THE PHOS CHURCH SERVICES. Coming up in Dec-Jan: To see the Phos in colour, visit our website at: PRESIDENTS REPORT

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1 THE PHOS Dec Jan 2012 Περιοδικό τῆς Ἐνορίας-Κοινότητος Ἁγίας Ἄννας, Χρυσή Ἀκτή Newsletter of the Greek Orthodox Parish- Community of St Anna, Gold Coast 31 a Crombie Ave, Bundall PO Box 5074 GCMC Qld 9726 (07) , admin@gocstanna.org Recently, our community was visited by some students and teachers from the St Euphemia College, Bankstown in Sydney. For some it was the first time they had attended our Church. After Father Roman conducted the service, we cordially invited them to dinner at Ashmore Steak and Seafood. The teachers and students alike thanked our community for our hospitality. PRESIDENTS REPORT On the 29 th of October 2011 we celebrated our annual OXI night. Once again our community gives many thanks to AHEPA for their kind and very generous donation to our Greek School and also the prizes given to our students who won their respective sections in the annual AHEPA competition. We were delighted to have in attendance the Vice President of AHEPA, Mr Demetrie Kelaidis and the immediate Past President Mrs Jane Dilizio. The students performed their poems magnificently under guidance from their teachers, led by our Principal Mr Michael Christoforou. The dancing groups, both the Junior and Immediate groups performed on the night and were a delight. Many thanks to both Sally Daikin and Vera Georghiou for their generous time, patience and efforts through the year. We thank the Ladies Auxiliary for all their work preparing, cooking and setting up the hall for this night. A special mention to Maria and Jo Politakis for assisting with relief for the dancing teachers as well as organising costumes throughout the year. On the same night I paid tribute to all the previous past and present Ladies Auxiliary Presidents of our community since inception. We thank them all very much for all their tireless efforts over many many years. We salute you!!. On behalf of the Main Committee, we thank Father Roman, all committee s and subcommittees for their voluntary work throughout the year and anyone who has assisted the parish of St Anna. Also, many thanks to Sharon McCoy our community secretary who diligently attends to all administrative functions of this community. As we fast approach the end of 2011, we look back and reflect that we have had many challenges, from floods, cyclones, financial instability, the departing of many of our friends and family, and illness just to name a few. We pray for 2012 to be a better year for all. My family wish you all a very safe and joyous Christmas and a prosperous and healthy James Nides Honourary President Coming up in Dec-Jan: Dec 4 Christmas Concert Dec 7 School closes Dec 11 Carols by Candlelight Dec 19 Respite closes Jan 8 Phota Jan 12 Respite starts Jan 25 School Enrol ments Feb 1 School starts Kollyva Memorials with Kollyva can not be conducted between the Sat. of Lazarus and the Sun. of St. Thomas; on the major feast days of our Lord and the Parish Church nor on the 15th Aug, the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. To arrange for Kollyva, contact Maria Politakis on CHURCH SERVICES See Inside or go to our website To see the Phos in colour, visit our website at:

2 Page 2 LADIES AUXILIARY REPORT HIGH TEA SUCCESS Many thanks to our kind guests who attended our recent High Tea. Our guest speaker, columnist, Niki Savva was forthcoming in her opinions of our politicians on both sides of the political spectrum. The afternoon was both lively and fun and we thank Short Punch and Greatorix and the Emandar Group for their kind sponsorships. Our gratitude to our raffle donors and especially to Stambika Manettas whose fruit shop, Sam s Coco s put together such a beautiful tray of fruit for our door prize. Our afternoon raised a little over $2000 which will be used to help the needy who approach us for assistance. CHRISTMAS GROCERY DRIVE Thank you! Our Grocery Appeal is going well and we thank those of you who have kindly donated groceries. The appeal is open until the beginning of December when the Auxiliary will package the goods into hampers to be distributed to families in need. If you are able to assist with donations of groceries you will be helping to make a more cheerful Festive Season for many families. Help them to feel the kindness of the Christmas spirit. Australia needs more than 27,000 blood donations every week to ensure patients have the life-saving blood and blood treatments they need. Blood components have a short shelf life and that is why more donations are always Call the Community Relations Officer on to make an appointment THE PHOS GREEK SCHOOL & COMMUNITY BREAK-UP PARTY Sunday, 4th December marks the farewell for another year of our Greek School children. After the Divine Liturgy, the children and their families are invited to the hall for the traditional Greek School program under the direction of Principal, Mr Michael Christoforou. Santa Claus will attend at the conclusion of the festivities. The Ladies Auxiliary will offer the refreshments however, if any parents can assist with a plate of something nistisimo, it would be greatly appreciated. The Auxiliary will also distribute treats for the children. The afternoon is not just for Greek School children. All families are warmly invited to attend. CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT Sun 11 December Join in the spirit of Christmas fellowship on Sunday, 11 December when our Carols by Candlelight will be celebrated outside the Church. From 6pm-7pm a Vespers service will take place in the Church. Then simple refreshments will be served in the Hall. At about 7.20pm, we will settle outside under the stars, for a beautiful program of Greek and English Christmas Carols. All the words of the Carols will be provided. Glo-sticks will be available for purchase and please bring a chair for your added comfort. As this is a time of year where our thoughts turn to those less fortunate, there will be a collection made for Welfare. This fulfils a major mission of our Church of helping people in need. Gather your family around you for this special evening of joy and friendship as we sing to honour the birth of Jesus. THEOPHANIA CELEBRATORY LUNCHEON - SUNDAY JAN 8 Following on from the fellowship of Christmas, we will celebrate the Blessing of the Waters on Sunday, 8 January. After the traditional Retrieval of the Cross from the waters at Evandale, you are all warmly invited to a lamb on the Souvla lunch at the hall. As this is one of our most sought after events of the year, it is ESSENTIAL THAT YOU BOOK to ensure your table. Bring your visitors and and friends to enjoy an afternoon of feasting and dancing. This year, if you pay prior to Jan 5 th you will receive a $5 reduction from the Adult and High School Ticket price. Please see the enclosed flyer for details. Raffle tickets will be sent to you and these will be drawn on the day of Theophania. There are excellent prizes including 2 flat screen televisions!! Please help us by buying or selling as many tickets as you can. \ CHRISTMAS WISHES TO ALL The Auxiliary extends warm wishes to Father Roman and to his family for a joyous Christmas and we wish them good health in the New Year. As well, we extend these wishes to all of you, dear parishioners, as we pray that peace, love and good health fill your lives and those of your loved ones. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

3 THE PHOS Page 3 GIANNOULA APOSTOLOPOULOU On the 8 th November 2011, our grandmother, Mrs Giannoula Apostolopoulou was honoured at a 100 th birthday celebration, held by family and friends at the Golden Age Nursing Home, Southport, where she has lived since Among those attending were her children Angela and Jim; her grandchildren Elizabeth, Joanne, Manuel and Angela as well as her great grandchildren Angelica, Steven, James and Leonidis. Giannoula was also visited by friends, Father Roman Stergiou, members of the Ladies Auxiliary of St Anna s Greek Orthodox Church as well as nursing home staff and residents. Father Roman Stergiou was there to speak on behalf of the family and to convey Giannoula's heartfelt appreciation to those who attended as well as many thanks to the staff and carers at the nursing home. Congratulations on reaching her 100 th birthday came from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, Governor General of Australia Quentin Bryce, the Prime Minister Julia Gillard and her local member of parliament. The centenarian was born in rural Ambelokipi (Aigialeia), Greece and is the mother of 2 children; grandmother of 4 and greatgrandmother of 4. She has survived the deaths of her parents as well as both husbands. Giannoula arrived in Australia in 1965 and settled in the country town of Forbes in New South Wales before moving to Sydney and subsequently the Gold Coast in During this time she helped raise her grand children, teaching them to speak Greek and instilling in them their Greek cultural and spiritual traditions. Right up to the grand old age of 96, Giannoula lived life with a spring in her step: dancing at weddings and christenings, performing day-to-day household tasks and most of all enjoying her travels within Australia and back to her homeland. She has been given her Last Rites on 3 separate occasions but continues to surprise us all with her fighting spirit to live. Happy 100th birthday Mum, Grandma and Great Grandma! The Ladies Auxiliary would like to thank their Sponsors for their generous assistance with the High Tea held at RACV Royal Pines Resort Sam Cocos Fresh Food Market The Emandar Group SPG Lawyers and SPIRITUAL CORNER Αποσπάσµατα από Το Γεροντικόν Ο αββάς Αντώνιος προφήτευσε στον αββά Αµωνά και είπε: «Θα προκόψεις στον φόβο του Θεού». Τον έβγαλε έξω από το κελί, του έδειξε µια πέτρα και του είπε: «Βρίσε την πέτρα και κτύπησέ την».και το κανε. Τον ρωτάει ο αββάς Αντώνιος: «Μήπως µίλησε η πέτρα;» «Όχι» απάντησε εκείνος. «Και συ του είπε ο αββάς Αντώνιος πρόκειται να φθάσεις σ αυτό το µέτρο» όπως και έγινε.πρόκοψε ο αββάς Αµµωνάς τόσο πολύ,ώστε από πολύ αγαθότητα να µη διακρίνει την κακία. Παράδειγµα χαρακτηριστικό είναι το εξής: Όταν έγινε ο ίδιος επίσκοπος, του έφεραν µια κοπέλα έγκυο και του λένε: «Τιµώρησέ την».κι εκείνος σταύρωσε την κοιλιά της και παρήγγειλε να της δώσουν δύο σεντόνια λέγοντας: «Μη τυχόν πάνω στη γέννα πεθάνει αυτή ή το βρέφος και δεν βρει τα απαραίτητα για την κηδεία». Του λένε τότε οι κατήγοροί της: «Γιατί το κανες αυτό; Βαλ της κανόνα». Κι εκείνος είπε : «Αδελφοί, βλέπετε ότι κινδυνεύει να πεθάνει, τι µπορώ εγώ να κάνω;» Και την άφησε να φύγει. Ποτέ δεν τόλµησε ο Γέροντας να καταδικάσει άνθρωπο. Πήγε κάποτε ο αββάς Αµµωνάς σε κάποιον τόπο για να γευµατίσει. Εκεί κοντά ήταν κι ένας αδελφός που είχε κακή φήµη. Συνέβη µάλιστα να πάει και να µπει στο κελί του αδελφού η γυναίκα για την οποία τον κακολογούσαν. Οι κάτοικοι της περιοχής µόλις το έµαθαν, ξεσηκώθηκαν και πήραν την απόφαση να διώξουν τον µοναχό από το κελί. Όταν πληροφορήθηκαν ότι ο επίσκοπος Αµµωνάς βρισκόταν στην περιοχή τους,πήγαν και τον παρακάλεσαν να πάει µαζί τους. Σαν τα έµαθε αυτά ο αδελφός, πήρε τη γυναίκα και την έκρυψε µέσα σ ένα µεγάλο πιθάρι. Κετέφθασε το πλήθος και ο αββάς Αµµωνάς αντιλήφθηκε τι συνέβη αλλά χάριν του Θεού σκέπασε το γεγονός. Μπήκε λοιπόν στο κελί του αδελφού, κάθισε πάνω στο πιθάρι και διέταξε να ερευνήσουν το κελί. Όταν όµως έψαξαν και δεν βρήκαν τη γυναίκα, τους είπε ο αββάς Αµµωνάς: «Τι συµβαίνει λοιπόν; Ο Θεός να σας συγχωρήσει». Και αφού προσευχήθηκε, αποµάκρυνε τον κόσµο. Έπιασε τότε από το χέρι τον αδελφό και του είπε: «Πρόσεχε την ψυχή σου, αδελφέ».και µε τον λόγο αυτόν έφυγε.

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6 Page 6 THE PHOS GREEK SCHOOL REPORT OXI Celebration It was with a great sense of National pride that on Saturday 29 October; we again commemorated the anniversary of OXI 28th October Our community hall once more facilitated this wonderful night of celebration and remembrance. Father Romanos was in attendance and Mrs Helen Raptis represented her husband, Mr Jim Raptis, the Honorary Consul General of Greece in Queensland. Also attending were representatives of AHEPA, the president and members of the committee of our community, the ladies of the auxiliary as well as many parents and friends and most of the children of the school. It was a great turnout for an eventful night. The last day of school will be on Wednesday 7 December, School in 2012 Enrolments will take place on Wednesday 25 January 2012 and classes will begin on Wednesday 1 February We look forward to seeing you all at our end of year concert. Michael Christoforou Principal Marlie Costan Deputy Principal MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL Our school children not only attended the event with enthusiasm and pride but they demonstrated impeccable behaviour throughout the night. They presented an entertaining cultural program which by all accounts was received with great success. We congratulate all the children for their hard work; we are very proud of their conscientious efforts. Furthermore, we extend our thanks to the dedicated hardworking teachers and all the parents who provide constant support for the students. AHEPA competition awards were presented at the end of the evening to the following students who excelled in the writing task. Seniors: 1st Eleni Penelope Tsolakidou (Year 6), 2nd Crystal Paris (Year 6), 3rd Demi Tamaresis (Year 1 Secondary Level) Juniors: 1st Dominic Lithcoe (Year 4), 2nd Dimitra Politakis (Year 4), 3rd Stephanie Sackley (Year 4) Prep Year 2: 1st Odyssia Prokopis (Year 1), 2nd Sophia Dakin (Year 1), 3rd Eliana Katsaneva (Yaer 1) AHEPA representatives made a substantial donation to our school which will be put towards the pedagogical needs of the students. We extend our sincere thanks to all those, who by their attendance honoured the memory of OXI. A special thank you to the ladies of the auxiliary who prepared a wonderful meal and to Mr and Mrs Nides who worked tirelessly to prepare for all aspects of the evening. THANKS As we approach the end of the school year, we think it fitting to take this opportunity to extend our gratitude and appreciation to the wonderful people who have helped our school throughout the year. There are many extraordinary people whose support is invaluable to our school community. We must mention our community committee members who provide constant support to our school, and who are always willing to satisfy the numerous needs that the school encounters. We also have to acknowledge Father Romanos, who generously offers us all spiritual guidance and the Ladies Auxiliary whose charitable assistance we could not do without. We cannot disregard the constant support provided by all parents, grandparents and friends who unfailingly transport the children to school every Wednesday afternoon and who assist when they are asked to. Our dedicated teachers are extremely grateful for this support which is kindly given by parents, grandparents and friends of our school. School Concert! Our end of year Christmas concert will take place on 4 December 2011 in our community hall immediately after the Sunday Liturgy. Αναφορά ΑEογευµατινού Σχολείου ΕΟΡΤΑΣΜΟΣ ΤΟΥ «ΟΧΙ» Με λαµπρότητα και εθνική περηφάνεια γιορτάσαµε κι εφέτος την Ιστορική Επέτειο του «ΟΧΙ», της 28ης Οκτωβρίου 1940, το Σάββατο 29 Οκτωβρίου 2011, στην Αίθουσα της Κοινότητάς µας. Στον εορτασµό παρευρέθηκαν ο Ιερέας µας, Πατήρ Ρωµανός, η Κα Ελένη Ράπτη, εκ µέρους του συζύγου της, Κου ηµήτρη Ράπτη- Επίτιµου Γενικού Προξένου της Ελλάδας στην Κουηνσλάνδη-, Εκπρόσωποι της Οργανώσεως ΑΧΕΠΑ, ο Πρόεδρος και Μέλη του ιοικητικού Συµβουλίου της Κοινίτητας, οι Κυρίες της Βοηθητικής Επιτροπής, πολλοί Γονείς και φίλοι, και τα πιο πολλά παιδιά του σχολείου µας. Τα παιδιά µας, τα οποία κατά την διάρκεια του εορτασµού επέδειξαν αξιοθαύµαστη πειθαρχία και συµπεριφορά, παρουσίασαν µε εξαιρετική επιτυχία ένα εθνικό, καλλιτεχνικό πρόγραµµα. Μπράβο Παιδιά!! Είµαστε περήφανοι για σας. Συγχαρητήρια αξίζουν επίσης και στους δασκάλους και στους γ ο ν ε ί ς π ο υ τ α π ρ ο ε τ ο ί µ α σ α ν. Κατά το τέλος της Εορτής, οι εκπρόσωποι της ΑΧΕΠΑ απένειµαν στα παιδιά τα βραβεία του «ιαγωνισµού της Αχέπα. Οι βραβευθέντες είναι οι ακόλουθοι: ΑΝΩΤΕΡΕΣ ΤΑΞΕΙΣ: 1. Ελένη Πηνελόπη Τσολακίδου (ΣΤ Τάξη) 2. Χρυσούλα Πάρη (ΣΤ Τάξη) 3. ήµητρα Tαµαρέση (Α Γυµνασίου) ΜΕΣΑΙΕΣ ΤΑΞΕΙΣ: 1. Dominic Lythcoe ( Τάξη) 2. ήµητρα Πολιτάκη ( Τάξη) 3. Στεφανία Σακελλαρίου ( Τάξη) ΠΡΟ. Β ΗΜ. 1. Οδυσσεία Προκόπη (Α Τάξη) 2. Σοφία Dakin (Α Τάξη) 3. Ηλιάνα Κατσανέβα (Α Τάξη) Οι εκπρόσωποι της Αχέπα συνεισέφεραν επίσης ένα σηµαντικό χρηµατικό ποσό για τις ανάγκες του σχολείου µας. Τους ευχαριστούµε πολύ. Ευχαριστούµε όλους όσους παρευρέθηκαν και τίµησαν την Ιστορική Επέτειο του «ΟΧΙ». Ένα ιδιαίτερο ευχαριστώ εκφράζουµε στις Κυρίες της Βουθητικής Επιτροπής που ετοίµασαν το γεύµα και στον Κο & Κα Nides, οι οποίοι έκαναν όλες τις απαραίτητες προετοιµασίες.

7 THE PHOS Page 7 EYΧΑΡΙΣΤΙΕΣ Καθώς πλησιάζουµε στο τέλος της σχολικής χρονιάς, θα θέλαµε να εκφράσουµε τις θερµές ευχαριστίες και την εκτίµησή µας προς τους υπέροχους ανθρώπους που έχουν βοηθήσει το σχολείο µας κατά τη διάρκεια του έτους.υπάρχουν πολλοί εξαιρετικοί άνθρωποι των οποίων η υποστήριξη είναι πολύτιµη για την σχολική κοινότητα µας.ευχαριστούµε τον Πρόεδρο και τα Μέλη του ιοικητικού Συµβουλίου της Κοινότητάς µας, οι οποίοι παρέχουν συνεχή υποστήριξη στο σχολείο µας, και οι οποίοι είναι πάντα πρόθυµοι να ικανοποιήσουν τις πολυάριθµες ανάγκες που αντιµετωπίζει το σχολείο. Πρέπει επίσης να αναγνωρίσουµε κι ευχαριστήσουµε τον Πατέρα Ρωµανό, που απλόχερα προσφέρει σε όλους µας πνευµατική καθοδήγηση και τις Κυρίες της Βοηθητικής Επιτροπής οι οποίες εργάζονται ακούραστα προσφέροντας αξιόλογη βοληθεια προς το σχολείο και στην κοινότητα γενικά. εν µπορούµε να αγνοήσουµε τη συνεχή υποστήριξη που παρέχεται από όλους τους παππούδες τους γονείς και τους φίλους, οι οποίοι µεταφέρουν τα παιδιά στο σχολείο κάθε Τετάρτη απόγευµα, και οι οποίοι προσφέρουν πάντοτε τη βοήθειά τους όταν τους ζητηθεί. Οι αφοσιωµένοι δάσκαλοί µας είναι εξαιρετικά ευγνώµονες για τη υποστήριξη αυτή η οποία προσφέρεται ευγενικά από τους παππούδες τους γονείς, και φίλους του σχολείου µας. ΣΧΟΛΙΚΗ ΕΟΡΤΗ: Η Σχολική µας Εορτή για τις Εορτές των Χριστουγέννων και τη Λήξη των Μαθηµάτων θα λάβει χώρα την Κυριακή 4 εκεµβρίου 2011, στην Κοινοτική Αίθουσα, ακριβώς µετά το πέρας της Θείας Λειτουργίας. Η τελευταία ηµέρα λειτουργίας του Σχολείου θα είναι η Τετάρτη 7 εκεµβρίου, ΣΧΟΛΙΚΟ ΕΤΟΣ 2012 Οι Εγγραφές θα αρχίσουν την Τετάρτη 25 Ιανουαρίου 2012 ( και θα συνεχίζονται) και τα τακτικά Μαθήµατα την επόµενη Τετάρτη 1 Φεβρουαρίου, Αναµένουµε να σας δούµε όλους στη γιορτή µας! Εκ της ιευθύνσεως του Σχολείου Μ. Χριστοφόρου Μάρλη Κώσταν ιευθυντής Υποδιευθύντρια ΚΑΛΑ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΑ ΣΕ ΟΛΟΥΣ St Anna Kids & Teens (Junior Youth Group) staged its first Greek Junior MasterChef on Sunday 16 October This event attracted just over 100 members of the community with 44 Kids and Teens donning aprons and hats, to cook up a storm on the dance floor of our community hall. With the grateful assistance of parents and grandparents, the Teens (9-13yrs) filled the hall with delicious aromas of freshly baked Anthithero, Baklava, Pastitsio, Flaounes and Koliva. Our Kids teams (5-8yrs) mastered the art of rolling Koulourakia, finishing off Kouriambethes, Melomokarona and making Koliva and Tiropita triangles. Congratulations go to the winners of our Teen challenge! In first place were Panayoti and Kristopher Smart, followed by Jenny Tsolakidis and Crystal Paris in second place and Isabel Voukelatos and Cristina Vinaccia in third place. In the midst of this cooking frenzy the children also had the opportunity to participate in presentations by Father Romanos. Father presented on the significance of food within the Orthodox faith and the concept of spiritual food. The children were also introduced to our celebrity chef, St Euphrosynus, the Cook! A big, well deserved THANK YOU must go to the organising team of wonderful Mums and Dads, to all those parents and grandparents who assisted on the day, and to those members of the Ladies Auxiliary who judged the Teen Challenge. St Anna Kids and Teens would also like to thank Cominos Olive Groves, Ocean Grill, Pizza Stop and the Ladies Auxiliary for prizes donated toward the Teen Challenge and Raffle held on the day. While proceeds from the day were put toward the costs to stage this activity, the event did also manage to make a small contribution of $377 our St Anna. Sally Cominos Dakin

8 Page 8 THE PHOS I am pleased to advise that we have had another good year. For this I have to congratulate all our committee (Con, Sophia, Nitsa, Anna and Sophia) for their hard work and the way they work together to achieve our goals. I would also like to thank all the other people who assist on a regular basis, the Philoctophos for their support and Sharon for assisting us will all the office work. I would also like to thank all of our members as without them we wouldn t have a Senior Citizens group. At this time of year we also remember our past Senior Citizens who are no longer with us. We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy & Healthy New Year and look forward to seeing everyone next year. Vaso Kyriakou President HAVE YOU CHANGED YOUR ADDRESS? PLEASE LET US KNOW AT admin@gocstanna.org Computer Problems? Ring Nick Sarafoudis NCS SERVICES Advertisement SPDC (Surfers Paradise Dental Centre) Nicholas Kyriakou celebrated his 95th birthday with our Senior Citizens group on Tuesday 15th November. Proudly Supports The Greek Orthodox Community of St. Anna Senior Citizens 6 Dec We meet at our Hall at am. BYO Food. 6 Δεκ Θά συναντηθούμε στο χώλ μας 10,30 π.μ. με τα φαγητά μας 13 Dec Christmas Break Up at Food Fantasy Restaurant at Jupiters Casino Broadbeach. Regular Member $15 Visitors $25 13 Δεκ Christmas Break Up at Food Fantasy Restaurant at Jupiters Casino Broadbeach. Regular Member $15 Visitors $25 17 Jan We meet at our Hall at am. BYO Food 17 Ιαν Θά συναντηθούμε στο χώλ μας 10,30 π.μ. με τα φαγητά μας 24 Jan We meet at our Hall at am. BYO Food 24 Ιαν Θά συναντηθούμε στο χώλ μας 10,30 π.μ. με τα φαγητά μας 29 Jan We meet at our Hall at am. The Committee will be providing Lunch 29 Ιαν Θά συναντηθούμε στο χώλ μας 10,30 π.μ, το συμβούλιο θα προσφέρει γεύμα. Father Romanos Stergiou Parish Priest Phone: Mobile: Fax: father@gocstanna.org Office Hours: by appointment please call directly