NEO magazine - March 2019 by NEOgraphix

MAR

2019

$4.95

"Cli s of Freedom" in a Theater near You

Alex Gulas: Pioneer for Racial Justice

Fordham University Honors Solon & Marianna Patterson

Dr. George Handjinicolaou HABA's Executive of the Year

Learning and Mentoring Never Stops with Educator

Angelo Pappas

FROM THE EDITOR

:: magazine FOUNDED IN 2005 BY Demetrios Rhompotis Dimitri Michalakis Kyprianos Bazenikas

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Startup-Heaven Greece

Over past issues we’ve been featuring the exciting news that G re e c e , d e s pit e t h e economic climate and hidebound bureaucracy, is a hotbed of startups that have exploded in number and are making their mark throughout the world. As in this issue Kumilio preserves, produced in Evia by the Lambrou family and using the island’s natural treasury of figs. Founder Kosta Lambrou says, "The possibility of exports is something I did not have at all in my mind when I started. Originally, I was approached by stores in central European cities that have Greek products, but along the way I accepted proposals from destinations that I did not even dare to imagine.”

countries. Ingredio, “a mobile application that informs consumes about the toxicity of food ingredients and cosmetics…set on a mission to create a society free of toxic chemicals.” Fieldscale, a Thessaloniki-based startup that designs and develops simulation software for electric design and analysis, which has won several awards in Greece. Nummy sp ay, on ly t wo ye ars ol d, a subscription management and credit card processing platform, awarded the FinancesOnline Rising Star 2018 Award. RTsafe, which develops technology for “personalized quality assurance” in radiation oncology, “where the treatment can be first applied and checked before being approved for the real patient” to minimize side effects. It won first place in the MITEF Greece Startup Competition in 2015. Syncbnb, awarded the best Greek tourism s t a r t u p, w h i c h p r o v i d e s “c a l e n d a r synchronization that help owners and And startups are sprouting everywhere in managers of short-term rental properties to other industries in Greece, as highlighted by increase their revenue by synchronizing Bojana Trajkovska in the website EU- their bookings from multiple rental startups. Just a few: platforms.” Augmenta, started by two farmers and systems engineers, an agritech startup that offers “AI-based solution comprised of a hardware device and a web platform that scans and analyzes crops” so farmers can make informed decisions and increase yield using fewer chemicals. Cube RM, which develops revenue management software including for Fortune 500 companies and thousands of users in more than 20

The young people in Greece are never still and like the Lambrou-family in Evia with their Kumilio preserves, it’s heartening to see them taking the traditional products of Greece and making them something special to offer to the entire world.

DIMITRI C. MICHALAKIS

:: magazine PUBLISHED MONTHLY IN NEW YORK Editor in Chief: Dimitri C. Michalakis info@neomagazine.com

Western Region Desk - Los Angeles Alexander Mizan director@americanhellenic.org West Palm Beach, Florida Desk Vassilios Kukorinis skopelitis@hotmail.com Baltimore Desk Georgia Vavas gvavas@comcast.net

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Graphic Design NEOgraphix.us Adrian Salescu Athens Desk Konstantinos Rhompotis (01130) 210 51 42 446 (01130) 6937 02 39 94 k.rhompotis@neomagazine.com

“Cliffs of Freedom” is the story of an ill-fated romance between a young Greek village girl and a conflicted Turkish officer during the dawn of the Greek War for Independence against the Ottoman Empire in 1821. Twentyyear-old Anna Christina is smitten by Colonel Tariq, a rising star in the Turkish army who has growing doubts about his countrymen's brutal methods of governance, and who had once spared her life on a cliff-top when she was a child… but their budding romance brings tragedy to her family and her village. Swearing revenge against the Turks, Christina joins the Greek rebellion and inadvertently becomes a local symbol of the Greek resistance movement, inspiring her countrymen and attracting the ire of the Ottomans, who place a bounty on her head. Having believed that she could leave her feelings behind, Christina must face off against the man who still loves her and wants to keep her safe, but who has now been tasked with her capture. Their encounters and skirmishes inevitably lead to a tragic confrontation during a pivotal battle between the Greeks and Turks that will change the course of history. The movie blends ageless themes of hope, love and sacrifice with a timely narrative about one woman’s struggle to overcome oppression and shape her own destiny. An epic adventure in the tradition of Dr. Zhivago, Braveheart and The Last of the Mohicans, the film leverages historical context to pose contemporary questions about the meaning of family, the limits of patriotism, the dangers of intolerance and the price of freedom. 10

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NEWS & NOTES

“Cliffs of Freedom” represents a true passion project for Executive Producer and Co-writer Marianne Metropoulos, who spent several years developing a story that would bring the Greek war for independence alive for modern audiences. “As a proud Greek-American,” explains Metropoulos, “I wanted to produce a feature film depicting Greece’s fight for freedom after 400 years of occupation by the Ottoman Turks. This pivotal period in Greece’s history is less known to many, and it tells of the Greek’s commitment and perseverance to achieve freedom or choose death rather than to live enslaved.”

question soon becomes: what are we willing to sacrifice for our beliefs? “The two most important elements of my story,” says Metropoulos, “are the love and loyalty given to family; to honor their memory even at the cost of one’s own future happiness, and to realize and accept that even historic enemies can bridge religious, cultural and language differences which separate and drive hatred and war.” Following the lengthy script development period, Metropoulos enlisted a seasoned team of entertainment industry talents to realize the sweeping story as a feature motion picture in the classic Hollywood tradition. “After meeting with various producers,” she says, “I found a producing partner in Casey Cannon, w h o h a d t h e e x p e r i e n c e , a b i l i t y, determination, and shared the vision that I had, to bring this story to the screen.”

Times of great societal and industrial change are often accompanied by political upheaval. By 1820, the Greeks’ struggle for freedom was coming to a head after centuries of oppression. The peoples of western countries were becoming increasingly well-educated and exposed to other cultures and societies. In contrast, the Ottoman Empire was clinging to power by doubling down on the same attitudes Along with veteran and methods they had employed for centuries. pro ducer C annon, t he With the Turkish military forces spread thin production brought aboard and growing more intolerant as they faced Co-Writer and co-writer and director Van growing uprisings all over the Empire, Greeks Director Van Ling Ling, whose over 30 years’ longing to be a real nation again sensed that experience in movies, including nearly a change was near and inevitable. decade working with legendary filmmaker James Cameron, made him uniquely suited to Alas, desiring change and bringing change are translate Metropoulos’ story into a compelling two different things. When cultural traditions film narrative. “I was impressed with Van’s become the chains that hold back progress, the command of storytelling,” she says. “Along

with his visual ideas and his many years of experience in the film industry, I appreciated his enthusiasm for the project and his understanding of how I wanted the story to be portrayed on film. I credit both Casey and Van with bringing my ‘passion project’ to life.” “One of the things that drew me to “Cliffs of Freedom” was the opportunity to do something different,” says Ling. “When modern audiences think of Greek portrayals in movies it’s usually in terms of ancient gods or Spartans battling it out, or as a familycentric comedy a la My Big Fat Greek Wedding or Mamma Mia. Other than a few pictures made specifically for the Greek cinema, the critical period of the 19th century hasn’t been explored to any significant extent. As a filmmaker, it was my goal to do so in a way that would be compelling and accessible to both Greek and international audiences.” Cannon agrees, pointing out that “our characters span both sides of the cultural divide between Greeks and Turks. To varying degrees they struggle with the same issues we all do: innocence vs. naiveté, selflessness vs. selfishness, love vs. hatred, trust vs. suspicion, faith vs. superstition, loyalty vs. betrayal. Like in real life, our characters are layered with doubts and contradictions that make them vulnerable and human.” Can a younger generation see with better eyes than their elders, breaking free of ingrained cultural fears and biases in order to inspire those around them in a positive way? The filmmakers are optimistic. “At the end of the day, the things we have in common are more impactful than the things that drive us apart,” says Ling. “When you can find a common humanity between peoples, you can rise above the cultural hatreds that sometimes get passed down. It’s an enduring theme, and one that we hope resonates strongly with contemporary a u d i e n c e s .” M e t r o p o u l o s a g r e e s . “Appreciating those differences can ultimately enrich all of us.” On a similarly timely note, “Cliffs of Freedom” features a strong, emotionally complex woman protagonist whose struggle to navigate a predominantly male- centric

culture will seem particularly relevant to female audiences. “Although the #MeToo movement has raised important questions about the role of women in contemporary society,” says Cannon, “it was important to depict (protagonist) Anna Christina not as an anachronistic, post-feminist character, but as a real human being both bound and elevated by cultural traditions. She starts the film as one kind of icon in her Greek village and evolves into an entirely different kind of symbol through tragedy - but she refuses to be limited by those boundaries or to be a victim of her circumstances.”

characters to life in a way that’s compelling and believable; the women are strong, the men are courageous and both the heroes and the villains are complex and conflicted.” Although “Cliffs of Freedom” is a historical drama set in Greece, the film represents a

Equally important to the filmmakers was the diversity of the male characters and their reactions to the female characters as the latter grow and change. “We Executive Producer and Co-Writer Marianne Metropoulos with husband wanted to present a spectrum of C. Dean Metropoulos and sons Evan & Daren at the film's premiere in London male response,” says Ling, “from the men who stereotypically see women as uniquely American production. Shot almost property, to those who grudgingly treat entirely in New Mexico, it features an women with traditional but unequal respect, international cast and crew. “The goal,” says to those who are secure enough to welcome a Ling, “was to keep the bulk of the production brighter, more balanced and inclusive future work in the United States while portraying a for Greek society at large.” Accordingly, relatively modern period of Greek history in a “Cliffs of Freedom” features a diverse cast way that would be accessible to contemporary combining new talents like Tania Raymonde, American audiences.” In its own indie-film Jan Uddin and Raza Jaffrey with legendary way, “Cliffs of Freedom” is meant be seen as an performers such as Tony®-award-winning homage to classic Hollywood epics like actress Patti LuPone (Evita) and Oscar®- Lawrence of Arabia and Gone With the Wind. winning actor Christopher Plummer (All the “The Greeks are a proud and passionate Money in the World, The Sound of Music). In people,” Ling notes, “so it felt fitting to match addition, the picture showcases several actors that level of drama to capture the spirit of of Greek descent, including Billy Zane, Simon Greece in that period in history.” As Cannon observes, “In our post- modern culture of selfKassianides and Costas Mandylor. reference, cynicism and irony, a more “Our younger cast is very active on social t r a d i t i o n a l ‘ H o l l y w o o d ’ a p p r o a c h media, with many fans among millennials distinguishes our stor y as something who can relate to the notion of younger refreshing and unexpected.” generations wanting to stand up against outdated traditions to create a better world,” Filled with romance, emotion, tragedy, epic says Ling. “We’re also fortunate to have battles and true patriotism, “Cliffs of seasoned icons like Patti LuPone and Freedom” is a sweeping adventure that Christopher Plummer, who can appeal to captures the spirit of Greece during a those folks longing for ‘a good story well told’ tumultuous time in its history. in the classic Hollywood sense.” Cannon agrees. “Under Van’s direction, the cast The movie was released on March 1. Look for brought our passionate, multi-layered it in theaters near you. NEWS & NOTES

MARCH 2019

Alabama’s Alex Gulas: a Pioneer for Racial Justice by Ike Gulas*

Born November 22, 1923 in Birmingham, Alabama, the youngest of nine he was raised in the Norwood neighborhood which is where many of Birmingham’s ethnic population such as Greeks and Italians lived. His father, Theodore Gulas was a restaurateur having opened Birmingham’s first Greek owned hot dog stand in the early 1900’s. Alex attended and graduated from Phillips High School in Birmingham and enrolled in Birmingham Southern College in 1941. Near the end of his first semester Pearl Harbor was bombed and he enlisted in the Army shortly thereafter. His service led him to the Pacific Theater where he fought in the Battle of Okinawa (one of the bloodiest battles of WWII). During his life he would often say, “We were told we would be invading Japan next where the casualties were expected to be in the millions. I didn’t think I would be going home if we invaded Japan. Thank God Truman dropped the bomb.” His service during World War II was a source of pride throughout his life and he would often refer to it. Even later in life when his memory began to slip he would always remember his days in the service. Up on his return f rom the war, Alex anticipated he would return to his college studies; however, his father had different plans. Theodore took the money Alex was sending home from the service and bought a restaurant for him to open located directly across the street from Birmingham’s Legion Field (nicknamed the Football Capitol of the South). Legion played host to numerous college and professional football games well into the 90’s and was the annual host of the Iron Bowl pitting Alabama vs. Auburn. Alex saw an opportunity to capitalize on this reputation and named his restaurant the Quarterback Drive-In and included two football shaped windows in its construction. Alex sold the restaurant in the early 1950’s to pursue another venture. Ultimately, the Quarterback Drive-In would become the iconic Tide & Tiger and play host to thousands of tailgating football fans throughout the years. To this day it remains open and the football shaped windows are still in tack.

MARCH 2019

NEWS & NOTES

The 1950’s were exciting times. The war had ended and jazz was all the rage so Alex decided to open a jazz club in downtown Birmingham named the Key Club. During those years Birmingham, like many southern cities, was segregated. There were also so-called “Blue Laws” in place to prohibit Sunday liquor sales. However, the mostly white country clubs were allowed to serve liquor on Sundays to its members. Alex wanted to open on Sundays so he purchased a private club license and sold memberships to the Key Club. One Sunday while pouring a customer a drink, he was arrested for violating the Sunday Blue Laws. He challenged the arrest claiming that the license he held allowed him to serve drinks on Sundays just as a country club could serve them to its members. The trial court ruled in his favor, but the state, appealed and eventually the Alabama Supreme C o u r t up h e l d t h e d e c i s i on allowing private clubs to serve alcohol to its patrons on Sundays. As mentioned earlier, Birmingham was segregated and many of the city leaders were KKK members or promoters of segregation. As recounted by Alex, one Sunday evening a friend of his brought a young African American school teacher and musician named Avery Richardson to the Key Club to see if he could get a job. Alex told Avery to go on stage and sing. He sang Rambling Rose to an all white audience that night and received a standing ovation. That, by all accounts was the first time an African American musician performed to an all white audience in a public forum in the State of Alabama. Alex hired Avery Richardson that night to lead his house band and thus was the beginning of not only a business relationship but a lasting friendship. During those years the infamous Bull Connor was Commissioner of Public Safety which was akin to Chief of Police today. He was a frequent visitor to the Key Club and knew Alex, having served in the Jaycees and American Legion with him. During those tumultuous years Connor would order raids on the Key Club to dissuade Alex from letting African Americans play there, however, according to Richardson, “Alex never backed down and always stood with the musicians.” Many would become famous household names and would later recount how they got their start at the Key Club. Many went on to play in bands led by Count Basie and Dizzy Gillespie. A few of the musicians who played the Key Club over the years were Erskine Hawkins (composer of Tuxedo Junction), Joe Guy (husband of Billy Holiday) and Cleve Eaton. In addition, Bobby Darin was a frequent entertainer at the Key Club as well.

In April 1956 Nat King Cole was scheduled to perform at Birmingham’s City Auditorium to an all white audience. Shortly after beginning a group of KKK members rushed the stage and tackled Cole assaulting him. The police were able to subdue the attackers but Cole was i nju re d and c ou l d not c ont i nu e t he performance. He was scheduled to perform at the Key Club later that evening but chose to leave town for his safety. In addition to the raids ordered by Connor, Alex would also receive death and bomb threats for allowing African American musicians to play in his

club. In a 1993 Birmingham News article, Alex stated, “We were harassed. People didn’t want them playing there. I was 27 years old and wasn’t worrying about the racial unrest I was causing. I was single and enjoyed the jazz musicians. I didn’t mind the harassment because it was the right thing to do.” In 1990 Avery Richardson nominated Alex for induction into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. In that same Birmingham News article, Richardson is quoted as saying, “He was a very kind and gentle man when it was not popular to be that way to blacks. It would have been more difficult without club owners such as Alex Gulas. He didn’t have to do it. It was more of a risk than a benefit.” Gulas was the first club owner and non-musician to be inducted into the hall of fame. Richardson added in the article that in those years he tried to buy a house in a nice neighborhood but did not show enough income, so Alex co-signed the mortgage allowing him to purchase the home. During those years Alex was also civically involved in Birmingham. As a member of the Birmingham Jaycees he rose through the ranks to serve as Vice President. In another example of how racially divided Birmingham was during that time, Alex ran for President of the Jaycees upsetting the favored candidate and becoming what would have been the first Greek American to hold that position. However, the powers that be would not let that happen and called for a new election where they brought in ringers to insure their candidate would win. In addition to the Jaycees, Alex was also active in the American Legion and the Order of AHEPA.

hometown of Kounoupia, Greece. Later at the Quarterback Drive-In Alex would learn how to make the hot dog sauce as well as his father’s chili and special hot beef topping. Throughout his career in the club business, Alex always thought he would one day open a hot dog stand and once again ser ve his father’s recipes. In 1970 that dream became a reality when along with his brother-in-law, Alex Gulas is reading Dino Jebeles, Alex opened the president’s charge at Dino’s Hot Dogs in downtown the installation of his son Birmingham. Dino’s was an Ike (right) as the new instant success and soon more Supreme President. Left, locations were opened the departing Supreme throughout the greater President Gus James. Birmingham area. Doing so allowed him to close the Blue Note in the early 70’s and In 1961 Gulas, no stranger to controversy, concentrate on building his new venture. By opened the Blue Note Lounge. The Blue Note the mid 70’s, there were 12 Dino’s Hot Dog was a restaurant in the front and a nightclub in locations in Central Alabama. the back. During those years burlesque dancers were popular and the Blue Note would For the better part of the 70’s, Alex was busy be the first club in Alabama to showcase these tending to the multiple locations he built and entertainers from throughout the United as he desired would be able to spend nights States. Once again, Alex was breaking new with his family. At the same time, Helen’s ground and the Blue Note would play host to health (she suffered from Sickle-Thalassemia) Birmingham’s business community. Many was worsening and she was spending more couples, doctors, lawyers and professionals and more time in and out of the hospital. would frequent the Blue Note which was the Luckily, Alex came from closest one could get to a New York feel in a family of nine siblings Birmingham. In 1961 at the age of 38 Alex (6 boys and 3 girls) and married Helen Jebeles who would forever be m o s t of t h e m l ive d the love of his life. They soon bought a home in within a few blocks of Birmingham and a year later had Ike, their each other which made it only child. Throughout most of the 60’s they possible for someone to w ou l d r u n t h e B lu e Not e a s on e of look after Ike while Birmingham’s most successful businesses. H e l e n w a s i n t h e However, the constant late nights were not hospital. In addition, how they wanted to raise a family and Alex was Alex’s mother-in-law, looking for a way to earn a living yet spend Katherine Jebeles moved nights at home. in with the family after her husband’s passing in As mentioned earlier, Theodore, Alex’s father 1972. But Alex insisted opened the first Greek owned hot dog stand in on being by his wife’s side each and every time Birmingham in the early 1900’s. His hot dog she was hospitalized, spending countless nights sleeping in a recliner in her room then getting up each morning to see to his businesses.

counter enjoying Alex’s food and especially his conversation. He prided himself on giving free drink refills long before it was the norm, canvassing each inch of the dining room, dish towel in hand cleaning tables, sharing a word with his patrons and insisting on getting them a refill. Behind the counter he always had a bucket of candy that he would pass out to the multitude of kids who would visit Dino’s with their parents. And for the adults he would always offer a sampling of his delicious baklava which sat under the glass display tray in front of the register. Generations of kids grew up at Dino’s over the years; many would celebrate birthday parties there and return years later with their children to celebrate their birthdays. School kids would write papers about Mr. Alex and his everlasting smile and generosity. Alex would look after the many little old Greek men and women who lived in the neighborhood who would stop in on a daily basis for a visit. Many joke that Dino’s was the Greek internet before there was an internet. Don Siegelman, the Governor of Alabama who loved Alex, would hide out from his security detail in Dino’s to grab a hot dog and visit with him. He never turned down a local high school or college dance or sport team selling ads or sponsorships. He never met a stranger. The hospitality and respect he extended to his customers and Dino’s was the same he extended to those jazz musicians being discriminated against in the 50’s and 60’s. Those who knew him would tell you, Alex Gulas was one of the most kind, compassionate and giving individuals you would ever meet. It was not unlike him to stop his car and give a home-less person money to eat or to prepare a sack full of hot dogs and give them to a family who might not be able to afford them. A testament to the man he was happened just days before he passed. In t he emergenc y ro om suf fer ing f rom pneumonia, the hospital administrator came in to have some papers signed by the family. As she waited, she inquired about this gentleman who was lying on the hospital bed. She felt as if she knew him. When told he used to own Dino’s Hot Dogs she smiled and told the family that 25 years before as a young nurse she took care of his wife Helen and fondly remembered him bringing hot dogs and baklava to the nurses and staff each night he would come visit. The smile he brought to that woman’s face and to all those whose lives he touched is exactly how he would have wanted to be remembered.

Eventually, around 1980, he would sell most of his locations and settle into working the one in Homewood, Alabama which is a quaint suburb of Birmingham. His hot dog stand was located on the main street where pedestrian traffic is the norm with a homey neighborhood feel. It was here, the last place he would work, that he touched countless lives with his generosity and hospitality. In 30 plus years at that little hot dog stand, which was maybe 900 square-feet, he made each and every customer feel as if they were the most important customer in the world, never differentiating between those with standing and wealth or those who could not afford the Ike Gulas, son of Alex Goulas, is practicing law was topped off with a special sauce he either price of a $1.25 hot dog. Corporate CEOs in Birmingham, Alabama and he is former invented or brought with him from his stood next to UPS deliverymen at the same Supreme President of the Order of AHEPA. NEWS & NOTES

MARCH 2019

The Agora in Limassol, Cyprus an 100 Years Old Food Market Returns as a Multifunctional Space For many of us, the food court is the first place to visit in a mall. In response The Properity Group brings a unique two million Euro project, the new Limassol Agora food market, coming to Limassol city in Cyprus by end of 2019.

market-goer’s heart desires) along with a staggering variety of dining options, from a nice fancy rooftop lounge bar, to casual street food from all over the world.

The market will include also, office The impressive 100 years old historic building spaces for new start-up businesses of Limassol City will be reborn again and will and meeting rooms, as well as Joanna Kyriacou, Sales & Marketing Executive bring history back to life. modern reading rooms in the form of Wi-Fi stations. The Agora will also offer an with the food retail stores, entertainment The Prosperity Group in collaboration with area where exhibitions can be hosted, a areas, exhibitions, playground and other well-known international consultants and multifunctional lecture room, as well as large festivities that will take place within market. experience in high profile projects in Holland, display screens.. We are very proud to work on such a very Germany and Israel will take full design and sensitive project that brings memories to old operation of the Limassol Market. Joanna Kyriacou, Sales & Marketing Executive and challenges to the new generation.” mentioned that “Cyprus now has its own The indoor Market will offer various indoor food Market where we all can visit to According to Kyriakou, “the emotional commercial small-to mid-sized retail spaces shop, eat and get entertained at the same time. excitement of the older generation was for vendors. There will be side-by-side shops This is a first-time design concept and we moving, something that really touched my selling fresh vegetables and fruits, meat and couldn’t be more excited to a project of this heart!” fish, plus regional specialties (delights, baked magnitude to our island.” goods, confections, cheese, charcuterie, wine, For more info, their phone number is 700 700 beer, fruit, veggies, spices and anything a Moreover, “visitors will experience the new 70 and their website limassolagora.com fascinating quick-service restaurants along

strategy

A LEGACY THAT CAN ONLY BE CAPTURED BY POETRY

στρατηγική

Endy Zemenides is the Executive Director of the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC), a national advocacy organization for the Greek American community. To learn more about HALC, visit www.hellenicleaders.com

By Endy Zemenides

In January, Hellenism lost a true giant when Nikos Mouyiaris passed away. Multiple tributes, articles in the Greek and GreekAmerican press, and statements from the governments of Greece and Cyprus have detailed his professional and civic a ch i e ve m e nt s an d h i s d e d i c at i on to Hellenism. One thing that was noted again and again was Nikos’ love of Greek poetry and literature, and in particular the work of Odysseus Elytis. But it is the poem of another great Hellene – Constantine Cavafy’s Thermopylae – that perhaps best captures the legacy of Nikos.

schools, the Greek media; to helping always speaking the truth, individual Hellenes – was obvious. Nikos considered himself an inheritor of the great yet without hating those who lie. Hellenic legac y and accepted the responsibility of not only passing it on but of Nikos was never shy, and if he were on the trying to pass on more than he had inherited. opposite side of an issue with you, you would hear about it first hand and not through the Never betraying what is right, consistent and grapevine. He could disagree without being just in all they do disagreeable and was passionate about his views. Some mistook his passion and the but showing pity also, and compassion; strength with which he held his beliefs as attacks, but Nikos looked for areas of It has become fashionable in our community consensus and cooperation more than for to overuse the term philotimo. When one arenas of conflict. It would be fair to conclude hears philotimo uttered nowadays, you almost that those who never cooperated with Nikos Honor to those who in the life they lead define have to pause and consider whether you’ve never really tried. heard the genuine word or a counterfeit. No and guard a Thermopylae. one paused in such a way when it came to And even more honor is due to them Nikos. His sense of justice and compassion always led to action, even if he had to act when they foresee (as many do foresee) alone. For Nikos, doing the right thing meant actually doing it, not merely talking that in the end Ephialtis will make his about it. appearance, generous when they are rich, and when they are poor, still generous in small ways, still helping as much as they can;

Nikos’ generosity had become legendary. From his establishment of HALC, to funding Rutgers’ Elytis Chair and St. John’s Modern Greek and Hellenic studies program, to his support of The Hellenic Initiative, the Pan-Cyprian, the PSEKA Conference, community initiative after community initiative counted on Nikos to step up to the plate and he delivered. But Nikos Mouyiaris, his generosity extended far beyond his in memoriam checkbook. He was generous with his time. He didn’t only fund advocacy on Hellenic issues, he physically went to Everyone who knew and worked with Nikos – indeed, anyone who had even had a bit of Washington and elsewhere and advocated. He exposure to him – realized that Nikos both did not only pay for students to have more defined and guarded a Thermopylae. His options when in school, he mentored, helped devotion to Hellenism -- whether it be to arrange internships and hired more than a few national issues; to helping Greece and Cyprus himself. And that generosity in time and effort economically; to promoting the Greek began during his student years, long before language, Greek theater, Greek music, Greek Nikos had “made it”. Nikos didn’t give what it was easy for him to give, he gave what he could. 16

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STRATEGY

that the Medes will break through after all. Nikos was never under any illusion on how hard the task of protecting and promoting Hellenism was. He also knew that Ephialtes was around the corner and that it was not enough for him to act, but to enable and inspire others to act. Ephialtes appeared to him in many forms – colleagues who committed to working together, only to leave him acting alone; others who matched his rhetoric but not his contributions despite an ability to do so; those who gave up or just lowered the bar when it came to preserving Hellenism. But Nikos did inspire and enable others, and through institutions that he established – HALC, the Elytis Chair, the Modern Greek and Hellenic Studies program at St. John’s – he still inspires and enables. The Medes – that is death – may have broken through and taken Nikos from us too soon, but his sacrifice was meant to last beyond his lifetime. Like Leonidas and the 300, Nikos acted to buy us time, to show us what is possible, to make us believe. Nikos guarded Thermopylae; from here on out, it is up to us to decide whether we can play the role of the Spartans at Plataea.

Set ing a Standard by Prof. Christos Yannaras

His name was Nikos Mouyiaris. He died on January 5 in New York, where he lived. The newspapers described him as a “businessman and philanthropist” (Kathimerini January 6, 2019). These words both seem empty. He was my friend, and I was honored by his friendship. This article is my farewell to him, which the reader will allow me to place in the public domain. I believe it to be of interest to the public as a whole.

without this trial the fœtus will neither distinction between “being” and “appearance.” continue to exist nor will it ever be constituted Mozart is no longer alive, yet he is actively as a rational subject. existent in his musical creation – he remains an active existent uniqueness. Whoever B y t h e s t a n d a r d s ( p r e s u p p o s i t i o n s , discerns the otherness of his music (relates to experiences) of conscious life, human birth is – loves – his musical expression) knows a death: what ends with birth is not a phase but M o z a r t ( h i s e x i s t e n c e , h i s b e i n g ) a mode of existence – the fœtus ceases to exist incomparably more fully and more vividly and it ceases to do so violently: the cord is than any contemporary, any neighbour, who severed which lends it existence, the fœtus is perhaps simply ascertained the phenomenal wrenched away from the embrace of the appearance of his physical presence every day When somebody dies, all the activities and existential protection given to it by the womb. but had no relationship with him. characteristics, which – for those who are still alive, those who remain – constitute and The fœtus “knows” define their “existence,” come to an end. Their nothing of the life mind is extinguished, their speech is lost along beyond its death, of with the way they looked, the way they t h e m o d e o f expressed themselves. Their senses disappear. existence after its Their “soul,” which, as Aristotle affirms, “is in birth. What subsists a way all existing things” comes to an end – is that by its birth it just as the “parts” of the soul “in some manner ceases to exist, and appear to be infinite.” The human body, which that this existential m a n i f e s t s t h e s o u l a n d m a k e s i t “end” is experienced communicable (by smile, gesture, gait), now b y e v e r y f œ t u s dead, is a useless object in a process of rapid abs olutely on its decay – just like the carcass of a dead animal. ow n . Bi r t h i s an event of utter Rainer Maria Rilke writes: “Formerly it must a l o n e n e s s , a n have been different. At that time one knew (or u n s h a r e d perhaps one guessed it) that one had one’s experience. death within one, as a fruit its kernel. The children had a little death within them and the No fœtus has ever grown-ups a big one. The women had it in “ g o n e b a c k ” t o their womb and the men in their breast…. b e c o m e a f œ t u s They all have a death of their own…. And again after its birth. what a melancholy beauty it gave to women N o n e h a s e v e r when they were pregnant and stood there, and r e t u r n e d t o t h e in their big bodies, upon which their slender fœtuses as an infant hands instinctively rested, were two fruits: a to “inform” them child and death. Did not the dense, almost what the reality of nourishing smile on their quite vacant faces their existence will come from their sometimes thinking both be after their birth! A were growing?” human being comes Nikos Mouyiaris, in memoriam i nto l i fe i n tot a l How shall we describe the being of the human ignorance and in fœtus? As life or as death? As “in potentiality” absolute solitude, just as he or she departs Every day and every hour of his seventy-two (within the perspective of its development, the from life in total ignorance of what lies beyond years, Nikos Mouyiaris built up his tireless creative social presence, his enlightened fœtus has the presuppositions for life and yet it and in absolute solitude. patriotism, his smiling, transparent, selfless is still not alive). It must be “born” in order to live. “Birth” (the abandoning of the womb by The words “life” and “death” before any other “philanthropy.” the severing of the umbilical cord which lends cognate sense refer to the phenomenicity of the fœtus a life borrowed from its mother’s biological existence: they distinguish animate He sets a standard for the quality of our life. body) is a traumatic experience and leaves its existence from lifeless matter. They also traces in our psychological make-up. Yet present, however, as an experiential given, the NEWS & NOTES

MARCH 2019

Athena and Angelo Pappas

by Alexander Billinis How does a regular guy get 250 people to his half century birthday party on Thanksgiving weekend? I guess that the answer is, you are a guy like Angelo Pappas. Evangelos (Angelo) Pappas is a regular guy, very New York, and very Greek. The son of a Lamia-born father who left a good job as a police sergeant in Karpenissi, Greece to follow the woman he loved, Angelo’s Karpenissiborn mother, to America, Angelo grew up in a typical striving Greek immigrant family of the times. Angelo’s father, Evrimahos’ “pathway to America was in a pushcart.” Like so many Greek immigrants in the late 1960s and 1970s, this pushcart vendor built homes, educated children, cared for loved ones back in Greece, as well as opened the “paths” for others to make it in America. The pushcart business opened up the opportunities of this great country. The first time I went to New York, as a boy in the 1970s, my father talked about these cart vendors and spoke reverently how they made the American Dream possible for so many.

Learning and Mentoring Never Stops with Educator

Angelo Pappas 18

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COVER STORY

From a pushcart start, the elder Pappas got into the pushcart supply and distribution business and brought his brother in as a partner. The eldest, Angelo spent most of his childhood in the care of his grandmother, and he did not speak functional English until the 3rd grade. “I was at the back of the class, along with another kid who looked like me, I think he was from Yugoslavia and he didn’t speak English either.” It gave Angelo an empathy for t he immig rant and a frame of r e f e r e n c e t h at served him well in later life. The family prosp ere d and moved from Flushing in Queens to Whitestone and Angelo graduated With Marilena and from Bayside Niko Katopodis High School in 1986. “If you were getting financially comfortable and Greek, you moved to Bayside and bought a Cadillac,” he said, somewhat tongue in cheek. After graduating high school, Angelo enrolled in St. John’s University, but the allure of the family business was strong, the business distributorship grew and there was a lot of money to be made, so he threw himself into the business. In his mid-20s, however, he realized that he was missing an education and perhaps a different calling in life, and his wife Athena encouraged him to go back to school.

Angelo repeatedly said that people have always had his back and gave him good advice. Even his friends who were the so called “bad kids” would tell him not to go here or there—“It’s not for you,” they would tell me. People look out for Angelo, and he looks out for them, whole classes of them.

The Pappas family: from left, Athena (wife), Victoria, Angelo, Eleni and Paige

“I always loved history in high school, I love the stories, and if you love stories, how could you not love history,” he says, a voice heavy on the Queens and Long Island, with perhaps a discernable trace of Greek left over from a monolingual childhood. While he was going through school, several friends who were teachers encouraged him to try out teaching.

With my Father in-law Peter Vorillas and sister in-law Stacey Vorillas

“I have always been fortunate to have very good friends. There were always people looking out for me, keeping me out of trouble, guiding me.” So it was with teaching, though he started as a young husband with his first born daughter (Victoria), and when his first paycheck came—a far, far cry from what he previously made—"I was shocked,” he said, and he immediately apologized to his hardworking wife for the reduced income. “But she told me not to worry, ‘I’ve never seen you so happy’,” he said, clearly emotional about the subject. Angelo’s father, too, supported the move, saying that he did not want his son turning forty, hating his life, and blaming his father. Not just them, but the whole family, and his in-laws and others, supported his decision and helped to make it work for the family.

So, he started teaching relatively late, at age 30. He started out at Flushing High School, where he quickly realized how challenging the teaching profession was going to be. After his first year, he eventually ended up at Grover Cleveland High School, in Ridgewood, Queens. Angelo describes Grover Cleveland as his “second home” and feels “blessed to work with such a supportive Administration and Staff.” Angelo continues, “My colleagues have become part of my family, they are dear people who have always advised or assisted me in educating our children.” It is an Angelo theme—people support him, and he supports in turn. A positive feedback loop in an era where all too often the opposite is the norm.

s t o r i e s . He c a n empathize with so m any p e opl e i n multiple ways. “I teach a lot of ESL (English as a Second Language) St u d e nt s , a n d I know what it’s like, because I was one m y s e l f .” H i s students are literally from all o v e r t h e g l o b e . With closest friend There is clearly a Lee Pirone respect and engagement on his part with students, and they “feel” this. He is also a dean at the school and he has been involved with any student related crisis you can imagine, from violence, to drugs, gangs, runaways. This is as much a calling to him as a job, you can feel it. Sometimes, it seems as if he is in fact saving people, because he is.

The kids clearly feel that in Angelo or “Pappas” they From left, Cecil Ktena, h a v e a n John, Lea and Maria Frankis advocate—and they remember him, even years later. “Hey Papp,” they call out, “guess what, I am now a licensed electrician.” Or “I just finished college, just like you told me to do.” Or, “I took your advice, joined the union, and now I am an elevator repairman.” All these things give Angelo with siblings Kali Gabriel, people hope, a paycheck, and a chance, and it Dina Skokos and Chris Pappas starts in school. “Finish high school, no matter and mother Vasiliki Pappas what,” he says. Clearly there is no greater joy to him than to have been the guy who made the A warm-hearted guy, Angelo who is also part difference, maybe because so many people of the Deans Office, clearly loves the subject of had been there for him to make the difference. his job. He teaches global history, and he prides himself on the ability “to do well with students who are resistant to learning.” He cites many different reasons why this happens. “Many of our students face outside challenges, some come from broken homes, immigrant status, financial hardships, or drugs. Whatever the reason, somehow learning stops for these kids, and there are thousands of them.” “Learning stops.” Saying this, Angelo stops, pausing, he lets you know that such a condition is unacceptable, he won’t accept it, and his voice almost carries a challenge to the rest of us—we should not accept it either. How does he reach them? “I teach like I am having a conversation, like we are in a café.” Sounds like a Greek, I think to myself. He says that this interactive conversational style draws the students out, and his stories of history then become their

Angelo with his late father Evrimahos Pappas COVER STORY

MARCH 2019

from having their dad around. He is known as “the winningest coach around,” though he insists this is just a tall tale. Apparently, his record suggests otherwise, and he emphasizes that it’s not due to any inordinate coaching talent or sports skill. He selfdeprecatingly calls himself “a rather big guy,” but somehow his teams are winners. Something is working. I guess it’s incredible luck or a gift, to kati (that something) as we say in Greek, that Angelo with his cousins creates a positive, winning aura around the man. He clearly feels Married for over 22 years to his Greek- blessed by the support of family and friends, American wife Athena, of tough but kind and he reciprocates not out of a sense of Spartan background, he is a devoted family obligation, but because he truly feels a buzz man to his wife and three daughters, Victoria, from helping others. We need more people in Eleni and Paige ages 21,16, and 10. The family education, in the Greek community, and in all are active members of Archangel Michael America who count their blessings and act on Church in Port Washington, New York, and their good fortune to empower others. Angelo coaches basketball and volleyball. He

Best Friend from childhood, Dr. John Frankis lighting a candle

wanting that same chance, and often lacking the family ties that helped him to make it, so he s t e p s i n . H e’s a r e g u l a r g u y d o i n g extraordinary things every day. We all know guys like Angelo. Stand up, quality people, not flashy, not rich, not celebrities. These are the people who raise families and who look out for you, and that’s why 250 people piled into a restaurant on Thanksgiving weekend to help him welcome his next half century.

Angelo with his work family - The Achieve Now Academy: Tony Cipolla, Pablo Ocampo, Paula Levine, Lissette Salas-Ocampo, Robin Bentvena, Alice Gluszak, Kneeling - Michael Irizary, Eileen Norris and Dennis Merced

started coaching with his eldest daughter and Angelo is clearly a man immersed in his continues the “tradition” with his youngest. community, from birth to the present, and he His daughters are not the only ones benefiting has seen the community evolve and change. His father was of that hardworking generation that worked hard, saved, and paid their kids’ educations while helping them get started. Guys like his father helped friends and family, and other Greeks, and we both agreed that the Greek community needs to have each other’s b ack more. The communit y is more p ro s p e ro u s , b u i l d i n g o n t h e s t ro n g foundations set by our parents, but we still have to look out for one another. Angelo with close friends John Petras, George Patilis, Peter Nikakis and Niko Katopodis

MARCH 2019

COVER STORY

Guys like Angelo don’t forget where they come from, because he saw his family’s American Dream as it was being built. He does not take it for granted, and he sees kids every day

With childhood friends who remain very close: from left John Frankis, Lee Pirone, John Papadapoulos, Jerry Dakis, Ross DiMaggio and George Dakis

Angelo's mother In-Law Helen Vorillas with sister-in-law Stacey Vorillas

PHOTO: ETA PRESS

hellenes without borders The Importance of Being Hydra We Hydriots are seldom lacking in pride for our island. It is, after all, a time capsule away from the crush of car and concrete, a cubist amphitheater of perfection surrounding a port where man and nature coalesced to create the perfect picture. That is the Hydra of today, the fabulous—though pricey—holiday, and one where the demons of overdevelopment are held at bay by the historical preservation codes strictly enforced. Yet Hydra was so much more, if we look to the past. Here we need not jump back two millennia, just a couple hu n d r e d y e a r s . I n 1 8 1 9 , immediately prior to the Greek War of Independence, Hydra was one of the richest islands in the Mediterranean basin. Its ships plied the Mediterranean and Black Seas, moving the c o m m e rc e t h at b e g a n t o recover from the decades of the Napoleonic Wars. During those wars, the Hydriots gained fortune running the British blockade of the French-held ports, and in fighting off the Barbary pirates of Libya and Algeria—against whom the United States, incidentally, fought its first foreign war—the Hydriots combined their naval with martial skills.

Alexander Billinis is a writer and lawyer in Chicago, Illinois. He and his family returned to the US after nearly a decade in Greece, the UK, and Serbia. He writes prolifically on Balkan topics. His books, The Eagle has Two Faces: Journeys through Byzantine Europe, and Hidden Mosaics: An Aegean Tale, are available from Amazon.com. surrounding basin has been densely inhabited and part of history for well over five millennia, Hydra bears virtually no archeological trace from the Mycenean, Classical, and Roman eras, and only a few Byzantine coins found at Episkopi, the one somewhat arable patch on the island, constitute the most important find from history. The island probably supported a few pastoralists or people who had a reason not to be found, but only as the Ottoman Empire weakened and the neighboring Peloponnesus raged with warfare between Ottomans and Venetians in the late 1600s and various revolts in the 1700s did the island receive an influx of population, often as not s p e a k i n g A r v a n it i k a ( a dialect of Tosk Albanian) as well as Greek.

Antonis Economou, a Hydriot captain and member of the Philike Etairia, who ousted the Turkish appointed governor and brought the Revolution to Hydra (Painting by Peter von Hess)

As refugees on a barren land, they did what Greeks have done from time immemorial, and took to the sea. Their first ship, said to be built in 1657, was an ungainly vess el, according to tradition its lines and halyards were fashioned of plaited vines. Trial and error, and borrowing, no doubt, on the greater skills of other Aegean islanders and the still-ubiquitous Venetians, the Hydriots were quick studies, and a century later they were building twomasted brigs with 250 tons’ displacement and taking the commerce of the Eastern Mediterranean with them.

convenience! The Russian flag provided a protection for the Hydriot ships against the Turks and others, as well as tax and tariff benefits. This lesson was not forgotten by Greek shipowners in the 1930s and after. As the Russian and Ukrainian steppes, long a killing field between the Russians and the Turks, yielded to the plow, the fertile black earth produced bumper crops, and Greek brokers in Odessa and a dozen other ports filled the hulls of Greek ships as they turned grain into gold. In the Napoleonic Wars, these Hydriot ships, along with those of neighbor Spetses, ran the British blockade of Spanish, French, and Italian ports to feed their inhabitants with Russian grain—for a fortune. The British targeted these islanders, and when one wily Hydriot captain was captured and brought to Admiral Nelson, the hero of Trafalgar asked the captured man, “What would you do to you if you were in my shoes?” Without a thought, the Hydriot replied, “I would hang you.” Impressed by the captain’s combination of bravery and sheer audacity, he replied, “If I ever see you again, that’s what will happen.” The reprieved captain was Andreas Miaoulis.

The rise of Hydra coincided with two key geopolitical events. The first was a series of Russo-Turkish wars, which brought Russian power into the Black Sea and an increasing interest by the Orthodox “Big Brother” for the Greeks, Bulgarians, and Serbs under the Turkish yoke. The Russians encouraged Orthodox Ottoman subjects to move to their newly liberated Black Sea coast, and tens of thousands did, founding or bolstering Greek communities along the coast, which would work and supply the growing Greek merchant fleet. The wise and wily Hydriots refused to t a ke p ar t in t he Orlov R e volt in t he Peloponnesus, a Russian-inspired fiasco that ended up drenching the land in blood. “Mother” Russia was, as ever, a fickle parent to her Balkan “children.”

Hydra enjoyed its golden age with the end of the Napoleonic Wars. They had wealth, power, contacts with the West, and a privileged, autonomous status in the Ottoman Empire. They were no doubt well aware of the movement for Greek independence; the Philike Et ai r i a , t h e s e c re t s o c i e t y for Gre e k independence, was founded in Odessa in 1814, and the Hydriots knew the Russian port well. There were Hydriot members of the Etairia, but many of the wealthiest shipowners worried about the effect of a war at home on their fleets and fortunes. They were not wrong.

It started in Hydra, and it started from virtually The shrewd Hydriots did, however, gain from both the Turks and the Russians. The Turks nothing at all. appreciated the Hydriots’ wealth and naval Hydra, notwithstanding a name derived from prowess and gave the island a virtual autonomy water, is largely blue-grey granite and barren. in exchange for a periodic levy of Hydriot Parts of the island have some pine cover, but it is sailors for the Turkish fleet. The Russians largely a near-lunar hulking mass. While the secured, in the Treaty of Kucuk Kainardji, the right for Hydriot and other Ottoman Christian ships to fly the Russian flag—the first flag of

When the Revolution against the Turks broke out in the neighboring Peloponnesus, the Hydriots prevaricated. As is often the case, the wealthy were less moved by national spirit than the middle classes, and it was Antonis Economou, a Hydriot captain and member of the Philike Etairia, who ousted the Turkish app oi nte d gove r nor and brou g ht t he Revolution to Hydra.

Hydra by that time had largely the silhouette of today, with its stately, Italianate mansions combining Aegean cubism with more than a touch of Tuscan, Venetian, Marsaillaise, and Triestine. The hardy Hydriots had been to these places, which were also home to large Greek communities. It is hardly unusual for Greek islands to possess the aristocratic houses of shipping families. Many islands have proud nautical histories stretching, in some cases, to the Classical period. What is remarkable about Hydra, however, is that the island’s naval prowess rose from practically no roots whatsoever, yet the island then became the prototype for the Greek island shipping dynasties which followed.

MARCH 2019

HELLENISM

Hydra port today

Once in, the great shipowners and their fortunes were plowed into the fray, and along with the two other “nautical islands,” neighboring Spetses and tiny Psara in the Eastern Aegean, they succeeded in clearing the Aegean of the Turks. The role of the Hydriot navy was pivotal, and it is hardly an exaggeration to say that without this island, the Revolution probably would have failed.

Fordham Honors Solon P. Patterson and Marianna R. Patterson executive officer of the investment firm of Montag and Caldwell, where he was instrumental in its rise to national prominence. Marianna Patterson worked in the banking industry before leaving the paid work force to raise the couple’s children in 1967. She has been active in community affairs, initiating the Northwest Atlanta Parents’ Council in the 1980s and volunteering with healthrelated organizations including Our Lady of Perpetual Help, a facility for incurable cancer patients.

But the golden age was over, and only glory remained. The Hydriots were among the chief bankrollers of the independence struggle, and war is always costly, particularly when combined with civil wars within the independence struggle and a penchant for financial mismanagement. Successful battle with the Turks and their Egyptian allies was costly in terms of ships and lives, and far too many of both lay at the bottom of the Aegean Sea. Hydriots began to leave the island, sometimes for the Diaspora centers they knew well or further afield to America, but most often to Pireaus and Athens. In an era before naval insurance, many great fortunes were ruined, and a generation after independence a Hydriot remarked to then-Queen Amalia that Hydra produces nothing but “prickly pears in abundance, excellent sea captains, and a few Prime Ministers.” Ironically, the country they helped to birth may have strangled the Hydriots’ shipping energy. The Greek state was chronically in debt and did little to develop commerce and infrastructure. Hydriots retained their status and stature due to their revolutionary record, and often they were co-opted into the state system which combined most of the vices of the Ottoman bureaucracy and few of the virtues of a Western governmental system. The torch lit by the Hydriots did not go out, it merely passed to other islands, notably Syros and Andros in the central Aegean, the island of Chios (under O tt om an r u l e u nt i l 1 9 1 2 ) , an d Cephalonia (under British rule until 1864). In all cases, it was a combination of local and (especially) Diaspora capital which funded the ships’ construction. Combined with the Greeks’ innate nautical skills and a highly cosmopolitan Diaspora, the course for Greek shipping was set. Nearly 200 years later, the Greek merchant fleet, under a variety of flags and always with a deep Diaspora involvement, is the world’s largest. Hydra is, and should be, proud of her role in the development of the Greek Merchant Marine, and for her sacrifices for Greece. Honor is due.

In recognition of their outstanding support for Fordham’s Orthodox Christian Studies Center, Solon P. Patterson and Marianna R. Patterson will be presented with Fordham’s highest honor, the University’s distinguished Founder's Award at the 18th Annual Fordham Founder's Dinner, on Monday, 25 March, New York Hilton in Midtown.

Solon Patterson, among other service work, was head of the Atlanta chapter of the National Conference of Christians and Jews; he also worked to promote interracial harmony by serving on the board of the Gammon Theological Seminary, a historically African American institution. The Pattersons have supported diverse educational, religious, and environmental causes, as well as entities devoted to i n d iv i du a l s’ e c on om i c empowerment.

Unifying the Catholic and Orthodox churches has long been important to Solon Patterson, a member of the Greek Orthodox Church, and Marianna Patterson, who is Roman Catholic. They became involved with Fordham after learning about its planned Orthodox Christian Studies Center during a 2006 meeting with The Fordham University Founder’s Award George Demacopoulos, Ph.D., later the recognizes individuals whose personal and center’s co-founder. professional lives ref lec t the hig hest aspirations of the University’s defining Over the next few years they created an traditions, as an institution dedicated to endowment to establish the Patterson wisdom and learning in the service of others. Triennial Conference on Orthodox/Catholic Relations; the fifth conference, “Faith, Reason Solon and Marianna Patterson, natives of and Theosis,” takes place in June. In 2015, a gift Atlanta, support a number of causes including from the Pattersons established the Fr. John the reunification of the Roman Catholic and Meyendorff & Patterson Family Chair of O r t h o d ox C at h o l i c C hu rc h e s . T h e i r Orthodox Christian Studies, now held by generosity has been pivotal to the development Professor Demacopoulos, and they both serve of the Orthodox Christian Studies Center at on the advisory council for the Orthodox Fordham University over the past decade. Christian Studies Center. The Pattersons met at Emory University, their For more info or to purchase tickets, their alma mater, and married in 1960. Solon website is fordham.edu/founders Patterson worked for 48 years in investment management, retiring in 2007 as chief NEWS & NOTES

MARCH 2019

Velios Capital: Delivering Satisfaction, Navigating Transaction by Athena Efter

George Eliopoulos (right) and Dimitri (Jimmy) Vattes PHOTO: ANASTASSIOS MENTIS

What do a former football player and property manager both have in common? Team work that scores a winning goal. As I look around the swanky minimalist LIC office space, with walls covered in artwork and inconspicuously placed citations of merit and outstanding service from the city, state, and local community, I have to be reminded that I’m talking to a real estate finance consulting firm, not sitting in an architect or graphic designer’s office, but I could be with their help.

His partner George, also a son of Greek immigrants, was born on the Upper West Side and raised in the community of the Church of the Annunciation. He started out managing real estate properties, long before he and Dimitri met. He, too, knew that if you want to learn how money works, you have to learn how real estate works. As a property manager, he started out curing “sick” real estate, taking on properties with problems and making them better, then moved his way into a m a n a g e m e nt c omp a ny t h at a s s e s s e s George Eliopoulos and Dimitri (Jimmy) foreclosures, and then backed into finance and Vattes have a working relationship that goes commercial mortgages. back 15 years. Three years ago they formed Velios Capital, an amalgam of both their That’s good news for real estate investors, surnames, giving their firm an extra dose of sellers, and buyers learning how to navigate familial teamwork and business camaraderie. their way into commercial real estate. As Dimitri grew up in the business world – in the intermediary commercial mortgage brokers, restaurant and real estate industries – and along with their extensive experience, they went on to graduate from Cornell University perform the role of doctors, to help you make w h e r e h e p l a y e d f o o t b a l l . Ta c k l i n g t he r ig ht de cision on your prop er ty touchdowns wasn’t in his long-ter m investment with the resources and knowledge professional plans, but tackling mortgages and they bring to the table. As George pointed out, interest rates, and making them work in favor “We are not transaction driven. We are of his clients, was all the money he knew how relationship driven.” With every transaction, to handle. A son of natives from the Greek they build a relationship that lasts for life. They island of Chios, Dimitri took his dad’s advice: deal with generations of families, helping “Learn how money works. Learn how real them understand how real estate works, so estate works”. While there are are no they can understand how money works. Or is guarantees in football career success or real it the other way around? Money and real estate estate investments, both have something in go hand-in-hand, but it is about making the common. Football and real estate never lose right decisions so that everyone involved in their value. the transaction is happy, right down to the 26

MARCH 2019

NEWS & NOTES

lawyer, the architect, the engineer, the plumber, the electrician, the bank, Wall Street, and the appraiser. George prides himself on the fact that they are relationship driven, not money driven. Their first question when you schedule an appointment with them is “How can we help you achieve your goals?” Velios Capital goes above and beyond what they provide, also helping you with real estate tax reduction. They know which attorneys to call. If you are a one-stop shopper, in lay terms, I would compare them to the Costco or Target of the real estate world. They have relationships with var ious t yp es of vendors, and t hes e relationships are what help you make the right choices for your own commercial real estate ventures. As advisors and consultants, they even have their own radio series on Hellas FM. They saw a real need for offering advice as “small business owners keep getting squeezed.” Dimitri and George are both very community focused and will help small businesses. By tuning in to their radio show, they offer free advice on tax reduction, and who doesn’t want to save on taxes? Imagine that! As you’re trying to make money through your real estate ventures, you can also learn how to save money in the process too. The goal of the show is to help you save money through gas, electric, accounting, and any other area that can be cost

effective. They will assess properties and help them restructure their debt. What does that mean? If you find yourself in a sink hole of real estate debt, restructuring your debt can save you. Yes, folks, apparently there is a way to make money by borrowing money when it comes to commercial real estate. Sounds scary, but Drs. George and Dimitri reassured me it can be done. I’m not going to guarantee it, but you’ll have to talk to them and find out how. With the resources they provide they can help you save money, and that is good news to anyone standing on “shaky ground” or anyone looking to invest in it. Not sure about California. They have earthquakes, but they have struck deals as far as Hawaii. George, however, knows that the money is here in New York. If you can build it in NY, you can build it anywhere.

Dr. George Handjinicolaou HABA's Executive of the Year 2019

Apart from being doctors, Dimitri and George are also matchmakers. Yes, they CAN bring you the man or woman of your dreams, by matching you up with the right people in the industry. We aren’t talking romance but real estate. George has a sense of humor too, comparing their firm to a dating service in addition to a doctor’s office: “I manage a dating service in lay terms. We match the client to the people who can fulfill their needs.” With their strong networking and leadership skills, they know the right people in the industries that can help you. George is also Vice President of Membership for the Manhattan Chapter of AHEPA, Delphi 25. In his role, he is helping to expand a growing membership base of 271 members. His efforts are geared toward bringing in a newer, younger generation of members though the Sons of Pericles and Daughters of Penelope with their young professionals divisions. AHEPA is a charitable arm of brother and sisterhood, comprised of different chapters, all across America. Each chapter has its own causes it supports, as well as shared causes. If you are going to be in the business of helping people, w h e t h e r philanthropically or in business, then you have to help people by forming a team of professionals that c a n f u r t h e r h e lp people. Client service and loyalty are their primary goal. The handshake still exists in their world. They take the time and effort to know what you want to help you achieve your goals. As a relationship driven firm, if they can’t help you, they aren’t going to. They will tell you the truth, give you advice, and present you with options. They can assess who will be the right lender for you, whether it’s a bank or wall street. When they decide to take on any transaction, they will navigate it so that it does close by understanding the needs on both sides. By maintaining a good relationship with both borrowers and lenders, they establish trust and client loyalty. If you don’t believe in Santa Clause, that’s ok. George will tell you to make believe it’s Christmas and ask you what you want underneath the tree. If you want to believe in tax reduction, saving money, and making money work through commercial real estate, you can call them or tune into their radio show on Hellas FM this spring where they will invite different people in the industry to give you great advice for free, or you can make an appointment with Santa to introduce you to his helpers. Maybe by next Christmas you’ll have sealed that long awaited deal. PHOTO: ANASTASSIOS MENTIS

Dr. George Handjinicolaou, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Piraeus Bank and Athens Stock Exchange The Hellenic-American Association for Professionals in Finance (HABA) will honor Dr. George Handjinicolaou, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Piraeus Bank and Athens Stock Exchange, as its 2019 Executive of the Year on Thursday, April 4th, 2019 at the Union League Club of New York. A cocktail reception will take place from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm followed by a seated dinner during which Dr. Handjinicolaou will be honored. Dignitaries will be in attendance as guests of honor. Since 1992, HABA has honored prominent Greek American Executives in business, private and public sectors who have distinguished themselves. Dr. Handjinicolaou’s illustrious career in the financial services sector spans over 35 years, the vast majority of which was spent at global financial institutions based in London and New York. Dr. Handjinicolaou held the position of Deputy CEO of the International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) in London for 6 years (2011-16), where he was also a member of the Board of Directors. Previously and for over 25 years, he held senior management positions in the derivatives and fixed income markets at several global financial institutions including Dresdner Kleinwort Benson, Bank of America, Merrill Lynch and UBS in London and New York, while he started his career at the World Bank in Washington, DC. Dr. Handjinicolaou received his PhD in Finance from the graduate school of business at New York University, where he also earned his MBA, and holds a BS degree from the Law School at the University of Athens, Greece. He is also Chairman of the Piraeus Bank Group Cultural Foundation, a non-profit foundation. HABA was established in 1982 to promote the professional and educational interest of Hellenic-Americans and Philhellenes involved in finance. Their active membership includes executives involved in finance from banking, asset management, fund management, financial risk, technology, law, property and insurance. HABA serves the professional and educational needs of its members through sponsoring lectures, seminars and opportunities to create fellowship. NEWS & NOTES

MARCH 2019

“Prometheus” Greek Teachers Association Kindles the Pages of Greek History; Advocates for the Future of Greek Education by Athena Efter

PHOTOS: ETA PRESS

eliminate anyone who didn’t belong, including Armenians, was supported by the the German Empire at that time. One must ask then why didn’t Greeks and Armenians belong, as rightful citizens in their geographical birthright? While that may be a philosophical question and topic for another lecture, the fall of Constantinople, marked by the end of the Byzantine Empire in 1453 and the creation of the Holy Roman Empire in the west, eventually led to greater destruction for those who still remained in Anatolian territory with their Christian beliefs and their remnants of Hellenic culture. As Mr. Stavrianidis pointed out “Asia Minor was not just the seat of Greek culture, but the seat of Christianity and the Byzantine Empire. It was a place of mystery and myth that gave rise to many philosophers and poets, where Greek was the spoken language of a once flourishing empire.” According to Mr. Triantafillou “the Greek genocide during the Ottoman Empire is an historical event that has to be documented in Greek history and emphasized as a major turning point in the Greek diaspora.”

Dr. Ioannis Nathenas with Dimitris Molohidis, President of the Pan-Pontian Federation of USA & Canada, Dr. Panos Stavrianidis and Dr. Demosthenes Triantafillou

T h e G r e e k Te a c h e r s A s s o c i a t i o n “Prometheus,” founded in 1975, hosted its first symposium, “A Dedication to the Three Hierarchs, Greek Letters, and Greek Language,” on Sunday, February 17 at 3pm in the St. Demetrios School library in Astoria. The symposium, presented by the Federation of Hellenic-American Educators and Cultural Associations of America, along with the support of the Pan Pontian Federation of the US and Canada, was preceded by a luncheon in the church hall and had an attendance of over 125 educators, scholars, and members of the Greek community. Among those present were the Consul General of Cyprus Alexis Phedon and Nikos Andriotis, the School Board President of St. Demetrios Greek Afternoon School. Contributing remarks were given by Athena Phillipou, Director of the Direct Archdiocesan District Office of Education of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and Dimitris Molohides, President of the Pan-Pontian Federation of the US and Canada. Philosophy and the 100-year commemoration of the Pontic genocide that took place in the Greek colony of Asia Minor, now modern day Turkey, were the theme of this platonic type of symposium, where the virtues of speech, thoughts, and ideas were presented to create 28

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an open forum of dialogue. Initially, I wasn’t sure what the connection between a discussion on Asia Minor and the Pontic genocide had to do with practicums and methodologies in Greek education, but I walked away understanding that there was one. Demosthenes Triantafillou, educator and President of the Greek Teachers Association “Prometheus”, was the host and moderator of the various presentations that began with a historical and cultural presentation of Asia President of "Prometheus", Minor by keynote speaker Professor Panos Dr. Demosthenes Triantafillou Stavrianides who weighed in heavily on the destruction of Greeks and Christianity by the The purpose of this symposium, by bringing Ottoman Empire in Asia Minor. speakers to discuss the Greek diaspora and Greek education, was to open a dialogue on Pontic, or Pontian Greeks, resided in Pontos, a what are the problematic areas of Greek Greek colony that continued to exist after its education and how to properly educate birth in the seat of the Byzantine Empire and students of Greek language, history and remained until 1923. The Pontic genocide was culture today, so that they find the joy in not simply an attack against Pontic Greeks, but learning about their Greek history and a greater attack on Greek civilization - its culture, especially as Greek-American culture, society, and religion. There were students who attend after-school Greek several Greek communities that existed at that programs, or as students who attend day time in now modern day Turkey, until a schools where Greek language is incorporated nationalistic Ottoman fervor, initiated by into their curriculum. Many are children of Kemal Ataturk, became a holocaust against the diaspora, and as Mr. Triantafillou Gre eks and ot her E aster n Or t ho dox vehemently expressed, “not enough is being Christians in the region. This holocaust, to done to educate them in the history, culture

and contributions of their pres entation by educator ancestry. We must revisit Frederica Sagiani on why a and revise the books and Greek Language Spelling Bee curriculum to include the Program is essential in teaching catastrophe of Asia Minor Greek to students who are an d t h e ge n o c i d e t h at learning an adherently rich followed, so that students language that is still valuable can understand their history today – to make it an exciting a s G r e e k s . We m u s t Mrs. Athena Filippou-Katehis, one that fosters a love of Greek From left: Alexandros Colombos, Secretary General i n t r o d u c e P l a t o a n d from the office of Education letters. The last presentation and Director of Technology, Dr. D. Triantafillou, A r i s t o t l e , a n d a l l t h e & Special Projects of the Greek was given by educator Maria Dr. Kleomenis Paraskevas and Meropi Kyriakou philosophical contributions Orthodox Archdiocese of America Sardi introducing the use of the that shaped our educational books Klik sta Ellinika (Click in effort to apply the Ancient Greek motto of values. Language shapes our way of thinking. Greek), which were written by a team of “ever to excel” in education. Mr. Triantafillou All political systems came out of Plato and experienced Greek language researchers and was a very fervent speaker. His determination Aristotle who educated the world. If we can be highly effective learning materials for to change the way we teach Greek education ourselves don’t understand them, we don’t students to attain proficiency with a Seal of echoed loudly throughout the room and was understand our own culture. It is our duty as Biliteracy in reading, writing and speaking a mirrored by all those educators to appeal to the Greek education second language. who spoke, presented, departments here and in Greece to make this and attended the The program concluded with information lecture. He reminded us effective change.” about activities taking place towards the all that “psychology, F o l l o w i n g t h e development of Greek education for the physics, theology….all presentation of benefit of both students and teachers through c a m e o u t o f t h e Asia Minor and its the efforts of “Prometheus” Board members. m e t a p h y s i c s o f h i s t o r i c a l A Greek essay contest will be held in memory Aristotle’s teachings. significance by of Dr. George Papanicolaou, a pioneer in Philosophy is the cure P r o f e s s o r medical advances for early cervical cancer of the soul.” Dr. George Tsioulias, Stavrianidis were detection and inventor of the “pap smear”, on v a r i o u s May 16, at a luncheon honoring Archbishop We can’t change history, Chairman of the presentations that Demetrios. Five students will be awarded but we can change the Greek Parade i n c l u d e d a n scholarships of $250 each for best essays. Also way we learn it and teach it, so that it has the understanding of in the works are the first ever Greek Teachers impact it’s meant to have on the future of Greek history and Pension Fund and an educational trip to education. The genocide of Greeks in Asia language through Greece for graduating students of Greek Minor must be taught, especially in Greek a n c i e n t Afternoon School programs. The fund and history books Dr. Panos Stavrianidis, m anu s c r ipt by program are spearheaded by Demosthenes and classes, if keynote speaker at A l e x a n d e r Triantafillou who has worked in the past to not all history the Symposium C olomb os, t he organize several summer educational trips to c l a s s e s . I t development of Greece. reminds us all cultural identity through the celebration of that an attack Greek holidays in schools by Meropi This year marks a commemorative year as the o n G r e e k Kyriakou, and the use of helpful resource 100th anniversary of the genocide of Greeks in culture is an books on Plato and Aristotle by Dr. Cleomenis Asia Minor and the Greek diaspora. A history attack on the that has not been prevalently documented in w o r l d – t h e Paraskevas. books will be documented on foot on Fifth w o r l d o f The second half of the symposium included a Avenue. On Sunday, April 22, the annual f re e dom and reflection on the Jewish holocaust. Political Greek Independence Day Parade in NYC, democracy that Science professor Asher Matathias, a son of organized by the Federation of Hellenic our forebears Consul General of Cyprus Greek Jews, gave a commentary on genocide American Societies, will have a special tribute created. I can Alex Phedonos-Vadet and prejudice against Jewish people, which to this dark chapter of world history. It’s not only surmise simply a sad chapter in Greek history alone. A that if we educate ourselves in Greek first, and also reminded us of our shared history. genocide against any civilization or group of not as Greeks for the sake of being Greek, we If we remember the past to educate ourselves people based on their religious and cultural can continue to educate the world. and each other-to learn from it and not repeat beliefs is a genocide against democracy. This it- then we also have to find ways to memorize special focus in that extensive list of long beautiful Greek the parade will The Symposium which took place at the Library words, filled with poetry and meaning, and represent a step of the St. Demetrios of Astoria High School repeat them. The last half of the symposium f o r w a r d i n focused on the practical application and communicating it methodology of ideas and thoughts in Greek to ourselves as education. George Tsioulias, Co-Chair of the Greeks and to the Greek Parade Committee 2019, discussed the world. organization of a Greek spelling bee competition for grades 6-8. Maria Dini gave a This symposium presentation on the “Google Classroom” on marked a first in a how students and teachers can use technology series of symposia to communicate their homework assignments that will discuss met ho dolog ies and engage in online study. and practicums The symposium ended with a final ode to the for Greek school relevance of Greek language and letters with a curricula in an

Dr. Stella Lymberis Honored with the Exceptional Woman in Medicine Award Dr. Stella Lymberis, Assistant Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncolog y at NYU Langone Medical Center of t he L aura Dr. Stella Lymberis and Isaac Pe r l mutt e r C an c e r C e nt e r h a s b e e n recognized as an Exceptional Woman in Medicine for 2018 by Castle Connolly, and with the Association of Greek American Professional Women's award (Woman of the Year) to be celebrated at the 3 West Club on March 28, 2019 (during the event, the organization will also present two scholarships to college students: the Katerina Navab Excellence Tuition Scholarship on Humanities and the Amalia Colombos Excellence Tuition Scholarship on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math). Dr. Lymberis specializes in the treatment of gynecologic cancer radiotherapy utilizing upto-date brachytherapy techniques in order to achieve cure in advanced cervical, vaginal, vulvar and endometrial cancers. She is the primary investigator on on-going research projects involving quality improvement and patient experience in g ynecologic brachytherapy, evaluating dosimetry of brachytherapy applicators used in brachytherapy, and incorporating MRI planning in cervical brachytherapy treatment planning. She has co-authored over 20 journal articles, book chapters and presented over 50 abstracts at national meetings as well as mentored MIT college students interested in medicine, radiation oncology residents and fellows in gynecologic oncology surgery. Dr. Lymberis feels that it is a "privilege and honor" to be a physician and to take care of patients. She takes special pride in her approach to medicine which is to "listen and tailor treatment individually for every patient. My goal is to perform excellent advanced radiation oncologic care using the latest technological advances and imaging but also to address any personal concerns patients face so that women can return to normal healthy functioning as soon as possible."

technology to medicine, Dr. Lymberis studied medicine at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and then chose to study radiation oncology and completed residency in radiation oncology at New York University. She worked as an Assistant Attending, s p e c i a l i z i ng i n n e u ro - on c o l o g y an d stereotactic radiosurgery at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, NYC, NY from 2005-2007.

Since 2007, she has worked at New York University in the Department of R adiation Oncology first treating breast cancer for many years before transitioning to gynecologic oncology. Dr. Stella Lymberis holds many leadership positions representing the radiation oncology department at New York University's L angon e Me d i c a l C e nte r including the Physician Quality Leaders Committee, and serves Dr. Stella Lymberis (2nd from right) with fellow as the radiation oncology Association of Greek American Professional Women representative for the Laura members Pannie Trifillis, PhD, Olga Alexakos, PhD, and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer and Natassa Romanou, PhD Center Disease Management Group for Gynecologic Oncology as well as the Institutional Review engineering and medicine, as well as on the challenges and successes of women in Board reviewing clinical protocols. medicine. In addition to her award as an exceptional woman physician, Dr. Lymberis has been Stella is married to Dr. Vassilios Latoussakis, a featured by Castle Connolly as one of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Top psychiatrist at Gracie Square Hospital, who Doctorsâ&#x20AC;? for radiation oncology, in New York specializes in geriatric psychiatry and is a Magazine, for the last 5 years and top 1% of proud mother of two children, Olga and professionals nationally. Castle Connolly Michalis Latoussakis. Medical Ltd. identifies top doctors, both nationally and regionally, based on an extensive nominations process open to all licensed physicians in America. The Castle Connolly physician-led research team reviews and screens all nominated physicians before selecting those regarded as the most outstanding healthcare providers to be Top Doctors. Physicians do not and cannot pay to be selected as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor. Dr. Lymberis is active in the Hellenic A m e r i c an c om mu n it y an d h a s b e e n recognized for her activism and service. She has served as Vice President and Election Committee Chair for the Hellenic Medical Society of NY, and has been awarded and recognized by the Hellenic Professional Wo m e n , t h e G r e e k A s s o c i a t i o n o f Professional Women and the PanSamian Brotherhood Pythagoras of NY.

Although a US born American citizen, Dr. Stella Lymberis was raised in Greece and returned to the US for high school and then to study Chemical Engineering at MIT, completing a SB degree Tau Beta Pi in 1995 with minors in Chemistry and Music. The Hellenic Medical Society of New York Interested in applying mathematics and established the Dr. Mary Kalopothakes award 30

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in 2011, through her efforts to recognize the achievements of female physicians and scientists of Hellenic descent who provide inspiration to their students and their colleagues. Dr. Lymberis has also lectured promoting the advancement of women in STEM,

Dr. Stella Lymberis with husband, Dr. Vassilios Latoussakis at the 2018 Hellenic Medical Society Annual Gala. PHOTO:ETA PRESS

AHEPA’s Historic Manhattan-based Delphi #25 becomes the Organization's Largest Chapter

AHEPA Supreme Vice President Jimmy Kokotas making official that Delphi #25 is the organization's largest

Thirty seven Greek-Americans and Philhellenes were initiated into the historic Delphi #25 chapter of the Order of AHEPA at Gallagher’s Steakhouse in Manhattan on January 23, 2019 and the Chapter achieved the position of “The Largest Chapter in the AHEPA global domain” ! This remarkable achievement was attained after a dynamic three year revitalization path under the new administration and the lead of its current President Brother Louis Katsos (who also serves as Lt. Governor of the AHEPA Empire State District Six ). The Delphi Chapter # 25 was founded in NYC in 1923 and is one of the most storied chapters in the history of the international fraternal organization with many esteemed past and current members including the late Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR), President of the USA.

Hellenism (Chapter President, Brother Lou Katsos, also serves as Vice – Chairman of the Nat i o n a l A H E PA He l l e n i c C u l t u r a l Committee) and also expounded on some of AHEPA’s Scholarship programs and its AHEPA Journey to Greece educational and cultural program for youth. The event was also well attended by many other current and past members of AHEPA's hierarchy and several Presidents from other local Chapters as well as the Director of Hellenism of Chapter HJ-1 from At h e n s , G r e e c e B r o t h e r Ta k i s Karamoutsos.

Kokotas who also hails from New York City. At the appointed time the new Initiates were escorted to the front of the room, they were then asked to place their left hands on the shoulders of their fellow recruits and to raise their right hands and were administered the oath of The Order of AHEPA.

During the event it was further announced that the Sons of Pericles New Renaissance Chapter #5 (which was originally founded in 1930 and is Delphi President Louis Katsos with of the reactivated Sons of part of the Manhattan members Pericles New Renaissance Chapter #5 A H E PA D e l p h i Chapter # 25 family) The Annual Delphi Chapter Vasilopita cutting was reactivated with 12 new event is dedicated to the memory of the late members in attendance. The James A. Poll (1920-2013), who had served Chapter was reactivated on The Order in many capacities most notably November 13, 2018 with the Past Supreme Secretary, Past Chairman of h e l p o f S O P S u p r e m e AHEPA’s Saint Basil Academy (In its 97+ year S e c re t ar y Brot h e r Pau l history, the AHEPA family has donated more Pav l a kos and Past SOP than $1.75 million to the Saint Basil Academy Supreme President Andreas f o r t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n a n d o n g o i n g C hr istou (b ot h c ur rent maintenance of its facilities) as well as Past members of Delphi 25). President of Delphi Chapter # 25. Dean Poll, son of James Poll and a member of Delphi 25, All the new Initiates, Delphi is the owner of Gallagher’s New members being initiated 25 and Sons of Pericles 5, were surrounded by banners and placards presenting the Befitting this historical event was the attendance of the Supreme Vice President historical figures of Delphi 25 and the Hellenic Brother Jimmy Kokotas who recognized the and American values of the organization, Chapter’s many accolades and announced the which were reflected in the oath they took, the position attained by Delphi Chapter # 25. Past Greek and American national anthems, and Supreme President and Member of the Board t he invo cat ion of fere d by Ver y Re v. of Trustees, Brother Andrew C. Zachariades Archimandrite Vasilios Bassakyros, Presiding was also in attendance and was beaming with Priest at the St. John the Baptist Greek pride as he has always been a staunch Orthodox Church located in Gramercy Park supporter of all the Chapter’s many events and Manhattan. initiatives. Governor of District 6 Brother Demi Pamboukes spoke of the Chapter’s many The Initiation Oath was administered by the From left, Michael Papaphotes, former District 6 Governor, endeavors in espousing and promoting Supreme Vice President Brother Jimmy Jimmy Kokotas AHEPA Supreme V.P., Lou Katsos, Takis Karamoutsos, AHEPA Hellas, Argyris Argitakos 32

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Joint Cultural Celebration of Cypriot and Jewish organizations in New York signifies the beginning of a longlasting relationship for the two communities that can o n l y g r o w a n d e x p a n d” q u o t e d M r. Papastylianou. The event opened by the President of PSEKA, Philip Christopher welcoming the guests. The President of PSEKA said, “the event is about two very similar cultures that have always been together.” T h e P r e s i d e n t o f F C A O , Ky r i a c o s Papastylianou welcomed the guests and spoke on the importance to preserve and promote our rich culture and history. Mona Abramson, Chair for the Cyprus D i p l o m a t i c O u t r e a c h Te a m f o r Westchester/Fairfield, spoke warmly about the Cypriot community and the relations with the Cypriot diplomats in the United States. Ms. Abramson thanked Cyprus for its friendship with Israel, stressing that the Israelis would always remember the hospitality of the Cypriots towards the Jewish refugees who were trying to reach Palestine. Members of New York's Cypriot and Jewish attended the successful event. communities organized recently a Cultural Celebration with their traditional food, wines, The cultivation of the relationship between the dancing and music at the Pancyprian two communities commenced two years ago by the President of F C AO, Ky r i a c o s Papastylianou with the idea of cultural cooperation among t h e t w o communities. “This is not the first time t h e t w o communities have come together. Our people have interacted with each other through the centuries. There is a strong alliance

Center/Dionysos Restaurant. The event was held jointly by the Federation of American Cypriot Organizations (FCAO), PSEKA, the Cyprus-US Chamber of Commerce, Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC), AJC Westchester/Fairfield under the auspices of the Consulate General of Cyprus in New York and the Israeli Consulate General in New York. This was the first cultural event organized among the Cypriot and Jewish organizations of New York with the aim to promote the c u ltura l co op erat ion among t he t wo communities. More than 70 members of the Jewish and Greek Cypriot organizations 34

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a m o n g t h e governments of Cyprus and Israel on the political, energy and environmental sectors, but it is through culture, theater, arts, dancing, education that the people of the countries will come together. The Cypriot/Jewish Cultural Celebration at the Pancyprian Center

The Deputy Consul General of Israel in New York, Israeli Nitzan, referred to the importance of his country's strategic relationship with Cyprus and Greece. "These days, we had several high level sessions between our prime ministers and our presidents. In recent years our relationship has gained incredible scope, depth, and determination, expanding beyond energy and covering the strategic situation and security in the region, " he said. Greetings were also made by the Consul General of Cyprus in New York, Alexis Phedonos, the President of the Cyprus-US Chamber of Commerce Nicos Nicolaou and the Senior Fellow for HALC Nicholas Katsimpras. Tribute was paid to the Founder of HALC Nikos Mouyiaris who passed away recently.

Mona Abramson, Chair for the Cyprus Diplomatic Outreach Team for Westchester/Fairfield, addresses the event. Philip Christopher, Chairman of PSEKA, was master of ceremonies

ExxonMobil to Receive The Cyprus-US Chamber of Commerce Merit Award The Cyprus-U.S. Chamber of C o m m e r c e ( c y p r u s u s c h a m b e r. c o m ) announced that ExxonMobil is the Chamber’s 2019 Distinguished Merit Award recipient.

offshore Cyprus. In February 2019 it an n ou n c e d a n atu r a l g a s discovery at the Glaucus-1 well. ExxonMobil is not new to Cyprus. With a presence of over half a century, its activities also span the supply, distribution and marketing Bestowed annually, the Award of petroleum products through h o n o r s c o r p o r a t i o n s a n d Esso branded Service Stations individuals who have raised the across the island. profile of Cyprus and made an extraordinary contribution in The Cyprus-U.S. Chamber of strengthening trade relations C ommerce was formed as a between Cyprus and the United Nonprofit corporation in 1997 to States of America. The Cyprus-U.S. p r o m o t e a n d s t r e n g h t e n Chamber of Commerce’s Awards c om m e rc i a l , i n du s t r i a l an d Dinner will be held at the Union economic relations between the League Club, 38 East 37th Street, Republic of Cyprus and the United States. By creating a forum in New York on Friday, May 3, 2019. which its members share ideas and "We are very excited about the 2019 knowledge, the Chamber presents Awards Dinner event, and truly o p p o r t u n i t i e s t o p o t e n t i a l proud to have ExxonMobil as our investors, offers advice on foreign 2019 Award recipient," said Mr. investment projects, coordinates Nicolas Nicolaou, President of the b r i e f i n g s w i t h p r i v a t e a n d C y p r u s - U . S . C h a m b e r o f government officials, and works to build strong relationships between Commerce. Cypriot and American companies ExxonMobil is the world’s largest and their employees, owners and publicly traded international oil other constituents. The Chamber and gas company. Since April 2017, maintains a diverse membership of ExxonMobil (together with its corporations, entrepreneurs, partner Qatar Petroleum) has been executives, and professionals involved in exploration in Block 10 across all fields of commerce.

Acclaimed Greek-American Historian Speros Vryonis Dies at 90 by Tasos Kokkinidis Speros Vryonis Jr., the famed Greek American historian who was a specialist in Byzantine, Balkan, and Greek h i s t o r y, d i e d o n Monday, March 12 in Sacramento, California at the age of 90.

later and his Ph.D. from the same school in 1956.

Vryonis carried out his post-doctoral research at Dumbarton Oaks before joining the history faculty at t h e Un i v e r s it y of California, Los Angeles in Dr. Speros Vryonis the mid-1960s, where he He was the author of a served as the director of the number of works on Byzantine and G. E. von Grunebaum Center for Greek-Turkish relations, including Near-Eastern Studies. his seminal “ The Decline of Medieval Hellenism in Asia Minor” In 1987 Vryonis was tapped to head (1971) and "The Mechanism of the Alexander S. Onassis Program Catastrophe: The Turkish Pogrom in Hellenic Studies at New York of September 6-7, 1955, and the University. Destruction of the Greek Community of Istanbul" (2005). Vryonis is also the former director of the Speros Basil Vryonis Center The son of Greek emigrants from for the Study of Hellenism and also the island of Cephalonia, Vryonis he served as the AHIF Senior was born in Memphis, Tennessee, Fellow for Hellenism and for Greek on July 18, 1928. and Turkish Studies. The scholar attained his Bachelor of Arts in ancient history and the classics from Southwestern College (now Rhodes College) in Memphis, Tennessee in 1950.

A two-volume festschrift for Vryonis, containing his collected edited works along with contributions from his students and colleagues, was published in his honor in 1993.

He received his Masters of Arts from Harvard University two years From usa.greekreporter.com

Students with Thanasis Antetokounmpo

Kids meeting Vassilis Spanoulis

Thanos Softsis, coach and creator of the program

Learn, Love, and Connect with Greece through Sports and Culture Learn Love and Connect (LLC) Globe Program is an athletic, educational and cultural program which aims at connecting Greeks from different parts of the world with Hellas through sports, culture and arts.

and the Greek way of life in general, are some of the common elements of Hellenes from all over the world. The love and appreciation expressed by everyone they met in Stuttgart was the source of inspiration for Softsis and Kalampokis and, on the flight back home, they This program was born as an idea two years came up with the idea of LLC Globe Program. ago in the minds of two men: Thanos Softsis, Professor of Physical Education and Sport, Sports oriented and being basketball a very also serving as a federal basketball coach for 15 popular sport in the country, this weekly years, and Giannis Kalampokis, an established program includes morning camp activities ex basketball player, coach of Men National and evening basketball games where teams Basketball Team of Greece. from all over Greece participate. Along with the sport, a series of activities are being It all began when Mr. Softsis and Mr. planned from visits to museums and Kalampokis were invited to give a speech at a monuments, to speeches, workshops, basketball camp program which was experiential projects carried out by specialists organized by Hellas Esslingen, a group of i n a r t , h i s t o r y a n d c u l t u r e s u c h a s Greeks living in Stuttgart, Germany. It was a archaeologists, historians and tour guides as unique, unforgettable experience for both of well as meetings with distinguished athletes them. Throughout their stay they also felt how from all kinds of sports and cooking classes by passionate Greeks abroad are about Greece established chefs. and everything Hellenic. The program starts with the selection of the The intense feeling of nostalgia for the land of most suitable location for its implementation. their ancestors, nature, ancient culture and Then, the weekly schedule is drawn up, in civilization, cuisine, religion, history, sports which in consultation with the group of

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NEWS & NOTES

participants and based on the morning camp, all the other events can be added. It is flexible and it can always be adjusted according to the requirements and needs of each group, as well as the infrastructure and particulars of each region. The aim of this weekly program is for all participants to experience as many unique features of Greek life and culture as possible. As Thanos Softsis pointed, "The purpose of this program is the dissemination of the Greek ideals and elements of culture and cultural heritage to the new generations in an experiential way." He also stressed out that the interactivity of the project is based on two main factors: a) to encourage the Greeks of the Greek community and the Greek of diaspora to come into contact with Greece and the people who live there, and b) to revive the sport-cultural-historical ideals and values and transmit the flame of this heritage to the younger generations of Greeks around the world. In this way, the preser vation, understanding, appreciation and promotion of the Greek heritage is enhanced, and values and ideals are passed on. At the same time,

Visiting Acropolis

With Nick Kalathis

everyone involved in the program experiences to the very attractive and of great historical the feeling of emotional fulfillment. That is to significance tourist destination of Nafplio. say, everybody ends up feeling full of Hellas! Valando Sidiropoulou, head of the Greek As Sepheris once wrote: “The Greek language, expatriate group, said with excitement: “We the man, the sea….It is so wonderful to know expected to experience life in Greece, but not that since Homer, we all speak, breathe and to such an extent. Within a week, you get so much filled with Greece and in so many ways. sing the same language.” A program that shouldn’t be missed!” In 2018, the first LLC Globe Program took place in Athens, on 21st to 27th of May, with Due to the positive feedback from last year's the participation of about 50 Greek expatriates program, this year has seen an increased from Germany. The program was also i n t e r e s t i n p a r t i c i p a t i o n . T h e n e w attended by three German families as they educational/cross-curricular program is wanted to experience the Greek way of life and going to be held in Thessaloniki from June 13t get acquainted with Greece in general. And to 20. they loved it! “We have already organized the weekly plan in Some prominent athletes were invited to talk Thessaloniki,” says Softsis. “It includes to the participants and in the afternoon, morning practices on the gym, afternoon several basketball games were held against the games with the teams of Paok, Aris and Iraklis teams of PAO, Olympiakos , Peristeri and as well as the Mantoulidis and Chatzivrettas Paleo Faliro. Also, a number of visits to several academies, a lecture by a specialist on the archaeological monuments were organized, as Mediterranean diet and its benefits to health well as speeches by experienced tour guides and wellness, a tour at the Athletic and and archaeologists-historians. The program Archaeological musea of Thessaloniki, a visit also included a number of outdoor activities, to Vergina and ancient Pella and a tour of the such as tours to the historic center of Athens waterfalls of Edessa accompanied by an and meals at restaurants in the city center. experienced archaeologist.” Also, daily trips to Many photos of famous basketball players and the beaches of Chalkidiki and the famous the kids-athletes who participated in the Waterland and visit a horse farm for riding friendly games were also taken as a reminder lessons. The legendary player Nikos Galis and of this unforgettable experience. In addition, coach Giannis Ioannidis top the list of famous excursions to the nearby beaches and taverns athletes and guests during the morning by the sea were organized as well as a day trip practices .

With coach and program creator Giannis Kalampokis

Along with the LLC Globe Program, a new program was created in northern Greece and specifically in the picturesque area of Goumenissa. It is an interactive basketball camp with outdoor activities in the mountain of Paiko, including learning traditional Greek dances and getting acquainted with the vineyard and wheat streets and the Balkan melo dies of the famous Chalkina of Goumenissa as well as visiting the local silkworm factory-museum and learning everything concerning silk. The five day program, called SMOBAC (Mountain Basketball and Adventures Camp), is for children aged 12-18 years old. Based on the same experiential philosophy of the LLC Globe Program, it applies values such as team spirit, cooperation, persistence and patience, healthy competition, understanding of diversity and contact with nature. Many expatriates when coming to Greece for vacations, are looking for opportunities through which their children will be able to learn and develop a more intimate connection with Greece. These programs are meant to fulfill this role. Greek Americans are welcome to participate as the program seeks to include Hellenes from all over the world. For more information their website is llcglobe.com. You can also email them them at thanosoftsis@yahoo.gr or smobac@hotmail.com

NEWS & NOTES

MARCH 2019

l a ic s s a l C ic n e l l The He Charter School ch r a e s e R s t c u d n o C et k s a B s y a l P d n a in Crete ! o p m n u o k o t e t n A with Giannis Congratulations and safe travels to the 2019 National History Day Team (NHD) of the Hellenic Classical Charter School in Brooklyn, New York! These five students will be competing in the National History Day Fair’s Junior Group Performance competition. They will be traveling to Greece to conduct their research. The students have already begun to diligently work on their research, and have already decided that under this year’s theme of “Tragedy and Triumph,” they will dedicate their performance to Hellenic immigration to the USA from the beginning of the 20th century until today. The NHD Team will be competing this year with their focus on Louis Tikas and the Ludlow Massacre. Their topic will reflect the heroic efforts of Louis Tikas, a Cretan immigrant who united immigrant miners of all ethnicities to join and lead a strike against the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company. The company, owned by the infamous Rockefellers, exploited miners by having them work 16-hour shifts, in dangerous, deadly coal mines, with disturbingly low wages. After hundreds of miners’ deaths on the job, Louis Tikas recruited and gathered his fellow countrymen to join the United Mine Workers of America and lead the Great Strike of 1913. The strike led to violent backlash after the coal mining companies sent in private national guardsmen. On the day after Greek Easter in 1914, the guardsmen began shooting and set the tent colony on fire, killing men, w o m e n a n d children. Louis Tikas was hit over the head with a rifle and was shot three times in the back. The 2019 National History Day Team (NHD) This led to a miner revolt of guerilla of the Hellenic Classical Charter School in warfare. The 10-day Brooklyn with principals and instructors uprising, called the Colorado Coalfield War was the deadliest labor movement in American history. It eventually led to the passing of the Wagner Act which created the modern-day framework for unionization. While in Greece, they will be visiting Loutra, Crete, the hometown of Louis Tikas. They will also be visiting Arkadi, the historical monastery in Crete that played an active role in Cretan resistance against Ottoman rule during the Cretan Revolt of 1866. This battle was an inspiration for revolt against suppression to Cretans and all Greeks alike. In another piece of exciting news, the Hellenic Classical Charter School basketball team had the opportunity to meet and train at the Madison Square Garden with Milwaukee Bucks star, the Greek Freak Giannis Antetokounmpo! 38

MARCH 2019

NEWS & NOTES

At the Madison Square Garden, meeting Giannis Antetokounmpo

by Kelly Fanarioti

“Kumilio” and how an architect from Evia turned award-winning producer of fig preserves! When Kostas Lambrou decided seven years ago to join his profession as architect with his passion for making “Kumilιo” preserves, based on figs (figs being one of the world's best superfoods), he never imagined the success his company would have in different parts of the world. "Architecture and figs are my two great loves and I do not consider these two activities contradictory. Both of them have a reference to the natural environment and the linking of available raw materials to the identity of each site. Furthermore, I had in my mind a ‘return’ and the fig was a very good reason for that. It is a very special natural product, which in my opinion was very undervalued in the market," he tells NEO.

and we hope that we can also contribute something to this.” Today, the Lambrou fami ly c u lt ivates approximately 900 fig trees in their village and produces fig syrup, fig marmalade, Kimi fig preserve, fig bars and sundried figs. Last, but not least, and particularly popular, is the retseli: sundried figs with walnuts from Arcadia dipped in fig syrup and with laurel leaves. A few months ago this product impressed the most demanding palates and won three “Good Taste” awards. “It is an old recipe from Asia Minor, adapted to the qualities of the Kimi fig and it’s sugar free,” Lambrou explains.

pairs, giving them the final form of the product known as the “Kimi fig,” or “askada.” Askadas are put once again on the racks for another two days sundrying. The process is completed with sterilization, at which time the figs are boiled and dried. During sterilization, no sulfur vapors or chemical preservatives are used.

Lambrou says when he started his business in Kymi, he never imagined his products would be sold abroad. "The possibility of exports is something I did not have at all in my mind when I started. Originally, I was approached by stores in central European cities that have Greek products, but along the way I accepted proposals from destinations that I did not even dare to imagine.” Fig has become very popular all over the world and currently “Kumilio” exports to England, Italy, Australia, Eastern European countries and the Middle Raised in Kadi of Kimi, East. “We are overwhelmed by the warm in Evia island, Lambrou reception that our products receive from the was particularly familiar consumers. People’s comments on the quality with figs, because his of our products are very encouraging and hometown is famous for honoring. We receive ver y f lattering them – and figs were a comments from our contact with the public staple in the diet of The company’s basic product is the and the owners of shops that try them.” ancient Greeks and like dried fig, but from the beginning it olive and wine, a symbol was interested in using the whole He offers advice to others wanting to start of peace and prosperity. circle of life of the fig from May to their own business in Greece, because Greek early September. “From the first figs p r o d u c t s h av e g a i n e d i nt e r n at i o n a l In the early going, his Architect turned fig producer of the year we make the preserves, recognition the last ten years, mainly through preoccupation with figs Kostas Lambrou was personal and he made his preserves known also as 'spoon sweet'. Our jams are the efforts of individual producers who have mostly for himself and friends. Three years made from fresh figs, while the fig bars, the fig opened the way for the next generation. “I later, in 2015, Kumilio (joining Kumi--Kimi in syrup and the retseli are made of dried. In would tell them to focus on the quality,” he the idiom of the locals--and heirloom-- general, we are in constant experimentation says. “It is the absolute comparative advantage company was set up with the goal of with new products and combinations that we have with countries with similar products. The new producer must know his product, but promoting the Kimi fig, fresh and sundried. highlight the subtle qualities of the fruit.” at the same time he needs to keep his ears open “The heirloom is something that basically has emotional value and is passed from generation Crops are harvested starting the first half of to the other producers, the collaborators, the to generation. We liked the idea that we August and ending early September. On each public. And patience is of utmost importance received a wider knowledge and that we would visit to the site only the over-mature figs are for a new producer, as he will face as many hand it over to the next generation. Our picked. Having slit and opened them, they are bureaucratic difficulties and personal failures general approach to cultivation techniques placed on wooden racks for sun-drying: in the production or product development.” and product management relies heavily on exposing them to direct sunlight and open air However, “when someone has faith in his methods that have been developed since the from two to four days. Then sorting out knowledge and sincere love for his product, he antiquity. It is what we call collective memory follows and figs of similar size are matched in will eventually be rewarded.”

The 35th Annual PSEKA Cyprus Conference in Washington, DC will take place June 4-6, 2019. This conference is hosted by the International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA), the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC), the Coordinated Effort of Hellenes (CEH), the American Jewish Committee (AJC), the Federation of Cypriot American Organizations (FCAO), the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), the American Hellenic Institute (AHI) and the Cyprus US Chamber of Commerce. Conference participants will again be meeting with top-level Congressional and administration officials who formulate U.S. policy toward Cyprus, Greece and Turkey. Typically, the group meets with over 40 key U.S. Senators and Members of Congress who serve on the pertinent committees and subcommittees, and others, who play a major role in policy. For more info, those interested can contact Sophia Cotzia at PsekaUSA@aol.com or 718-545-7202 with any questions regarding hotel reservations. Also, Elizabeth Fagan at efagan@manatos.com or 202-3937790 with any questions regarding registration.

PHOTO: DIMITRIOS PANAGOS

35 Annual PSEKA Cyprus Conference in Washington June 4-6, 2019 th

The Promise of Natural Gas...

It should not come as a surprise that huge natural gas reserves were spotted in Cyprus! Greek people are famous for producing natural gas in abundance throughout history! And it has always been exuded naturally, not the result of ...drilling. True, it was never exploited commercially, it was mostly for pleasure or relief but it's time to get serious about it and share it with the rest of the world - for a fee, of course! And while in the Greek world we have Lent but we don't have Mardi Gras, lets institute our version of it, Mardi ...Gas! Our untapped natural resources are key in escaping the economic crisis and bringing both Cyprus and Greece to the forefront again as pillars of stability, prosperity and ...colonic health. And if the Turks have a problem with that, as they always do, we can afford to be magnanimous: let them have as much of our natural gas as their heart wishes! They've always lagged behind us anyway and they've gotten a knack for it. We can't deny them the pleasure if they ask for moreâ&#x20AC;Ś

P.S. a) Venezuela and Saudi Arabia are major suppliers of oil to the US, both corrupted to the bone and undemocratic. Yet, we demand regime change in only one of them. Why? b) Starbucks should try improving its coffee, not US politicsâ&#x20AC;Ś c) If you look at the mirror and you don't like what you see, it's not the mirror's fault or problemâ&#x20AC;Ś

k e e r G t e e M r e t l u a V e Pol s i l a r a K Emmanuel by Markos Papadatos Greek pole vaulter Emmanuel "Manolo" Karalis chatted with this Greek-American journalist about his plans for 2019, and he opened up about his brand #FlyManoloFly. Karalis' main plan is to be 100 percent prepared for the upcoming outdoor season. "I had a serious injury on my leg and I was out of action for 11 months," he explained. Most recently, on February 2, Karalis cleared 5.75 meters in the men's pole vault in an indoor track and field competition in Mondeville, France. "I felt good with that. This means that I am in good condition," he said. "My dad was coaching me that day because my main coach, Andreas Tsonis, was with my teammate Nikoleta Kyriakopoulou." Aside from being a pole vaulter, Karalis is also serving in the Greek Navy. "Thank God the Navy treats me well," he said. "They know that I am an athlete and they let me train and travel when I need, but I am a soldier and I have to be there when needed." On the impact of technology on the sport of pole vault, Karalis said, "I think that technology has changed the pole vault community. Coaches are more open-minded and t he at h letes are more engaged with other fellow athletes and fans." Regarding his use of technology in his daily routine as an athlete, he said, "I use social media every day. I am also building my own brand #FlyManoloFly. It is very important for me to engage with my teammates and fans. I use GoPro as a side camera. I also have a professional camera so that I can create better content." On his thoughts of the Greek community worldwide, he said, "Greeks all over the world have every athlete's back, especially in Australia. It is really important for me to compete in a meet and know that there are Greeks watching me live. It drives me to go even harder on my vaults." For his dedicated fans, Karalis said, "Thank you for supporting me, I love you guys. #FlyManoloFlyâ&#x20AC;? 46

MARCH 2019

NEWS & NOTES