbles” presenta- makes for a more effective presi- Q: But didn’t he shoot elephants Southeast Florida. Florida recount of 2000? Q: You can’t find one woman in tion at the University of Indianapo- dent,” he said, adding that fixed and other big animals? Q: Your predecessor as gover- CC: I was on the ballot in 2000. I all of Florida? lis’ Athens Cultural Center; and the two-year terms are still problematic. CC: Yes, he did that too. Being a nor, Jeb Bush, was content to have ran for education commissioner CC: Maybe I have. Stay tuned. 4th of July Barbeque at the Glyfada “The difference between AHEPA hunter and being a conservationist touch screens with no receipts. that year. And won. No recount! Q: Do you have any advice for Golf Club among several of the and other Greek organizations that are not mutually exclusive. CC: My view of it is, my good- Q: The novelist Carl Hiaasen has your fellow Republicans in the events and activities planned have the same leader in place for Q: One of your first acts as gov- ness, you go to an A.T.M. machine, publicly asked that you excuse meantime? throughout next week. He also not- many years – which is often good for ernor was signing a bill requiring you get a receipt. You go to a gro- yourself from the vice-presidential CC: Just lead with common ed the optional post-convention them – is that it’s tougher on the guy paper receipts on electronic voting cery store, you get a receipt. Why sweepstakes, since you have been sense. Do what you think is right. cruise taking place the week after- who’s president of an organization machines. You know who con- not have a paper record for the governor for only 17 months and And treat others well. wards. “By going back to Greece, as large as we are than it is for peo- vinced me of that? most precious thing we do as citi- haven’t accomplished much, in his THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 28, 2008 COMMUNITY 5 Antonopoulos Expands Funeral Home Business

By Demetris Tsakas possible changes or amendments,” Special to The National Herald Mr. Antonopoulos said, adding that these clients were also free to meet NEW YORK – “My later mother with him in person at the Joseph A. Catherine used to always tell us Farenga & Sons Funeral Home. that it is better to lose an eye than Constantine Antonopoulos, 39, to ruin the family name. We’ve al- is the second of four children born ways remembered her words of ad- to Rev. John Antonopoulos and the vice in every step of our lives, and late Presvytera Catherine Monos. that is why we place a great impor- He speaks fluent Greek, although tance on family and on attending to he is a second-generation Greek a family’s needs during its most try- American. Mr. Antonopoulos is a ing moments. After all, that is why graduate of the St. John’s School of we have insisted and will continue Business, and in 1992, he also to insist that family atmosphere be graduated the American Academy- such an important part of McAllister Institute of Funeral Ser- Antonopoulos Funeral Homes.” vices.” Constantine Antonopoulos be- Throughout his life, he has been gan working in the funeral services involved in civic service and has industry in 1984, following in the been active in various Greek Amer- footsteps of so many other Greek ican and other community based Americans who relied on hard work organizations. In addition, he and dedication to realize the Ameri- serves as an advisor in many pro- can dream. Ten years later, together fessional organizations in his in- with his brother Thomas, they went dustry, as well as many state agen- into business for themselves and TNH/COSTAS BEJ cies and university committees. Dr. Dionysios Karalis, a board members of the Global Hellenic Med- opened the Antonopoulos Funeral The Antonopoulos brothers bought the Joseph A. Farenga & Sons Fu- As The National Herald has re- ical Network and representative of the Chicago Medical Society is Home. After four years, they pur- neral Home, which was in the same building as their first business. ported many times before, on many shown together with Dr. George Dangas GHMN President and head of chased the Joseph A. Farenga & instances when tragedies struck the the New York Hellenic Medical Society, Greek Central Committee on Sons Funeral Home, which was lo- Greek American Community, the Health Chairman Dr. Kyriakos Stringaris, Dr. Matina Pagoni and Mr. cated in the same building as their Antonopoulos Funeral Home has Demetris Iatrides. establishment, at 38-08 Ditmars offered to cover the costs of the fu- Boulevard in Astoria, N.Y. neral, partially or even in full. This past month, the Mr. Antonopoulos refused to Antonopoulos brothers also pur- comment on this show of good will, chased Basis Funeral Home, locat- saying that if he speaks about these Global Hellenic Medical ed at 27-12 23 Avenue in Astoria, actions they will lose their value. which has been serving the needs “Anything we do, we do out of love of so many Greek American fami- and respect for the deceased, as Network Running by Fall lies over the years. Basis Funeral well as his or her family, and it does home operated as a family-run not make sense to start talking By Yannis Sofianos then be donated.” business, until 1993, when it was about details and figures,” Mr. Special to The National Herald “Doctors abroad with spare in- bought by the largest funeral ser- Antonopoulos said. struments – which are replaced by vices company in North America – Nevertheless, according to ATHENS – The website of the Glob- newer ones rather frequently Service Corporation International – TNH’s sources, the Antonopoulos al Hellenic Medical Network is ex- abroad, as we all know – which can and came under the control of Funeral Homes, in conjunction pected to be up and running by this be used in Greece always have the stockholders. Mr. Antonopoulos with local Philoptochos chapters fall, and will function as GHMN’s same question. ‘Where do I donate said he was doubly happy, because and not-for-profit organizations, Secretariat, linking Greece with them?’ With this website and the he was not only able to expand his take on the funerals of approxi- medical researchers and doctors of GHMN Secretariat, doctors will be business, but because after 15 mately 25 people annually who the Greek Diaspora from all around kept informed of where these in- years, Basis Funeral Home would have no surviving family or rela- the world. struments can be used and the once again return to its family-run tives, or who are destitute or home- Greece’s Central Committee on needs that are present.” roots. less, offering their services free of Health (KESY), which is the highest The GHMN’s repeated request “I am especially happy that I charge. ranking research body in Greece for for one of its members to be al- have the opportunity to bring back Speaking about the difficulties health and medical issues, equiva- lowed to audit KESY meetings as a a family atmosphere to this lovely of his profession, Mr. Antonopoulos lent to the United States Surgeon non-voting observer was also dis- funeral home and strengthen its said that the most difficult part of General, is overseeing the forma- cussed. “The Chairman of KESY, ties to the local community. We are the job for him is knowing that the tion of this new website. like Health Minister Demetris set upon maintaining its family at- employees in a funeral home will “We discussed the principles up- Avramopoulos and Ministry Secre- mosphere and providing our clients be the first ones to find out about on which the new website will tary General Aristidis Kalogeropou- with the unique services that a fam- Constantine Antonopoulos, who began working in the funeral ser- someone’s death and will be the based on; namely the promotion of los-Stratis, looked upon this re- ily-run business has to offer,” Mr. vices in 1984, now owns three funeral homes in Astoria. first ones to come into contact with issues that call for the cooperation quest very favorably and told us he Antonopoulos said. their mourning friends and rela- from members of the Global Hel- would see to it personally,” Dr. Dan- He also clarified that Basis Fu- lot,” Mr. Antonopoulos noted. the importance of a family’s deci- tives. lenic Medical Network,” KESY gas said, clarifying that the observ- neral Home would be relocating to Commenting on any open ac- sion to pre-pay for a loved one’s fu- “A funeral director is the first Chairman Dr. Kyriakos Stringaris er would be appointed by the the same building as Joseph A. counts that Basis Funeral Home neral services. It is just as important person to show them love and re- told The National Herald following GHMN board of directors. Farenga & Sons Funeral Home, clients may be maintaining, includ- for a family to know that these spect, while trying to handle the fu- a meeting with Dr. George Dangas, which is carrying on a 125-year tra- ing down-payments and deposits funds remain secure. We ask all the neral arrangement in the best pos- President of GHMN and head of the dition of service to families in the for future funeral services, Mr. families that have entered into this sible way, easing their pain, and of- New York-based Hellenic Medical The Papanicolaou local area. “We are located right in Antonopoulos said that these sort of arrangement with Basis Fu- fering them the chance to pay their Society, and Dr. Dionysios Karalis, a Award will be given to the heart of Greek Astoria. We have monies have been invested in vari- neral Home to contact us at (718) final respects to their loved ones in GHMN board member and repre- six viewing rooms, along with all ous funds that are approved by the 726-606 so we can discuss the de- a dignified way before they depart sentative of Chicago’s Hellenic nominees who display the necessary auxiliary facilities. In state banking commission. tails of the contract they had on their journey into eternity,” he Medical Society. service to clinical addition, we also have a parking “I know as well as anyone about signed, and to inform them of any said. “This initiative will further en- medicine, research and hance cooperation, and promote the exchange of knowledge and public health. opinions between Greek doctors in Greece and the Greek Diaspora all He added that “the important over the world,” Dr. Stringaris not- thing here is that through our rep- Dean Skelos, Grandson of Greek Immigrants, ed. He also stated he was very satis- resentative’s participation, we will fied with the outcome of his meet- be afforded direct access to the ing stated above, in which Dr. Mati- minutes of the general assembly’s Now Majority Leader of New York State Senate na Pagoni, a KESY board member meetings.” who is in charge of developing the Dr. Dangas said that “our partic- Continued from page 1 ending the New York City com- Carroll and others predicted provide for the family.” website and Mr. Demetrios Iatrides, ipation will assure that our organi- muter tax. They also called him a more GOP senators would follow As Deputy Majority Leader, Ske- a diplomatic advisor to Greek Min- zation will have continuous infor- on both sides of the aisle erupted in nimble political operative, citing Bruno into retirement, creating va- los plays a central role in the devel- ister of Health and Social Solidarity mation about what is happening in applause, and Skelos, visibly emo- his work in helping to redraw sena- cancies Democrats would exploit. opment of the Senate’s legislative Demetris Avramopoulos also par- Greece,” adding that during the tional, hugged Libous, who became torial districts which have kept Re- Fifteen of the 32 Republican sena- and governmental policy Major leg- ticipated. GHMN conference that will take his deputy. publicans in power despite New tors will be 65 years of age or older islation he has sponsored includes According to Dr. Dangas, the place next June in either Athens or Earlier, Bruno had promised a York’s strong Democratic leanings. by year’s end, while two have said Megan’s Law, which requires sex website will serve as a “centralized Kos, the first international George “smooth transition,” saying he was Joseph Mondello, chairman of they are not seeking re-election. offenders to register and provides Secretariat, which will be support- Papanicolaou Award will be given leaving to spend more time with the state and Nassau County Re- The oldest, State Senator Caesar for community notification; elimi- ed by the Ministry of Health and to nominees who display service to family, and not because federal publican committees, agreed: Trunzo of Brentwood, 82, has no nation of the New York City com- which will be updated with materi- clinical medicine, research and prosecutors are investigating his “You’ve got new people, younger plans to quit. “I’m going to continue muter tax, which charged city in- als from the entire Hellenic Medical public health. business dealings. people moving in, and when you running,” he said. come tax to nonresidents who Network.” “We will inform KESY about our He also predicted that the GOP have that, you’ve got a feeling of ABOUT SENATOR SKELOS worked there; and legislation curb- Dr. Dangas also mentioned that nominees so that we can move would increase its two-seat edge moving forward.” Born, raised and educated in ing abuses of the state retirement there would be links on the website along with this issue. Nationality is over Democrats in the Senate: “I Still, Maurice Carroll of the Rockville Centre, Skelos still re- system. to the sites of Hellenic Medical So- not a factor, but it would be nice for fully expect that you’re going to see Quinnipiac University Polling Insti- sides there with his wife Gail and As the State Senate’s second cieties all over the U.S., in addition this international award to be given an increased majority after Novem- tute said Skelos would need more their son Adam. He is counsel to the highest-ranking member, Skelos to information on the latest devel- to researchers of Greek heritage ber. If I didn’t believe that, I would than sharp political elbows to pre- Ruskin Moscou & Faltischek law was an ex officio member of all opments in medicine and pharma- once or twice,” Dr. Dangas said. probably stay and fight the battle.” vent Democrats from taking over firm, and is a member of AHEPA, Senate committees, and is a stand- cology in Greece and abroad. Pho- This year, the GHMN will hold their Experts praised Skelos’ intelli- the Senate for the first time in more the Sons of Italy and the Rockville ing member of the Senate’s Rules, tos and the final text from upcom- conference in Cyprus between Sep- gence and his skills in working with than 40 years. “Skelos is a smart Center Kiwanis Club. Finance, Judiciary, Insurance, ing GHMN conferences will also be tember 27-29, with the support of Democrats to pass key legislation guy, a responsible guy,” Carroll Currently serving his twelfth Codes, Civil Service & Pensions & posted on the website. the Health Ministry of Cyprus. on sexual predators; Medicaid said. “But the Republicans are in two-year term in the State Senate, Investigations, Taxation and Gov- Dr. Dangas noted the impor- The proposal for the creation of fraud; prescription insurance for the fight of their lives. He’s got an Skelos graduated from South Side ernment Operations committees. tance of the website, which will GHMN was made last year during a seniors; affordable housing and incredibly tough job.” High School in 1966. He is a 1970 provide “a wish list of rural medical conference on the island of Kos by graduate of Washington College, The above incorporates informa- centers in Greece, detailing their members Dimitrios Oreopoulos, where he earned a bachelor’s de- tion from reports published by needs, including machines and M.D., Ph.D., and Constantine J. gree in history, and earned his law Newsday on June 25. medical technology, which can Efthymiou, Ph.D. degree from Fordham University in 1975. Ask him why he entered politics, he tells you about the woman who raised him. Helen Skelos worked on the campaign of Thomas Dewey, the former Republican governor and presidential candidate, and she was passionately committed to the GOP, he says. Family lore holds that the first question Helen put to Skelos’ fa- ther, Basil, upon meeting him in the early 1950’s, was: “Are you a Re- publican?” Basil passed the test, and Helen became stepmother to Dean, who had lost his mother as a toddler. Skelos recalls that Helen contin- ued encouraging him politically long after he had established him- self as a powerful member of Long Island’s legislative delegation. In the morning, she’d be the first one in my district office, clipping arti- cles that she thought I should see,” he said. During his emotional accep- tance address in the State Senate Chamber on Tuesday, he said, “Mom gave me the love of politics. Five kids. My birth mother died when I was three, and she brought me up as her child, which I was. My father gave me his work ethic. He worked three jobs at a time to pro- vide for the family. My grandpar- Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) has replaced Joe Bruno as majority ents came from Greece to this coun- leader of the New York State Senate. try; worked hard; and struggled to 6 FEATURE THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 28, 2008

BOOK REVIEW CLASSIFIEDS HELP WANTED FUNERAL HOMES

VIDEO PHOTOGRAPHER/ CONSTANTINIDES When Greeks and Turks Met: Cultures in Dialogue CINEMATOGRAPHER FUNERAL PARLOR Co. INTERN WANTED 405 91st Street By Yiorgos Anagnostou can intervention. Vaka’s agenda on experienced while interacting with Have an eye for video? The Nation- Bay Ridge - Brooklyn, NY 11209 Special to The National Herald. behalf of her fellow co-religionists these women. She builds on her en- al Herald is looking for college-lev- (718) 745-1010 in Turkey fell on deaf ears. counter with glamorous Azzize el VIDEO PHOTOGRAPHERS for Services in all localities - “The Unveiled Ladies of Istanbul Vaka’s political activism was on- Hanoum, for instance, to produce a internship opportunities. Earn Low cost shipping to Greece (Stamboul)” By Demetra Vaka Gor- ly a single slice in a wider net of in- segment full of suspense and erotic credit towards your degree and gias Press, 261 pages, $43 paper- terests to which she, wittingly or innuendo. A sensuous nationalist, gain valuable experience in the ANTONOPOULOS back unwillingly, was enmeshed. Just to Hanoum is vividly portrayed as a world of journalism. Send current FUNERAL HOME, INC. mention one example, consider the cunning seductress who marries a resume, cover letter, and optional- Konstantinos Antonopoulos - “It was early in April, so early in ways in which her journalism was French lieutenant only to manipu- ly, a link to a web-based example of Funeral Director the morning that the old city of entangled in a web of American in- late his desire for her in order to your work (e.g. YouTube) to: pho- 38-08 Ditmars Blvd., Stamboul was turning over its bed terests in the region, as explained avenge the French invaders who [email protected] Astoria, New York 11105 for yet another snooze, when the in the introduction of the book by have harmed her family. Liman, an- (718) 728-8500 Oriental Express puffed into the Professor Yiorgos Kalogeras, a other unforgettable character, LEADING GREEK AMERICAN Not affiliated with any Sirkedji Station.” This is how “The scholar who pioneered research on overcomes utter poverty, an or- NEWSPAPER SEEKS other funeral home. Unveiled Ladies of Istanbul” stages Vaka. Kalogeras points out that Va- phanage upbringing, loss of home, Full-time AD sales representatives the return of Demetra Vaka, an eth- ka’s correspondence was commis- and a failed marriage. She takes it for both GREEK and ENGLISH lan- APOSTOLOPOULOS nic Greek, to her natal city of Istan- sioned by, and her articles initially on her own hands to build a mean- guage publications. Applicants Apostle Family - bul. Twenty-seven years since her appeared in Asia, a publication ingful life anew. Her life story de- should have some sales and/or mar- Gregory, Nicholas, Andrew - immigration to America in 1894 committed to advancing American fies the stereotype of Easterners as keting experience. Fluency with Funeral Directors of and 20 years after her first home- political and commercial interests prisoners of “kismet”/fate. computer use and knowledge of In- RIVERDALE coming in 1901, the author revisit- in Asia and Oceania. Tellingly, the The author uniquely features ternet a plus. Bi-lingual command FUNERAL HOME Inc. ed the place of her childhood when magazine was sponsored by The women’s own point of view. She of both languages preferred. This 5044 Broadway she counted Muslim girls as inti- American Asiatic Association acts like a contemporary anthropol- positions offers base salary, plus New York, NY 10034 mate friends, and the Sultan com- (AAA), an organization initially ogist whose primary aim is to re- commissions. E-mail resume and (212) 942-4000 manded the political loyalty of the (1868-1959), a turning point that formed in 1898 by American mer- port, as extensively as possible, the cover letter to [email protected] Toll Free 1-888-GAPOSTLE empire’s subjects. propelled her literary career. She chants in response to European and conversations she engages in with FAX: (718) 472-0510 Attn. Publish- When the Oriental Express published a total of 12 fiction and Japanese economic and political the people in the field. Through er or call (718) 784-5255 ask for LITRAS FUNERAL HOME puffed into Istanbul’s railway sta- non-fiction books and scores of es- encroachment in China. The secre- this emphasis on dialogue, human Veta. ARLINGTON BENSON DOWD, tion, Vaka was about to be con- says. Immersed in a literary world tary of the Association, one John beings emerge in the text as multi- INC FUNERAL HOME fronted with a reality of a different spiced with adventure and ro- Ford, was no other than the editor textured characters, not cultural JOURNALISTS WANTED 83-15 Parsons Blvd., order. Turkey was caught in a rag- mance, it is not surprising that she of Asia. caricatures. She gives voice to mul- Nation’s leading Greek American Jamaica, NY 11432 ing war; the empire was crumbling showed no interest in addressing Innocence then, it goes without tiple perspectives, facilitating newspaper, The National Herald, (718) 858-4434 • (800) 245-4872 in the mist of competing nation- working-class issues. In fact, the saying, cannot be part of the vocab- cross-cultural understanding. Con- needs reporters and assistant editor alisms; and Istanbul, occupied by telling of the immigrant experience ulary describing Vaka’s work. This versation also showcases the simi- for English weekly paper. the allies, was a city in political and was never within Vaka’s literary realization alone should alert us larities that people from various Exceptional writing/reporting TO PLACE YOUR cultural unrest. Vaka, by then an horizon. Instead, she functioned as that there is more than meets the cultural backgrounds share, not skills and bilingual fluency a must. CLASSIFIED AD, CALL: accomplished American correspon- a cultural intermediary. She not on- eye in Vaka. Scholars such as Yior- merely their differences. Car a plus. Fax or e-mail clips and (718) 784-5255, EXT. 106, dent, set out to investigate and re- ly explained the Orient and the gos Kalogeras, Eleftheria Ara- To be sure, Vaka does not man- cover letter to 718-472-0510 or E-MAIL: port this profound transformation. Balkans for America, but she also poglou, Ioanna Laliotou and Kath- age to skirt away from Orientalist [email protected]. classifieds@ thenationalherald.com More than 80 years since its origi- translated late 19th century Greek lene Postma, among others, take stereotypes. She reproduces con- 111609/01 nal publication, the book is now literature into English, in collabora- note of the plasticity, ambivalence ventions of non-Western people as brought back into circulation by tion with Yale Professor Aristides E. and contradictions that define her irrational, emotional, devoid of an- Gorgias Press. Phoutrides (1887-1923). writings. She sings the praise of pa- alytical thought. But at the same It should not be surprising that Writing about Istanbul in 1921 triotism, for instance, but revels in time she exhibits a remarkable so- Vaka (1877-1946) was given this was far from an ordinary profes- connections among culturally di- phistication in confronting the idea particular assignment. Born and sional assignment for Vaka. She re- verse people, which she saw as a of an essential Oriental woman. In- raised in Istanbul, and having de- ported from a place intimately con- fertile terrain for personal enrich- stead, she brings to the fore the no- veloped her craft as a writer in the nected to her own biography, and ment. While known for embracing tion that national and gender labels United States, she was seen as the in the midst of historical events that the Great Idea, the notion that often veil what in reality is a diver- ideal insider/outsider to access gravely threatened the existence of lands that once were part of the sity in the ways individuals experi- Turkey and report to an American her co-ethnics in the city. Just a few Byzantine Empire should belong to ence their identities. There are public craving stories and informa- days prior her second homecoming Greece, there are instances when many ways of being a Turkish tion about the Orient. Vaka’s nu- in 1921, the Greek army had suf- she voices her criticism of Greek woman, the author suggests, not a merous writings about life and pol- fered a devastating defeat by the military operations in Asia Minor. single one. itics in the Balkans and the Orient forces of Kemal Atatürk in Bursa. And while she does not skirt away “The Unveiled” is a delight to had already established her as a Though far away from the battle- from stereotypical portrayals of read, as Vaka uses exquisite prose knowledgeable author capable of fields in Anatolia, Istanbul was at Muslim Turks, she was well ahead to effortlessly intersperse authorial narrating the cultures of these re- ear’s drop from the rallying nation- of her times in communicating the insights with reported dialogue. gions for the pleasures and inter- alist calls, which enveloped the city. diversity and complexity of Turkish She deserves praise not only for ests of Western audiences. Her pop- They deafeningly lurked in the women. how she crafts her narrative, but al- ular romances often exploited the background of the allied occupa- Things are no less intricate so for what she advocates in the Orient as an exotic place staging tion, powerfully steering Turkish when one considers the range of story. She promotes intercultural the sexual escapades of American males to leave the city and join the Vaka’s personal and professional understanding and shows that a women travelers. Such themes res- Kemalist cause in droves. For the identities. On various occasions, person has much to gain by friend- onated back home among women Turks, the war in Anatolia fed she has been portrayed or has de- ships and conversations across cul- of the growing middle class hungry feverish anticipation for a new picted herself as a Greek immi- tures. A rich narrative with a politi- for the exotic and new social roles modern era, a country imagined as grant, a child of the Orient, a cal message, “The Unveiled” takes beyond traditional domesticity. She entirely Muslim, cleansed from Greek, an American, an Orientalist, the reader on an intellectual jour- enjoyed great popularity. Her trav- Christians – invading armies, an American author, a Greek Amer- ney by inviting reflection about elogue “The Heart of the Balkans” American missionaries, philan- ican writer, a Greek nationalist, an identity, travel, interethnic encoun- (1917), for example, was read thropists, and autochthonous eth- apologist of American imperialism, ters, and women’s emancipation, widely. Major popular magazines nic minorities. Conversely, for the but also as a critic of America. In all in the context of the East-West such as The Atlantic Monthly, De- subject people – Greeks and the Ar- view of this fluidity, one thing can relationship. In this regard, it is for- lineator and The Century featured menians among others – the extent be said for certain: the closer one tunate that the book features an ex- her essays and reports. The fact and determination of Turkish na- reads her work, the more layered tensive introduction that offers that a mainstream publishing tionalism led to profound anxiety her work emerges. Both intellectu- valuable insights on Vaka’s life and house no less than Houghton and about an immediate future when ally challenging and pleasurable situates her work in a wider social Mifflin published her books speaks their historical presence in the city for the reader, this quality serves as and political context. The 34 rare volumes about the value accorded could no longer be tolerated. Day- a testament to the richness of Va- photographs in the book further to her work. by-day, the news from the warfront ka’s writings. add to the richness of the reading This ascent into cultural recog- kept turning this fear into certain As its title promises, “The Un- experience. nition is particularly remarkable, doom. veiled” examines a society in transi- Finally, it is only befitting that considering that Vaka arrived in the Vaka captured this historical tion through Turkish women’s re- Gorgias Press anthologized Vaka United States under less than opti- moment toward the very end of her sponses to modernization. Vaka du- twice. Both “The Unveiled Ladies of mum circumstances. She emigrat- book, predicting destruction worse ly captures, both in words and im- Istanbul (Stanbul)” and her earlier ed from Turkey at the age of 17 in magnitude than that of the fall of ages, this historical transformation “Haremlik: Some Pages from the when financial strains squeezed Constantinople to the Ottomans. in its most dramatic manifestation, Life of Turkish Women” (1909) are Markos Kounalakis, author of “Hope is a Tattered Flag,” and his wife her family after her father’s death, Written a mere one year prior to the women’s public conduct. She docu- included in its Cultures in Dialogue Eleni, right, with U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, center. arriving in America in the socially defeat of the Greek army and the ments behaviors that were unthink- series, a project that brings back in- acceptable role of governess for the Smyrna catastrophe, her comments able in the recent past, where fe- to circulation women writers children of the Ottoman consul, an convey the chill of a cataclysmic male quarters were secluded and whose work was published be- ethnic Greek, to the U.S. She was doomsday: “From the talk in those women veiled themselves in public. tween 1880 and 1940. One could also, reportedly, escaping an cafés, too, it was easy to foretell Her narrative directs the readers’ only hope that Vaka’s various auto- Hope is a Tattered Flag arranged marriage. Vaka’s back- that the doom of the Christians was attention toward women repre- biographical publications including ground provided a necessary foun- sealed. The Turk, sword in hand as senting the new social order. Her “A Child of the Orient” (1914) as Voices of Reason and Change for Post-Bush Era dation for her eventual success. As in 1453, was to re-conquer the camera and words seize images of well as the writings of more recent a daughter of an upper middle- lands he had conquered then; but women unveiled in the public: a yet neglected Greek American class government official, she was to make the conquest sure this woman socializing with a man, women authors, such as Theano By Washington Monthly’s field of political titles. Here are the immersed in the class privileges of time, he was not only to extermi- women municipal employees Margaris, will be the next publish- Markos Kounalakis and most listened-to politicos and pun- the Greek bourgeoisie in Ottoman nate the Christian element, but was cleaning the streets, a woman en- ing target. Peter Laufer dits, activists and thinkers, along society. In addition to Greek she to offer as a holocaust to victory the trepreneur running her own busi- with a few fascinating Americans spoke Turkish and French (she very homes of the Christians. The nesses and employing women as Yiorgos Anagnostou is associate “Laufer and Kounalakis have you will encounter nowhere else, learned the latter as a student in obliteration of that element was to clerks. professor of modern Greek at pulled down the “Abandon All weighing in on what we as a nation Paris). Once in America and before be complete.” Vaka draws complex portraits of Ohio State University and the au- Hope, Ye Who Enter Here” sign need to do after George W. Bush launching her journalistic and liter- Far from a merely personal con- several Turkish women, dedicating thor of numerous articles on the from the portal of the future…. leaves behind the Oval Office and ary career, Vaka worked as a copy- fession of alarm, this was an urgent a whole chapter to each. The titles anthropology, history and popu- Time after time they blast through his legacy of bad decisions and editor for the Greek language daily political plea. The theme of Turkish of the chapters reflect her attention lar culture of Greek America. His the usual ten-second sound bite, in- squandered opportunities. How do Atlantis. She also taught classical nationalism as an impending threat to individual perspectives: “An Old book “Contours of White Ethnici- teracting with names that are fa- you fix what the Bush administra- Greek and French in private to Christians, not only in Turkey Turkish Lady Speaks Out;” “The ty: Popular Ethnography and the miliar, allowing us to see them in tion broke and seize this unique op- schools such as Comstock College. but to Christian Europe as a whole, Avenger of her Race;” “The Lady of Making of Usable Pasts in Greek unfamiliar candor. You can’t make portunity for growth and prosperi- In 1904, she married Harvard ran throughout “The Unveiled,” the Mended Glove.” The author America” is forthcoming from stuff up like this. And if you could, ty? Here finally are some answers. graduate and acclaimed writer of drawing inevitable attention to the brings women’s stories to life, ani- Ohio University Press. why bother? Laufer and Kounalakis The dozens of contributors include popular romances Kenneth Brown necessity of European and Ameri- mating particular incidents that she have already done all the hard environmentalist Carl Pope, former work. And they make it seem like presidential hopeful Pat Buchanan, play.” and populist Bill McKibben. —From the foreword by Will Markos Kounalakis and Peter Durst Laufer are co-hosts of the national- Clear prescriptions for post- ly syndicated radio show “ Wash- Bush America by America’s best po- ington Monthly on the Radio” CORRECTIONS litical minds—left, right, and cen- (broadcast on XM and Air America ter. affiliates in several major markets). Peter Moskos, son of the late Whether it’s New Mexico’s Gov- They also write a regular feature in Greek American scholar and emi- ernor Bill Richardson connecting Washington Monthly magazine, a nent sociologist Charles Moskos, the dots between baseball and leader in political thought and so- cited an error in a story published Hugo Chavez, Huffington Post cial commentary since 1969. Previ- in our June 14, 2008 issue (page founder Arianna Huffington’s riff- ous books include Beyond Spin by 1), "Hundreds Attend Moskos Fu- ing on facelifts and fearlessness, or Kounalakis and Mission Rejected neral." JFK speechwriter and adviser by Laufer. The third edition of Professor Theodore Sorenson’s timeless wis- ABOUT THE BOOK: Price and for- dom for wonks, the work collected mat: cloth $24.95, trade paper Moskos' book, "Greek Ameri- in Hope Is a Tattered Flag repre- $16.96; Pub date: July 2008; ISBN cans: Struggle and Success," is sents a major paradigm shift for 978-0-9794822-5-0 (HC); ISBN funded by the Stavros Niarchos politics in America. This is the bell- 978-0-9794822-4-3 (TP); Page Foundation, not the Onassis wether entry in 2008’s crowded count: 248 Foundation. "Otherwise, I thought it was a very nice article about my father's book Ø worm. - noun funeral," he said. 1. One who spends much time reading or studying. In a story published in our June 2. Any of various insects, especially booklice and silverfish, that 14, 2008 issue (page 1), “Papout- 1922 - Smyrna Catastrophe infest books and feed on the paste in the bindings. sy Dedicated to Advancing Hel- Source: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition lenism,” Metropolitan Methodios Seen in photo: Archbishop Chrysostomos who was martyrd shortly after this photo was taken; American was referred to as a “spender and Greek military officials. Basil Efthimiou is seen in back row. He was Chief Secretary to the Archbishop, The National Herald Bookstore leader.” It should have read and the Chief Homilist and Theologian of the Smyrna Dioces. Hundreds of thousands of people lost their (718) 784-5255 “splendid leader.” lives after the Turks burned down the city. Allied ships watched the carnage from the city’s harbor with or- [email protected] ders not to get involved in the massacre. THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 28, 2008 FEATURE 7

HISTORY The Battle Of Crete: Turning Point Of World War II

By Tony J. Kocolas and James Germans] had known nothing but of Crete, along with the earlier cam- A. (Maropoulakis) Denney the cowed submission of their vic- paign against Greece and Yugoslavia, Special to The National Herald tims. This unexpected defiance by contributed to a 4-6 week delay of civilian population surprised and an- the German invasion of the Soviet PROLOGUE gered them.” When the Nazis won Union. This delay was to prove fatal The Battle for Crete, May 20-June they were going to brutally punish in not achieving German objectives 1941, was one of the most signifi- the Cretan population for its defi- before the winter set in. This position cant, if subsequently underreported ance. is supported by information obtained battles of World War II. This last bat- The British Commonwealth by the captured German Naval War tle for the defense of Greece against forces also fought bravely in Crete diaries, as well as the testimony of the Nazis was critical in leading to (Approximately 1,500 of them are German Generals Frederick Palus, the ultimate defeat of Hitler. This buried at the Allied War Cemetery at Gerd Von Rundstedt, and Alfred Jodl. battle also emphasized the sacrifice, Souda Bay). After the first day of bat- Also significantly, the Battle of through selfless bravery, that the peo- tle the entire German division had ei- Crete totally altered the course of fu- ple of Crete were willing to pay to de- ther been destroyed or pinned down ture battle plans in the Eastern fend their freedom. by Commonwealth and/or Greek Mediterranean. Hitler was so The brutal Nazi war machine had forces. Hitler told his staff that unless stunned by the losses that he chose already invaded and occupied an airfield was captured in one day, not to use the Herman Goering Divi- Czechoslovakia, Poland, Denmark, the entire attack would be called off. sion as a parachute unit again. Not Norway, France, Luxembourg, Bel- Unfortunately, major errors in having this division available as a gium, Romania and The Nether- British Commonwealth command parachute weapon would turn out to lands. Hitler was busy planning op- coordination allowed the Nazis to be devastating for Germany’s war ef- eration Barbarossa, the invasion of capture the airfield at Maleme, which forts in the Middle East. the Soviet Union. In April 1941, af- could have been held. At Maleme, Reflecting on the Battle of Crete, ter over six months of successfully significant German reinforcements, Winston Churchill wrote,: “The Ger- fighting Mussolini’s armies, the hero- especially the Mountain Division, man losses of their highest class fight- ic Greek army was defeated by the were flown in and ultimately the bat- ing men removed a formidable air combined forces of Germany, Bulgar- tle was lost. The continuing fighting and parachute weapon…for the ia, and Italy. The Greek government by the Greek Army, especially by the forces he [Goering] expended there fled to Crete, the last bastion of Greek The Allied Battle of Crete Monument in Galatas. More than 5,500 Germans were killed during the 12 day 8th Greek Regiment, allowed the may have easily given him Cyprus, freedom. The capital of Crete, Hania, siege. The Nazis may have won the battle, but psychologically they were defeated by the Allied forces. bulk of the British forces to escape. Iraq, Syria, and perhaps even Persia.” became the capital of free Greece. After the main evacuation of the Churchill’s analysis is most profound Some 19,000 British Common- Commonwealth Forces from Sfakia when considering what occurred in wealth troops (Apprx. 5,299 English, on the south coast of Crete, May 31- the Middle East a few weeks after 6,451 Australian, 7,100 New Zealan- June 1, 1941, the resistance of the Crete fell. der, plus 200 Jewish Palestinians) people of Crete continued for four Within weeks of the Battle of were hurriedly evacuated, leaving years, until Crete was free again. Crete there were pro-Nazi uprisings much of their armament behind, Hundreds of Commonwealth troops, in both Syria and Iraq that had wide- from mainland Greece to Crete, join- left stranded after the evacuation, spread popular support. The leaders ing the small Commonwealth force were sheltered and cared for by the of both uprisings appealed to Hitler already there and the Cretan army Cretan people at great risk to them- for help. If the Herman Goering Divi- units, which had been previously selves. This resistance, which also in- sion had been available both upris- stripped of much manpower and ar- cluded sabotage and direct attacks ings would have probably succeeded, mament. (An additional 28,510 on Nazi forces, forced the Nazis to with devastating results for Britain. Commonwealth troops bypassed garrison the Island for the four years As it turned out, with the utmost of Crete and were evacuated from with a much larger force than origi- difficulty the British managed to sup- mainland Greece to Egypt instead). nally anticipated, which in turn re- press both uprisings. In Crete, the British Common- duced the German forces available When Nazi General Rommel was wealth troops and Cretans were fran- The Greek government fled to Crete, the last bastion of Hellenic freedom after Greece fell in April 1941. on the Russian front and in the Mid- launching the combined German- tically trying to establish viable de- dle East and Africa. The British Com- Italian assault toward the Suez fenses on the island, while being in- In addition to the Commonwealth sault which began shortly after dawn der wired headquarters that at monwealth sent into Crete several Canal, the Commonwealth forces cessantly bombed by the Germans forces, a Greek army was recreated in on May 20, 1941, first with renewed Alikianios that they were confronting Special Operation Executive (SOE) would also have been attacked from who enjoyed total air superiority. Crete. This Greek army consisted of bombing, then followed by the air- a force of over 4,000 Greeks-but in officers during this period, who the east by a combined German-Arab New Zealand Major General Bernard the 2,000 police on the island, 2,000 borne assault. The Nazi assault had reality, the 8th Greek Regiment had helped coordinate the resistance and army, and the Canal would likely Freyberg had just taken command of survivors from the Greek mainland three points of attack, the Western less than 850 men. This kind of brav- gather intelligence. One of the great- have fallen. Loss of the Suez Canal the Commonwealth forces on the is- and 9,000 Cretan recruits, mostly Attack Group Comet, which targeted ery was to be duplicated by Greek est coups of this resistance occurred would also have been devastating to land, which Winston Churchill had boys of 17-20 years in age. The Hel- the Maleme airstrip and Kissamou ar- units throughout the island. on April 23, 1944, when a band of Britain. ordered be defended at all costs. lenic force was divided into 11 “regi- eas, the Central Attack Group Aris, A factor just as important as the Cretan resistance fighters and some The loss of Iraq would have been Though the Nazis had crushed ments” of 700 to 900 men. The Com- which targeted Hania, Alikianos, success of the Greek army was the re- SOE cadre kidnapped the Nazi Gen- even costlier for the Allies. Nazi Ger- Hellenic and Yugoslav resistance on monwealth forces had overall com- Souda, and east to Rethymnon, and sistance by the civilians of Crete to eral Heinrich Kreipe and spirited him many lacked sufficient petroleum the Balkan mainland with an army of mand of the defense of Crete, but the the Eastern Attack Group Orion, the Nazi invasion. The Battle of across the mountains, then off the is- supplies throughout the war. With almost 1.2 million, there was a legiti- Greek units were independent and which targeted the Iraklion area. Crete was the first battle of World land to Egypt. During the four years Iraq in the German camp the Nazis mate possibility that Crete could be commanded by Greek officers. Most However, because of the heavy resis- War II in which the civilians fought of the resistance, the Cretan people would have access to an almost limit- held. Greece’s ally Great Britain still of the Greek units were poorly armed tance and resulting heavy losses suf- the Nazis during an invasion. This sacrificed greatly, and were going to less supply of petroleum. Transport- controlled the Mediterranean Sea, and had little ammunition. fered by the Germans at the civilian defiance suffered from two suffer much more from the brutal ing it to Germany would be easy—it and there was over 100 miles of wa- INVASION AND RESISTANCE Maleme/Alikianos areas, some of the handicaps: 1) most Cretans of mili- reprisals of the Nazis (see below). would go through Turkey. It should ter between the Greek mainland and The elite of the German Army, the second wave of German forces that tary age were in the Greek Army on CONSEQUENCES be remembered that from the out- Crete. A German attack would have paratroop division known as the Her- were originally targeted to the east the mainland; and 2) most of the The impact of the Battle of Crete break of World War II to November to be by air and/or sea. man Goering division, lead the as- were later diverted to the west to firearms in Crete had been confiscat- was going to be devastating for the 1944 Turkey, although technically support the attack on the Maleme ed by the Metaxas government be- Nazi war effort. Indeed, it may be ar- “neutral”, was a principal supplier of airstrip, specifically the 5 Gebirgs Di- fore the war. gued that it was a very shallow victo- the raw materials for Nazi Germany. CRETANS KILLED IN BATTLE OR EXECUTED IN REPRISALS vision. By evening on May 20, of the In spite of these handicaps the ry. Over 5,500 Germans were killed Additionally, during the invasion (estimates taken from The Battle of Crete, by Panagiotakis ) over 10,000 German airborne troops civilians of Crete fell on the Germans and the overall casualties they suf- of the Soviet Union there were nu- used in the initial assault, only 6,000 with a blind fury, and with no consid- fered were over 25% of the forces merous instances where Soviet Prefecture Men Women Children remained effective, and all three Ger- eration to their own safety, Cretan they committed. Of these, 4,600 forces barely held on; in those situa- Chania 2,220 480 418 man attack groups had failed to men, women and children fearlessly were re-buried at the German War tions, having a parachute division to Rethymnon 1,897 405 403 achieve their objectives. Tens of attacked the Germans with weapons Cemetery on Hill 107 above the be strategically used could have Heraklion 2,045 185 129 thousands of waiting Nazi mountain such as knives, rocks and field hoes. Maleme airstrip. This was the high- proverbially “broken the camel’s Lasithi 431 50 20 troops were unable to be landed to Distinguished military historian An- est percentage casualties suffered by back.” Total 6,593 1,113 869 support the airborne assault. thony Beevor described Cretan defi- the German Army in a single action When reflecting on the Battle of Contrary to the expectations of ance: “Boys, old men, and also up to that point in the war. Crete, Hellenes can be proud of the ORPHANS many Commonwealth officers the women displayed a breathtaking Psychologically it was a Nazi de- bravery of the Greek Army on Crete, Prefecture Fatherless Motherless Both Parents Greek Army was very successful bravery in defense of their island.” feat: The Germans who fought in and perhaps even more proud of the Chania 3,338 1,098 380 against the German assault. As one The successful defiance by the Crete or were engaged in its planning poorly armed civilians who fought Rethymnon 3,320 848 528 example, at Alikianos the outnum- Greek army surprised the Germans. were totally demoralized. They were the Nazi troops. Hellenes can take Heraklion 3,840 1,772 484 bered 8th Greek Regiment success- However, the resistance by the civil- instructed by their superiors not to even greater satisfaction in under- Lasithi 2,017 739 549 fully charged the German lines with ians stunned them. World War II his- discuss the battle with other units in standing that the resistance in Crete Total 12,515 4,457 1,951 bayonets when their ammunition torian I.M. Stewart states: “During a the future. significantly contributed to Hitler’s had run out. The German comman- year of unbroken triumph they [the Many historians believe the Battle ultimate defeat. Taverna Tony in Malibu, Where Greek Has a Family Feel and Feast-Like Portions

By S. Irene Virbila struggles to find an empty spot for “Don't fill up,” our svelte Greek with the Greek Feast -- appetizers more without the strawberry sauce Los Angeles Times it on the table. We diligently nudge waitress cautions, in a motherly such as the flaming cheese, the oc- dribbled over the top. dishes closer together and shep- fashion. “There's lots more to topus, the slightly scorched but de- Baklava is stuffed with coarsely A little wine, a little ouzo, an ar- herd our water and wine glasses to come.” licious meatballs -- and then a huge ground pistachios, walnuts and al- ray of food choices, an evening make room. The taste of the char- I could easily stop right here main course. When my Austrian monds, a far cry from the beautiful- spent chatting in the open air. You coal-grilled octopus with spring with this array of mezes. It's perfect friend saw a plate go by one night, ly constructed versions from top could be anywhere in Greece - but onions and kalamata olives tempts summer eating, though admittedly, she stared in disbelief, commenting restaurants and pastry shops in it's Malibu. us to order a second round. Malibu at night is hardly swelter- that it was enough for a family. And Greece. Ours is soggy too, but The server quickly unfolds a A NIGHT OF MANY TASTES ing. That's why they invented heat it really is. The food is heaped on somehow disappears; it's ideal for portable table, sets down a pan of A bite of that tender, charred oc- lamps. My out-of-town guest, the plate, not very attractively. sharing -- one bite apiece. As is the saganaki – fried cheese – and sets it topus simply squirted with a little dressed for the beach, will agree to Though it gets marks for hearty and bougatsa, which is semolina cus- on fire. The blue flame soars up- olive oil and lemon juice is followed eat outside only if she gets a seat di- abundant, the cooking is very basic tard encased in buttery layers of fi- ward and he calls out “Opa!” and by some of the rich taramosalata, a rectly underneath a heat lamp. and fairly expensive for what you lo, and the dreamy rice pudding disappears. From the main dining dip made by stirring red carp or cod Anything, my dear. Because inside, get -- another reason to go with the dusted with cinnamon. room, cheerful Greek music from a roe (a.k.a. poor man's caviar) into it's a wild, loud party with voices flow and order the Greek Feast. As we leave on that Saturday trio in the back corner wafts over thick Greek yogurt, and a sip of ricocheting off the walls, hardly Choices include quail, rack of lamb, and turn the corner toward the the tables and out the door. By the flowery Asyrtico from Santorini or dampened by the hanging folk tex- Featured dancer Dolphina with lamb loin and jumbo shrimp in valet station, we can see dancers time it reaches the bougainvillea- fragrant Moschofilero white. tiles, with the music filling in any patron Sam Terian of Michigan. tomato sauce, all quite ordinary. through the window, arms raised, twined veranda outside, it's only a The lemony hummus has an cracks in the noise level. TRADITIONAL DESSERTS stepping slowly, ceremoniously to muted tinkle. earthy texture and taste, less oily Outside, it's much easier to talk, roni layered with ground beef, But desserts are another matter. the high, keening music. On a sum- It's a summer night in Malibu than some. The roasted eggplant and more relaxing. With a little tomatoes and béchamel sauce em- Do save room for the thick house- mer night, Taverna Tony feels like a and except for the presence of a purée dosed with a little sesame oil imagination, we could be sitting on bellished with grated cheese and made yogurt covered with Greece's little piece of the Mediterranean. valet station around the corner, we and garlic works for me too. We the veranda of a taverna on one of baked in big, deep-dish pans. And famous Mt. Hymettus honey and a And if somebody famous shows up, could easily fool ourselves into nibble, we talk, we drink. It goes the Greek islands, though the finally, souvlaki meats -- boneless scattering of walnuts. I could have well, it's a reminder that you really thinking we're somewhere lively in like that in every taverna in Greece. smooth patina of the terra-cotta chicken and lamb, both roasted in enjoyed the Athenian cheesecake are in Malibu. the eastern Mediterranean. No A little wine, a little ouzo, an tiles and the stripped sapling arbor big chunks, the better to wrap up in ocean in sight, but the air is beachy- evening spent in desultory conver- are a dead giveaway that this was the warm pita. Neither is that excit- damp and tans and summer dresses sation in the open air. once a Mexican restaurant. A few ing, and both are also a little dry, are in evidence. Just once this sum- There is a Tony, too, who opened tall, fat-bellied Cretan pots with but that's par for the course with mer, get away to Taverna Tony for this very successful spot 14 years characteristic ridges add a Mediter- souvlaki. an evening of eating and drinking ago. I wouldn't say he is exactly a ranean note to the decor. Despite a couple of missteps, is it that, except for the American-sized warm presence, but he does stop in If it's just the two of you, you can any wonder that all those tables of portions, replicates a taverna in to oversee the place, planting him- still order the feast. Or, maybe even six or eight or 10 inside, some with Greece. self at any empty corner table, get- better, especially if you're not much balloons tied to the chairs, are get- We scoop up the molten kefalo- ting up to greet longtime customers of a meat eater, go with the Vegetar- ting the Greek Feast? It eliminates graviera (a Greek sheep's milk and celebs. The crowd is a mix of ian's Paradise, which is your own the confusion of ordering and To accomplish our goal to make your trip enjoyable and wor- cheese) in triangles of hot pita summer residents, tourists, college Greek vegetarian feast on a plate, a somewhere there is something for ry free we offer Airline/Ferry tickets, transfers, sightseeing bread tucked under a cloth. It's a kids and locals looking for some- combo plate of meatless mezes plus everyone. The food just arrives, in tours, hotel accommodations, car rentals, cruises and yacht delicious appetizer to share, and I thing less sleepy than the usual feta cheese for $21.95. There's also flights. charters to anywhere in Greece at low cost prices. Our experi- could easily eat the whole dish. My Malibu haunts. a Taverna combination platter, No one is going home hungry. In enced personnel carefully select all of our products, and our three friends and I have already or- Any Greek feast has to include which loads up on the richer, meati- fact, in my small experiment, we or- service is reliable on its purpose to satisfy dered the taverna's popular Greek dolmades, and these tangy pickled er items for $25.95. dered three Greek Feasts for four your needs and fulfill your expectations for a Feast, and an array of mezes (appe- grape leaves have a loose stuffing SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE and it was almost too much -- ex- tizers) entirely covers the table. The that's more meat and greens than Our feast is by no means over. cept that we got only three stuffed ...BON VOYAGE 15 specialties in the $35.95-per- rice, making them lighter than the We've tried the Greek Feast's lamb grape leaves and three pieces of www.delmare.gr person feast pretty much include all more typical dense versions. I like and veal sausages (very good with a spanakopita -- we simply cut one of the classics, with the exception of the touch of lemon sauce under- squeeze of lemon) and the fried each in half. For more information and reservations contact that flaming cheese, which is extra. neath. We've got a decent-enough calamari (greasy and too doughy). The a la carte list offers the ad- Nicole Pitsikalis / Senior Travel Consultant Now comes the baby octopus we've Greek salad and tabbouleh and lots Still to come, a couple of pastas, vantages of getting just what you Tel: 01130.210.9810.776 • Fax: 01130.210.9880.190 • e-mail:[email protected] ordered a la carte, and the server of everything else left. such as pastichio, which is maca- like and a few things not offered 8 OBITUARIES THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 28, 2008 Joseph George Planos, Firefighter Climbed Ranks in Evanston A Heartfelt Letter to a Dearly

By Mary Owen The son of a Greek immigrant, it would help anybody,” Muno said. Two days before leaving for the Departed and Missed Koumbaro Chicago Tribune was Mr. Planos' childhood dream to Mr. Planos frequently cooked at the Army, Mr. Planos met his wife, be a firefighter. He joined the fire station where firefighters Joan, at the YMCA. Dear friends, Philanthropic Association, Hellenic EVANSTON, Ill. – After 35 years as Evanston Fire Department in 1950 worked 24-hour shifts and ate their He was 18; she was 17. They Bobby’s passing has been ex- American Sports League, Marathon an Evanston firefighter, Joseph after two years in Japan with the meals together. met on Friday, went on a date on tremely painful and devastating for and Atlantic Banks for all they have George Planos had plenty of sto- Army's First Cavalry Division.?? “The joke was that my dad only Saturday and he left for Japan on all of us. Our lives have been drasti- done for us. ries. There were the funny ones Mr. Planos rose through the knew how to cook in firehouse por- Sunday. But the relationship en- cally changed forever. We will miss We appreciate the support and about pranks at the fire station. ranks at the Fire Department and tions,” Rick Planos said. dured, and they were married for him and will keep his memories generosity of all of Bobby’s friends. Then there were the dramatic ones was a shift commander before retir- “When he cooked at home he 56 years. alive forever. He would be very proud and hon- about battling big fires. ing in 1985. He also served on the would make his famous rice pud- Mr. Planos worked with the We want to thank you all for be- ored to have such graateful and Many of the tales were well- department's Lakefront Rescue ding and we would be eating it for a American Legion Post 42 in ing there with us along the way. For loving friends. worn after years of retelling, but his Crew. ?? week.” Evanston, sat on the advisory board you warm heartfelt and caring well Thank you. audience could always pick up his “When he was an officer, he “He loved being a firefighter,” for Peter Jans Golf Course in wishes. Love, enthusiasm for firefighting and the wanted to be in the action,” his son said daughter Penny Planos Achim. Evanston and volunteered with This community has come to our The Sourelos Family camaraderie.?? Rick Planos said. Mr. Planos also “That was his life. He loved the ca- Meals-on-Wheels in the Evanston aid in an unbelievable, unfor- “Thirty-five years is a long time, was an instructor for recruits at the maraderie. He had those friend- area.?? getable and an unselfish way. A The following is written for Bob- and I don't think a day went by that department's training school. ships, and those friendships never While a firefighter, Mr. Planos special thanks to Eleftheria-Pan- by from his koumbara, Litza Poly- he didn't like being here,” said Munos, like Mr. Planos, wanted to changed.” also was part-owner in the cyprian Association, Pan-Lemnian zogopoulos. Evanston Fire Capt. Bill Muno.?? be a firefighter from a young age Mr. Planos was born in Chicago, Evanston-based Hanson Roofing Mr. Planos, 79, died of a pul- and hung around the station as a and his family moved to Evanston, Co. for several years. monary embolism on Friday, June teenager. Mr. Planos would often where his father owned a restau- Mr. Planos is also survived by his 13, in his Evanston home, his fami- let him tag along on calls, Muno rant on Foster Street. He was a son Gary; daughter Judy; a sister, ly said. He had undergone triple by- said.?? 1946 graduate of Evanston Town- Bebe McClure; and four grandchil- Paul Simos, 78, Patriarch of pass surgery four days earlier. “He was very involved and he ship High School. dren. Services have been held. Everyman Restaurant Dies

DEATHS By Mary Giunca when Simos added paneling, the Winstom-Salem Journal restaurant was becoming too high class.? ■ KOTROTSOU, JIM at the Greek Orthodox Church of thing. As much as Christina loved rank of Commander. Mr. Manda- Paul Simos was a man who liked a But Simos promised that the AKRON, Ohio – The Akron Beacon the Annunciation, York and the her life in Henderson, she dearly leris began his public accounting joke and it showed in his broad, restaurant would never become pre- Journal reported that Jim Dimitri Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox missed her family in New Hamp- career with Andrews, Burket & Co. hearty face.? tentious, and Terry Simos said that it (Jim) Kotrotsou, loving husband, Cathedral, Camp Hill. Charlie is shire. She looked forward to spend- and was made partner in 1961. A In his 44 years at the helm of never did. His father, in fact, was father, and grandfather, 76, passed survived by his son, Ernest Kranias ing holidays with all of them. Al- certified public accountant, he re- Simos Barbecue, he never stopped proud that the restaurant was a place away on June 20, at Akron City and wife, Linda of Gettysburg; son, though she had a very loving rela- tired in 1979 as partner with Ernst smiling, said his son, Terry Simos. where everyone could mix and get Hospital. Born in Amegdalia, Richard Kranias and wife, Susan tionship with her entire family, she and Young. He subsequently served And in his final days, Simos was still along.? Greece in 1931, Jim brought his and their children, Sophia and had an especially close bond with as acting city auditor for two years telling jokes to family and friends.? Pete Meletis, a close friend of family here in 1970 in order to give Nicholas of Kensington, Md.; step- her cousins. Her MySpace page is (1981-1983) and later acted as a “He enjoyed the people. He en- Simos', said that the friendliness, sin- them a better life. He worked as a son, William Lutz and his wife, Lin- filled with photos of her family, but private consultant, offering tax and joyed joking with them. He enjoyed cerity and good nature with which mold builder for Akron Equipment. da of Knox, Ind., and their daugh- especially her cousins. Christina business advice to family and helping them if they ever needed Simos and his wife, Tina Simos, ap- He was also a member of Annunci- ter, Jennifer Bye and husband, Brad was always gathering her cousins friends. He was not only a devoted him,” Terry Simos said.?Simos, 78, proached food gave the restaurant its ation Greek Orthodox Church. Jim and their daughter, Kate of LaPorte, for their own outings and get-to- husband, father, grandfather, un- died on Father's Day.? special character.? was an infantryman in the Greek Ind.; stepson, David Lutz of Gettys- gethers when they were home for cle, brother and son, he was also a Simos restaurant became an insti- And it didn't hurt, he said, that the Army. Jim was preceded in death burg; his companion, Dorothy S. the holidays. Christina was an out- dedicated leader in the city and tution in Winston-Salem, soon after barbecue was so good. by his parents, George and Asimi- Hoffman of Biglerville and her going, fun-loving spirit who had a church communities. Mr. Manda- his father, Pete Simos, opened it in Meletis said that Simos told him na. He is survived by his wife, daughter, Patti Farrell and hus- deep faith and an enormous capac- leris was one of the distinguished 1939. that once Wayne Calloway, who was Elaine of Kenmore; son, George band, Dan of Allentown, and their ity to love. She will be dearly leaders for the rebuilding of the The restaurant was the sort of the CEO of PepsiCo for 10 years be- Kotrotsou of Kenmore and daugh- children, Andrew of Bethlehem and missed, but will remain in the Greek Orthodox Cathedral, follow- place where a businessman could rub ginning in 1986, called ahead to or- ter Sylvia (Mark) Douvikas of Rachel and her fianc<6>, Nate hearts of those who knew her. The ing its tragic fire. He was president elbows with a construction worker or der barbecue so that he could take Green; grandsons, James and Guifoyle of Ellicott City, Md.; funeral was held at noon on June of Sts. Constantine and Helen a college student while they all ate a some back home. The undergraduate Nicholas Douvikas of Green; sister- daughter, Carol Conway and hus- 25 at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Greek Orthodox Cathedral, mem- big plate of barbecue. business school at Wake Forest Uni- in-law, Mary Kallas; nephew, Jim band, David and their daughter, Church in Portsmouth. Memorial ber of the Archdiocesan Council The squat building sat on Indiana versity is named for Calloway. (Jan) Kallas and family, Sylvia Mariah and fianc<6>, Doug donations may be made to St. and president of AHEPA. He re- Avenue near Patterson Avenue. The Troublemakers were literally (Ted) Paragios and family, Cindy Woodall of Baltimore, Md., and Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church ceived the Brotherhood Citation restaurant's neon sign of a cook chas- thrown out by the collar if they re- (Steve) Toth and family; and many sons, Lucas and Jared of Roanoke, Endowment Fund or to Safe Nest from the Richmond Chapter of the ing a pig was one of the city's most fused to politely calm down, Terry other extended nieces and Va.; and son, Frank Hoffman and (2915 W. Charleston Blvd., Suite National Conference of Christians identifiable icons.? Simos said. nephews. Also, a special thanks to his partner, Mark Shears of Chica- 12, Las Vegas, NV 89102). and Jews. He was one of the orga- Simos took over the restaurant “Everybody knew when you came Jan and Jim Kallas for all of the go, as well as numerous relatives in nizers of the Team of Progress, a when his father died in 1959, and ran in there, you better behave,” he said. help that they gave the family. The Gettysburg, Athens and Bezoula ■ MAHERAS, NICHOLAS nonpartisan political organization it until it closed in December 2003. “He was pretty tough.” family would also like to thank all Greece. He was preceded in death RACINE, Wisc. – The Racine Jour- whose goal was to see that our city During the restaurant's heyday in the But the tough exterior covered a of the doctors, nurses, and staff of by two sisters, Gladys who died in nal Times reported that Nicholas P. government served the best inter- 1970s, he was serving 600 to 700 kind heart. His father often fed peo- the Palliative Care Unit at Akron 1925 and Mary Lou who died in Maheras, 59, passed away on Mon- ests of all its citizens. He was in- people a day, Simos told a reporter in ple who came in hungry and believed City Hospital for the compassionate 2001. Burial will be in Evergreen day, June 23, 2008, at Kindred Hos- volved in many professional orga- 1976. The schedule was grueling— that those who had more should help care that was given to Jim during Cemetery, Gettysburg. Memorial pital in Milwaukee. Nicholas was nizations, serving as secretary-trea- from 6 a.m. to midnight. But the peo- those who had less.? his time there. The funeral was donations to the American Cancer born in Racine October 29, 1948, surer, vice president, then presi- ple he served energized Simos.? “He always told us whatever busi- held on June 24 at Annunciation Society, (424 E. Middle St., P.O. Box son of the late Paul J. and Lydia M. dent of the Virginia Society of Cer- Back then, the restaurant was jok- ness we got into to be honest,” Terry Greek Orthodox Church. Memorial 3535, Gettysburg, PA 17325); or (nee: Mauter) Maheras. On No- tified Public Accountants; member ingly nicknamed “The Northside Simos said, “and everything would donations in Jim's memory may be the U.S. Navy Memorial, (701 vember 7, 1987, he was united in of council of the American Institute Country Club.” People worried that work out.” made to the Annunciation Greek Pennsylvania Ave., NW Suite 123, marriage to Mary Jo Christopher- of Certified Public Accountants; Orthodox Church. Washington, D.C., 20004). son. Nicholas was a graduate of treasurer and vice president of the Washington Park High School Navy League of the United States ■ KRANIAS, CHARLES ■ MAGALHAES, CHRISTINA "Class of 1967" and attended the (Richmond council); chairman of BIGLERVILLE, Penn. – The Evening HENDERSON, Nev. – The Seacoast University of Wisconsin- LaCrosse. the United Givers Fund (predeces- Thalia Moshos, 76, Co-Owner of Sun reported that Charles E. Kra- Online reported that Christina M. He was employed by Camera World sor to the United Way); and a direc- nias, 81, died on Friday, June 20, (Hopley) Magalhaes, 34, of Hen- as a Photographer for 15 years. tor on the board of Virginia Insti- 2008, at the Gettysburg Hospital. derson and formerly of Nicholas was an active member at tute of Pastoral Care. The funeral Mama Mia’s Pizzeria He was preceded in death by his Portsmouth, N.H., died Saturday, the Kimissis Theotokou Greek Or- was held on June 27 at Sts. Con- wife Patricia Minter Lutz Kranias, June 7, 2008. She was the wife of thodox Church and served on the stantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Lancaster New Era Greek Orthodox Church of Lancaster, who died in 1980. Born October Antonio Magalhaes and daughter Parish Council for two terms. He Cathedral in Richmond. Burial was she sang in the senior choir, volun- 29, 1926, in Gettysburg, the son of of Craig and Carol (Genimatas) was actively involved in all areas as at Westhampton Memorial Park. LANCASTER, Penn. – Thalia H. teered at the annual church bazaar, the late Ernest C. and Emily (Kar- Miller and John Hopley. Christina a volunteer for 40 years at the Memorial contributions may be Moshos, 76, of Lancaster, died unex- and was an active member of the gas) Kranias. Mr. Kranias attended was born in Portland, Maine, and Racine Theatre Guild. He enjoyed sent to the Endowment Fund or the pectedly on Thursday morning June Philoptocos Society. Thalia was a for- Gettysburg Schools and graduate attended Portsmouth schools, grad- his time spent with his sons in Boy Building Fund of Sts. Constantine 19, at Lancaster General Hospital. mer member of Daughters of Pene- from Gettysburg High School in uating from Portsmouth High Scouts, where he served as a Merit and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathe- Born in Lancaster, she was the lope. A very caring and compassion- 1944. He enlisted in the United School in 1992. While at Badge Counselor and Camp Cook. dral (30 Malvern Ave., Richmond, daughter of the late George D. and ate person, Thalia was very full of life States Navy after graduation and Portsmouth High School, she was His many hobbies included making Va. 23221). Marouka (Vekios) Patounas. Thalia and always had a beautiful smile. She served during WWII as a radio op- active in student government, wine and jewelry. Above all, he was married to James N. Moshos on enjoyed tennis, playing bridge, trav- erator (RM3c) in the Pacific The- band, softball, bowling and cheer- cherished time spent with his fami- ■ PONIROS, EFFIE the island of Chios in the village of St. eling with her husband, Jim, vaca- ater aboard the USS SARANAC, AO leading. She graduated from Sa- ly and will be deeply missed. Sur- BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – The Con- George Sikousis, Greece. They cele- tioning with her family, and she loved 74 and was honorably discharged cred Heart University in 1996 with vivors include his wife, Mary Jo; his necticut Post reported that Effie brated their 56th wedding anniver- cooking meals for her family. in 1946. He attended Gettysburg a bachelor's degree in business ad- sons, Demetrios and Thomas, all of Kaffes Poniros, age 83 of Trumbull, sary in February. Thalia was the co- Surviving in addition to her hus- college with the class of 1951 and ministration and a minor in parale- Racine; brother, Anton (Eunice) previously of Bridgeport, died owner of Mama Mia's Pizzeria, North band are two sons, William J. was a member of Alpha Tau Omega gal studies. As senior class presi- Maheras of California; mother-in- peacefully on Sunday, June 22, Lime and East James Streets, Lan- Moshos, husband of Georgia M., and Fraternity. Charlie worked for his dent, she was honored by deliver- law, Helen Christopherson of 2008. Born in Bridgeport, she was caster. She and her husband operat- Mark J. Moshos, husband of Angela father at the Texas Lunch, which ing the commencement address at Racine; sister- in-law, Xanthi Ma- the daughter of the late Andrew ed Mama Mia's for thirty-two years. M., both of Lancaster, three grand- was started in 1921, as a young her graduation ceremony. Christina heras of Racine; brothers-in-law and Sophia Roselli Kaffes. A resi- Prior to Mama Mia's, Thalia worked children, Thalia P., James, and An- boy, and upon his father's death, is survived by her husband, Anto- and sisters-in-law, William Christo- dent of Trumbull for several years, at the Apollo Restaurant, which was drew. She is also survived by eleven took over the establishment and it nio Magalhaes; her parents, Carol pherson, Ruth (Richard) Staples, she was a religious lady belonging located at the same location as Mama nieces and nephews. Thalia was pre- was passed to his son Ernie in and Craig Miller and John Hopley; Judith Christopherson, all of to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Mia's, and was owned and operated ceded in death by a brother, John Pa- 1981. After retirement from the her brother, Tim Hopley; her Racine; beloved uncle and aunt, Church and was a member of the by her parents. tounas. restaurant business, he was a sea- grandmothers, Grace Genimatas James and Georgia Maheras of G.A.P.A. and Holy Trinity Seniors. A Thalia was a 1949 graduate of J.P. The funeral was held on June 21 sonal employee of the National and Vernetta Hopley; godmother Racine; nieces, nephews, other rel- spirited and enthusiastic individ- McCaskey High School. A lifelong, at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Park Service and then was em- Kathleen VanCanatfort; many atives, and many dear friends. In ual, she loved cooking and baking, active member of Annunciation Church in Lancaster. ployed at the Gettysburg Hospital aunts, uncles and cousins; and her addition to his parents, he was pre- especially for the holidays and her as a courier for many years and re- beloved little schultzy dog. Christi- ceded in death by his brother and kitchen was an open house to all tired in 2008. He was a life member na was involved as a student activi- sister, John and Joanne. The funer- friends and family. She would vol- of Post 202, the American Legion, ties chairwoman, member of the al was held on June 27 at the Kimis- unteer her services for her church Gettysburg, where he served as Paralegal Club and president of Nu sis Theotokou Greek Orthodox and in her spare time, she would Commander and many years as ad- Epsilon Omega. After college, she Church. Burial was at Graceland make an occasional trip to the casi- jutant. He was also a life member of returned to New Hampshire and Cemetery. Memorials to the family nos. An avid lover of music, she en- the BPO Elks, AMVETS Post 172, worked for the Portsmouth Police for an education fund to be estab- joyed listening to the CDs of Elvis Fairfield VFW Post 15, Gettysburg, Department as an emergency dis- lished have been suggested. The and Michael Bolton. Survivors in- family wishes to extend a special clude her devoted sons, Louis K. subscribe Volture 731, La Societe des 40 patcher. During this time, Christina PRINTED EDITION OF THE NATIONAL HERALD Hommes et 8 Chevaux, Gettysburg, was a Sunday School teacher at thank you to the Oncology staff and Poniros of Bridgeport, Peter K. via the post-office: Society of Wireless Pioneers, Seat- Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox ICU staff at Froedtert Memorial Poniros of Las Vegas, and Andrew ❏1 Month for $9.95 ❏3 Months for $19.95 tle, Wash., Gettysburg Fire Depart- Church. She later moved to New Hospital, Aurora St. Luke's Hospi- G. Poniros and his wife, Patricia of ❏6 Months for $29.95 ❏One Year fo $59.85 ment, USS Gettysburg CG 64 Soci- York and worked as a customer ser- tal, and Wheaton Franciscan-All Stratford; grandchildren, Denise ety, Lifetime Charter member of the vice representative for a pharma- Saints, and to Dr. Malik Bandealy Dykes of Naugatuck, Wendy Pinto VIA HOME DELIVERY (NY, NJ & CT): ❏1 Month for $12.95 ❏3 Months for $29.95 World War II Memorial, Washing- ceutical company. In 1999, Christi- and staff, and to Dr. Bernard Pegis and her husband, Jay, of Milford, ❏ ❏ ton, D.C., Plank Owner of the US na followed her parents to Hender- and staff. Chris Poniros of Stratford, Alegre of 6 Months for $43.99 One Year for $80.00 Navy Memorial, Washington, D.C., son, where she worked as an emer- Milford, Kostas Poniros of Col- VIA HOME DELIVERY (NEW ENGLAND, PENNSYLVANIA, USN Radioman Association, Wash- gency dispatcher for North Las Ve- ■ MANDALERIS, GUS orado, Dean Poniros of New Haven, WASHINGTON D.C., VIRGINIA & MARYLAND) ington, D.C., and the Lake Clarke gas Police. In May 2000, Christina RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond and Sarah Poniros of Stratford; ❏1 Month for $15.95 ❏3 Months for $37.45 Rescue Club, Wrightsville. He was a was hired by the Henderson Police Times-Dispatch reported that Gus four great-grandchildren; a sister, ❏6 Months for $51.75 ❏One Year for $99.00 charter member of the Penn-Mar Department as a Communications Dean Mandaleris, 89, of Richmond, Christine Pappas of Florida; and ON LINE SUBSCRIPTION www.thenationalherald.com Radio Club, Hanover and assisted Operator I with a promotion to passed away peacefully on Monday, several nieces and nephews. She ❏ the late Walter B. Lane in the Communications Supervisor in June 23, 2008. He was born in was predeceased by a son, Christe NON SUBSCRIBERS: One Year for $45.95 ❏3 Months for $18.95 founding of the Adams County Am- June 2005. In a quote from her My- Richmond, Va., the son of Paul and G. Poniros and two sisters, Helen ❏ ❏ ateur Radio Society. He was also an Space page, she says, "I love my Helen Mandaleris. He is survived Banores and Marie Petrakis. The fu- SUBSCRIBERS: One Year for $34.95 3 Months for $14.95 Honorary Plank owner of the USS job! And I get to help others and by his wife of 58 years, Catherine S. neral was held on June 26 at Holy Gettysburg, CG 64. He was a mem- work with an amazing group of Mandaleris; his son and daughter- Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, in NAME: ...... ber of the U.S Navy Training Center women on a daily basis." Her ad- in-law, Christopher and Maria Bridgeport. In lieu of flowers, it is ADDRESS: ...... Association, Brainbridge, Md., U.S. ministrators, as well as the entire Mandaleris; his daughter and son- requested that donations be made CITY:...... STATE: ...... ZIP:...... Navy Amateur Radio Club, Ameri- department, respected and loved in-law, Elaine and Dave Preddy; his to the Norma Pfriem Breast Cancer TEL.: ...... E-MAIL:...... CELL...... can Radio Relay League, U.S. Naval her for her personal and profes- grandchildren, Catherine, Dean Center, c/o Bridgeport Hospital. PLEASE SEND A GIFT SUBSCRIPTION TO: Institute, Annapolis, Md. He was sional contributions to the depart- and Christina Mandaleris; and NAME: ...... active in organizing reunions of the ment. Despite her distance from many loving nieces, nephews, USS SARANAC, AO 74 and enjoyed Boston, Christina never lost her great-nieces and great-nephews. A ADDRESS: ...... CITY:...... STATE: ...... ZIP:...... Amateur Radio since he was first li- passion and love for the Boston Red native of Richmond, he graduated This is a service censed as W3YPL in 1954 and Sox and New England Patriots. from the University of Richmond to the community. TEL.: ...... E-MAIL:...... CELL...... working crossword puzzles. He was Christina cheered for her Boston with a B.S. degree in business ad- Announcements of deaths Please specify method of payment an avid reader of Naval history and teams despite her husband being ministration. When World War II may be telephoned to the I enclose a check/money order for $ ...... made payable to: had an extensive library of books, from Long Island, N.Y., and being a broke out, he enlisted in the U.S. The National Herald, Inc., 37-10 30th Street, Long Island City, NY 11101 - 2614 Classified Department of ❏ ❏ ❏ CD's and tapes of WWII. He en- staunch Yankees fan. Although Navy and received his commission The National Herald at or please debit my Mastercard Visa American Express joyed reading novels by Tom Christina could not attend his after attending officer candidate (718) 784-5255, CARD NUMBER: ...... Clancey, watching NFL football, games, she enthusiastically sup- school at the Naval Academy. He Monday through Friday, EXPIRATION DATE: ...... SIGNATURE:...... rooting for the Philadelphia Eagles ported her brother, Tim, as he served in the U.S. Navy during 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST and the Phillies. He was a member coached baseball and basketball, World War II on the U.S.S. Sanga- or e-mailed to: of St. James Lutheran Church, Get- cheering each and every win. In the mon and in the Korean conflict on [email protected] tysburg. He also attended services Greek community, family is every- the U.S.S. Cabot, retiring with the THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 28, 2008 GREECE CYPRUS 9 Papoulias in China to Strengthen Ties Bakoyannis and Rice Continued from page 1 Discuss FYROM in Berlin firmation of the impressive poten- tial of those relations and of the bi- lateral cooperation in recent years, ATHENS (ANA) – Greek Foreign 26 and afterwards in FYROM. the landmark of which was Greek Minister Dora Bakoyannis held "I expressed the hope that these prime minister Karamanlis' visit to talks "in a very friendly atmos- negotiations will have an auspi- Beijing in January 2006 and the phere," as she said, with her U.S. cious conclusion, also hoping that signing of a joint declaration of a counterpart Condoleezza Rice in the side of FYROM will also aban- comprehensive strategic partner- Berlin on Tuesday, focusing on the don pre-election rhetoric and will ship between Greece and China. course of negotiations on the issue enter the essence of the negotia- Turning to the global economic of the name of the Former Yugoslav tions," Bakoyannis said. crisis and skyrocketing prices of raw Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), The meeting was requested by materials, fuels and foods, he said the issue of Cyprus, Greek-Turkish the US side, given Washington's these were phenomena that were relations and the so-called "Visa standing desire to see the land- putting social cohesion to the test in Waiver," the exemption of Greek locked and previously strife- all countries, as they particularly citizens from the process of entry plagued FYROM join NATO. impacted the socially weaker strata. visas to the United States. Replying to a question on what Doukas noted the burning prob- The talks were held on the side- was Rice's contribution during the lems resulting from the petrol crisis, lines of an International Donors discussion, the minister said that and the repercussions arising from Conference on boosting law and or- "Mrs. Rice is well aware of the issue climate change, and stressed the der in the Palestinian territory that of the name (of FYROM) and of the need for cooperation among every- took place in Berlin. Cyprus issue, which we also dis- one to face them. Briefing Greek reporters after cussed... She is well aware of the is- The deputy minister further re- her meeting with Rice, Bakoyannis sues, she has involved herself a called that Greece has proposed, at clarified that on the name issue great deal and, as you know, she is international organizations, the de- there is no ground for resolving the an experienced minister who is also sign and materialization of a mass problem by July 9 and that such an aware of the essence of the prob- tree planting program of at least 50 issue was not even raised by the lems." billion trees by the year 2009. American side. Bakoyannis, who has already Inviting more Chinese entrepre- EUROKINISSI The character of the discussion departed for Athens, concluded by neurs to invest in Greece, Doukas Greek President Karolos Papoulias, right, and his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao during their meeting in in this respect was an "informative" saying that "the discussion was sin- outlined Greece's advantages as the Beijing on Tuesday, June 24. Hu proposed to Papoulias a four-point plan for strengthening bilateral rela- one, the minister also said in light cere and, as you know, Greek- only Balkan and SE Europe country tions, founded on frequent contact between the leaders of the two countries and government cooperation. of the arrival of special envoy American relations are good and that was a member of the EU, NATO Matthew Nimetz in Athens on June are based on strong foundations." and the EU's European Monetary fields of alternative forms of energy an Olympics bridge, the first bridge tee of the National People's Con- Union (EMU), stressing that “we and high technology. between our two countries, which gress (NPC, China's unicameral leg- want you to feel Greece as your own Earlier on Tuesday morning (Bei- has become a very solid one,” Pe- islative house, or parliament) Wu country as regards closer coopera- jing time), Papoulias laid a wreath tralia said. Bangguo, while in the evening he tion with the EU,” and consider it a at the Monument to the People's He- She also recalled that, as minis- inaugurated an exhibition of paint- country that can serve as the spring- roes in the Gate of Heavenly Peace ter of tourism in the past, she had ings by Mina Papatheodorou-Va- board for China's expansion to the (Tiananmen) Square, followed by a agreed with Beijing for an increase lyraki titled “Body and Mind,” in the wider region of Europe, the Eastern tour of the Olympic installations in Chinese tourists to Greece, noting framework of the Cultural Year of Mediterranean and North Africa. that will host the 2008 Beijing that although Greece and China, as Greece in China (September 2007- He underlined that that Greece Olympics. countries, differed in size, they were September 2008). boasts a strong business presence in Papoulias was the first foreign nevertheless “sister countries.” On Wednesday, President Papou- the Balkans, while it was also an en- leader to be given a tour of the im- Petralia further expressed cer- lias visited Shanghai where he met ergy hub, noting the oil and natural pressive installations, which are tainty that the Beijing Olympiad with Jia Qingling, the chairman of gas pipelines in which Greece was a nearing completion. would be unique, and would mark a the National Committee of the Peo- partner, as well as the country's in- Greek employment minister Fani new beginning for China and afford ple's Political Consultative Confer- frastructures and ports. Palli-Petralia, who is also accompa- it the opportunity to open up a win- ence (China's top political advisory Doukas also highlighted the in- nying Papoulias, also addressed the dow to the world that would enable body). vestment opportunities on the Business Forum and recalled her co- it to show the soul of every Chinese Papoulias expressed optimism Athens Stock Exchange (ASE), operation with the Chinese side for citizen. after the meeting because “we as- adding that Athens encouraged Chi- the Athens 2004 Olympics, whose “We raised the standard very certained China's political volition nese investments in the Greek ports: portfolio as minister of culture at high and organized a dream for further advancement of our bi- “We are pleased with Cosco's desig- the time also included the Athens Olympiad in 2004,” Petralia said, lateral relations,” adding that nation as temporary preferred bid- Olympics, and the memorandum of and wished to the Chinese to outdo “Greeks has many expectations der for the management of the con- cooperation she signed for the the Athens Olympics. from this advancement.” tainer terminal at the port of Pi- transport of the Olympic Flame to On Tuesday, June 24, President Jia called Papoulias' visit to Chi- raeus, adding that significant Beijing and for transfer of know- Papoulias met separately with Chi- na “an important historical event” prospects for Greek-Chinese coop- how. nese prime minister Wen Jiabao and for furthering Greek-Chinese rela- eration were opening up in the “After the 2004 Games, we built chairman of the Standing Commit- tions.

EUROKINISSI Giorgos Mylonas, 49, a prominent Greek industrialist, was released unharmed by kidnappers 13 days after his abduction. The kidnappers PASOK Embroiled in Bribery and Kickback Scandal had demanded 30 million euros (US $47 million) to release him.

Continued from page 1 The minister also stressed that, as and said he would take legal action long as Mr. Karamanlis is prime min- against anyone implicating him or ministers or close advisers during ister, the battle against corruption implying that he had gained any- the long run of successive socialist and the courts’ ability to fully exam- thing in some way through the trans- Kidnappers Release Greek governments, were involved direct- ine every case and complaint of cor- action. ly or indirectly in the disappear- rupt transactions would be “uncom- But Mr. Avgerinos, PASOK’s for- Industrialist Unharmed ance of an estimated 100 million promising, inexorable and inces- mer personnel director and a past euros worth of bribes to win state sant.” member of its finances committee, THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) _ Federation of Industries of North- contracts in Greece. Aristides Mantas, a past adviser denied that Mr. Tsoukatos had inter- Kidnappers released a prominent ern Greece, and heads Greece's For Siemens executives, it to former PASOK Transport Minister vened so that the sum in question Greek industrialist unharmed early Alumil Aluminium company. seemed that the country which orga- Tassos Mandelis provided testimony might be received by those responsi- Monday, 13 days after his abduc- He said he never saw the faces nized the 2004 Olympic Games at a on June 22 to a prosecutor appoint- ble for PASOK’s finances, and chal- tion. He said his family paid a ran- of his abductors, who treated him cost of about $10-12 billion was a ed to investigate the increasingly ex- lenged Mr. Tsoukatos’ version of som but would not say how much it well. He said they spoke to him in terrific customer for large lucrative plosive Siemens affair. events. was. A police statement said Giorgos Greek and were very professional. contracts. Mr. Mandelis has been named as “It is impossible that such a sum Mylonas, 49, was freed shortly after "It was an unfortunate experi- A special judicial inquiry is now the author of a hand-written text should have been received by PASOK 1:00 a.m. (2200 GMT Sunday). ence, which is now over," Mylonas being conducted in Greece to exam- providing details about where the all at once, especially if it came from Mylonas said he was freed in a said. "There are some (details) ine potential bribery cases of elected Siemens money should be deposit- a company, a check or a bank ac- deserted area outside Thessaloniki which I will keep to myself until my officials, civil servants and illegal po- ed, a charge he has flatly denied. count,” he stressed. after his family paid an unspecified dying day. ... I have not seen the litical party funding by Siemens. Handwriting experts will be or- Mr. Avgerinos said all PASOK sum in ransom. light of day for 13 days, so now I PASOK Chairman George Papan- dered to examine the evidence if Mr. transactions were carried out using "Only I and my wife know the am enjoying the sunshine." dreou has said that anyone allegedly Mantas disputes authorship of the coupons, which were equivalent to precise amount, not even the police Three men abducted Mylonas at involved with the Siemens inquiry letter. cash, and he ruled out the possibility know that," he told reporters. He gunpoint as he drove up to his will have his or her party member- Prosecutors have also summoned that money could have been deposit- said he drove home in a car provid- Thessaloniki home on June 9. Last ship suspended until they are a man identified as a bodyguard to ed into the party’s funds without his ed by his abductors. week, his kidnappers sent his fami- cleared, and has repeatedly demand- Mr. Tsoukatos who has disclosed knowledge. Mylonas' kidnappers had de- ly a videotape in which the indus- ed that a parliamentary fact-finding Theodoros Tsoukatos that Siemens offered a large “cam- In a written statement, Mr. Simi- manded 30 million euros (US$47 trialist urged his family to meet commission be established to inves- paign contribution” to PASOK prior tis, who was himself expelled from million) to release him. their demands. tigate the kickback and bribery scan- should result in prosecutors pressing to the 2000 general elections. PASOK’s administrative leadership a Mylonas is the chairman of the Kidnappings are rare in Greece. dal. He has also called for a meeting criminal charges. The former party official said few days beforehand, expressed between Prime Minister Costas Kara- Minister of State and Chief Gov- Michalis Christoforakos, a Siemens “sorrow in case the claims that are manlis and other political party lead- ernment Spokesman Theodoros executive, paid Mr. Tsoukatos a visit being projected are proved to be re- ers with the President of the Hellenic Roussopoulos said PASOK is facing a and conveyed Siemens’ offer to al.” Republic, Carolos Papoulias. tremendous internal crisis. make a financial donation of 1 mil- In a related development, Greek European Court Rules on 2 Greek Often speaking in the first person, “At a time when the unimpeded lion German marks to PASOK’s cam- American attorney Simos Dimas was in an effort to show that he is his par- functioning of justice is bearing fruit paign, and had asked Mr. Tsoukatos summoned by prosecutors to testify ty’s guarantor, Mr. Papandreou reit- (regarding the Siemens affair), Mr. to supply details of a bank account about any possible involvement on Cypriots Killed in Buffer Zone erated that he “will not tolerate any Papandreou is aiming at disseminat- abroad where the funds might be his part in the case. Mr. Dimas ap- practice or any person who has ing responsibilities with his state- transferred. pears to have acted as an agent for STRASBOURG, France (AP) _ The 1996 after being attacked by a abused the trust of the Greek people ment. He is making the waters In a written statement issued on California-based SAIC, a leading European Court of Human Rights group of people, kicked and beaten and the party’s voters,” adding that murky due to the unprecedented June 21, however, Mr. Tsoukatos de- provider of engineering and security on Tuesday awarded more than with metal and wooden batons dur- everything must eventually come to party deadlock in which he has nied his involvement in any suspi- systems integration which, in coop- ?300,000 (US$466,000) to the rel- ing a Greek Cypriot rally protesting light, and that PASOK itself has noth- found himself due to the stunning cious transactions with Siemens, but eration with Siemens, provided the atives of two Greek Cypriots killed the Turkish rule in the northern ing to fear. revelations concerning members of admitted he had mediated a transac- C41 security system for the Athens during skirmishes with Turkish part of the island. PASOK and its supporters are also PASOK,” Mr. Roussopoulos said. tion between Siemens and PASOK, Olympics. Cypriots along the U.N. buffer zone Solomos Solomou was shot and accusing New Democracy of benefit- The judicial investigation is mov- and claimed that everything was George Trepeklis, the SAIC repre- dividing the island. killed three days later after climb- ing from Siemens kickbacks and ing along very quickly, according to done above-board. sentative in Athens and an old friend The court ruled the two were ing a flag pole close to where Isaak bribes, even though the contracts Justice Minister Sotiris Hatzigakis. Mr. Tsoukatos said he had asked of Mr. Papandreou, received an esti- killed by Turkish forces in two sepa- had died. Siemens sought were obtained un- “The course of the examination for the assistance of an acquain- mated 6.5 million euro commission, rate incidents in 1996, backing a Turkey has three months to ap- der PASOK governance. Mr. Papan- proves, in the most categorical fash- tance, who undertook to assist PA- 2.5 million of which went to the version of events presented by their peal the verdict. dreou said the Government is afraid ion, that our investigation into the SOK without personal gain. In his Greek American lawyer, according to respective families against Turkish Cyprus has been divided into a to let the truth come out. Siemens affair is proceeding at a statement, Mr. Tsoukatos asserted reports published in the Athenian claims that state agents played no Greek Cypriot south and a break- The ruling conservative New very rapid pace, seeking the full that the sum in question was then press. role in their deaths. away Turkish Cypriot north since Democracy Party has not ruled out a truth in this difficult and complicat- deposited in the party’s fund in its Anastasios Isaak died Aug. 11, 1974. parliamentary probe, however, but ed issue, without interventions; entirety, without any further involve- The above incorporates informa- insists that the normal judicial in- without ulterior motives; and with ment on his part. tion from reports posted by the quiry should proceed first, and that full respect for its independence,” he He also stressed that he had never Athens News Agency and AFX In- any evidence which comes to light said. managed funds on PASOK’s behalf, ternational. Study Finds Odysseus' Travel Date

Continued from page 1 setting of the two," Magnasco ex- plained. "It is a good assumption be- Forest Fire on Outskirts of Athens Causes Power Outages others," Magnasco said. cause every member of his audience "Even though the other astro- would know what was being dis- ATHENS, Greece (AP) _ A large to help fight the blaze which broke Greece, where illegal home con- pears to be the case," Mouzas said. nomical references are much clearer, cussed, as the Pleiades and Bootes forest fire on the outskirts of Athens out in the Glyka Nera area, some 12 struction is rampant. The Fire Service said it received our interpretation of them as allu- were important to them to know the was abating late Wednesday after miles (20 kilometers) east of Fire Service officials said efforts more than 250 calls to free people sions to astronomical phenomena is passage of the seasons and would be causing power outages across the Athens. More than 150 firefighters, to put out the fire were going well. trapped in elevators in Athens due an assumption," he added in an in- very familiar with which times of the Greek capital and sending a large assisted by 100 soldiers, took part Fire Service spokesman Yiannis Ka- to power cuts caused by the blaze. terview via e-mail. year they were visible. Remember cloud of smoke over the city. in the effort. pakis said fires had been contained Fires last year ravaged a nature For example, Magnasco said, the only calendar they had was the The blaze on Mount Hymettus Glyka Nera mayor Giorgos on the nearby island of Aegina and reserve north of Athens and killed Homer writes that as Odysseus sky." damaged a major power line, caus- Siokos said he believed arsonists at Agios Stephanos, north of 76 people throughout Greece _ de- spread his sails out of Ogygia, "sleep Since the occurrence of an eclipse ing blackouts for more than an started the fire. "The fire started in Athens. stroying 200,000 hectares did not weigh on his eyelids as he and the various star positions repeat hour in central Athens and several broad daylight. I think it was arson. Civil protection agency chief (500,000 acres) of forest, farmland watched the Pleiades, and late-set- over different periods of time, Mag- other parts of the city. It destroyed Land-grabbers have targeted this Margaritis Mouzas said a drop in and olive groves in August alone. ting Bootes, and the Bear." nasco and Baikouzis set out to calcu- at least 100 hectares (250 acres) of area many times in the past," winds had helped firefighters. In efforts to prevent a repeat of "We assume he means that as late when they would all occur in the pine forest but did not threaten any Siokos said. "This area is patrolled constant- the devastating fires this year, the Odysseus set sail shortly after sunset, order mentioned in the "Odyssey." homes. Rogue developers are often ly and the response was immediate Fire Service has boosted its air fleet at nautical twilight the Pleiades and And their result has Odysseus ex- The Fire Service said 13 planes blamed for setting fires to clear ... The forecast was that winds and seasonal firefighting person- Bootes were simultaneously visible, acting his revenge on April 16, 1178 and four helicopters had been sent trees near populated areas in would drop and fortunately this ap- nel. and that Bootes would be the later- B.C. 10 EDITORIALS LETTERS THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 28, 2008

The National Herald LETTERS TO THE EDITOR A weekly publication of the NATIONAL HERALD, INC. (ΕΘΝΙΚΟΣ ΚΗΡΥΞ), reporting the news and addressing the issues of paramount interest Remembering Fr. John religious, humble, and in many Heropoulos, and I am truly both- hood. to the Greek American community of the United States of America. Heropoulos’s Life and Work ways Christ-like. ered and saddened at the loss to Thomas Massouras Many of his characteristics stood our church by his leaving the priest- Hinsdale, Illinois Publisher-Editor Antonis H. Diamataris To The Editor: out, and later reading that he do- Assistant to Publisher, Advertising Veta H. Diamataris Papadopoulos I read recently in your newspa- nated a kidney to a boy that he per an interview with Fr. John barely knew did not surprise me in Managing Editor Evan C. Lambrou TO OUR READERS Assistant Managing Editor Mark Frangos Heropoulos, which I found to be the least. very interesting. I left Hellenic (I am now a Production Manager Chrysoula Karametros The National Herald welcomes letters from its readers intended for publi- I read it with great sadness, lawyer with the Federal Govt.) but Webmaster Alexandros Tsoukias cation. They should include the writer’s name, address, and telephone however, since I feel that a great never forgot the impression that he number and be addressed to: The Editor, The National Herald, 37-10 30th The National Herald (USPS 016864) is published weekly by hope for the leadership of the left upon me, as a person who The National Herald Inc. at 37-10 30th Street, LIC, NY 11101-2614 church has now been extinguished. stood out and could truly make a Street, Long Island City, NY 11101. Letters can also be faxed to (718) 472- Tel: (718)784-5255, Fax: (718)472-0510, I attended Hellenic College at the difference in the Church, and in 0510 or e-mailed to [email protected]. We reserve e-mail: [email protected] same time as Fr. John, and got to people’s lives. the right to edit letters for publication and regret that we are unable to ac- Democritou 1 and Academias Sts, Athens, 10671, Greece know him in school. Our church desperately needs knowledge or return those left unpublished. Tel: 011.30.210.3614.598, Fax: 011.30.210.3643.776, e-mail: [email protected] I found him to be kind, smart, more selfless people like Fr.

Subscriptions by mail: 1 year $59.85, 6 months $29.95, 3 months $19.95, 1 month $9.95 Home delivery NY, NJ, CT: 1 year $80.00, 6 months $43.99, 3 months $29.99, 1 month $12.95 Home delivery New England States, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland: 1 year $99.00, 6 months $51.75, 3 months $37.45, 1 month $15.95 COMMENTARY On line subscription: Subscribers to the print edition: 1 year $34.95, 6 months $23.95, 3 months $14.95; Non subscribers: 1 year $45.95, 6 months $29.95, 3 months $18.95 Periodical postage paid at L.I.C., N.Y. and additional mailing offices. Unearthing the Semantics of Mythology What It Reveals Postmaster send change of address to: THE NATIONAL HERALD, 37-10 30th Street, LIC, NY 11101-2614 By Christopher Tripoulas his “illegitimate” son, born to him that one of the most prolific schol- he is. Special to The National Herald by the Milesian Aspasia) has cor- ars and commentators on Homer’s Speaking of love… it’s high time rupted our relationship with the works was Eustathius, Archbishop we set the record straight on orgies. Being stuck in jury duty gives polity that was born in our mother- of Thessaloniki. Today, it is regret- No, don’t get any ideas… The origi- If they only knew someone a lot of time to think. Dur- land. table that most of the publicity in- nal meaning of the word has noth- ing the time that you’re not busy Ballots can be rigged, recounts volving classical literature and ing to do with sex. As a matter of “I remember going to Greece for the first time with my yiayia after my trying to figure out a way to get of can be blocked (see Bush vs. Gore, mythology is associated with comi- fact, there is a Greek derivative clerkship with a federal judge in Brooklyn. I was 28 years old… One thing serving, you’re either hoping your election 2000), the public can be cal “neo-pagans” who are so naive called “orgyia” which translates to that sticks out, more than anything, was a time that my grandmother and I number does not get picked or swayed by advertisements and as to think that they can cross from the unit of measurement “fathom.” were leaving her village. I asked her what, at age 18, motivated her to leave you’re reading, to try to help the public relations, which require the 21st century back to the glory Orgies were ancient religious cere- her family and go to America. She thought about it for a minute and said, seemingly endless hours pass, so money, power, more money, and of classical Greece, without passing monies, and involved rites and sac- with a tear in her eye, ‘because I wanted my children to have the best life they you can overcome your anxiety, get the leisure time to concoct such through the thousands of years of rifices. The association of this word could, and I thought that would be in America.’ And then she turned to me, a hold of your dwindling patience, ideas. Based on the current U.S. history in between – which are in with sex did not come along until smiled, and said, ‘I did pretty good, didn’t I.’ I’ll say, yiayia” – Ken Karas, fed- and think of even more clever ways president’s repeated crimes against fact a natural, organically assimi- the 17th century (or until those eral judge you can get out of serving on a jury. the English language alone (we’ll lated continuation of Hellenism. brutal Romans started running the How true, and how touching. And what a powerful message. If by any chance you happened leave his performance in foreign af- These people are more deserving of ceremonies, take your pick). It is How many countless people left their familiar surroundings – the vil- to bring along Aristotle’s “Rhetoric” fairs, the economy, and national is- pity than anger over their foolish- likely that during the orgy service, lages they knew so well, their families and friends – for that long voyage to for some light reading, and you sues up to the reader to judge, and ness. faithful stood praying with open that promising foreign land, without knowing the language or having the happened to skim through Book I, the brocken backs of the longsuffer- A few examples of how a arms (a fathom apart from each necessary skills to survive in a city? It’s almost impossible even to imagine Chapter 8, you would have most ing citizenry upon which his healthy knowledge of mythology other), much like we do today. the sacrifices they had to make just to stand on their own two feet. certainly come across Aristotle’s de- haughty hubris was built to attest and classical writing would aid Now for a geography lesson… And for what? For their children, the families they left behind and last- finition of democracy: “a form of to the fairness of this judgment), it greatly in alerting us of the deterio- The Aegean Sea actually got its ly, for themselves. government under which the citi- is also clear we don’t live in a meri- ration of ethos, mores, and the cov- name from the large number of The price an immigrant has to pay to succeed is high. But the joy, pride zens distribute the offices of state tocracy. Democracy opposes the au- ering up of the ever elusive… truth goats living there. Three geological and peace of mind gained from knowing they were able to offer their chil- among themselves by lot.” If you thority of one - or a few - and de- changes gave the Aegean Sea its fi- dren the chance to spread their wings and fly as high as they can – that haven’t fallen asleep in the mean- mands essential equality, which is nal appearance; the first around alone makes it all worth it. while (sitting in the waiting room affirmed Only through participa- A healthy knowledge of 12000 B.C., when the great Flood If self-sacrifice for a noble cause is the essence of heroism, then these can be particularly taxing after tion in the Handling of Authority. mythology and classical created the Mediterranean Sea, people were heroes. They sacrificed and gave without complaining, and lunch, testifying yet again to the su- And not merely the right of choice, vanishing the plains of the Aegean, when they eventually passed on, they were put to rest in a foreign (;) land periority of the Mediterranean way as those who agonize over the in- writing would aid and turning its mountaintops into because that’s where their children live; because that’s the culmination of of life, in as much as it cherishes terests of the people proclaim. greatly in alerting us of islands. The great Flood caused the a decision they made long ago to emigrate; because, as Kavafi said in his and promotes the [BTW: this column had urged the the deterioration of disappearance of the land called famous poem, Ithaca, “Your city will always follow you.” philanthropic…siesta), and you are Board of the Federation of Hellenic “Aegiis” and shaped the Mediter- But also because, in this way, they submitted to a new reality, to the apt to occupy your mind with ques- Societies of Greater New York to ethos, mores and truth ranean archipelago. Some argue new roots they planted – because that is the final sacrifice. tions, as opposed to watching the implement the lots system in the that the root “Aea” – (the first If only their children really understood. If only they knew the blood, movie they play for you over the election of their new board, but – practices that are place all around mother earth, foremother earth, or sweat and tears it took to reach to that point. Not to thank them, for that numerous television sets laid out to sadly to no avail. The harmony – or us sadly, but which we unwittingly grandmother earth) is the original would be irrelevant. Not to pity them, for they need no pity. But to under- keep potential jurors docile and lack of it – that will present itself accept, and even contribute to. The root, because it appears more likely stand the experience their forbears had to undergo to nurture them and dispassionate, you might wonder soon after the election will prove if semantic meaning of the word that the survivors of the flood help them achieve their potential, which they would not even know about what this definition says about you the suggestion was worth consider- truth in Greek (aletheia) means would have looked to commemo- had their forbears remained in the xorgio (village). and your political views. ing or not]. that which is not forgotten, or hid- rate their grandmother earth, If they only knew. They would much more mindful of who they are and Basically, according to Aristotle, Pundits can debate whether den. According to 20th century which was lost underwater. Others where they came from. And that’s the key. Otherwise, everything their par- the two most democratic aspects of ours is an oligarchy, an ochlocracy, philosopher Martin Heidegger, attribute the name to the vast num- ents and grandparents worked for; everything they did; everything they modern society are jury duty and a statocracy, a mediocracy, etc. aletheia is the truth that first ap- ber of goats that once lived on the dreamed about; everything they left behind – then, and only then – was a the draft, with the former being an What is worth thinking about is pears when something is seen or re- Aegean…plains, and still inhabit its terrible waste. undesired nuisance for many, and how these modern day practices af- vealed. It is to take out of hidden- islands. the latter a nightmarish worse-case fect our ethos and further sever any ness to uncover. It is not something Names are a funny thing. Histo- scenario, known to today’s Ameri- ties we may have with the truth. St. that is connected with that which ry teaches us that those who con- can youth only through movies. Paul the Apostle leaves no room for appears. Allowing something to ap- trol names, alter the perception Promises, promises Hence, if like many of your fellow doubt when he tells the Corinthians pear is then the first act of truth; for and outcome of events. Take Helen citizens patiently waiting alongside that we only know in part. Man example, one must give attention of Sparta (or Troy), “the face that We should learn from our mistakes. The generalities, the so-called you, you find yourself cursing your does not possess full knowledge of to something before it can be a can- launched a thousand ships.” Some promises through a third person do not bind the candidates for the Presi- rotten luck over getting called for the truth, only God does. There- didate for any further understand- cite her name to mean “destroyer dency – or any other public office – and can not constitute the criteria up- this civic “duty,” you might be led to fore, if you consider that we start ing, for any understanding of space (of men).” Others, like Euripides, in on which we can decide who to vote for come November. ask yourself, just how democrati- off at a disadvantage due to the in- it must first somehow appear. Un- his play Ifigenia in Aulis, claim that We keep making this mistake – for decades now. Like the time that the cally-minded are you? nate shortcomings of the human in- truth, then, is something concealed Helen had as much to do with the Cypriots rang their church bells upon hearing that Jimmy Carter had won For Greek Americans, the truth tellect, losing our already loose grip or disguised. Trojan War as Saddam Hussein and the white House. behind the question is doubly dan- on the truth can only lead us into The month of June is synony- Al Kaida did with the war in Iraq. Unless we’re careful, we run the risk of repeating the same mistake this gerous. As Greeks, they hail from more harm. mous with weddings. Women Those of us who own cars and feel time around, too: For example, Senator Obama told the Greek-language the birthplace of democracy, and as Therein lays the wisdom and spend countless hours planning the tender caresses of the oil indus- program on the Voice of America that he would wants the Turkish Govern- Americans, they live in a nation value of Greek mythology - a trea- these weddings – undoubtedly, try and its agents every time we ment to grant more religious freedom to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. that prides itself as the champion of sure that has much to offer but with visions of little cupids spin- stop at the pump would do well to This statement was presented as something of major importance in democracy across the world. As un- which we look to with exasperat- ning around their heads. In fact, re-read Euripides’ classic – its some quarters. willing potential jurors, however, ingly great infrequency. In his fa- women’s absolute obsession with works like those that got him ban- Nonsense. Since when is a statement from a American politician in fa- our stance and mindset run con- mous “Address to Young Men,” St. anything lovey-dovey, and man’s ished from “democratic Athens.” vor of religious freedom newsworthy? In fact, the opposite would have trary to what Aristotle defines as Basil in fact urges his spiritual chil- absolute helplessness to avoid plac- Familiarization with Hellenic been a big story. the basic tenet of democracy. Tsk, dren to continue their studies of ing himself at the complete dispos- mythology and literature – which President Bush has also pushed Turkey hard – perhaps more than any tsk, tsk. classical authors, “receiving what- al of their often trivial whimsies – shaped the Greek ethos for so many other President – on this issue, but to no avail. Senator McCain has also This self-examination begins to ever of value they have to offer,” coupled by the shrewd business centuries - can certainly change our come to support the Patriarchate’s right to exist and practice its religious get even more grueling and hard to while recognizing “what it is wise sense of marketers – has given rise outlook on things, be it as trifling as duties freely. bear if you consider that the word to ignore.” This great Church Fa- to an entire cupid culture centered a cupid doll or as important as for- We shouldn’t get carried away by shallow hints of promises, nor should “idiot” originated from the Greek ther frequently adorns his writings on profiting from love. Cupid cards, eign policy. The follow-up to this we follow those among us who, for their own reasons, play up these state- word “idiotis,” which means pri- with references from ancient cupid chocolates, cupid dolls, etc. column will take a closer look at ments. vate individual; that is, someone mythology, and says that “conse- Now, while most of us imagine the history of political mythology So what must a candidate do to earn our support? He should meet with who did not want to be preoccu- quently we must be conversant cupid as the chubby little baby de- (the transference of Zeus’ base lay representatives of our community, elected officials and leaders of ma- pied with public affairs. with poets, with historians, with or- picted in Renaissance art, we must from Crete to Mt. Olympus, Athen- jor organizations to become fully educated on the issues concerning our Of course, when it comes to ators, indeed with all men who may keep in mind that he is the illegiti- ian name-games, revision of myths community, and publicly declare that he will… choosing all other offices of state, further our soul's salvation. Just as mate spawn of Ares and Aphrodite. which coincided with earth shatter- • Suspend the Bush Administration’s decision to call FYROM the the fact that the casting of lots has dyers prepare the cloth before they His illegitimacy immediately calls ing changes, including the shift “Republic of Macedonia,” unless they negotiate in good faith. been entirely given up in favor of apply the dye, be it purple or any his purity into question, and let’s from matriarchy to patriarchy), • Work personally for a fair solution to the Cyprus issue. ballots lends some credit to the other color, so indeed must we also, not forget that he has a genetic and how the ruling forces manipu- • That he will do what ever is necessary so that Turkey will grant idea that we may not be so democ- if we would preserve indelible the propensity to be bloodthirsty and lated it to alter the status quo. If full religious freedom to the Patriarchate. ratically-minded, because we do idea of the true virtue, become first murderous, from his father. Didn’t history repeats itself, then there is • Allow Greeks to visit the United States without visa, a right en- not live in as pure and unadulterat- initiated in the pagan lore, then at you ever wonder why he carries much more to be concerned about joyed by most citizens of the European Union. ed a democracy as we would like to length give special heed to the sa- around a bow and all those arrows? than whether FYROM joins NATO • Grant more green card applications to those who might wish to think. The frequent exposure to the cred and divine teachings, even as Thus, his arrows – shot from a dis- this year or five years from now. Its immigrate to America from Greece. high-handed practices of modern- we first accustom ourselves to the tance and never at close ranger – recognition alone by any Greek au- • And finally, assign a liaison to our community. day politics (although this was true sun's reflection in the water, and are not meant to do good. If things thority automatically places us on in ancient times as well – Pericles then become able to turn our eyes do end up turning out alright for the losing end… changed Athenian citizenship laws, upon the very sun itself.” the love struck, it is due to causing nearly 5,000 Athenians to Keep in mind that Homer’s rhap- Aphrodite’s intervention – since, af- Christopher Tripoulas is an Ad- A multi-national problem lose their citizenship status and be sodies served as the primers and ter all, no mother can stand to junct Professor of Speech and In- sold into slavery, only to change it basal readers of Greek children for watch her child’s name be dragged terpersonal Communication at Greece is now besieged by a major financial scandal, but she is not back when he wanted to naturalize centuries. It should be remembered in the mud, no matter how rotten St. John's University. alone in that respect. Siemens, the German giant conglomerate, has ap- parently been bribing elected officials in many countries for years, so this is a multi-national problem. In the Greek case, it was disclosed a few days ago that Theodore PRESS CLIPPINGS Tsoukatos, former Premier Costas Simitis’ right-hand man, was given 1 million German marks by Siemens. He insists that he turned the money over to PASOK for the 2000 elections. But the socialist party treasurer de- nies that even a penny of that money went into the party’s coffers. The Right Path for the Greece So what happened to that money? Mr. Simitis, is trying to maintain a safe distance from this mess. This might prove to be a little difficult, however. After all, it was he himself By Alexis Papachelas We are now at a point where the to go? central government direction. who chose Mr. Tsoukatos and made him his close and trusted advisor. He Kathimerini future of those parts that have so We certainly can’t live in a Tourism experts agree that Greece thus bears some responsibility. far escaped will be decided. dream world where every part of needs to follow two models of de- On the other hand, the Greek Government is promising a full investiga- Sometimes when you’re dis- Over the next two years, Greece the country is exempt from devel- velopment. tion, and says it has nothing to worry about. cussing something serious, an im- will experience dramatic changes opment. One is based on small units, We believe that this is the right time to excise the cancer of corruption age or experience will remind you because of the major highways that This would be unfair to many made with care and respect, and which is tarnishing Greece’s reputation – before it does any further dam- just how important the issue is to are already under construction. who live in such areas, especially the other on luxury accommoda- age to the country. the country. No one can say exactly how when they are faced with a state tion, which will, admittedly, make A look at the region of Mani Messinia will be changed once it is that takes without giving. some areas look more like Sardinia, clearly illustrates that Greece is at just two-and-a-half hours away The solution must come from a though at least the natural environ- an important turning point with re- from Athens or what the new Ion- combination of local initiative and ment will be protected. Israeli exercises spect to how it will look from 2020 ian Highway will bring. Interna- onward, for there are still large ar- tional experience has shown that As the New York Times reported last week, Israel conducted a test in eas of stunning beauty that remain these huge, albeit necessary, super- the event that it decides to attack Iran before the Persians fully develop nu- untouched. The wave of bad-taste, highways radically change local clear weapons. The Israelis are very concerned – and rightly so – that this illegal construction and aluminium communities, customs, traditions, would pose a grave threat to them. have destroyed unique parts of the everything. Contrary to some polls, Greece is actually quite supportive of Israel. country. Have we, as a society, thought Online Service Directory... Proof of this was allowing the Israelis to use Greek airspace to conduct the An aerial photograph of My- about these effects, have we massive exercise. Notwithstanding some noise from leftist parties, there is conos, Paros or Aghios Nikolaos weighed the pros and cons, do we www.thenationalherald.com no question that Greece made the right decision. shows the destruction. know where we want the country THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 28, 2008 VIEWPOINTS 11 LETTER FROM ATHENS High School Graduates Should Acknowledge the Past

Judge Ken Karas, United States I can tell you that nothing makes our parents and grandparents, in starting tomorrow to make a new District Court for Southern New me feel more lazy than thinking pursuing what was best for their beginning. So, regardless of what A Compendium for Living York, was the main speaker at the about how hard my grandparents children, often left behind their your next opportunity is, or where graduation ceremony of the High worked at everything they did. parents and other loved ones, and a it will be, you get to take those first School students of Saint Demetrios They came to a country whose lan- life they knew. But, while they left steps in your new world and flour- on the Book Margins of Astoria, Queens. guage they did not speak, without the shores of Greece, they didn’t ish in the same way that your We found it a powerful, moving, an education beyond the 5th grade, forget their native land. For, in the grandparents and parents did be- Sooner or later, ex- Times were tense, profound speech, one that it that in- and very little support. And, yet core of their souls, they knew that fore you. And, as long as you re- patriates, oodles of even though he said, spire a new and old graduate alike. they lived long enough to raise they could make the most of their member what you have been Americans, and other “for a foreigner it was- Here it is: three kids, watch them have five new beginning by drawing on what taught here and at home, i know English-speaking for- n’t that bad, but under One cannot help but be nostal- grandchildren, and got to see three values and principles had been in- that you’ll make your families eigners living in Athens the surface you knew gic when attending or participating great-grandchildren. stilled by their families and teach- proud in whatever you do. wind up at what soon that bad things were in a high school graduation. Being Of course, my family’s is a story ers in the old country. In other You know, i remember going to becomes a favorite and going on.” While not here, and in particular seeing so that has been repeated in this com- words, it was not a break from their greece for the first time with my yi- familiar crossroads. It’s overtly hostile to the many prior family members in at- munity and in Greek American past or their belief system that ayia after my clerkship with a fed- Compendium, a book- regime, he said, “I felt I tendance reminds me of the look of communities all over the United made our ancestors succeed. It was eral judge in brooklyn. I was 28 store for works in Eng- had to do whatever I joy in my family upon my gradua- States. A story of ancestors who their ability to draw on what they years old. It was a trip that I ab- lish that lists every- could without exposing tion and that of my brother. And, of took the geographic leap of faith had been given and taught, and solutely could not afford, but one body from British to myself so that there course, in particular, i clearly re- American mystery nov- by ANDY were times when we member the comforting smiles and elists, Elmore Leonard DABILIS would hide someone expression of pride from my grand- and Michael Connelly who was running, in mother and grandfather, my yiayia to Martin Amis and Special to our house. But it wasn’t and papou. Christopher Hitchens, The National Herald often,” he said. When My grandparents came to the us to a biography of Sina- friends gathered, he from Greece in the late 1920's, just tra, books about Greece that make it said, “Our conversation was always on the eve of the depression. Of all easier to discover the country, and anti-dictatorship, but always in Eng- places, they went from the warmth owner Rick Schulein’s especially- lish. As long as we weren’t active of the Peloponnese to duluth, Min- loved varieties of cook books. The there wasn’t any problem. We didn’t nesota. My grandfather started by place gives foreigners hungry for lit- see the brutality. I was encouraged working the railroads, but soon erature from home the equivalent of by my friends to stay as long as I thereafter opened his own diner. comfort food. wanted to live here because there He would spend a lifetime as a Only a relative handful of Greeks had to be a semblance of normal life short-order cook, while my grand- leave these days for other countries, even though every one knew what mother was a homemaker and later and in recent years many Ameri- was going on. There had to be for- a seamstress. cans, Greek-Americans, Canadians, eigners here, they felt foreigners Through circumstances that I British, Irish, French, Scandinavians would be sympathetic and more of will not bore you with, my grand- and those from many other coun- help here than on the outside.” mother, along with my father, tries have come to settle here. After a few years, Schulein re- raised my brother and myself. I Schulein’s story is a little different, turned to California, unsure of what could not imagine a better role and his bookstore has found a niche he next wanted to do, and got a model than both of my grandpar- that has drawn a faithful core of cus- master’s degree in teaching English, ents. Like many of their generation tomers. believing he could use that skill to from the old country, they repre- Schulein and partner Stratis return overseas. It worked. He got sented a new generation of people Strategakis took over a struggling two job offers, one in Iran, which he who sought opportunity, but never operation in 1987 and made it suc- had visited during a time when at the expense of traditional values. cessful through a smart selection of there was a US-backed government My grandfather was the oldest of books – fiction, non-fiction, travel, friendly to westerners, and another 12; my grandmother the youngest books about movies, military histo- in Greece, from the American Farm of 8. They both came from small TNH/COSTAS BEJ ry, academic books, used and cheap School. “I knew that I’d have a bet- villages, my grandfather from Judge Ken Karas, U.S. District Court for Southern New York, was the guest speaker at the graduation cere- books for bargain-hunters, as well ter lifestyle in Greece. I’d have less Thimina, near nafplio, and my mony of Saint Demetrios High School in Astoria, N.Y. Above is the speech he gave at the ceremony. and magazines and maps that cul- money but a better life,” he said. He grandmother from Angelokastro, ture-starved people had to have. returned to Athens but stayed teach- near Corinth. Both shared a dream (many at the same age as this grad- earned, that made them special. that i could not afford to miss. We They also started a series of popular ing in the job only a short while and to come to the United States and uating class) by venturing across a So, it is with you graduates. For saw more relatives than I could poetry readings that were widely then found a job working as a repre- raise a family. As things turned out, vast ocean to a land of strangers tonight, we celebrate and mark the imagine, but I knew they were re- emulated and outlasted competitors sentative for a British publisher. He they raised two: my father and his who spoke a foreign language and fact that you are graduating from lated to my grandparents because also saw a changed Greece. “When I sisters, and my brother and myself. prayed to different gods. And, yet, this fine institution. Of course, this of their energy, kindness, and be- was living in Greece in the 1970s, In our home, there was no gen- while they traveled many, many means that we recognize that you liefs. One thing that sticks out In an Internet age when on the streets where I lived there eration gap. Instead, there a seam- miles to first be greeted, in many have excelled in the study of a rig- more than anything though, was a people can buy online, was never more than two cars,” he less melting of old and new. My instances, by the statue of liberty orous curriculum and that you have time that my grandmother and I said, whether it was near the fash- grandparents were, for lack of a and an unknown fate, they brought trained your keen minds. But, at were leaving her village. I asked my what keeps them ionable Kolonaki neighborhood, or better word, cool, all the while in- with them the best of Greece: a val- this institution, you have learned so grandmother what, at age 18, moti- coming to Compendium places like Metz, more working- stilling in us a strong sense of fami- ue system that put faith, family, much more. You have explored vated her to leave her family and go is the personal touch of class. There was a sense of commu- ly, humility and community. We at- community, education, integrity, your faith and you have absorbed to America. She thought about it nity that has somehow lessened in tended church, belonged to the ju- and hard work at the top of the list. the value of respect: respect for for a minute, and said, with a tear Schulein and the staff. many places with the advent of rela- nior and senior goya groups, and And, that is why they stayed, raised your fellow students, your elders in her eye, “because I wanted my tive affluence and so many cars now were altar boys. But, beyond that, families, succeeded in life and con- and yourselves; and you have come children to have the best life they over the years, although Compendi- that people park them on the side- through their stories from home, tributed to their communities. to appreciate the values of your could, and I thought that would be um until 2005 was tucked away on walks. and the examples they set, my And, in so doing, they uncondi- past and their importance in your in America.” and, then she turned the second floor of a nondescript Eventually, the publishing job led grandparents taught lessons that tionally adopted their new country, future. And for that you are to be to me, smiled, and said, “I did pret- building on Nikis Street, off Syntag- him to his partner, who wanted to would prove invaluable not only in and injected it with the values and commended. ty good, didn’t I.” ma Square. Then it was moved buy the bookstore and needed life, but in public service; lessons principles of their old country – But, graduation is also a recog- I’ll say, yia yia. down the street to the corner of someone to run it. “I never really that I try to apply everyday in my thus, becoming true Greek-Ameri- nition that it is time for you all to So, as you, the graduating class Nikidimou Street into a bright, two- had a bookstore dream but then the personal and professional life. cans. And, we all know Greek- take what you have learned here of 2008, make your leaps in life at story building that sits on a busy opportunity presented itself and I We learned the importance of Americans have contributed to and face your futures. And, regard- roughly the same age as my grand- corner and has attracted more foot was ready,” he said. It didn’t take the truth and respect for peers, el- America in countless ways. They less of what that future may be, ei- parents did, take a moment and traffic and casual strollers who long before Schulein, recognizing ders, and authority. We were have fought tyranny along side oth- ther next year or ten years from make sure you acknowledge and stumble upon it. It’s a beacon for that Americans and foreigners from taught to take our responsibilities er Americans in war; have served as now, you are in the enviable posi- thank yiayia’s, papous, and, of book lovers. English-speaking countries were seriously, but not ourselves. My our elected officials; and have been tion, as were our ancestors who left course, your parents for all that Even now, in an Internet age desperate for their own literature grandparents had a limitless sense important leaders in business, greece for america, to draw on the they have done to get you to this when people can buy online, what while they were assimilating into of humor, particularly my grandfa- civics, and the law. principles and values you have ab- point. They are very proud of you, keeps them coming to Compendium Greek culture, would view the store ther. We saw first hand the power But, let there be no mistake: it sorbed here, and use them to suc- and they should be. Congratula- is the personal touch of Schulein as a haven because it offered ties to of optimism, hope and faith, and was not easy for our ancestors to ceed in life. And, like your ances- tions on your day and god bless for and the staff, and the tactile sense of their homelands. Then he started the unbending value of hard work. uproot their lives. For, in each case, tors, you also have the opportunity, your futures. discovery that comes only when you the poetry readings, which drew can browse in a real store, pick up a well-known poets and writers and book, feel it, smell the new print, audiences of 50 to 70 people and read the first page, flip through the more. “We were busy all the time. blurbs, find out about the author There were at least three other Eng- and have your gaze fall on a new lish language bookshops and they On “Macedonia”: Our Strongest Card writer that you would otherwise don’t exist any more. The market miss. It’s just not the same on the In- has changed. Now we’re on the ternet, where shopping is antiseptic, street and people see us in a corner For several years, actually since was inappropriate will eventually be used part of the Skopje leadership. Let and service means having to push a spot. We had something we were 1993, the insistence of the govern- since it was a name by the news media or them have the name in its Slavic help button instead of talking to a missing for years, which is visibili- ment in Skopje to call their state tied to Greece for even by foreign leaders form but do so in exchange of iron- clerk, or Schulein himself, who can ty.” the “Republic of Macedonia” has more than two thou- in its shorter and sim- clad safeguards that (a) any mis- make recommendations the same Greece today is missing some- been a major stumbling block in the sand years, now pler form, just plain use of Alexander the Great and his way the local butcher or green gro- thing too, he said. “The late 1970s relations of this small country with agreed that the so “Macedonia” -- as it Macedonians in connection with cer can. Buying books on-line is like and early 80s and 1990s were eco- Greece. The Greek people were called “Republic of has been used for the the current small state and its peo- buying groceries on-line. It leaves nomic boom times here, everyone strongly opposed to what they con- Macedonia” cannot be past fifteen years. To ple is completely inappropriate and you feeling like you’ve missed some- had a job and money to spend and sidered a violation of their national even considered for use the word “north” banned, and (b) that any future use thing important. people were saving, and spending heritage. However, the interna- membership as long as will be certainly a mis- of provocative, expansionist propa- Schulein has managed to blend their summers on the islands and tional community and the world it continues to teach take because it also im- ganda with claims on the remain- the usual American-in-Greece expe- the lifestyle was good. It was good media largely ignored the Greek its citizens and espe- plies a “south” like ing territory of the old rience into a bi-cultural life, but he until the stock market bubble burst complaints. cially its young that by DR. D.G. “north” and “south” Roman/Byzantine/Ottoman didn’t get here the usual way. “I had- in 1999 and things went from bad to This negative stand was drasti- the territory that be- KOUSOULAS Korea. province is prohibited and will be a n’t met a Greek woman. I hadn’t worse. Greece became a nation of cally changed recently in longs to its neighbor If the word “Mace- barrier to the admission of the studied the classics. I had fellow stu- debtors instead of savers.” As Bucharest, at a high level meeting Greece is territory that Special to donia” is to be used, it Skopje state into NATO or the Euro- dents at my university at Long Greece changed with the times, of NATO. When Greece objected to belongs to them and The National Herald should be combined pean Union. Moreover, including a Beach State in California and they Schulein said he had hoped his the possible admission of this small that, someday it with word the “new” clear stipulation that if the small were the ones who encouraged me faithful cadre of customers would state into NATO until the dispute should be “liberated.” (nova). Greece should further insist state is accepted in the future, the to come,” he said. That was 1969, help him take on the Internet giant over its name is settled, all the oth- Of course, the participants in that the mixed name will be used in re-emergence of such propaganda the junta was ruling Greece, but book warehouses to preserve anoth- er NATO members – including the those high level meetings knew the Slavic idiom, everywhere, in its will be a cause for expulsion. Schulein said he was undeterred by er vanishing way of life. USA --- unanimously sided with that the small and weak state that registration at the United Nations Such a diplomatic presentation the thought of living under right- “We still have that core and they Greece. This was certainly a diplo- sports the name “Republic of Mace- or any other international entity as will resonate with the other mem- wing repression because he felt for- do care about this experience, but matic success for the Greek govern- donia” is militarily incapable of well as by the news media, in the bers of NATO and the E.U. because eigners, especially Americans, they care less than I would have pre- ment, especially since the Bush ad- ever threatening Greece in a practi- same way the names Belarus, or it is grounded on the very princi- would still be welcome. “The dicted,” he said. So he may retire in ministration had accepted and sup- cal sense. Nevertheless, they felt Moldova are used today. ples and foundations of these two Mediterranean lifestyle was very se- a couple of years, more than four ported the name “Republic of that this provocative propaganda Since international custom pro- international entities. The leaders ductive and I got here and I knew decades after coming to Greece to Macedonia,” since 2004! Not long against a neighbor raises serious vides that every country has the in Skopje will have a hard time to some people and found them and live, in a time when it wasn’t so fash- after this, the European Union also doubts about the ability and will- right to choose its own name, it is fight against these well-founded they were very hospitable,” he said. ionable. When he does, Athens and voiced support for the Greek views. ingness of the leaders in Skopje to difficult for Greece to prevent and reasonable conditions. He was 24. his customers will find something In a recent discussion of the dis- live up to the standards that under- Skopje from using the word “Mace- By accepting the general use of Like most Americans at the time, else missing that can’t be replaced. pute, Alexandros Malias, the Greek pin the foundations of both NATO donia” altogether, especially since the new, mixed name in the Slavic Schulein started by teaching Eng- Ambassador to the United States, and E.U. they occupy one part of the large idiom, and the elimination of the lish, but he and his friends spent a Mr. Dabilis was the New England offered enlightening background This line of reasoning presented geographic area of Macedonia hostile and provocative propagan- lot of time talking about what was editor for United Press Interna- information regarding this positive by the Greek government proved to which for two thousand years was a da and indoctrination of their peo- going on in Greece under the tional in Boston, and a staff writer development. He pointed out that be quite persuasive because it is Roman, Byzantine, and then an Ot- ple, the Skopje leaders will con- Colonels. “The dictatorship wanted and assistant metropolitan editor the problem has actually two di- solidly grounded on the fundamen- toman province. For this reason, tribute to much better relations to attract foreigners and tourists be- at the Boston Globe for 17 years mensions. One is the dispute over tal principles of NATO and the E.U. Greece should not expend too with Greece – already the major cause they knew it was economical- before relocating to Greece. His the name “Macedonia.” The other One may say that it is a pity it had much political capital and diplo- contributor to their economic de- ly viable. I sort of covered my tracks column is published weekly in the is the continuing hostile propagan- not been used much earlier. matic effort on the one aspect of velopment – and at the same time by speaking English wherever I National Herald. Readers inter- da of the Skopje leadership, claim- What now? For a long time and the problem that is related to the they will open the way to their as- went,” he said. At the same time, he ested in contacting him can send ing that the entire geographic area even today, many in Greece raise name. Regarding the name, the ef- sociation and eventual member- was learning Greek just by interact- e-mails to of “Macedonia” – all the way down serious objections to the use of the fort should be focused on the use of ship in NATO and the European ing. “I just picked it up,” he said. [email protected]. to Mount Olympus! -- should be word “Macedonia” as part of the the new “mixed name” in its Slavic Union. considered part of their state. This name of the neighboring small idiom. The leaders in Skopje can- The Greek diplomacy is on the expansionist propaganda, found state to the north. The Pan-Mace- not object to this. After all, it is their correct trajectory. With flexibility GUEST EDITORIALS even in their schoolbooks, is bla- donian organizations in the United language. Besides, they cannot de- on the name and firmness on the tantly in conflict with the values of States, Canada, Australia and else- ny that their people came to the elimination of hostile propaganda, The National Herald welcomes manuscripts representing a variety of views the European Union as well as where are adamant against the use area nine hundred years after this vexing problem will be on the for publication in its View Points page. They should include the writer’s those of NATO. A major principle is of “Macedonia” in any agreed name Alexander the Great and they can- way to a just and viable resolution. name, address, and telephone number and be addressed to the View that the members of NATO or of the for the small state. Nevertheless, not seriously claim that they are his Points Editor, The National Herald, 37-10 30th Street, Long Island City, NY EU are not expected to pursue terri- Greece has now offered to consider descendants! Dr. Kousoulas is Professor torial claims against each other. a “mixed name,” one that will in- Greek diplomacy, in my view, Emeritus of Political Science at 11101. They can also be faxed to (718) 472-0510 or, preferably, e-mailed The shift toward the second di- clude the word “Macedonia.” Such should now focus most strongly on Howard University in to [email protected]. Due to considerations of space mension proved very effective. a “mixed name” will be based on a the second aspect of the dispute: Washington, DC. He is the author we enforce a strict 1,400-word upper limit. We reserve the right to edit for Many who in the past had been re- “geographic” definition, such as the provocative and hostile propa- of several books, notably "The repetitiveness, diction and syntax. We regret that we are unable to ac- luctant to accept the Greek argu- “north.” ganda. It is our strongest card. It is Life and Times of Constantine the knowledge or return manuscripts, published or unpublished. ment that the use of the word I am afraid that any name which also the most destabilizing and po- Great (1999)," and numerous “Macedonia” by the Skopje leaders will include the word “Macedonia” tentially dangerous activity on the scholarly articles. 12 THE NATIONAL HERALD, JUNE 28, 2008