NEO magazine - June 2020

JUN/JUL 2020

$4.95

John Calamos, Sr. on the US economy after Covid-19

Natalia Linos for Congress

Panhellenic Scholarship Foundation 1st Viral Gala

AHEPA Gold Coast 456 Steps Up in Times of Crisis

Secret Agent

Evy Poumpouras: ty, and Brawn Brains, Beau

FROM THE EDITOR

:: magazine FOUNDED IN 2005 BY Demetrios Rhompotis Dimitri Michalakis Kyprianos Bazenikas Publishing Committee Chairman Demetrios Rhompotis (718) 554-0308 dondemetrio@neomagazine.com Director of Operations Kyprianos Bazenikas info@neomagazine.com Marketing & Advertising Director Tommy Harmantzis (347) 613-4163 th@radioneo.us ATHENS - GREECE Public Relations & Marketing Director Rita Despotidis rdespotis@gmail.com NEO Magazine is published monthly by Neocorp Media Inc. P.O. Box 560105 College Point, NY 11356 Phone: (718) 554-0308 e-Fax: (718) 878-4448 info@neomagazine.com Check our website neomagazine.com

Outdoor Dining

On our very first outing to eat out we went to a Greek restaurant in Syosset, Long Island called PLATIA, which is run in partnership with a son of my first c ou s i n . We h a d b e e n roaming, like most people, for someplace to eat out, anyplace, after months of quarantining, and the places in Brooklyn were either sadly closed, or swarming with people who were forgetting about anything to do with social distancing in their eagerness, like us, to get out.

we made trips to the luncheonette to get. And then in the winter the house swarming over three floors with neolaia downstairs doing more dancing and flirting, gerousia upstairs doing gossiping and having yellia telling old stories from the village, and the little kids like me floating into the kitchen to get soda and ice cream and more slices of peponi and karpouzi from Thia Mary and whatever aunt or mama was around.

My cousin Evgenia, the mother of my second cousin who owned PLATIA, was one of my favorite cousins: in Chios when I stayed over at their house up in the village of Egrigoros and I had nightmares she told me to make the sign of the cross on my pillow and it would go away. And it worked! She put her arm around me as we walked like pals through the alleys of the village, she escorted me down to Agiasmata for the warm springs, she knew how to tie the ropes to a saddle better than anybody, and she mothered me and nagged me in a good way—only she cupped her ears when I kept singing Beatles’ songs in 1964 when we visited Chios and I liked to hear the echo of my voice singing “I Want to Hold Your Hand” bouncing off the hills.

So we decided to take a drive from Brooklyn where I live, because driving has become the last refuge in our pandemic world (although knuckleheads on the highway drive even more now like—knuckleheads--now) and we floated out to Long Island, around Hicksville, where I have a lot of family and lived for several years. Sadly, my parents are gone, their house on the corner with their vegetable garden and tomatoes left out on the verandah and porch to ripen, has been sold, and we could only float by and see the porch now bare and the circulars stuffed and yellowing in the mailbox, which my father had kept PLATIA, the restaurant, was wonderful: it had a huge space outside under a white tent, meticulously clean. almost like being back in Greece, it had And then we drove past the old house of my strumming Greek music, and it had Thio Stelio on Old Country Road, also sold, wonderful food and service. Of course, I got which practically was the scene of my youvetsi and loved it. People stopping at the childhood, because Thio Stelio owned a traffic light kept staring at us enviously, luncheonette nearby and his house hosted through their pandemic masks, while my every party inside and out, summer and wife and I were in heaven. winter: summer in his backyard with the magnitofono blasting Greek music while my cousins showed off their youthful manliness with dancing and smoking and drinking beer

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 Photo/Fashion New York: ETA Press fpapagermanos@yahoo.com Los Angeles: Nick Dimitrokalis (951) 764-5737 photobynikos@hotmail.com Graphic Design NEOgraphix.us Adrian Salescu Athens Desk Konstantinos Rhompotis (01130) 210 51 42 446 (01130) 6937 02 39 94 k.rhompotis@neomagazine.com

Latest Instruments, Portfolio Strategies, and Valuation Analysis.

He received his B.A. in Economics and an M.B.A. in Finance from the Illinois Tech. He joined the United States Air Force after graduation where he served as a combat pilot during the Vietnam War and ultimately earned the rank of Major.

In the Q&A below, John shares his perspective on the global economy and his thoughts on how to navigate the investment risks in these unprecedented times.

What are your thoughts on the current global market environment?

2020 has been an extraordinary year—and we are only at the halfway mark. I don’t think anyone could have predicted how fast and suddenly the markets could have fallen—or how quickly they could rebound. We’re seeing this rebound in equity markets around the world, spanning both the developed markets like the US, as well as important to emerging markets.

John Calamos, Sr.:

“It’s remember that there’s opportunity in all environments, including volatile ones.”

“The outcome of the US election could have a big impact on the economy” The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant ramifications for the global economy and the markets. In these uncharted waters, it’s understandable that many people have questions. Few in the financial services industry can draw on the depth of experience of John P. Calamos, Sr., the Founder, Chairman and Global Chief Investment Officer of Calamos Investments. Throughout his 50-year career, John has established himself as a pioneer of innovative strategies designed to manage the risks in the economy and markets. Calamos Investments is a recognized leader in inv e s t m e nt s t rat e g i e s ut i li z ing convertible securities and offers a wide array of asset allocation solutions.

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John P. Calamos, Sr. founded his firm in 1977.

With origins as an institutional convertible bond manager, the firm has grown into a global asset management firm with major institutional and individual clients around the world. The firm aims to deliver superior riskadjusted performance through a range of U.S. and global investment strategies including equity, fixed income, convertible and alternative investments.

With 50 years of industry experience, he is often quoted as an authority on risk-managed investment strategies, markets and the economy. He is a frequent speaker at investment seminars and conferences around the world and appears regularly on CNBC, Bloomberg TV and Fox Business Channel. He has written two books: Investing in Convertible Securities: Your Complete Guide to the Risks and Rewards and Convertible Securities: the

So far, we’re seeing a “V-shaped” recovery.

I n my v i e w, 2 0 2 0 reminds us about the resilience of the global economy and the markets. For investors, the main lesson is that you need to be long term in your approach. It’s really dangerous to let fear—or greed—dictate your actions. This year makes it clear how difficult and dangerous it is to try to time the markets.

Tell us more about this first idea—the resilience of the economy and the markets.

A. Humankind is tremendously resourceful in the face of challenges and hardships. The global pandemic is not over, and we don’t know when a vaccine or a widely effective treatment will be developed. But, we are finding ways to respond. For example, as the pandemic took hold, we saw extraordinary monetary and fiscal stimulus around the world, which helped to stabilize economic conditions. Now, the US and other shuttered economies have begun to re-open. Asian economies, the first to face the pandemic, are showing real signs of recovery. Many businesses have devised innovative solutions to adapt in this unprecedented period, and companies have accessed the capital markets (for example, by issuing convertible securities or corporate bonds) to shore up their liquidity needs.

Will the economic downturn last long?

I’m cautiously optimistic that the downturn will be relatively short lived. A lot of people may be worried that what we are seeing now is similar to the Great Financial Crisis of 2008

and 2009, but there are some key differences.

For example, in response to the global pandemic, fiscal and monetary response has been unprecedented in scope. The banking system has been resilient, and there’s access to credit. U.S. consumer balance sheets are also in far better shape today than in 2008. There’s pent-up consumer demand waiting to be released, and the economy should benefit as people begin to spend more.

happened over the last three months: the strongest/fastest market rout that I remember was followed by a rebound that nobody could imagine.

For the long-term investor, I really believe in the benefits of a global perspective. Calamos Investments has built our expertise as global managers. We recognize that there are exciting opportunities in companies around the world tied to many different trends, such as technology innovation in Asia and “green” initiatives in Europe. Taking a globally diversified approach provides a way to access this growth.

As of a couple of weeks ago, the rebound seemed at odds with what’s going on in the broader economy, but more recent global economic data has begun to show signs of recovery. People who sold at the lows, due to panic, have missed out and locked in their So, in terms of the markets, is the worst losses.

“Home-country bias” limits the opportunity behind us? set. For example, for US investors, there are W h a t a r e s o m e o f t h e many great companies in the US, including I b e l i e ve m ar ke t s w i l l approaches that investors can innovators in ecommerce, social media and remain volatile as the global take if they are concerned health care. However, this fast-paced e conomy address es its “I’ve always been about the risk in the markets? innovation is also going on around the world, including in the emerging markets. Our teams current set of challenges. interested in nonSelloffs such as the one we saw are finding many non-US companies with B u t i t ’s i m p o r t a n t t o traditional ways to earlier this year give investors a solid fundamentals and good corporate re m e m b e r t h at t h e re’s o p p o r t u n i t y i n a l l help clients manage renewed appreciation for risk governance that offer very strong potential. management. I believe there are These companies are also benefiting from a environments, including the risks in the many ways to manage risks and deep understanding of and better access to volatile ones. From an pursue opportunity. Calamos their local markets, which gives them an edge investment standpoint, our markets and teams are looking through achieve their goals.” Investments was built with a over US companies. focus on providing ongoing the short-term noise, risk-managed solutions, which Additionally, countries outside the US are also staying disciplined, and seek to work over full market at the leading edge of global demand trends focusing on the trends that are emerging. The pandemic will have near- cycles—through good times and bad—with a that we expect to grow stronger as a result of the pandemic’s disruption. For example, and long-term impacts on behaviors, and focus on resilience during market selloffs. artificial intelligence, highlighted recently in these changes will impact the prospects of companies. Even with all the backstops put in When it comes to navigating this current measures and processes taken in Asian place and a release of catch-up demand, not all environment, I believe it’s important to stay countries to monitor COVID-19, is an area companies will survive if they must operate diversified—as I mentioned. In addition to with strong high-level penetration outside the having allocations to stock funds and bond US. Many non-US companies are at the with permanently reduced capacity. funds, for example, there can be considerable forefront of bioprocessing and biologics Looking beyond the uncertainty of the potential for other types of investments. One (complex drugs that contain live cells which pandemic, what are some of the other type of investment that we have used since the can be very effective for treating complex unknowns that matter most to the health of 1970s is convertible securities. When I first diseases). began investing with convertible securities, the economy? they weren’t well known, but today they are a Do you have any closing thoughts about Fiscal policy is extremely important, so the global asset class totaling nearly $358 billion. managing risk? outcome of the US election could have a big With active and risk-conscious management, impact on the economy. Economic conditions the convertible security can be used to pursue I believe this is an environment where could be improving, but depending on the many investment goals—for either investors experience and active management matters. political backdrop, corporations may not be focused on income or capital appreciation.

There will be winners and losers in this next optimistic if they are worried that future fiscal phase of the economic cycle. Passive policy will be less business-friendly. Inflation I’ve always been interested in non-traditional strategies—like index funds—have grown in is not a concern for 2020, but we may see ways to help clients manage the risks in the popularity over recent years, but they can’t modest rises with pressure building in 2021 markets and achieve their goals. That’s what take the selective approach that an active and and thereafter, as supply chains become more first attracted me to convertible securities, and risk-aware manager can. localized in individual countries and labor I’ve kept a focus on risk management top-ofmind through the decades.

Convertible securities entail interest rate risks becomes scarcer. and default risks. International investments Many investors are worried about the risks That focus on managing risk has guided our entail added risks, these are increased for of investing now. What advice would you suite of investment strategies, including emerging markets. Alternative strategies alternative strategies. Alternatives can also entail added risks and may not be suitable for give to them? help investors enhance their asset allocations, all investors.

My advice would be that keeping a long-term through the use of sophisticated investment perspective is exceptionally important, given strategies. It used to be that individual Opinions, estimates, forecasts, and statements the dangers of hopping in and out of the investors weren’t able to access these types of of financial market trends that are based on market. I believe there is opportunity in all strategies, but that has changed through the current market conditions constitute our market environments. If you wait for the “all- years. Calamos Investments was one of the judgment and are subject to change without clear,” there will never be a good time to invest. first U.S. companies to offer a liquid notice. The views and strategies described alternative mutual fund, and today we are one may not be appropriate for all investors.

The economy and the markets almost never of the largest providers of alternative mutual References to specific securities, asset classes and financial markets are for illustrative recover at the same pace. Volatility increases funds. purposes only and are not intended to be, and the temptation to make sudden shifts to your allocation, but that’s a bad idea. People end up Do you have any views on how investors s h o u l d n o t b e i n t e r p r e t e d a s , getting whipsawed—catching the downside should allocate their portfolios from a recommendations. and missing the upside. See what has just global perspective?

NEWS & NOTES

JUNE/JULY 2020

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From Left: Jamie Litchhult of North Shore Farms, Deputy Supervisor of the Town of Mamaroneck and Town Councilwoman Jaine Elkind Eney, New York State Senator Shelley Mayer, Shari Ascher, Advocacy & Community Liaison to County Executive George Latimer.

North Shore Farms, the Popular Long Island Market Opens First Westchester Location in Mamaroneck, NY Community leaders gathered recently at 817 Mamaroneck Avenue in Mamaroneck to celebrate the opening of North Shore Farms’ new store location. Shari Ascher, Advocacy & Community Liaison to County Executive George Latimer, presented a proclamation and was joined by New York State Senator Shelley Mayer, Deputy Supervisor and Town C o u n c i l w o m a n J a i n e E l k i n d E n e y, Mamaroneck Village Mayor Tom Murphy, Trustees of Mamaroneck Village, and Mamaroneck Chamber of Commerce Vice President Richard Leimgruber and other representatives of the Chamber came together to mark the opening with a socially distanced ribbon cutting. While celebrations are certainly muted in the current times, it was a welcome sign to see a fresh food market opening in the new Mamaroneck Center space.

The locally-hired North Shore Farms team placed the finishing touches on its aisles and opened the doors at 9 AM to a line that was appropriately spaced for the current public health climate. Employees welcomed and cheered for the new customers as they entered.

The first 10 customers received $25 North Shore Farms gift cards.

“We’re excited to bring North Shore Farms to Mamaroneck and to Westchester County,” said George Tsiatis, a spokesperson for the company. “We are thrilled to join such a welcoming an vibrant community, and we look forward to serving them now and in the future.”

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Shari Ascher, Advocacy & Community Liaison to County Executive George Latimer, presents Jamie Litchhult of North Shore Farms with a Proclamation welcoming North Shore Farms to Westchester County.

The new Mamaroneck store is North Shore Farms’ ninth location, and its first in Westchester. The store is open 7 days a week, from 7AM-10PM. Since 2003, North Shore Farms has spread its mission of better living through better eating across Long Island, Eastern Queens, and Westchester by providing nine communities – Port Washington, Glen Cove, Great Neck, Mineola, Commack, North B ellmore, Hauppauge, Whitestone, and Mamaroneck– with fresh and healthy produce, organic items, and popular grocery products. For more information, their website is northshorefarms.com.

On left, Jimmy Mamais with North Shore Farms’ first Mamaroneck customer.

Community leaders cut ribbons for the grand opening: (left to right) Nick Andreadis and Brian Finnegan of Brixmore Properties; Shari Ascher, Advocacy & Community Liaison to County Executive George Latimer; Jamie Litchhult of North Shore Farms; New York State Senator Shelley Mayer and Deputy Supervisor and Town Councilwoman Jaine Elkind Eney; Village of Mamaroneck Mayor Tom Murphy and Village Trustees; and Mamaroneck Chamber of Commerce Vice President Richard Leimgruber and Chamber Board Members.

PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation's Annual Gala Goes Virtual:

OVER 7,000 TUNE-IN TO CELEBRATE 2020 SCHOLARS The COVID-19 pandemic did not prevent the PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation from awarding $250,000 in total scholarships to 40 college students of Hellenic descent in 2020; this year they held the entire weekend of events virtually.

The PanHellenic Alumni Weekend, June 1213, 2020, began with a virtual Welcome Reception via Zoom for all scholars, sponsored by Elias N. Matsakis, Esq., the Foundation’s pro bono legal counsel. The Welcome Reception was an opportunity for all Scholars to get to know one another ahead of the other weekend events, and included icebreakers, break-out rooms, and warm welcomes by Mr. Matsakis, as well as the Foundation’s three Trustees, Robert Buhler, J o h n M a n o s , a n d To m S o t o s , w h o remembered the PanHellenic’s Founder, and encouraged new recipients to stay involved as they grow and develop within their careers.

On Saturday morning, over 120 current and past scholarship recipients participated in a virtual zoom Mentorship Luncheon, held in partnership with The Hellenic Initiative and

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Vlamis, Yannis Pappas a.k.a “Mr. Panos” and Coach Peter Giannakis. The Gala was kickedoff with a special message from Archibishop Elpidophoros of America, and culminated with a unique rendition of “Dynata” by Mylos entertainment of New York, inspiring everyone to strive in making the impossible, possible.

A combined total of over 7,000 people tunedin via Facebook and YouTube to watch the generously underwritten by Nicholas W. streaming event – and counting. The Virtual Alexos. This intimate setting allowed scholars Awards Gala was free and open to everyone, to receive career advice and guidance by 16 and a first for the Foundation. mentors who are leaders in their fields – stemming from business, law, medicine, Formed in 2002, the Foundation has provided finance, education, and more. Although over $3.5 million to over 550 students since

recipients and mentors only shared a virtual afternoon, the goal is that these relationships continue year-round, with the majority exchanging information and keeping in touch following the annual event.

The weekend culminated with the Virtual Awards Gala to honor and celebrate the individuals at the core of the Foundations’ mission – 40 exceptional Greek American college students. The Virtual Gala was emceed by broadcast journalist Lou Canellis, and included special messages from past PanHellenic Paradigm Award Recipients James Speros, Peter Diamandis, Frances Fragos Townsend, Dean Karnazes, John Koudounis, and Matina Kolokotronis.

Celebrities also joined the celebration to offer congratulations to the 2020 scholars and included Chris Chelios, Billy Zane, Michael

inception and has held their Gala each June to celebrate and honor those awarded.

Though many charities have canceled their galas and events, the PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation was determined to properly celebrate the achievements of the 2020 scholarship recipients. “Our goal is always to focus on our exemplary students,” said Robert A. Buhler, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Foundation. “After our Board decided we would not interrupt our tradition of awarding annual scholarships, we also took the risk of trying to create a virtual event to honor our PanHellenic Scholars. Uncertain how to proceed, and how our donors might react, we formed a Virtual Gala team comprised of several Board members, as well as several superb outside consultants.”

Candidate for US Congress

Natalia Linos: Her Campaign at the Corner of Science and Values

by Alexander Billinis

What does an epidemiologist and mother of three young children do in a time of a global pandemic and lockdown? Run for Congress, of course. Dr. Natalia Linos’ campaign for Congress, to represent Massachusetts’ Fourth Congressional district, is spurred by an absolute sense of urgency—"because our health can’t wait.” On September 1, 2020 her first hurdle is the Democratic primary, where she is r unning against several other candidates. The current Congressman, Joseph Kennedy III, is running for US Senate.

injustice on individual neighborhood health.

Numbers and data run her profession, yet her approach is very down-to-earth, pragmatic, and people oriented. “People are not a science experiment. [I am] someone with a science background who is not afraid to talk about values. There are links between c l i m a t e c h a n g e , p o v e r t y, g o v e r n a n c e , a n d re pre s e nt at i on — and hu m an health.”

Natalia is a second-generation epidemiologist. Her mother and father are both doctors, graduates of the University of Athens who went on to the United States for their residency. Her father is of Smyrna and Maniote background; her mother from the Thessalian town of Karditsa. Natalia was born in Ohio but spent most of her school age years in Greece, where her epidemiologist mother had a university appointment. Hers was a religious and conservative while simultaneously progressive in Natalia is a Harvard trained scientist with a terms of its global, technocratic resume that includes work with the United outlook, and its strong belief in Nations Development Program and the New women’s empowerment.

York Department of Mental Health and Hygiene. She managed programs studying the Her value system was very much intersection of health and climate change, and informed by this background, and granular analyses of the impacts of structural s h e i s a d a m a n t t h a t w h i l e poverty, inequality, racism and environmental technocracy is important, values Beyond the immediate crisis staring us in the face, a host of systemic issues concern Dr. Linos. “There are only eleven scientists out of 535 legislators [in both Houses of Congress].

Congress has to be more diverse. It is too easy now to ignore a scientist whose research you don’t like. But if you’re in Congress and a scientist, you can’t be dismissed so easily.”

Another number from a woman whose career is data-driven: “Only twenty-five members of Congress are women with school age children.” The lack of professional, gender, and ethnic diversity in Congress is a real issue.

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and context are also important. To put it in Greek terms, she combines techne (skill) with anthropia (incompletely translated as “humanity”). She has a wealth of experience to draw on, from living among the Kalash people of Pakistan (yes—those people who claim descent from Alexander the Great), to working with refugees in Greece, to hands on public health work within the United Nations and New York City. She is a great believer in global responses to global challenges. Back to the present crisis, Natalia reminds us that “if we don’t eradicate [COVID] everywhere, nobody will be safe.” In a world of constant travel and interconnectedness, it is impossible to have local solutions be effective.

I had to ask Natalia about Greece’s response to the initial phase of the COVID pandemic, led

by Dr. Tsiodras, like Natalia a Harvard-trained scientist. She was of course pleased by Greece’s relative success, which she monitored daily with calls to her epidemiologist mother, as her parents live in Greece. She feels that key factors in Greece’s success were the Greeks’ “greater trust in science and public health” compared to the United States. For example, “the mistrust of vaccines here [in the US] is much less common in Greece.” Eyeing the current opening in Greece for tourism, she is worried about the possibility of an uptick. In Greece, as elsewhere public health concerns vie with economics for prioritization.

I had to wonder if our lack of a national health system (like in Canada or Europe) might have been part of the reason that COVID infection rates were so high in the US. On this, Natalia’s response was measured and thoughtful. “It is hard to generalize a country’s success or failure based on the local health system,” she says, “but the huge number of uninsured or underinsured in the US was a problem. Even

with insurance,” she adds, “you just don’t know what kind of a bill you are going to get. Here is the link—having to pay for health care is a major issue in the midst of a pandemic.” It is, further, an issue that is not isolatable to an individual or community, as the pandemic is a public health danger.

This exchange prompted me to ask the question on whether the pandemic will change how healthcare is delivered including, perhaps, a “Medicare for All” option. Natalia offers that “seeing the country—and the economy—shut down, is a wake-up call. Our economy requires we have healthy people to operate.” People worrying about an insurance bill and not going to the doctor is bad for the e c o n o my. Pe r h a p s s e e i n g a n e n t i r e country—the world in fact—shut down may alter people’s perceptions about Medicare for All which has been a hard sell politically in the US. As we are both parents of school age children, and affiliated with universities, I had to ask Natalia about what the school year is going to look like. “I know the Greek Minister of Health,” she offers, “closing the schools early was an important move by the Greek government to stem the pandemic’s effect.”

Students returning to crowded schools and universities is certainly an issue. Again, she goes to her statistics, “Data from Japan and Korea suggested that the age group 17-25 causes the virus to spread, because of the

lifestyles of younger people and the likelihood that this age segment will not get really sick or will be asymptomatic.”

College towns like Brookline where Natalia lives with her husband, Paul, and three children, Amalia, Leonidas, and Alexandra, will likely see an uptick in cases if there is a physical return to class in the Fall.

“Its hard to be a student these days,” Natalia says, “hard to be a graduate in this job market and hard to imagine being a freshman [possibly going to virtual school].” She believes that “for the next two to three years some of the social intimac y associated with the college experience will be curtailed severely.” In spite of this, she feels optimism in young people today, who she believes understand the linkages between issues—racism, poverty, climate change, health, gun safety—and she believes she can be part of effecting real change in society.

Natalia with kids campaigning Natalia’s optimism is also expressed by her run for Congress, never any easy task. However, she has the requisite combination of knowledge and passion which—combined with the urgency of the times—may tip the scales. Crises such as pandemics are often transformative eras, and Linos’ message, one of science leavened with civics and ethics, might be just the medicine for the ills of the current era.

When one thinks of a strong, fearless, and independent woman, Evy Poumpouras can be considered a paradigm. She not only wrote the book, but she has the hands-on experience and training to go along with it.

She tells it exactly how it is with a “what you see is what you get” assertiveness that comes from hard-earned experience. When it comes to walking the talk, she’s all action. In NEO’s interview with Evy, we learn about her journey as a criminal investigator, undercover law enforcement agent, interrogator for the Secret Service’s elite polygraph unit, multi-platform journalist, and on-air national television correspondent, to her role as the co-host of Bravo’s Spy Games.

You can’t pull the wool over her eyes, but she may be able to spot a few loose threads if she catches you in a lie. With her training in the art of lie detection, human behavior, and cognitive influence, Evy’s newly published book Becoming Bulleproof can teach us valuable life skills on protecting ourselves by strengthening our mental awareness and resilience, so that we, too, can live confidently and fearlessly. And if you are girl, it’s ok to have a girl crush on her. You very well may after reading this interview.

How does a Greek-American girl from an immigrant Greek family grow up to become a Secret Service agent in what is a dangerous and predominantly male dominated profession? Is there anything in your own life experiences that prepared you and inspired you to go into this field?

Secret Agent

It’s hard work followed by hard work, and then more hard work. I never had a sense of entitlement that something should be handed to me, nor did I wait for anyone to give me anything. In the Greek community where I grew up, you are expected to fit into a certain role as a young woman. I never bought into the mindset that because I was a girl I could, or rather should, only do certain things. So the more I was told to “stay in that box” the more I defied it. For me it was about drive and passion. I still have it, even now transitioning into a career in television as a co-host of Bravo’s new show Spy Games and working as a multi-media journalist. If you want something you have to put in the time – and the heart.

Evy Poumpouras: Brains, Beauty, and Brawn ena

by Ath

Efter

Did you encounter any resistance from your male colleagues, being one of few women to be in such an elite security force?

I didn’t care nor did I really think about it. I 28

JUNE/JULY 2020 COVER STORY

performed at their level. I even surpassed many of them even in the physical training aspects. When you perform to that degree, when you know you’ve earned your place it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. It’s just noise. Usually it stems from someone else’s insecurity about who they are. Understanding this I made sure not to let others’ false perceptions of me enter my sphere of influence. However, I’m a person of action not of words. I made certain that I held a high standard in my performance – that I was doing what was expected of me and beyond. You can’t demand respect rather you command it.

You show people who you are through what you do.

was around other brave people who were like-minded, and I couldn’t help but be inspired by those around me. That is why to this day I am very thoughtful about whom I keep in my inner circle of people.

I understand you have specific training as an interrogator in the Secret Service’s elite polygraph unit where you can analyze lie detection, human behavior, and cognitive influence. Is this an important life skill for all of us to have, outside of a career path?

To us regular people, the idea of being a Secret Service agent sounds glamorous, intriguing, and exciting, like something out of a movie. Is it?

It absolutely is an important life skill to hold. That is why I wrote Becoming Bulletproof. Reading people and assessing human behavior is so important. It I have been fortunate in my professional enhances your personal relations, helps you careers, both as a Secret Service agent and then communicate better with your employees, working in television, to be exposed to its helps you negotiate better business deals – it is glamour and intrigue. And yes there are those what gets people to open up to you, to come to moments, either when I was walking into the you with their great ideas, or to invite you into White House or walking the Red Carpet when partnerships. Our ability to read and analyze it felt surreal. But what you don’t see is the hard the people around us can excel our quality of work and grit behind the scenes to get to that life in myriad ways. I use these skills even now point. in my business deals, when negotiating terms on a new T V or film p r o j e c t , w h e n interviewing people on I am not a hero. What I did on that day camera, or when deciding with whom I should do (9/11) was about my humanity not business and why.

“

heroism. There were people around me dying and I could not run away from that. My love and compassion for humanity is what made me stay and help those I could. When your brothers and sisters are out there suffering, bleeding, being burned by fire, or jumping to their death – you can walk away or you can stay and fight. I chose the latter."

You’ve served under a few great presidents during your tenure. Were there any conditions that you faced under any of these administrations that you encountered to be more challenging?

Ho w m u c h d o e s g u t instinct play in the role of as a Secret Service agent?

Were there times when you were uncertain and had to rely on a “sixth sense”? And if you did, was it considered credible evidence?

I interviewed a woman once whose seven-monthold baby had been physically abused.

Everyone suspected that it was either the nanny or the father. But no evidence could be found. I turned my sights on the mother and after interviewing her and following my instincts I knew she was the one who had fractured her baby’s skull. Now I had no evidence – so I could not charge her for it – but I was able to get the detectives to refocus their investigation on her as the suspect because up until that point they were looking at everyone else but her. Our intuition is there to guide us.

But many of us so rarely follow it. I think that comes from a lack of confidence – the belief that we “know” better. My intuition has guided me throughout my life and in so many ways. Were it not for that, I never would have accomplished what I have today.

There were many aspects of that job that were a challenge. I served many functions. I worked cases, executed arrest and search warrants, worked undercover deals, interrogated criminals and terrorists and served to protect numerous presidents and their families. All those challenges built my resilience and confidence to take risks. Challenges also make you braver – no one gets strong without facing their fears and overcoming adversities. You also make peace with the dangers that come with that job. You are there after all to ultimately die in the place of someone else, to Among your many accomplishments, you take a bullet for them in the literal sense. But I are also the recipient of the U.S. Secret

Service Valor Award for your efforts as a first responder during 9/11. Can you tell us a bit about your service here and what it feels like to be a hero during a national homeland security emergency?

I am not a hero. What I did on that day was about my humanity not heroism. There were people around me dying and I could not run away from that. My love and compassion for humanity is what made me stay and help those I could. When your brothers and sisters are out there suffering, bleeding, being burned by fire, or jumping to their death – you can walk away or you can stay and fight. I chose the latter.

What are your thoughts on the current health pandemic with Covid-19? Will we ever get back to normal? Is there anything in your experience that we can apply to help us “Covid-proof ” ourselves, so to speak, from the fear and mistrust this virus has created for us?

There are two types of people – those who can accept the current situation and those who cannot. To overcome anything, we must first live in the truth of things - of where we are now. Not where we use to be or where we wish to be – but where we are NOW. Accepting your new reality and then adapting to it by creating new routines or business models. Those who cannot adapt are those who will struggle the most. It is because they are inflexible. One thing I’ve learned as a Secret Service agent is that rigid people are the most dangerous.

Because they only see things one way – they have created one narrative and when that fails, which eventually it will, they are unable to overcome it. We are living through a historic moment and it will eventually pass – but in the end you have a choice of who you want to be when it’s over. Will you be that person who just thought of himself or herself and complained the entire time? Or someone who stepped up to help others struggling – many of whom may have it worse than you? Our character is not defined by our circumstances, rather the way in which we choose to face those circumstances.

COVER STORY

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Do you think travel will ever be the same again or will security measures become more heightened and travel more difficult in light of the pandemic we are facing?

Things will flux and flow. Like anything it will take time. And many things will depend on how other countries choose to handle the pandemic as well – whether or not they will keep their borders open and/or what restrictions they will put into place. Don’t worry about what will or won’t happen – quite frankly everyone is still trying to figure it out. Focus on adapting to this new normal and making it work for you. For example, I’m expected to go to Los Angeles later this month (in May). If I can fly, I will. If I think it’s not a good idea, I’ll drive. That’s it. We overcomplicate situations in our minds and put in a great deal of energy into things where we have no control over. Focus your energy on finding a solution rather than dwelling on the problem itself.

“

Our character is not defined by our circumstances, rather the way in which we choose to face those circumstances."

I look forward to reading your new book, Becoming Bulletproof, published by Simon & Schuster. What do you hope readers will walk away with?

Becoming Bulletproof is about living in a powerful mindset. It took over two years to write and draws f rom a l l my t r ai n i ng , education, and experiences. I share my successes as well as my fai lures b e caus e quite frankly I have learned more from my failures than anything else. Truly it is three books in one, which is why it is divided into three parts: mental and physical protection, reading people, and influencing situations. It is a life manual you can go back to over and over again. All the strategies and techniques that I learned to make me as bulletproof as possible. I’ve been through four training academies, each one harder than the previous, and that training fundamentally changed me as a person. I want people to have access to that. I was privileged to be around some of the most extraordinary people and learn from some of the bravest and boldest – I never had that exposure growing up in my small Greek community living in low-income housing. I had to figure out a great deal on my own – and although my parents loved me and did their best, they could not guide or advise me on so many other things. We are all looking for mentors and guidance, which is why I read veraciously – at least five books a month. Reading has inspired me in so many ways. And so I hope my book will help inspire others to LIVE as fearlessly as possible.

Is there any advice or feedback you would like to give to young women who may be reading and aspire to follow in your footsteps?

My advice is for both women and men of all ages. It’s not just for women or for the young – because everyone needs advice and guidance. And quite frankly what I did and still do is difficult regardless of gender or age. Listen to yourself. Believe in yourself.

And live the best life you can. Don’t let others hold you back. But most importantly don’t hold yourself back.

Lastly, for our Greek readers, I have to ask. What part of Greece is your family from?

My father is from Mesta, Chios and my mother is from Kilkis, Macedonia.

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AHEPA GOLD COAST CHAPTER 456 STEPS UP IN TIMES OF CRISIS

by Athena Efter Chris is optimistic it will happen, but for now, with restaurants closed and sponsorships on hold, they have found other ways to fundraise and give back. They were able to donate funds that were substantially matched by the generous support of Nick Katop o dis of Nor t h Shore Farms to healthcare providers and doctors. Over a span of two days, 250 sandwiches were donated each day to both North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset and St. Francis Hospital in Roslyn.

It's been a little over a few months now since NEO magazine reached out to John Levas, former president of Gold Coast Chapter 456, District 6 of AHEPA. John was A 32-year member of the organization and president of the chapter for 18 years. He expressed his enthusiasm and optimism for the future of the chapter under the leadership of then Vice President, Chris Pappas, who would grab the reigns as its new president and bring in new, fresh ideas to keep the chapter thriving. Now that Chris is president, we wanted to get his thoughts on what AHEPA means to him as an organization and his goals as its new president.

During this challenging time of health crisis, Gold Coast Chapter 456, District 6, may be facing certain fundraising challenges, but that doesn’t stop their mission to help, serve, and distribute charitable funds and alms to those in need. NEO spoke with Chris Pappas to get his perspective on his new role and how the covid crisis has impacted the Chapter’s mission.

Not much has changed, except with the postponement of the big annual golf fundraising tournament, which he was hoping would be bigger and greater this year. When it happens, how it happens, and if it happens is all dependent on the phases of re-opening and safe social distancing measures that continue to take place.

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to healthcare providers, was the awarding of scholarships to four Greek school students.

Two students, a boy and a girl, were selected as recipients of $250 each from the Archangel Michael Church in Port Washington and the Resurrection Church in Brookville. Each student was also the recipient of an honorable plaque.

So the big question remains. Will the chapter still host its annual major golf event this year that was anticipated to double and triple their fundraising efforts? Will it host its annual Christmas party this winter, if it’s allowed only at fifty percent capacity? These questions will eventually be answered as phases surrounding re-opening continue to advance.

The chapter remains committed to continuing its fundraising efforts safely most importantly.

In the interim, if we want to support the valuable work they do in the community, the big raffle that was to be held in conjunction Chris’s goal as president with the Christmas party this year, may just be of the chapter is to the big fundraising tool independently needed continue driving up to bring in their target income goal. membership numbers a n d n e t w o r k i n g If they can’t host a golf event, alternative opportunities. AHEPA outing, or Christmas party, why not a raffle for is first, and foremost, a $50 a piece that gives you the opportunity to fraternal organization with chapters all over win a $5,000 shopping spree to the Americana the world. This not only creates a support Mall? “This idea was proposed as a main system among the memb ers and the fundraising initiative, given the uncertainty community served, but also creates an surrounding the covid pandemic, by board extended support system toward their member Perry Cyprus. Retail therapy will charitable mission. Chris understands that always have its place, before, during, and after “the demographic of ten years up or down, within the age range of 38 years old, has two priorities – career and family.” With that in mind, targeting families with limited time for membership during the covid crisis, has halted some of his efforts. He also knows that this situation is temporary, and as the phases of re-opening unfold, so too will the networking events again. Many were held, and were to be held, at local coffee houses and restaurants where a fee of $25 is charged. These events throughout the year provide an opportunity to foster relationships with local businesses, raise funds for the chapter, and continue engaging networking opportunities and the solicitation of new members. a health crisis,” says Pappas. “And in true philotimo and philanthropic spirit, AHEPA As Gold Coast Chapter 456 continues to will continue advancing Hellenism and aiding reimagine its fundraising events in the current the community!” Even during challenging “new normal”, another accomplishment that times, Gold Coast Chapter 456 continues to be did not go undeterred, along with provisions an example of great leadership.

THE CHICAGO CEO COVID-19 COALITION BEGINS DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS FROM THE SWEET HOME CHICAGO TELETHON

Charities, Archdiocese of Chicago; Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago; Jewish United Fund; Metropolitan Family Services; the 100 Club of Chicago; and Howard Brown Health.

The Sweet Home Chicago telethon was broadcast on NBC Sports Chicago in May, and available on social media. Hosted by Chicago’s own Deon Cole, Sweet Home Chicago featured the city’s celebrated entertainers, musicians and athletes. Mike Ditka and the Chicago “Superfans,” Joe Mantegna, George Wendt and Robert Smigel, performed a “corona” version of their routine first made famous on Saturday Night Live. Musical performances included Common and the classic rock band Chicago, along with Jeff Tweedy, Jamila Woods, the O’My’s with Kevin Coval, and the Chicago Children’s Choir. Bob Odenkirk, Buddy Guy, D.B. Sweeney, Jenny McCarthy, Donnie Wahlberg, Vic Mensa, The Chicago CEO COVID-19 Coalition “The Coalition’s GoFundMe page remains live Billy Zane and other Chicago celebrities made announced that it has begun distributing more and open for donations. The problems of the appearances. than $1.25 million in proceeds from its COVID crisis are far from over and our city’s successful Sweet Home Chicago Telethon in needs are still great as Chicago begins to Sweet Home Chicago also featured many support of the city’s urgent relief and recovery reopen. We urge those who can contribute to Chicago sports stars from the Bulls, needs, with additional pledged funds support critical assistance and ongoing Blackhawks, White Sox, Cubs and Bears. The forthcoming. Founded and led by John recovery for our Chicagoland residents,” ’85 Bears Steve McMichael, Otis Wilson and Koudounis, CEO of Calamos Investments, the added Koudounis. The telethon can be viewed Kevin Butler appeared, along with star athletes on t he C h i c ago and sports legends including Horace Grant, CEO COVID-19 Zach LaVine and Toni Kukoc of the Chicago Coalition website Bulls; Patrick Kane of the Blackhawks; Paul and on Facebook Konerko of the White Sox; Fergie Jenkins, and YouTube. For Ryne Sandberg and Joe Maddon of the more information Chicago Cubs; and Brian Urlacher of the or to donate, log on Bears. t o http://www.chiccc. In addition, the telethon spotlighted o r g o r d o n a t e deserving local heroes who are giving back t h r o u g h t h e and making a difference. The Sweet Home C o a l i t i o n Chicago Telethon’s Executive Producer was partnership with Chicago-born film producer Robert Teitel, G o F u n d M e with Alex Pissios of Cinespace Chicago as Cohttp://charity.gofu Executive Producer; digital production and ndme.com/sweeth distribution was provided by Nick Buzzell and omechicago NBTV, Inc. The event would not have been possible without the inspiration and support The Coalition has provided by Richard Rubenstein and his team John Calamos, Sr. John Koudounis r e c e i v e d b r o a d at Rubenstein Public Relations, Inc. support from Coalition has united Chicago business leaders Chicago’s business community. Joining with The Chicago CEO Covid-19 Coalition is in a humanitarian campaign for COVID-19 Calamos Investments as Founding Circle u n i t i n g l o c a l b u s i n e s s l e a d e r s f o r relief and recovery benefiting ten Chicago- Members, the highest sponsorship level, are humanitarian relief and recovery in our based charities in four critical areas: food; Wintrust Bank, Cinespace Chicago Film community, now and in the months to come. shelter/homelessness; counseling services; Studios and Hightower Advisors. Additional As the result of the pandemic, there remain and PPE. Funds are being distributed through sponsors and benefactors include GCM needs for first responders, for food and shelter, the Coalition’s partnership with GoFundMe. Grosvenor, Northern Trust, Madison and for urgent assistance to those who are “It has been extremely gratifying to see the Dearborn Partners, Mesirow Financial, Astor struggling because of the loss of jobs and extent to which Chicago’s leading companies Investment Management, PNC, UBS, CIBC, income. The crisis won’t be over once Covidhave embraced the Coalition’s efforts, Guggenheim Partners, Republic Bank of 19 subsides, and the effects on our city will be including the Chicago Bulls, who have been Chicago, Leopardo, Sterling Bay, and Hub deep and far-reaching. The C-suite of leading instrumental in their assistance and support of International, among others. local companies has come together to marshal the campaign. We are also proud that 99% of resources for the relief that Chicago Calamos Investments employees made Chicago charities receiving the donations desperately needs today, and for essential and donations to the campaign. John Calamos, Sr. raised are the Chicago Community COVID- ongoing recovery in the tomorrows ahead. and I have matched our employees’ donations 19 Response Fund; Greater Chicago Food J o h n K o u d o u n i s , C E O o f C a l a m o s as well as the individual donations received Depository; the Salvation Army Metropolitan Investments, is leading the Coalition initiative during the telethon broadcasts,” Koudounis Division; The Night Ministry; Catholic as founding member and lead sponsor. said.

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strategy

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

FIVE QUESTIONS TRUMP AND BIDEN SHOULD HAVE TO ANSWER

By Endy Zemenides

Brunson case. What consequences would from your Administration?

Turkey face under you for its continued As the 2020 Presidential election approaches, attacks on Christianity?

5. With Turkey proving itself an unreliable both campaigns have tried to establish ally at best, do you consider Greece the key outreach mechanisms to the Greek American 2. Over the last ten years, the Eastern US ally in southeast Europe? What direct community. The Trump campaign has rolled Mediterranean has come together as a investments will your Administration make out “Greek Voices for Trump” and the DNC p olitical and economic region. The in Greece to enable Athens to play this role? has a “Greek Americans for Biden” sub- cooperation between key US partners – group. Similar groups have been rolled out Greece, Cyprus, Israel and Egypt – is of note. These are not under the radar screen issues. every four years. But the last time that there T h e e s t a b l i s h m e n t o f t h e E a s t e r n Every single on of these questions has made was success in getting both candidates to Mediterranean Gas Forum also increases the the front pages of major newspapers, think make declarations on Hellenic issues was in chances of stability. tank analyses, television reports and has been 2008, when both parties committed to the subject of Congressional hearings. We resolving the Cyprus issue in the party Turkey, however, stands opposed to all these should expect that the next Administration platform and the Obama-Biden ticket issued developments and continues to treat the have a clear position on all of these issues. a policy paper covering Cyprus, the Eastern Mediterranean as its own South Most importantly, “Greek Voices for Trump” Macedonian issue, and the religious freedom China Sea. The State Department has and “Greek Americans for Biden” should of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. criticized Turkey’s actions and rhetoric as realize that approaching the community “unhelpful” and “provocative” but not only without answers to these questions is That must be the standard for any Greek refuses to impose any consequence but has dishonest and even fraudulent. It is time to affinity group in 2020 as well. In fact, it lobbied against consequences being imposed get clear answers on issues that concern all should be easier to elicit such positions than by the European Union.

Greek Americans. it was 12 ye ars ago. The E aster n Mediterranean has become more important If Turkey continues its belligerence in the for the U.S. – both geopolitically and r e g i o n , w h a t economically (because of energy). Both p o l i t i c a l o r Athens and Nicosia enjoy more friendly and e c o n o m i c more bipartisan relations with Washington consequences will than they did then. Trump and Biden Turkey face from repres ent t he t wo U.S. president i a l y o u r administrations that oversaw the best Administration? bilateral relations with Greece since the Truman years. On many fronts, Hellenic 3 . W h y h a s n ’ t issues are synonymous with pro-Israel issues, CAATSA yet been or with U.S. policy on Libya, or Egyptian imposed on Turkey issues. And finally, Turkey is no longer for its purchase of considered a reliable ally and anchor of U.S. S400s? What is your strategy in the region. d e a d l i ne for t he imposition of We have arrived at a point that strong CAATSA sanctions? positions on Hellenic issues are far more than a way to make Greek Americans happy; they 4 . T u r k e y h a s are a way to make the U.S. – which needs s u c c e s s f u l l y allies that share both strategic interests and infiltrated the U.S. core values more than ever – safer and more f o r e i g n p o l i c y able to lead globally. Both campaigns, and e s t a b l i s h m e n t , their validators in the community, should employing multiple therefore provide answers to the following officials (Michael questions: Flynn being the most prominent) 1. Turkey’s latest move to convert Hagia a n d t h i n k t a n k Sophia into a mosque is not an aberration. It ana ly st s as b ot h is part of a consistent attack on Christianity r e g i s t e r e d a n d in Turkey. The last two Administrations have unregistered foreign used rhetoric urging Turkey to respect agents. Will you Christian minorities, open Halki Seminary, commit to excluding and not convert Hagia Sophia. But the only a ny on e w h o h a s time there were consequences for Turkey’s been an agent of oppression of Christianity was in the Pastor Erdogan’s Turkey 36

JUNE/JULY 2020 STRATEGY

THE INTERFAITH COMMUNITY AND THE CRISIS OF RACIAL

Y T I U Q E N I D N A E INJUSTIC

by Fr. Emmanuel Clapsis*

On June 4, the leadership of four interfaith organizations—Religions for Peace USA, Parliament of World Religions (PoWR), United Religions Initiative (URI) and the I n t e r f a i t h C e n t e r o f N e w Yo r k (ICNY)—issued a statement: “This Perilous Moment: A Statement from Religious Leaders and Communities on the Crisis of Racial Injustice and Inequity and Current Protests.”

This statement is important, as Jews, Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Baha’i, Humanists, Indigenous, Jains, Sikhs, Taoists, Unitarian Universalists, Zoroastrians, and many others signed on to the statement and were able to address, in one voice and with a sense of urgency, the systemic evil of racism that plagues our country. Drawing inspiration and empowerment from the spiritual resources of their respective tradition, each faith community is underscoring their commitment to justice, peace, and reconciliation.

address to the Global Peace Conference of AlAzhar and Muslim Council of Elders (2017), expressed the belief of the Orthodox Church in the need for human solidarity and the commitment of the Orthodox Church in advancing that goal through interfaith collaboration building a culture of justice and peace. He stated that the credibility of religious communities in today’s world depends on whether they are active advocates and guardians of human dignity and freedom of all people. His All-Holiness has suggested that it is only through dialogue and collaboration that faith-based communities, governments, and civil society are able to respond together to the challenge of building a just and peaceful world.

He stated: We can face these challenges only together. Nobody—not a nation, not a state, not a religion, nor science and technology—can face the current problems alone. We need one another; we need common mobilization, common efforts, common goals, common spirit.

Therefore, we regard the present multifaceted crisis as an opportunity for practicing solidarity, for dialogue and cooperation, for openness and confidence. Our future is common, and the way toward this future is a common journey. As it is written in the Psalms: “Behold now, what is so good or so pleasant as for brothers to dwell together in unity?” (Psalm 133:1)

The Orthodox Church, as an active member of the Interfaith Organization Religions for Peace USA, is also a partner in this interfaith witness. Her participation in these efforts reflect her ethos as it has been authoritatively expressed in the Great and Holy Council ( C re te 2 0 1 6 ) to s e ek i nte r- rel i g i ous understanding and co-operation for the advancement of peaceful coexistence and harmonious living. His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, in his Advancing the cause of justice, peace, and 38

JUNE/JULY 2020 NEWS & NOTES

reconciliation is primarily an act of God. The faithful, filled with God’s love for all humanity, are co-creators with God, creating a world that reflects as much as possible God’s love, peace, and justice. Liberation from injustice, oppression, racism and violence in today’s world requires the collaboration of the Church with other faith communities and people of God based on their shared humanity and their God-given vocation to love one another. The joint statement issued by four interfaith organizations described today as a “Perilous Moment” and underscored the shared necessity to work together to combat the injustice, oppression, racism, and violence in American society. This statement is not an ethereal discussion about an otherworldly realm of existence – it reflects the conflictual nature of history. It recognizes the evil of racism, white supremacy, and police brutality against African Americans that has justifiably contributed to an explosion of a justified and righteous anger.

The faith communities jointly recognized that the “wicked scourge of discrimination and racism is structural, systemic, systematic, and institutional.” The origins of this systemic evil that plagues the country are not only cultural, economic, political, and social factors but also spiritual and moral. The legacy of racism affects every aspect—“seen and unseen”—of our personal and communal life. The religious communities jointly admit that they are

complicit in the evil of racism and injustice because of their long silence and lack of action.

They recognize that, in many different ways, false tenets of their respective religious tradition have been used to perpetuate the evil of racism. “Our sacred texts and traditions have been used, wrongly so, to further racial injustice.” But religious traditions are, in their view, “a deep well” from which they draw inspiration and power that empower them to be agents of peace and justice. “People of faith must stand for love and stand up for equity, equality, and justice.” Religious communities, including the Orthodox Church, once they acknowledge that their faith has been manipulated for oppressive and unjust purposes, have the responsibility to identify those aspects of their tradition that promote justice, human dignity, and the rights of all people. They should review their religious education programs and their spiritual traditions, trying to identify better ways to raise the consciousness of the faithful concerning their responsibility to respect and care for all people who are beloved children to God regardless of their world views, race, color, or culture. Interfaith collaboration and dialogue provide opportunities to all committed and involved religious communities to critically rediscover aspects of their respective tradition as they seek to address issues of common concern. Yet, it is important to recognize that within each of the faith communities, there will be people who for a variety of reasons have embraced in faith a “tribal God” and refuse to recognize the universality of God’s love that demands from them to love, care, and respect humanity in its diverse racial, religious, cultural, and ethnic existence.

persons of color for justice, equality, and equity. A dynamic witness of the religious communities against the evil of racism in all of its insidious forms includes participating in protests, calling out racial injustices, and partnering with affected communities.

Religious communities must also encourage volunteerism and philanthropic commitments to institutions working to advance racial justice and harmony.

People have to be able to trust that the rule of law is applied fairly and equitably to all parties.

Political leaders, as well as law enforcement, must ensure that people have the space and freedom to express their will through constructive peaceful protests against all forms of injustice and racism.

The systemic nature of racism, violence, and injustice requires “a longform response effort that will span generations.” Even if the moral indignation subsides and the attention of the mass media has shifted to other matters (though they should not), faith communities must continue to pray with their “feet and hands” and work together to resolve the insidious impacts of the ugly legacy of slavery, the blight of racism, and the multiple forms of discrimination in our communities. The religious communities would give credence to their joint vision of an inclusive society by advocating changes, not only in the society, but also in their internal life by supporting efforts at diversity, equity, and inclusion in their places of worship, workplaces, and lives.

Thus, the faith communities do not remain indifferent, praying to God to bring healing and reconciliation, but they dare to take sides: “We are here to stand with those who are rightly and justifiably enraged at police brutality and racial injustice, and who feel unheard and unheeded in their lamentations.”

They join their voices and their actions with the protestors, as they pray unceasingly for peace and justice to prevail and for healing of hearts of all those feeling the pain of these traumas. This, however, does not mean that they condone irrational explosions of violence and looting. Looting is viewed as distraction from the main reasons their collective concerns gave rise to protest demonstrations in the beginning – namely, addressing racial injustice, police brutality, and white Fr. Emmanuel Clapsis is Archbishop Iakovos supremacy.

Professor of Theology at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology.

Police brutality as a tragic epiphenomenon of systemic racism that needs to be addressed This article first appeared in Public Orthodoxy, should not become a pretext of dismissing the a medium that seeks to promote conversation by importance of law enforcement for people’s providing a forum for diverse perspectives on safety and well-being. “Law enforcement has contemporary issues related to Orthodox an important and vital role in our society to Christianity. serve and protect all of us, and we support their peaceable actions to uphold just laws.”

T h e e v o l v i n g s o c i a l u n re s t a n d t h e polarization that the evil of racism has ignited challenges religious communities, civil society, and governments to hear the voices of the suffering people and address their legitimate concerns. In trying to quell social unrest, the statement of the religious communities rightly warns that each of the actions that people take “represents steps towards one of two possible different paths: inclusive democracy or authoritarian state.”

The interfaith communities unreservedly have opted to “decisively to walk towards inclusive democracy, where faiths and freedoms flourish.” They must responsibly “act now” and live with intention through the real discomfort of this crisis, and all the things after it, that require faith communities to costeward the healing that society needs. Of course, such an active involvement in the process of social transformation and reconciliation that aims to eradicate the evil of injustice and discrimination should be grounded not in a particular political ideology but in the “deep wellsprings” of each religious community’s faith in fostering hope, justice, and reconciliation. The effective expression of their respective faith traditions to the current situation requires people of faith to educate themselves about the very real impacts of racism and sojourn with movements led by NEWS & NOTES

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Kristos Andrews talks about 2020 Daytime Emmy nomination for “The Bay” Track and field legend Wilma Rudolph once said: "Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit.

We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us."

Kristos Andrews is such a motivational performer and individual. On earning his 2020 Daytime Emmy nod for "Outstanding Lead Actor in a Digital Drama Series," Andrews said "Well, it felt amazing. So, of course, I climb on the roof and leap into the pool with the necessary blissful exasperation.

It's important to remind ourselves to fully indulge the great feelings in life as they come.

To acknowledge the miraculous truths that have entered life from relentless faithfulness."

"Fully embrace the feeling, and do your best to stay on that level," Andrews said. "So you can keep your vibration as close to that high point as possible, and spread it to others as well. It's contagious, in the greatest way. One does not lose any of their great feelings by extending it outwards and towards others, they care for.

Overall, I'm filled with sheer gratitude toward life and those I have with me in it."

B & W portraits are by Eden Muse

The award-winning show The Bay, created by showrunner Gregori J. Martin, scored a total of seven 2020 Daytime Emmy nominations.

"It feels so great to be honored by such a prestigious and beautiful ceremony. Amongst great work as well, which is a great compliment. It also gifts me with the feeling of contentment toward the amount of full-on effort it takes to not do a phoned-in job at the work," he said. "

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Truly, the 'sweat, blood and tears' are worth it, and we do our utmost to 'up our game' each year," Andrews said.

"Where creative perfectionism meets sheer passion and a great touch of risk, is a good method. The recognition serves as a great honor foremost, while also a deeply confirmative symbol to just carry on how we're carrying on."

Holding Emmy shot is by NATAS staff

by Markos Papadatos

This past May, Andrews was a part of a Zoom event with The Bay, where they teamed up with Popstar! TV, in an effort to raise money for the American Red Cross. "It felt fulfilling, and it was a good time with a good group.

Important to acknowledge what's going on in the world, and direct viewership toward awareness of a good cause," he said.

"We had a partner come on to educate via her first-hand experience as a hospital owner, while the American Red Cross is a great charity to guide the support into. It's nice to have that feeling of gratification which comes with being responsible about influence," he added.

Andrews gave fans and viewers a glimpse of what to expect about the upcoming fifth season of The Bay, which was filmed in Turks and Caicos. "Well, it was a blast filming out there. Great locations, great people; we're all no more acquaintances at work than we are genuine friends, which made the feeling just right. We get to experience the beautiful tropics via some intense scenes and fun ones too.

Some strong sentimental closure regarding my last love Janice is in there," he said.

Ever optimistic, Andrews offered the following inspiring advice to his fans and followers during these trying times. "Don't let up on the good habits about staying safe and well. Don't let up due to impatience. Better to increase your skills at the phone calls and Zooms rather than loosen up your selfdiscipline and give in to the yearning. I feel it's been 'too long' as well, but this time hasn't come to an end just yet, but it will, and it's important to retain your acceptance of that fact. Keep your prayers set on a vaccine, the ultimate solution," he said.

"Other Bay City regulars show up in Turks and Caicos like Lianna, Tamara, Riley, Evan, Nick, Matthew, and more.

Pete goes on a mysterious adventure in the beautiful tropics to get to the heart of a dark and powerful curse. He comes face to face with powers of good and evil. Uh oh. Be sure to tune in," he exclaimed. The B ay w i l l b e celebrat ing its 10t h anniversary this fall.

“As far as the social and civil unrest, speak your truths," he said. "Engage in peaceful protests for justice, for which the voice must be heard and stood up for. Yet hold steady your awareness to be balanced in it all, not to get carried away in any one moment's heat, and to stay keen on how important it is to have the ideal of unity and peace resting at the seat of your heart."

National Hellenic Museum examines Illinois’ Phase 4 requirements for safe reopening

While the City of Chicago is expected to enter Phase 4 of t h e s t a t e’s reopening plan between June 28 and July 1, a l l o w i n g museums and other public spaces to reopen with limited capacities and other safety requirements, the National Hellenic Museum (NHM) determined it’s in the best interest of public safety to continue to offer access to collections and exhibitions online. Its building will remain closed at this time.

by Philip Christopher

Also among the NHM’s newer virtual offerings is a collection of eight paintings by George Kokines, donated by Kokines’ daughter, Anne Miller, that are available for viewing on the NHM Collections Portal.

“One ver y real advantage of offering collections such as the Kokines paintings online is they can remain available for viewing even after an exhibit is rotated out of the Museum’s gallery,” said Athas.

In July NHM will launch its first ever online exhibition, Snapshots of Life: The Photograph Collection of George Phillos. This exhibition is built entirely around artifacts held in the NHM collection and highlights George Phillos, an early 20th-centur y Greek immigrant to the United States who took photographs over several decades and across the United States and Greece. The exhibition illuminates the experiences of early Greek immigrants to the United States on their journey toward becoming Americans and is built around the themes of “Military Service,” “Entrepreneurship,” and “Community.”

“In the best interest of our supporters, community and staff, we continue to look at Phase 4 guidelines which are applied to museums of various sizes throughout the state,” said Kristi Athas, on behalf of the NHM. “While we have a magnificent structure in the heart of Chicago’s Greektown neighborhood, the social distancing and capacity restrictions – which we fully support – pose challenges for The Museum remains committed to its Greek our smaller space, requiring o u r c o n t i n u e d c ons i d e r at i on . We are excited to continue and expand our online options.”

Among those online options is the NHM’s Oral History Collection. The National Hellenic Society (NHS) has partnerned in the effort to gather and archive more stories of the Greek American experience, adding to the C ol le c t ion. First-hand accounts and p ers onal stories are critical to s chol ars, gene a log ists, communities and families. The goal is to grow the Collection through outreach to local communities and parishes representing more diverse experiences within the Greek story in America. It will provide young Greek Americans among NHS’s Heritage Greece alumni opportunities to both connect with Greek American history and have a hand in preserving the rich legacy they have inherited.

Evripides Kontos in Memoriam

Language Program and is pleased to share that students successfully completed the recent term online. NHM staff is using the summer months to plan for a fall virtual offering and will continue to monitor safety guidelines toward resuming on-site classes.

For more information, their website is nationalhellenicmuseum.org

The Greek Cypriot community mourns the passing of Evripides (Evris) Kontos who died on May 20, 2020 at the age of 90.

On behalf of all our organizations, friends and supporters, we convey our deepest sympathies to his wonderful wife Evangelia and his children and grandchildren.

During the past 46 years that I have been in the forefront of the struggle of the Cypriot people for Freedom and Justice, perhaps the greatest tragedy is mourning leaders of our community that never realized their dream of returning to their ancestral homes. Many men are successful but very few for the right reason.

Evris strived to build a successful company so he can help the cause of the Cypriot people for Freedom and Justice.

For decades, Evris contributed and shared in our lobbying efforts and contributed to our political fundraisers. His singular motivation was to bring attention to the plight of the 200,000 Greek Cypriot refugees and the continued illegal occupation of 36% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus.

When you remember life’s important moments, Evris a successful businessman, who lived the American dream, we will remember that he died with a broken heart. His fighting spirit will always be with us and he now joins our other Greek Cypriot community leaders in Heaven – Nikos Mouyiaris, Tom Kyrus, Dr. Christopher Christodoulou, Harr y Theofanous, Aris Demetriou, James Oratis, James and Maria Varianides and so many others who died with the dream of seeing a free and united Cyprus.

May his memory be eternal.

Philip Christopher is president of the Coordinated Committee Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA).

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Eugene (Gene) T. Rossides in Memoriam Founder and former President of the American Hellenic Institute (AHI) Eugene (Gene) T. Rossides passed away on May 16, 2020. He was 92. The g lob a l Hel lenic community mourned a tremendous loss. On behalf of AHI’s Board of Directors, President Nick Larigakis, staff, and members conveyed their deepest sympathies to his wife, Aphrodite; his children, Michael, Gale, Eleni, and Alexander; and the entire Rossides family.

A proud American who never lost sight of his ancestry, Gene Rossides c h a mp i o n e d a n d i n s p i r e d a generation and more to advocate for the rule of law, for Hellenism, and Gene Rossides, second from left, with his fellow Columbia running backs justice for Cyprus. He provided a in 1945 as they listened to Coach Lou Little at the University’s old Baker lifetime of service and dedication to Field. The other players, from left, were Lou Kusserow, John Nork and America, Greece, Cyprus, and Walt Kondratovich. The New York Times Hellenic ide als. The Greek American community and Hellenic diaspora are in a far better place because of personal level, I always considered Gene achieved with bipartisan support -- the United Rossides like a second father because I was States embargo on transfers of US arms to Gene Rossides. always able to share with him things that I was Turkey which took effect on February 5, 1975 “It is with a heavy heart that I reflect upon never able to share with my father. He will be and remained in effect until 1978.

Gene Rossides and what he meant to the remembered as a man of virtue and integrity, a community, AHI, and me, personally,” AHI genuine man. Gene Rossides did what he did Gene Rossides also founded the American President & CEO Nick Larigakis said. “I am out of true conviction and principle, and in so Hellenic Institute Foundation (AHIF) in 1975. forever indebted and grateful to Mr. Rossides doing, he advocated and fought for the issues It was the first “think tank” devoted for his leadership, guidance, and mentorship for all the right reasons! I will miss him dearly exclusively to the study of policy issues over the decades. I am most appreciative of his and can only make him the promise that I will involving the Greek American community continue to carry out his and contemporary Hellenism. He was serving work to the best of my as a director on the board of AHIF at the time ability, moving forward. of his passing.

May His Memor y B e Eternal.”

For his extraordinary leadership of AHI and his contributions to the Hellenic diaspora, Gene Rossides will be Gene Rossides received numerous honors, remembered for his many awards, and accolades from governments, the contributions to the law, Orthodox Church, Hellenic heritage and legal scholarship, athletics diaspora organizations. During his lifetime, and government service. Gene also received significant recognition as a H e u n d e r s t o o d t h a t distinguished athlete at Columbia University, United States foreign starring at quarterback during the university’s Mr. Rossides, left, was an assistant secretary of the Treasury policy must be grounded “Golden Era” of football. Included among his in October 1969 when President Richard M. Nixon received on ethical principles and many honors, awards, and achievements are: not only national power. a commemorative trophy marking the 100th anniversary of the Secret Service. Mr. Rossides oversaw the agency. At right He was the first Greek “ T h e A m e r i c a n H e l l e n i c I n s t i t u t e American to be confirmed Foundation, its board members, supporters, was James J. Rowley, director of the Secret Service. UPI by the U.S. Senate to an and benefactors, profoundly lament the Executive Branch office. passing of its founder and mentor, Mr. Gene entrusting me with the opportunity to lead the AHI, of which its mission he valued so deeply. He served as Assistant Secretary for the United Rossides,” AHI Foundation President Constantine A. Galanis said. “He has been an I have always tried to lead this organization in States Treasury in the Nixon administration. inspiration to all of us in doing the right thing, a way that always honors his name and the passion with which he championed the causes In the wake of the Turkish invasion of the a champion of the rule of law, and respected for which he cared deeply. In so doing, I am Republic of Cyprus in 1974, Gene Rossides broadly on both sides of the Atlantic for his never under any illusion that I am replacing founded AHI to advocate for US interests in values and integrity. In honor of his memory, him because there is no replacing a legend; U.S.-Greece-Cyprus relations. He was the we will continue to work for the causes he however, just to attempt to do the best I can to architect of the most substantial policy victory bestowed on us with even more fervor and continue in his work and legacy. On a more for the rule of law in Cyprus which was inspiration. May His Memory Be Eternal.”

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Dimitris Yeros: A Lesbos Diary, in New York

by Vicki Goldberg An exhibit of over forty black and white photographs and some color by Dimitris Yeros, one of the most influential Greek artists of his generation will be presented at the THROCKMORTON FINE ART in New York from July 2nd – September 12th, 2020. The images span over thirty years of the artist’s life on the island of Lesbos, during which he has taken many hundreds of photographs and recorded every corner of the island. The selection chosen represents one of many interludes in the artist’s life and work, given that he is a city dweller and his other work largely consists of staged photographs created in his Athens, New York and Mytilene studios.

Lesbos is a Greek island at the edge of the Aegean Sea, close to the Turkish coast. In recent years it has become infamous because of the thousands of impoverished refugees and migrants, who arrive there hoping to seek safety and happiness in Europe. The Island of Lesbos, inhabited since prehistoric times, has a long and noteworthy history. It was the birthplace of great ancient Greek poets such as Sappho, Alcaeus, Terpander and Arion. It is an economically wealthy island. Its inhabitants are mainly involved in olive cultivation and livestock farming. Given its geographical and cultural distance from Athens, and the small number of tourists who visit the island, local customs have survived, which the islanders are very proud of.

Yeros visited Lesbos in 1986 for a holiday, and it has since become his second home. It is where he prefers to spend his summers. As was to be expected, during his first few months on Lesbos, the photographs he took were m o s t l y commemor ative.

Later, as he explored the whole island a n d Dimitris Yeros understood the place and its people, he began to focus more on artistic subjects. Large, mostly abandoned buildings, from the previous century, traces of a once thriving community, unique historical monuments from different eras, landscapes that have hardly changed through the millennia and locals indulging in work or leisure are some of the subjects he has captured.

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He has also photographed many male models in the nude, working sometimes in agrarian landscapes, in monuments, old buildings or ruins, portrayed in a manner reminiscent of the poses of ancient Greek statues. These photographs evoke both classic Greek civilization and the Romantic era of the late nineteenth century.

The THROCKMORTON FINE ART is located at 145 East 57th Street, 3rd Floor, NY, NY 10022.

For more information their website is throckmorton-nyc.com The next exhibition of works by Dimitris Yeros, with photographs from the series A Definition of the Nude, will take place in Taipei, Taiwan. It will open on October 28th.

hellenes without borders

Dr. Samuel Gridley Howe: Patriot of Two Nations Revolutions are often exported. There is no question that the effects of the American Revolution spread far beyond our shores.

France followed suit, and several years later, Greeks rose in revolt against a four-hundredyear-old Ottoman regime that oppressed them. Americans were energized by this thirst for human freedom and agency, inspired in part by America’s fight for freedom, and many Americans went to fight for Greece.

In the coming year, as we p r e p a r e f o r G r e e c e’s Bicentennial, it is only just that we as Greek Americans honor our fellow Americans who volunteered to fight and to advocate for Greece, and I seek to start talking about this substantial hall of heroes with a particular standout, Dr. Samuel Gridley Howe.

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.

Howe’s service in Greece covered wide geographies, and his narrative reflects a deep sense of history and understanding of the Greeks’ cultural and institutional struggles.

While he had the love of the Classical heritage typical of an educated American of his generation, he also understood the Greeks’ Byzantine heritage (which he viewed, correctly, as part of the continuity of culture from Ancient Greece) and the impact that four centuries of Turkish rule had on the state that was trying to be born.

Empire, reporting back to fellow Americans about the condition of Greeks still struggling to unite with the fledgling Greek Kingdom.

Howe commissioned an intelligent and resourceful young journalist to be his guide at the time. When the Howes returned to the US, this bright young man, Michael Anagnos, from the Epirote region of Papingo came with them, and eventually married Howe’s daughter.

Michael Anagnos is a name that should be at least vaguely familiar to most Americans.

Along with Annie Sullivan, he was Helen Keller’s teacher. Like his father in law, and, in the tradition of Greek villagers at the time, and particularly in the fastness of the fiercely independent Epriote mountains, Anagnos was well drilled in the combat arts which today we call Pammachon. Further, there is evidence to suggest that neural exercises in Pammachon contributed to Anagnos’ successful teaching of Helen Keller. Among her many accomplishments, Helen Keller also knew Greek.

Howe’s activism, both for Greece and for his native country, the United States, did not stop once the guns were silenced with Greek Independence. Like other Philhellenic Americans, he worked to assist Greek war orphans, arranging for many Howe in Foustanella, to be adopted and to come to painted by son in law Dr. Howe was a native of t he U S . S ome John Eliott Dr. Howe lacks the celebrity quality of Massachusetts, a graduate of returned after Lord Byron, who is the go-to Harvard University who trained adulthood, Philhellene for most people, and as a surgeon. This very technocratic, almost others remained in the US and while the latter’s “star power” human resources-like description belies the often as not, they were great certainly gained sympathy for the complicated mystery of the man. A “Harvard assets to their societies.

Greek cause, the former’s Yankee Man” of the times was a man versed in the know-how and technocracy ended up Classics, in Ancient Greek and Latin. Often Howe’s thirst for liberating the being more effective both on the field enough, in a time when duels were still fought, enslaved extended to his fellow and in gathering support for the such an individual would be a close combat countr ymen in the United Greek cause over decades and e x p e r t , w h i ch Howe w a s . T h i s s k i l l States, the African American generations. s e t — l i n g u i s t i c , c u l t u r a l , a n d slaves. Howe was an outspoken martial—afforded Howe the ability to be and very active abolitionist, and Samuel Gridley In Howe we have a warrior for justice immediately and asymmetrically effective in many cases he was prepared to Howe, from and liberty for two nations, and a when he arrived in Revolutionary Greece. c o n f r o n t v i o l e n t a n t i - Perkins Institute historian who probably best (and abolitionists with force. His On the ground in Greece, Howe used these reputation as a combat arts specialist was well most transparently) chronicles the peaks and skills in battle with the Turks, tending the known and often defused fights before they valleys of an epic struggle. Howe’s practice was to empower others, particularly those less wounded, and liaising with key Greek leaders began. fortunate and in bondage, to seek their own and American and European philhellenes. He chronicled these events in his inimitable Howe remained devoted to Greece, and he agency. This praxis, combined with a keen Historical Sketch of the Greek Revolution, an returned in 1867 in order to help the young intellect, sense of history, and martial ethos, absolute must-read for its granular analysis of state expand her territory. Crete had just risen allowed Howe to be an asymmetric force for the revolt and its key figures. While risking his in one of this heroic island’s many revolts good, and his son in law Michael Anagnos life for the Greek cause, love for Greece did not against the Turks to unite with Greece. Howe certainly carried the baton. make him blind; bad or duplicitous behavior came with his daughter, herself a fluent Greek from Greek revolutionaries, including by speaker, and even though he was a wanted It is time we take up the baton, for both luminaries such as Kolokotronis and man by the Turks he went into “unredeemed” countries, in both countries. Howe provides Bouboulina, gets called out. parts of Greece still part of the Ottoman the inspiration and the road map.

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JUNE/JULY 2020 HELLENISM

John Stuart Mill Known as one of the founding fathers of classical liberalism and neoclassical utilitarianism, John Stuart Mill penned the legendary essay, O n L i b e r t y, i n which he insists, “the only purpose for which power

by Ariana Savalas can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others” (Mill, On Liberty). Put simply, one can move a fist in any direction except for the purposes of hitting a face other than one’s own, but how does this philosophy apply to free speech?

The United States inarguably has the most extensive freedoms and allowances for speech of any country in the world, and Mill’s philosophies on the need for unfettered speech and expression provide the bedrock on which our First Amendment jurisprudence is still interpreted today. However, many argue that this libertarian interpretation of the First Amendment holds little overall utility in comparison to the benefits of legally prohibiting hateful and offensive speech.

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After all, why should controversial and inflammatory philosophers, scientists, or even comedians be offered a public platform for their ideas and rhetoric? When hateful, bigoted words can feel like a knife in one’s side, why shouldn’t speech equate to violence, and why should the government not punish hate speech accordingly? Isn’t true liberalism progressed with the rejection of such hatred?

discussion of substance lacks a healthy amount of controversy, and many truths which modern society now accepts without question were at one time or another considered harmful, hateful, or even illegal.

While words have an undeniable capacity to wound, degrade, and cause harm, taking offense must be separated from true harm as speech is the only mechanism by which The answer to these questions can be human beings are able to resolve conflict discovered through Mill’s method by which to without resorting to physical violence. gauge the regulation of harm, known as the Harm Principle, which consists of two steps. If And while listening to hateful speech can at no harm to others manifests from a person’s times be excruciating to bear, progressive actions, any such actions find protection ideals and true liberalism only benefit from under the Harm Principle. However, if harm more opportunities for speech and debate, not does result from an action, then society must less, and the libertarian approach to free gauge the overall utility of this harm and speech allows for the marketplace of ideas in choose to act accordingly. In applying Mill’s which civil liberties have been fought for and Harm Principle to modern and pertinent won throughout history. questions regarding free speech, one discovers Savalas 2 that Mill’s libertarian ideals In short, the harm caused by over-reaching regarding speech and expression, while at restrictions on speech far outweighs the harm times controversial, uncomfortable, and even caused by allowing an unconstrained market hurtful, are of vital importance and hold of ideas and expressions. In an ever-evolving invaluable utility in the pursuit of a modern American society replete with trigger warnings, safe spaces, and rise of violent functioning and civil society. protests directed towards controversial The quest for truth and rational thought, philosophers, scientists, and comedians, as whether in scientific discovery or in religious well as a growing support to legally ban such and philosophical debate, requires the provocateurs access to the public, Mill’s vision potential to cause offense, for no intellectual of liberal and libertarian expression as

described in On Liberty proves more For as hurtful as words may be, the truth pertinent than ever. remains that no alternative to speech exists when settling disagreements other than When addressing the silencing of opinion, violence. Speech is the only instrument by Mill states, “the peculiar evil of silencing the which society can debate and engage in expression of an opinion is that it is robbing adversarial discourse, and while some words the human race; posterity as well as the can metaphorically cut like a knife, no existing generation; those who dissent from reasonable person would choose a bloodied the opinion, still more than those who hold it. physical battle over a battle of words and If the opinion Savalas 3 is right, they are intellect. deprived of the opportunity of exchanging error for truth; if wrong, they lose, what is In applying the Harm Principle to equating almost as great a benefit, the clearer speech with violence, one realizes that perception and livelier impression of truth comparing actual violence to hurtful or produced by its collision with error” (Mill, On offensive words only invites the ability to Liberty). respond to said speech with violent action, and the utility of allowing speech, especially Mill argues, and I emphatically agree, that that speech with which the majority disagrees, sheltering society from a diversity of thought far outweighs the unintended consequences of deprives individuals of not only ideas which silencing inflammatory voices. may hold some element of truth, but also inhibits the capacity for one to think critically, For, as Mill states, “if all mankind minus one, to engage in debate, and to reason. were of one opinion, and only one person were of the contrary opinion, mankind would be no At one point, even the most brilliant minds in more justified in silencing that one person, the world, from Galileo to Voltaire, were than he, if he had the power, would be justified considered of the minority opinion and in silencing mankind” (Mill, On Liberty). imprisoned for their contributions to scientific and philosophical discovery.

However, upon watching nazis rally through American streets, their speech being carefully While I would never suggest that the latest protected under the watch of police forces, one college provocateur may be the next Galileo, may rightfully wonder how anyone could silencing speech and free expression carries possibly see liberal progress in protecting such with it the risk of suppressing those minority disgusting ideologies. opinions which could positively contribute to intellectual, moral, and scientific progress.

While at times Mill’s libertarian case for speech appears antithetical to progressive As Mill said, “persons of genius, it is true, are, values, the allowance of controversial, hateful, and are always likely to be, a small minority; and even disgusting speech paves the way for but in order to have them, it is necessary to true liberalism to flourish. preserve the soil in which they grow” (Mill, On Liberty). Mill argues that thoughts For while hearing hateful expressions of possessed by minorities hold strong societal bigotry are enough to infuriate any reasonable utility, for “every man who says frankly and person, the rights to free speech that allow fully what he thinks is so far doing a public bigots to spew hate are the same rights that service” (Mill, On Liberty), but what about allow those championing for civil rights to those voices which so obviously hold no moral march in the streets against them. For worth, intellectual value, or scientific insight example, though I frown on bakeries refusing such as racial supremacists, homophobes, or for Savalas 5 religious reasons to bake a even those who believe the Earth is flat? How wedding cake for gay couples, the same First could Mill’s Harm Principle possibly Amendment rights that grant them the right determine that the silencing of these voices to do s o a ls o g rant a lib era l fema le would bring about anything but more peace p h o t o g r a p h e r t h e r i g h t t o r e f u s e and social prosperity, and shouldn’t such photographing a “Support the Unborn” rally, hateful and idiotic speech be considered or a black man to refuse service to a member of tantamount to violence? the KKK. As Mill said, "over himself, over his own body and mind, the individual is Though the harm inflicted by hateful words sovereign” (Mill, On Liberty), and the beauty cannot be cast aside or belittled, Mill makes a and beast of liberty lies in the fact that it vital distinction between true harm and hurt applies to everyone in a free country, even feelings. True harm caused by words, (and especially) those we despise. according to Mill, usually occurs against one’s will and cannot Savalas 4 be avoided.

But the question still begs to be answered, where should the Harm Principle limit Offense, on the other hand, can be ignored by speech? The answer to this question has seen choosing to disengage with that which offends many evolutions in First Amendment you. By this logic, offense does not count as jurisprudence (especially over the past harm under the Harm Principle, and the century), but the modern standard by which utility of Mill’s distinction cannot be ignored the American judicial system evaluates in the pursuit of preserving peace within a incitements to violence set forth by the 1969 diverse society.

Supreme Court case Brandenburg v. Ohio provides the most fair and comprehensive

implementation of the Harm Principle.

Ever since Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes’ landmark dissent in Abrams v. United States in 1919 where he stated, “the ultimate good desired is better reached by free trade in ideas - that the best test of truth is the power of the thought to get itself accepted in the competition of the market” (Abrams v. US, 1919), First Amendment jurisprudence has rapidly progressed towards Mill’s libertarian approach to free speech, finally resulting in the Brandenburg v. Ohio rule of imminent lawless action. This rule provides a sharper definition of clear and present danger by prohibiting speech that is, “directed at inciting or producing imminent lawless action”, and also through evaluating the likelihood of said speech to produce violent activity.

Under the Harm Principle, the overall utility of punishing speech which would result in violence or that directly incites violent action dominates the utility of allowing such abuses and harassments. Savalas 6 While Mill’s absolutist approach to free speech inarguably comes with unavoidable consequences, enduring obnoxious and repulsive rhetoric in a free society proves a far lesser harm under Mill’s Harm Principle than the denial of opportunity to say what one thinks, to condemn views one opposes, and to engage in diplomatic and controversial discussion.

S cientific and moral truths are only discoverable in a societal climate which protects the ability to put forth into the public sphere that which is undesirable, offensive, or problematic. Speech, while at times brutal to hear, is a far superior mechanism to resolving conflicts than through physical violence, and it is the ability to engage in diplomatic discussion that has paved the way for the progression of civil rights and an expansion of liberal ideology.

A society which chooses to allow that which is offensive and controversial only opens the door to expand their capacity for knowledge, to refine their search for truth, and to fully embrace the liberal concepts of freedom. After all, as Mill astutely observed, “to refuse a hearing to an opinion, because they are sure that it is false, is to assume that their certainty is the same thing as absolute certainty. All silencing of discussion is an assumption of infallibility” (Mill, On Liberty).

That is to say, no human being is without error, and only through the ability to fail and succeed within a free market of expression is there a glimmer of chance to transcend our mortal shortcomings and uncover vital philosophical, scientific, and moral truths.

The article was first featured on the cover of the Medium Politics and Philosophy Pages.

NEWS & NOTES

JUNE/JULY 2020

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Stelios Kerasidis:

The seven–year–old classical pianist taking the musical world by storm

time raising a family of twenty children!” he says with childish wonder.

How does Stelios himself balance his time between school and music? He says he studies piano one or two hours a day, but if he has a competition to prepare for he will devote more time.

“You gain nothing in life without effort and sacrifice,” he says, with startling maturity.

“When you prepare for concerts and competitions, “you have to put off other things.”

Except for school.

“He’s still too young to sacrifice his schooling for his playing,” says his father. “Also, he likes school and is an excellent student.”

Young virtuoso Stelios Kerasidis

by Kelly Fanarioti Johann Sebastian Bach, one of the greatest composers in Western music, believed what God asked man at the gates of Paradise is if he had used his life productively. If Bach were alive today and met among his youngest admirers, seven-year-old classical pianist Stelios Kerasidis, he would have seen a musical prodigy already celebrated throughout the world.

With seven world, and two Panhellenic piano awards, Stelios has already given recitals at the world's largest concert halls: including Carnegie Hall in New York City, a musical milestone for all but the most celebrated performers in classical music and jazz.

“When he became two years old, we knew he was a special musical talent,” his father, Fotis, tells NEO. Fotis himself is a piano teacher and soloist.

And he says Stelios, when even younger, would often go to his father’s piano and play on his own with the keyboard. When he gave his first concert at only age three, that’s when his parents could visualize that music would be in Stelio’s life, but not to this extent.

Apart from music, Stelios loves mathematics and architecture, as well.

“But I think when I grow up, I will want to be a pianist again,” he declares. “That will not halls around the world, and would play a change.” concert at the Thessaloniki Concert Hall. Not And he is also a composer: last year he wrote a even in our craziest dreams,’’ says Fotis. piece dedicated to his sister Veronica.

Their pride, of course, is immense.

“I love my sister very much. She is the best “What we feel cannot be put into words,” he sister in the world. Now I am preparing a says. “Pride and intense thrill, without a melody for my younger sister, Anastasia.” doubt.’’

And about two months ago, in the midst of the The seven-year-old virtuoso himself, despite coronavirus lockdown imposed by the Greek government, he composed a "Waltz of his age, shows no stage fright.

Isolation" for people isolated because of “I’m used to the stage and I feel comfortable,” Covid-19, with a message: “Hi, guys! I’m he says. “Sometimes I get a little annoyed by Stelios. Let’s be just a teeny bit more patient the cameras, the bright lights, and some and we will soon be out swimming in the sea,” cameramen who pop out at me like ghosts: I he stated, with a wide smile, at the beginning of the video seen by thousands on youtube. get afraid of losing my musical scores.”

But he says there are rewards: “Sometimes I don’t believe that people love me so much. It’s weird, but I like it. They hug me, kiss me, and ask to take pictures with them. I'm so glad they like my piano playing and music.”

His favorite composers are Chopin, Mozart and Beethoven, but he singles out Bach, whose As our conversation ends, the little prodigy music he has played and won him acclaim with the glowing face says music can truly change the world. from musicians around the world.

“I would have loved to meet Bach!” says the young prodigy. “He writes so deeply. I would “We couldn't imagine then, that at the age of ask him how he managed to write such six, he would have already played in historical wonderful musical pieces--while at the same 54

JUNE/JULY 2020 NEWS & NOTES

Which got him featured on some of the world's largest media outlets--BBC, The Guardian, Reuters. And his waltz became among the most requested music anywhere by major artists and companies asking for the rights of the track to use in shows or commercials.

“How could we live without music?” he says.

“Music wakes up the senses. Without it, we would be like a tree that died and has no leaves and no soul.”

Periscopio: The first design hotel in the center of Athens!

by Kelly Fanarioti

Situated in the coveted Haritos street under completely free of charge throughout the day", the hill of Lycabetus, Periscope is an antidote says Miss Georgia Koutsobeli to NEO. "This is to the ordinary city hotel. one of the secrets of the success of this hotel, as many of the customers who prefer Periscope Modern minimalism every time they come to a n d aw a r d - w i n n i n g Athens - and there are architectural design many who do it - the first create a young, energetic thing they say is: ‘At last, and seductive urban we are back home’.” heaven, right at the heart of Kolonaki: the oldest In fact quite a few stars of and most exclusive the world music industry neighborhood in a n d Ho l l y w o o d h av e Athens. The architects preferred Periscope Hotel coordinated a team of for their stay in Athens. artists, industrial d e s i g n e r s , Entering in the hotel lοbby programmers, 3D you will be impressed by animators, graphic the audiovisual art designers and installation by Maria audiovisual experts to Mitzali that adorn the produce 13 site specific roof. This is the "Epiphany installations, which vary project" that gives the in scale and media and visitor the feeling that they multiply guests "eyes" are at the bottom of the and "vision". sea.

According to Residence Manager Georgia Koutsobeli, in an interview "There is no one who has visited our hotel, a with NEO magazine, it is a building dating to foreigner or a Greek, who has not been 1954 and its first use was clinical. As she says, it impressed by Epiphany. It aims to produce an was one of the best clinics in Athens at that underwater sensation within the space time. Then, its next iteration was a small hotel, reinforcing a feeling of isolation from the and it has slowly evolved into the form it has outside world, which is a common feature now. both in hotels and the bottom of the sea".

Periscope has 22 guestrooms, each offering an imaginary trip to the city's busy streets. While artwork and installations pick up on the theme of a periscope operating around town, the overall minimalist aesthetic exudes tranquility. Understated luxury defines the guestrooms' décor, where modern interiors meet the latest technology.

Comfortable rooms of 23 square meters, are ideal for the business traveler. Featuring wooden floors, they are all soundproof and have glass-encased showers w it h mo der n f ixtures and fittings.

"What distinguishes Periscope hotel from all the rest in Athens is its simple architecture and the unique pieces of art inside it. Also, in our effort to make our guests feel as comfortable as possible, we have an all-day buffet in our hotel lounge where guests can get what they want 56

JUNE/JULY 2020 NEWS & NOTES

A unique photomap view of Lykavitos at night is placed on headboards injecting a cosmopolitan feel.

Superior rooms cover 25 square meters, overlooking Haritos street. Featuring wooden floors, they are all soundproof and have glass-

encased showers with modern fixtures and fittings. Aerial photographs of Athens, taken

by Nikos Daniilidis, have been printed on the rooms' ceilings creating quite a unique tour of the city's urban sprawl.

Junior suites are located on the 4th and 5th floors, spacious in their 45 square meters.

Each suite offers a stylish and comfortablyfurnished sitting room and a large balcony.

The ambience is inviting, as panoramic day and night images of Athens, taken from the highest poionts of the city, are printed onto plexiglass light box beams. The panorama beams cast their soft light, transforming, at the flick of a switch, the suite's furniture and surroundings.

Last but not least, the 65 square meter Penhouse suite is a two – level suite of exceptional design. The interior is spacious and comfortable, with an open plan living room and office area. There is a generouslydesigned balcony which runs the length of the suite with ample seating for daydreaming or stargazing, depending on the time of day. The pièce de résistance is definitely the private Jacuzzi, surrounded by a teak deck.

"The view from the Jacuzzi is stunning, with the Acropolis seemingly rising out of the deck.

When the night falls and the lights linger, this is probably one of the most exclusive places to see Athens by night", according to Miss Koutsoumbeli, who says 2018 was the best for Periscope with summer bookings reaching 100%.

And the hotel has a client list from all over the world—America, Europe, Australia—who visit again and again.

Phokion Potamianos Establishes Thalia Potamianos Annual Lecture Series on the Impact of Greek Culture

The lecture series will honor the life of Dr. Thalia Potamianos, an Epirote who was born in Constantinople in 1914 and came to Greece at the age of 8. With an innate gift of high intelligence, the fierce determination shaped by her life experiences, and financial support from her four siblings, Thalia earned a doctorate in microbiology with high honors from the University of Athens. She became an influential doctor, scientist, and philanthropist who led a life dedicated to the public good and public service.

In the 1950s, Dr. Potamianos founded Greece’s first alcoholism and toxicology treatment center. She made this the heart of her medical research, establishing a treatment center at Aghia Paraskevi, publishing research, and forming a methodology on the topic that came to be the standard in the early days of the study of alcoholism in Greece.

Marked by her experience as a refugee, Dr. Potamianos defined her life by her philanthropic actions. During World War II, she was active on the front lines and behind the scenes, working to organize food committees and using her medical practice as a cover to shelter elements of the Greek resistance and Greeks of the Jewish faith.

In the years immediately after the war, this exemplary citizen helped create centers of care for dispossessed families, orphaned children, and veterans in refugee areas. In partnership with American and other philanthropists, she created centers for education and financial support for veterans. Together they established the Greek American Organization for the Care of Dispossessed Greeks. To recognize her service to the country, the Greek government awarded Dr. Potamianos with their Gold Cross of the Order of Beneficence.

Dr. Potamianos (née Dervos) was the wife of Phokion Potamianos, a prominent maritime attorney. Together they raised two daughters, Helen and Lydia. In 1961, Dr. Potamianos passed away from cancer at the age of 47.

Overseer Phokion Potamianos (left) and his grandmother, Dr. Thalia Potamianos (right) The Overseers of the Gennadius Library in Athens announced the establishment of the Thalia Potamianos Annual Lecture Series on the Impact of Greek Culture. The program is being made possible by a generous 10-year commitment totaling $1 million from Phokion Potamianos, an Overseer of the Gennadius Library. He named the lecture series in memory of his grandmother, a distinguished Greek doctor, academic, and philanthropist.

This significant lecture series is the result of a visionary initiative by Mr. Potamianos and will examine the reception and continuing relevance and impact of Greek thought and culture. He hopes the program will create a stimulating environment to draw both the academic community and the general public to the American School of Classical Studies in Athens and the Gennadius Library.

Mr. Potamianos remarked, “It is my hope that this lecture series will highlight the wealth and depth of the Gennadius Library and its collections and how these reflect the multifaceted legacy of Greek thought and culture from ancient to modern times. Moreover, giving these lectures both in Greece and the United States will raise academic as well as public awareness of the work and legacy of the American School and the Gennadius Library in both countries.”

Every year, a highly distinguished, internationally renowned scholar will be selected to conduct research and develop programs on a topic relevant to the Gennadius Library. The research will culminate in a minimum of three annual public “keystone” lectures, at least one of which will be delivered in the American School’s Cotsen Hall in Athens and one in the United States. These talks will be accompanied by publications, podcasts, and other appropriate media to maximize exposure and engagement. They might also be enhanced by a related event such as a theatrical performance, a concert, or site visits.

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For young and aspiring actors, Kait said, "I am one of them, but I am a special case. I wanted to be a trailblazer, where I tried something that hasn't been done before. If you feel that there is something inside you, don't second-guess yourself, go for it, and figure it out as you go. Don't live a life of regrets. Take responsibility of your situation no matter what.

There are no excuses. If I can do it, anybody can do it."

He shared that he is a part of the new film Mickey Kelley, where he plays Stelios. He stars opposite such actors as Sean Patrick Flanery and Dennis Quaid.

PHOTO: Bjoern Kommerell

Regarding his Greek background, he said, "I grew up in the city of Edessa, up north. I spent my whole young life there. I moved to Athens for the Police Academy, for four years, and after I graduated, I did three years of service as a Riot Police Officer. Then, I moved to San Francisco, California, and now I am in Los Angeles."

Actor

David Kait about his acting career and his Greek heritage

by Markos Papadatos Most impressive about Kait is that he is the first Greek police officer (Riot Police Lieutenant - MAT) turned actor in Hollywood.

"That feels surreal and special," he admitted. "I am just following what feels right at this point. That's what I always did with my life.

It is going to be an exciting ride. It is quite amazing."

He acknowledged that living in quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic has been a "very rewarding period of time. It started rough, with a lot of uncertainty, but I am a person that enjoys solitude. I thrive in solitude," he said. "After I put my life in order to accommodate the new situation, things have been very productive. It has been a great chance to reflect back on my life and to set some priorities and establish healthy habits for the future.

Quarantine has been a gift in disguise."

His philosophy is to "take this time as is. Embrace it. Connect with people that you didn't have time to connect with such as family members. Take time to take care of yourself. Set your priorities straight. Sometimes, life puts us away from our personal relationships. This is just another curve in our journey, nothing is over. I am very optimistic that great things will come," On being an actor in the digital age, he said, "the digital age is a part of our lives. It is a medium that we cannot deny. I am an old soul and I enjoy the classic ways of communicating and delivering messages. At the same time, the world is moving forward. There are challenges to adjust to the digital age, but at the same time, it's a new challenge, so you learn and you become better. If you are committed to it, you find a way to make it work."

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Born David Kaitidis, he spoke about the Greek-American community in the United States. "I have good relationships with them," he admitted. "I started meeting a lot of people at the Greek Film Festival in Los Angeles.

There is a lot of fervor and enthusiasm to bring projects from Greece to inspire young filmmakers to do something beyond their borders on an international scale, and that's very encouraging. It is nice to see that support, not only in film but in theater and stage productions."

He noted that he is a very self-motivated person and he does things for his own pleasures and joys. "If my work resonates with other people, I am grateful," he said. "I am a student of life and I learn all the time. It will be a long journey and I am excited to see the results."

Kait defined the word success as "going to sleep every single day with a feeling that you did your best."

To learn more about Greek-American actor David Kait, hi official website is davidkait.com.

It seems no Greece this summer...

As of this moment, beginning of July, it's still unclear if we are going to be able to visit Greece and Cyprus this summer. The U.S. is among the countries that didn't meet the EU criteria during Phase II and the airlines cancelled the direct flights for July. When we started our summer Go to Greece and Cyprus campaign things were looking more promising and that's why we went ahead with it. Let us hope that come August, the ban will be lifted and some of us will be able to visit the fatherlands not just of us Greeks, but of Western Civilization, as well.

Strange times we live in! It used to be hard for Greeks to come here, now it's hard for Americans to go to Greece!

For those of you with Greek passports, things are easier: you can go through Europe and there is no quarantine. It doesn't help me, though, because both my passports have expired and it will probably take months before they are renewed. The State Department office opened for PHASE I in June, but there are hundreds of thousands of cases pending. Another passport that I hold from a third country I can't use because it requires a visa to go to Greece! It seems I'm stuck here with you and the only salty Greek water that I would taste this summer will be the ...feta brine!

Let us also hope that things will be better here as well in the midst of the pandemic. Uncertainty is the worst that can happen to a society, both in terms of public health and the economy. Some restaurants in New York with outside seating space have opened and work fairly well, although it doesn't help when it rains. Phase II with restricted seating inside has been postponed. Other states have it better, but it's still too early to contemplate returning to normalcy anytime soon.

Despite the difficulties, have a beautiful and healthy summer! Be careful, keep wearing your masks and avoid crowds. It's a setback, but if you talk to older people and the things they went through, you can still say that we are lucky ...

We, at NEO, are grateful for your support during the crisis. At this point you can do one more thing to help us: those of you who placed ads in the last three issues, including this one, please forward your checks ASAP because we are dry as the Las Vegas weather!

Move over Ouzo.

Make Way for Stray Dog Wild Gin!

By Athena Efter

When it comes to Greek spirits, we think of use a unique combination of botanicals such lots of sunshine, cool beachside island breezes, as sage, bay leaf, rosemary, fennel seed, orange, and crystal clear waters of lemon and mastiha (the sap used aquamarine blue distilled from the tree to make gum in pure enough to swim in. We also form). think of another type of With this gin, John wanted to spirit, Ouzo, and expect to capture the Greek elan, combining find it on every menu at Aridea Spring water with these every taverna over a plate of herbs, which he compared to a grilled octopus or fried stray dog – wild, untamed, and sardines. But we rarely free. And like a wild dog, this gin is consider gin to be on that part of a pack, arriving alongside menu, especially handan elite group of gin, that holds its crafted in small batches own individuality. using traditional copper pot stills in Greece. This is n o ord i n ar y g i n . T h e While other gins tend to be more brainchild behind Stray floral and flowery, Stray Dog Wild Dog Wild Gin is Gin has a savory, herbal palate. It’s restaurateur John Livanos, unique. It’s different. It’s still gin. a member of the Livanos Delish.com touts it as the 11 Best Restaurant Group which Bottles of Gin You Can Buy at Any John Livanos owns several restaurants in Price Point. That’s a great start for a Manhattan, including the famed Molyvos, country that has no real gin export, or is even Oceana, and Ousia, to name a few. considered a gin making country. Nothing against the tried and true anise flavored ouzo; While food can be a culinary art form on its tourists will always want to try it – just like own, food and drink go hand-in-hand. John, tsipouro, the Greek equivalent of moonshine, having had a longstanding curiosity about the and Retsina, the pine of wines that’s both art of distillation and how it, too, can be earthy and dirty, but will never be considered a crafted into an art form, decided to try his fine wine. hand at joining the big gin leagues that would take it much farther than a basic shot of floor Greece has come along way in its repertoire of polish that include the less evolved spirits of gourmet to be more inclusive and adventurous alcohol. Gin and Greece? Sure, why not? If you with its homegrown commodities. As happen to come across one of few master restaurateurs, chefs and food exporters Greek distillers, like Dimitris Melissanidis, continue to bring Greek cuisine to the who studied in London and understands the forefront, making it more popular and gin making process, you go to work and showcasing it in a way that’s more modern and discover what is unique about Greece that can accessible, gin is for the win. And this gin is be bottled in a spirit. John wanted to capture a smooth enough to drink on its own or mixed moment in a bottle through his travels. with tonic water that helps enhance the flavors. Or you can just buy a bottle off their Most gins, as John explained, are made of website or through other distributors, and juniper berries as the common ingredient, and look up a variety of cocktail recipes to satisfy can be combined with a combo of any herbs. your boozy gin palate.

John, understanding that herbs are a big component of Greek gastronomy, decided to This gin is new, innovative, and adds a fresh 62

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concept to an old school classic that can be appreciated by gin connoisseurs all over the world. It’s straight out of the rolling hills of wild mountain grown herbs, Mediterranean citrus trees, and the natural spring waters of Greece.

Stray Dog Wild Gin is on my list of must tries, and like it’s label implies, their charitable mission is to support animal welfare. A portion of all sales is donated to organizations and shelters in Greece that provide food, veterinary care and homes for stray animals.

For more information, their website is StrayDogGin.com Stray Dog Wild Gin is exclusively being imported by Diamond Wine Importers. To learn more about distribution opportunities, their contact is: info@diamondwineimporters.com

Master Distiller Dimitris Melissanidis