KPHTH. Remembering George Chryssis Αφιέρωμα στήν μνήμη τού Γιώργου Χρύση. official publication of the pancretan association of america

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1 KPHTH official publication of the pancretan association of america OCTOBER Remembering George Chryssis Αφιέρωμα στήν μνήμη τού Γιώργου Χρύση KPHTH 1

2 pancretan association of america Enosis of Crete Commemorative Holiday Issue KPHTH official publication of the pancretan association of america INSTRUCTIONS: Please or send this form with payment no later than the November 1, 2013 deadline to To place an ad, contact your respective District Governor or Holiday Journal Edition Chair: Helene Semanderes (724) District 1: Kostas Pitaridis (413) District 2: Maria Stratoudakis (718) District 3: Maria Vamvakis (330) District 4: Mike Manoukarakis (847) District 5: George Liodakis (801) District 6: Roxanne Koston (650) District 7: James Boutzoukas (727) SPONSOR S INFORMATION Chapter Name: First Name: Last Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Telephone: Fax: Check Number: Please type or print your message and submit a photo. Photos should be at least 4 x6, at least 300 dpi and in JPEG format. photos along with sponsor s information to KH2013@pancretan.org. The Pancretan Association of America, Inc. (PAA) is a 501(c)8 non-profit fraternal organization Your donation to the 2013 PAA KPHTH Holiday issue supports the continual mission and programs of the organization. Your donation may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by the IRS. Seek the guidance of your accountant or a professional financial advisor regarding tax questions. HOLIDAY EDITION Donation Please select one of the following and payment information and instructions along the bottom of the page [ ] $300 Full Page* [ ] $175 ½ Page [ ] $100 ¼ Page [ ] $1500 Back Outside Cover [ ] $1000 Back Inside Cover [ ] $500 VIP Full Page PLEASE SELECT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING: [ ] PAA Board or Chapter [ ] Individual or Family [ ] Business or Professional PAYMENT INFORMATION Make Check Payable To: PANCRETAN ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA Mail Check to: Helene Semanderes 34 Kirkwood Drive, Washington, PA *$250 if paid in full by Nov. 1; $300 if payment is received after Nov. 1 No Ads will be accepted after November 30, Consider this ad your invoice. Once filled out please make sure to send in payment. Thank you! 2 KPHTH October 2013

3 συντελεστές 3. JOHN MANOS DEMITRIS HATZIS Demitris is a member of Minos-Crete in Springfield, Mass. He s served two terms as District 1 Governor, was a council member and the chapter s scholarship chairman. A graduate of the Technical School ΟΜΗΡΟΣ of Nea Ionia, he attended STCC College and is a quality control manager. Demitris is married to Patricia and has four children: Vasilios, Alexander, Nicholas and Despina, who are all members of Minos-Crete Youth. 2. DIANE KOUNALAKIS Diane is the Cretan Alumni Network chair for the PAA and an active volunteer with the Epimenides/Ariadne Chapter in San Francisco. She currently serves on the Board of Peninsula Family Service, a social service agency in San Mateo County. She is married to Jeff Baxter and has two children, Antonios and Victoria. John was born in Rethymno, Crete, and emmigrated to Chicago in He is president of Bank Financial, and also a co-owner of a chain of supermarkets in the Chicago area. Most recently he served as president of the PAA from 2011 to He is an Archon, and currently serves on the executive board of the United Hellenic Voters of America and is a member of various banking and real estate organizations. He lives in Bloomingdale, Ill., with his wife, Elena, and has three children, Patricia, George and Eleni. 4. GEORGE VUTETAKIS George is a vegetarian chef and author. He has applied his culinary skills by merging the foods of his Cretan heritage with fresh, organic ingredients. Chef George is currently the director of research and development for Garden Fresh Gourmet. His highly acclaimed cookbook, Vegetarian Traditions, can be ordered through his website and popular blog 3 pancretan association of america Headquarters: St Street, Astoria, NY OFFICERs OF THE PAA NATIONAL PRESIDENT: JOHN S. SARGETIS Tel. (916) j.sargetis@comcast.net FIRST VICE PRESIDENT: JOHN G. VOMVOLAKIS Tel. (203) Vomv@aol.com SECOND VICE PRESIDENT: STAVROS ANTONAKAKIS Tel. (609) stavros@kphth.org THIRD VICE PRESIDENT: NIKOLAOS VERIKAKIS Tel. (419) nverikakis@buckeye-express.com GENERAL SECRETARY: ERASMIA C. NOVOTNY Tel. (248) Erasmia@aol.com Send Pancretan Association related correspondence to: 8530 Sharon Drive, White Lake, MI TREASURER: GEORGE STILIANUDAKIS Tel. (718) gstilianudakis1@gmail.com WOMEN S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: ZAHAROULA MARMATAKIS Tel. (732) zcrete@optonline.net GENERAL SUPERVISOR: ELEFTHERIOS DRAMITINOS Tel. (714) terry4biz@yahoo.com LEGAL ADVISOR: MARINA CONDAS GIANOULIS Tel. (801) marinasparta@gmail.com AUDITOR GENERAL: JERRY MAKRIS CPA Tel. (727) makriscpa@aol.com PYA PRESIDENT: KATERINA MAKRIDAKIS Tel. (330) aikaterinimak@hotmail.com YOUTH SUPERVISOR EAST COAST: TERRY STRATOUDAKIS Tel. (347) terrystratoudakis@gmail.com YOUTH SUPERVISOR WEST COAST: XANTHIPPI GELASAKIS Tel. (916) xmeraklina@aol.com PAA DISTRICT GOVERNORS District 1: KOSTAS PITARIDIS Tel. (413) kpitaridis@aol.com District 2: MARIA STRATOUDAKIS Tel. (718) mournies@hotmail.com District 3: MARIA VAMVAKIS Tel. (330) mvamvakis@yahoo.com District 4: MIKE MANOUKARAKIS Tel. (847) mike @yahoo.com District 5: GEORGE LIODAKIS Tel. (801) georgeliodakis@aol.com District 6: ROXANNE KOSTON Tel. (650) roxannekoston@hotmail.com District 7: JAMES BOUTZOUKAS Tel. (727) anomeros1944@gmail.com PAA CHAIRS PAA FOUNDATION, INC: EMMANUEL E. VELIVASAKIS Tel. (914) evelivasakis@gmail.com CULTURE & EDUCATION: HARALAMBOS (BOB) MARKAKIS bob.markakis@outlook.com INVESTMENTS BOARD: JOHN RUSSON Tel. (314) johnrusson@yahoo.com SCHOLARSHIP FUND: MIA BOUTZOUKAS Tel. (727) crete1@aol.com INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: NICHOLAS POLYCHRONAKIS Tel. (347) npolychronakis@gmail.com PANCRETAN ENDOWMENT FUND: DR. GEORGE PAPADANTONAKIS Tel. (312) geoapap@yahoo.com PHILANTHROPIC FUND: EVANGELIA ALPOGIANIS Tel. (773) emalpo@aol.com STRATEGIC PLANNING: KOSTAS TRAVAYIAKIS Tel. (781) ktravayiakis@yahoo.com CRETAN ALUMNI NETWORK (CAN): DIANE KOUNALAKIS Tel. (650) kounalakis@comcast.net PAA CRETE REPRESENTATIVE: IPPOKRATIS BELADAKIS Tel. 011 (30) ippokratisbeladakis@gmail.com Monthly submissions should be sent no later than the 5th of each month. For advertising opportunities, magazine policies and procedures visit or call Stavros Antonakakis (609) Send chapter news, photos, stories, letters or advertising submissions to: KM@PANCRETAN.ORG KPHTH MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO THE CRETAN LIFE Editorial STAFF Alexa Ganos Executive Editor alexa@kphth.org Nikos Kapelonis Zaharoula Marmatakis Amalia Deligiannis Managing Editor amalia@kphth.org Tina Katsounakis Helen Ranney Cali Pappas DESIGN EDITOR cali@kphth.org Editorial Board & Advisory Committee Rema Manousakis Helene Semanderes KPHTH (CRETE) USPS is published by the Pancretan Association of America (PAA) Inc., ten times a year. The annual rate is $20 member / $50 non-member / $80 international. Call (248) to subscribe. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Erasmia C. Novotny, 8530 Sharon Drive, White Lake, MI Periodical Postage Paid at Waterford, MI and additonal mailing offices. YEAR 84th - NO 841 October 2013 Joseph Sifis Antonakakis KRI KRI EDITOR sifis@kphth.org SCAN BARCODE TO VISIT OUR SITE Contributors

4 President s Message John Sargetis PAA President j.sargetis@comcast.net 100 Years Ago Crete United with Greece Why We Should Celebrate One hundred years ago, in December 1913, the Orthodox inhabitants of Crete united with the nation of Greece. The PAA will celebrate the Enosis with a series of events from coast to coast across the United States. The PAA will commemorate this anniversary at our National Board Meeting events the weekend of November 2 and 3 in Los Angeles, highlighted by a gala dinner at the St. Sophia Cathedral Hall. On November 13, a Symposium on the Unification of Crete is planned at the University of Illinois in Chicago, hosted by all the local chapters. In addition, a photo presentation and viewing of Dimitris Haronitis film, The Rise of the Greek Flag Over Firka Castle in Chania, Union of Crete with Greece, is being held on November 14 at the Hellenic Community House hosted by the Cretan Fraternity of Chicago. Cretan chapters around the country will also be celebrating the enosis in conjunction with their annual events. PAA s observance of Crete s unification anniversary culminates in a weekend celebration in New York, beginning with a symposium at the United Nations on December 5, a gala dinner on December 6, where the PAA will present the Venizelos and Kazantzakis awards, a special presentation at the Omonoia Chapter on December 7, hosted by the Cultural Committees of the New York and New Jersey chapters, and a memorial Church service at the Archdiocese Cathedral on December 8. However, these celebrations are not just for Cretans. They are not even just for Greeks. The whole world needs to celebrate the enosis as a reminder of the meaning of freedom and our island s perseverance in reaching that goal. Crete fought countless battles for hundreds of years to first free themselves of their Ottoman occupiers. For 400 years, generation after generation of Cretans never gave up their struggle. They resisted assimilation with the Ottoman culture and religion. A dozen generations never experienced true freedom, yet they never gave up their religion or language. I think back on how my ancestors in Crete survived and try to imagine the depth of their strength and belief. They fought for freedom and died by the thousands. When they blew themselves up at Arkadi, the occupiers of Crete and the rest of the world got the message loud and clear that the Cretans would never stop fighting for their freedom. We are all here because of the sacrifices of those generations of Orthodox Cretans. Let us not take for granted what we have and, once in a while in our busy lives, stop for a second and say a prayer or reflect on those who struggled through those hundreds of years of tyranny to preserve our religion, our language and the culture we are all so proud of. One hundred years is a milestone that is cause alone to celebrate. But we have another reason to celebrate: and that is what the Cretans have accomplished in these 100 years. Immediately what comes to mind are the legacies of Venizelos and Kazantzakis, the heroism displayed for the world to see during the Battle of Crete, the establishment of a world-class university in all three major cities as well as the doctors of medicine and other professions it has produced, the preservation and worldwide recognition of its music and dances, the Mediterranean diet, world renown beaches and hotels, and the pride and charisma of the old villager dressed in black or the little boy or girl in a Cretan stoli. The Cretans of the past kept the flame of freedom and liberty from dying out for 400 years, although the occupiers tried with all they had to douse it. In the last 100 years, the Cretans took that barely-lit candle that was used at night to secretly read the Bible and teach their children, and created a bonfire--a perpetual flame that has lit up the whole world and will never be extinguished. K 4 KPHTH October 2013

5 Μήνυμα Προέδρου 100 χρόνια απο την Ενωση της Κρήτης με την Ελλάδα Γιατί θα πρέπει να γιορτάσομε Πριν 100 χρόνια, το Δεκέμβριο του 1913, οι Χριστιανοί κάτοικοι της Κρήτης ενώθηκαν με την Ελλάδα. Τήν σημαντική αυτή επέτειο γιορτάζουν οι Κρήτες όλου του κόσμου. Η ΠΕΑ θα γιορτάσει την «Ένωση» με μια σειρά εκδηλώσεων σε όλη την Αμερική. Θα τιμήσει την επέτειο αυτή στη συνεδρίαση του Διοικητικού Συμβουλίου στίς 2 και 3 Νοεμβρίου στό Λος Άντζελες, με επίσημο δείπνο στο χώλ τού Καθεδρικού Ναού τής Αγίας Σοφίας. Στις 13 Νοεμβρίου, έχει προγραμματιστεί ενα συμπόσιο για την Ένωση της Κρήτης απο όλους τους τοπικούς συλλόγους τού Σικάγου, στο Πανεπιστήμιο του Illinois. Παρουσίαση φωτογραφιών και προβολή της ταινίας του Δημήτρη Χαρωνίτη, H Υψωσης της Ελληνικής σημαίας στο Κάστρο τού Φιρκά στα Χανιά, η Ενωσης της Κρήτης με την Ελλάδα θα παρουσιαστεί στις 14 Νοεμβρίου στο Ελληνικό Κοινοτικό Σπίτι από την Κρητική Αδελφότητα του Σικάγο. Ολοι οι Κρητικοί σύλλογοι στις ΗΠΑ θα γιορτάσουν την «Ενωση» σε συνδυασμό με τις ετήσιες εκδηλώσεις τους. Οι εκδηλώσεις τής Παγκρητικής για την επέτειο, κορυφώνονται στη Νέα Υόρκη με συμπόσιο στα Ηνωμένα Εθνη στις 5 Δεκεμβρίου, επίσημο δείπνο στις 6 Δεκεμβρίου και απονομή βραβείων «Βενιζέλος» και «Καζαντζάκης», με ειδική παρουσίαση στις 7 Δεκεμβρίου από την Μικτή Πολιτιστική επιτροπή τών Κρητικών σωματείων της Νέας Υόρκης και Νέας Υερσέης, και με επιμνημώσυνη δέηση και δοξολογία στον Καθεδρικό της Νεας Υορκης, στις 8 Δεκεμβρίου. Οι εορταστικές αυτές εκδηλώσεις δεν είναι μόνο για Κρητικούς, ή μόνο για Έλληνες. Όλος ο κόσμος θα πρέπει να γιορτάσει την «Ένωση», αφ ενός μεν ως αναγνώριση τής έννοιας τής Ελευθερίας και αφ ετέρου της αυταπάρνησης τών τότε κατοίκων τού νησιού μας για την επίτευξη αυτού του στόχου. Η Κρήτη εδωσε αμέτρητες μάχες για εκατοντάδες χρόνια για να απελευθερωθή από τούς Οθωμανούς κατακτητές. Για 400 χρόνια οι Κρητικοί δεν εγκατέλειψαν τον αγώνα τους, αντιστάθηκαν στήν αφομοίωση απο την Οθωμανική κουλτούρα και θρησκεία και παρ ολο πού γενεές ολόκληρες δεν γνώρισαν την αληθινή ελευθερία, ποτέ δεν εγκατέλειψαν τη θρησκεία και τη γλώσσα τους. Αναλογίζομε το πώς οι πρόγονοί μας στην Κρήτη κατάφεραν να επιζήσουν και προσπαθώ να καταλάβω το βάθος της δύναμης και της πίστης τους. Χιλιάδες πολέμησαν και έχασαν τη ζωή τους για την ελευθερία. Με το Ολοκαύτωμα τού Αρκαδίου, οι κατακτητές της Κρήτης αλλα και ο υπόλοιπος κόσμος πήρε το αντράνταχο μήνυμα ότι οι Κρητικοί ποτέ δεν θα σταματήσουν να αγωνίζονται για την ελευθερία. Εμεις υπάρχομε σήμερα, λόγω των θυσιών που υπέστησαν εκείνες οι γενεές τών Κρητικών. Ας μην θεωρούμε δεδομένο ό, τι έχουμε και, ας προσευχηθουμε για όσους αγωνίστηκαν ολα αυτα τα χρόνια τής τυραννίας να διατηρήσουν τη θρησκεία, τη γλώσσα και τον πολιτισμό που είμαστε όλοι τόσο υπερήφανοι. Τα 100 χρόνια είναι ένα ορόσημο που απο μόνο του γιορτάζεται. Αλλά εμείς έχομε έναν επιπλέον λόγο: και αυτό είναι τα επιτεύγματα τών Κρητικών σ αυτά τα 100 χρόνια. Ειναι η παρακαταθήκη τού Βενιζέλου και του Καζαντζάκη, ο ηρωισμός τών Κρητικών στην Μάχης της Κρήτης, η δημιουργία πανεπιστημιακών σχολών αναδεικνύοντας διακεκριμμένους γιατρους και επιστήμονες διεθνούς βελινεκού, η παγκόσμια αναγνώριση τής μεσογειακής διατροφής, η τουριστική ανάπτυξη του νησιού με τής παγκοσμίας φήμης παραλίες και ξενοδοχεία, η διατήρηση και συνέχιση τής μουσικής, τών χορών και τής παραδοσιακής Κρητικής ενδυμασίας. Οι τότε Κρητικοί με την αυτοθυσία τους διατήρησαν τη φλόγα τής ελευθερίας και της ανεξαρτησίας ζωντανή για 400 χρόνια. Κατά τα τελευταία 100 χρόνια, ενώ οι Κρητικοί ξεκίνησαν με ενα μισο-αναμμένο κερί που χρησιμοποιούσαν τη νύχτα για να διαβάζουν κρυφά την Αγία Γραφή και να διδάσκουν τα παιδιά τους, δημιούργησαν τέτοια λάμψη και φλόγα που μεταδώθηκε σε όλο τον κόσμο και δεν θα σβήσει ποτέ. K KPHTH 5

6 περιεχομενα γραμματα Contents KPHTH official publication of the pancretan association of america October President s Message Mήνυμα Προέδρου 04 Message From PAA President John Sargetis Letters Γράμματα 6 Letters to the Scholarship Committee Cover Story Εξώφυλλο 7 A Brilliant Star 9 Ενα Λαμπρό Άστρο In Memoriam Eις Μνημην 11 In Memoriam: George Chryssis Special Report Ρεπορτάζ 13 PEF News 13 Andy Manatos Receives AHEPA Public Advocacy Award 20 ΟΧΙ Day 21 Οι Έλληνες στο Β Παγκόσμιο Πόλεμο Τιμώνοντας μια σύγχρονη ιστορία για την Ελευθερία και τη Δημοκρατία παράλληλη με το θάρρος του Δαβίδ εναντίον του Γολιάθ. From the Board Νέα Συμβούλιου 14 Message from the PAA s 43rd Biennial Business Affairs Chair 15 Constitution and Bylaws Amendments Cretan Cuisine Κρητική Κουζίνα 22 Vegetarian Delights 16 KRI KRI ΚΡΙ ΚΡΙ Donors Δωρητές 23 Donations Calendar Ημερολόγιο 25 PAA Chapter Events Chapter Profile Προφίλ Συλλόγου 26 Epimenides/Ariadne Chapter News Νέα Συλλόγων 29 PAA Chapter News Scholarship Thank You Letters Dear PAA Scholarship Committee, I wanted to thank the entire PAA Scholarship Committee for their very generous support in awarding me a 2013 PAA Scholarship. I received the scholarship in honor of Demetrios and Eleni Manousakis and Elefterios Velivasakis. I am very honored to have received this award supported by two outstanding Cretan families of the PAA. My grandfather, Antonios Kounalakis, and my mother, Diane Kounalakis, have been very actively involved with the PAA for a very long time and I hope to be able to follow in their footsteps. They have taught me over the years the importance of the PAA in our lives and in our community. I have enjoyed participating at national conventions and in local philanthropic projects. The PAA Scholarship will help me out a lot as I begin my studies this fall in finance at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Many thanks again for your continued support and for this outstanding scholarship. Special thanks to my grandparents, who inspire me and who make me so proud to be Cretan. My best regards, Antonios Nectarios Baxter Dear PAA, I would like to thank you for being honored as a recipient of the Venizelion Scholarship. I also would like to thank the Varouh family for the scholarship in memory of Mr. George Varouh. I am a freshman at Appalachian State University in North Carolina, with plans to pursue a degree in exercise science. I look forward to one day being able to donate back to the scholarship program myself. The love of our Cretan heritage and culture is something that will always be a part of my life. Thank you, Sincerely, Dionysis Protopapadakis letters SPECIAL EVENT UPDATE 1-7 Details on the 100th Centennial Celebration in New York 6 KPHTH October 2013

7 ΕΞΩΦΥΛΛΟ A Brilliant Star Remembering Former PAA President George Christopher Chryssis COVER STORY Photos Courtesy Chryssis Family DEMITRIS HATZIS These few pages can t begin to scratch the surface of this multitalented businessman, author, poet, entrepreneur, inventor, publisher, philanthropist and family man. This is simply an attempt to celebrate the life of a brilliant star, George C. Chryssis. It was the summer of 1995 in Modesto, Calif., and George Chryssis had just been elected president of the Pancretan Association of America. George had announced weeks earlier that he was a candidate for the top post of the PAA, and when all the votes were counted, he was the clear winner. With his signature smile of achievement, George humbly thanked his fellow members for his success. George ascended through the hierarchy of the PAA rather quickly, having served as a member of the board on Rathamanthus Ide, his local chapter, and later as District 1 governor. He was different from his predecessors in many ways. His disarming smile could calm the most forceful opponent. Without raising his voice, he captivated his audience with his calm, soothing tone. He could present his point of view in a very eloquent and aristocratic way, but most importantly he spoke through his actions. A new force just arrived on the PAA horizon, but his journey had not been easy. It began many years ago as the old truck was climbing the narrow winding roads that connect the villages in the Chania prefecture of Crete. It was loaded with the day s catch fresh from the port a wide variety of fish that had to be delivered by the day s end since refrigeration had not yet arrived to these almost forgotten villages. Life in Crete in the 1950s was an everyday struggle. The country had just emerged from a devastating war and everyone had to do whatever they could to earn a living, so the truck driver went from village to village delivering fish. This driver s precious cargo however was not the load of smelts and sardines; it was a young boy perched on the front seat with a book in his hands, eager to help his father on his daily route. George was the eldest child of Christoforos Chryssis, from the village of Kalyves and Ourania, Kamisakis of Ntere. He was born in the small village of Ntere he was actually born in the village schoolhouse. Perhaps it was a sign of things to come since most of his life was associated with centers of learning. Books provided George with a window to the rest of the world and his mind traveled freely to faraway lands. He spent most of his life in the city of Chania, where his family resided, and was one of the few who could speak English at that time. As it turned out, speaking English was a very valuable asset. During the filming of Zorba the Greek he served as the unofficial translator to the English speaking crew. Perhaps it was this particular instance that made George dream of a better life in America. Years later he had the opportunity to meet Anthony Quinn and the American crew who had stayed at a small inn at the end of his street. His aunt, Helen Vardalas, from Somerville, Mass., knew how passionate George was about coming to America to expand his education, so she sent him some college information. Shortly after graduation from gymnasio, he arrived in Boston with his heart full of dreams and his mind full of determination. George proved to be an exceptional student and his KPHTH 7

8 leadership qualities were soon evident. He first enrolled at the Franklin Institute. It was his first opportunity at an American school and ironically, it would be where George served as president the last two years of his life. Although he was true to his studies, he was also true to his responsibilities back home. George, like all able-bodied Greek citizens, was drafted by the Hellenic armed forces, and he returned to Greece to serve as a communications officer, gaining valuable experience and refining his organizational skills. Knowledge is power and power is wealth was one of his favorite quotes, and he repeated it often. He understood that the best way to achieve meaningful change is through learning and experience. He worked diligently toward gaining a wealth of knowledge, which did not come easy. He worked three different jobs just to earn his living and tuition expenses. After he received a certificate from Franklin Institute, he eagerly enrolled at Northeastern University, where he participated in the University s co-op program. George would remain forever grateful for all the opportunities he received at Northeastern. He eventually earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree in electrical engineering and, later in life, he served on the Board of Trustees for many years. He also earned an associates degree from Wentworth Institute of Technology and years later was awarded a much deserved honorary doctorate of engineering technology degree. In addition, he served on the Board of Trustees at Wentworth Institute, vice president of executive affairs, and managed its Center for Community and Learning Partnerships. Shortly after he completed his studies, George utilized his entrepreneurial skills to advance in the technology industry. He worked in his field of expertise, fiber optics and software, and established several high technology industries, including Intelco, Del- Com Corporation, Itergon Corporation, and Arcadian Capital Management. Academic and professional achievements aside, George would attest that his greatest accomplishment was his family. He met his future wife, Margo Sayegh, a Lebanese immigrant, through a colleague and their blossoming love led to marriage. Margo Chryssis is the rock that George built his life around and she provided the support for all his dreams and aspirations. Together they have three children, Rania, Lily and Alexander, and two grandchildren, Theo and Luke. George s children were the center of his life. He bestowed on them the importance of education and the perseverance to do their best. The Pancretan Association of America was very fortunate to have a leader like George, who integrated the organization into the 21st century with ground breaking ideas such as the Century Club, which included the three endowment funds of the PAA. He was also very instrumental in passing a resolution in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives for the recognition of the Battle of Crete as a pivotal battle of World War II. For his tireless civic, volunteer and philanthropic work, George received many recognitions and citations, including the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor. He was also the recipient of the PAA District 1 Minoan Award. He served as Trustee of Anatolia College of Greece, the Hellenic College and Holy Cross School of Theology and, on March 5, 2000, was conferred as fellow 8 KPHTH October 2013

9 ΕΞΩΦΥΛΛΟ Ενα Λαμπρό Άστρο Γιώργος Χριστοφόρου Χρύσης ΔΗΜΗΤΡΗΣ ΧΑΤΖΗΣ COVER STORY Images of George Chryssis over the the years. (From left to right): George as a child in Crete; George while serving in the Greek army; George and Margo Chryssis wedding day; and a family photo: (Left to right) Alex Chryssis, Lindsay Chryssis, Margo Chryssis, George Chryssis, Lily Chryssis, Rania Makkas, Luke Makkas. In front: Many and Theo Makkas. Photos Courtesy Chryssis family. Archon by his Eminence Archbishop Demitrios. His true passion was education. He established scholarships for students of Hellenic descent at both of his alma maters Northeastern University and Wentworth Institute as well as the PAA. His life came full circle, where he began his American journey, at the Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology. On Jan. 1, 2011, he was elected president among many applicants. Where else can someone begin as a student and years later come back as president? Only in America was his comment upon his appointment as president of the institute. George C. Chryssis touched the lives of many in very meaningful ways, including yours truly. His advice, his guidance, his support was always on target and his legacy will be with us forever. George was an ordinary man who achieved extraordinary accomplishments. The next time you find yourself staring at the night sky, particularly over the village of Ntere, look for that brilliant star that bathes your face with its soft light; that s George Chryssis smiling upon this earth, and who with his life s work made this world a better place for all of us. K Aυτες οι λίγες γραμμές δεν ειναι αρκετές να περιγράψουν και να αναλύσουν την πολυτάλαντη φυσιογνωμία τού επιχειρηματία, συγγραφέα, ποιητή, εφευρέτη, εκδότη, φιλάνθρωπου, και οικογενειάρχη. Ειναι απλώς μια προσπάθεια να τιμήσουμε την ζωή ενος λαμπερού αστέρα, τού Γιώργου Χριστοφόρου Χρύση. Το καλοκαιρι του 1995 στο Μοδέστο της Καλιφόρνιας ο Γιώργος Χρύσης μόλις είχε κερδίσει τις εκλογές για την προεδρία τής Παγκρητικής. Μολις πριν λιγες εβδομάδες είχε αναγγείλει οτι θα ήταν υποψήφιος για το ανώτατο αξίωμα της ΠΕΑ και το αποτέλεσμα τής κάλπης έδειξε καθαρά οτι ο Γιώργος ηταν ο καινούργιος πρόεδρος. Με το χαμόγελο ικανοποίησης ζωγραφισμένο στο πρόσωπό του και με την μετριοφροσύνη που τον διέκρινε ευχαρίστησε ολα τα μελη που συνέβαλαν στην επιτυχια του. Ο Γιώργος διασκέλισε την αξιωματική κλίμακα τής Παγκρητικής άνετα και σε σύντομο χρονικό διάστημα υπηρετώντας πρώτα στον τοπικό του σύλλογο Ροδαμανθος Ιδη και αργότερα διετέλεσε και Κυβερνήτης τής Πρώτης Περιφέρειας. Ηταν κατ εξοχήν διαφορετικός απο τους προκατόχους του. Πάντα με ένα αφοπλιστικό χαμόγελο στο πρόσωπό του, που ηταν ικανό να καλμάρει και τον πιό δραστικό αντίπαλό του. Καθήλωνε τους ακροατές του με την απαλή ζεστασιά της φωνής του. Η ρητορική ευγλωτία τού έδινε την δυνατότητα να παρουσιάσει επίμαχα θέματα με ενα χαρακτηριστικό αριστοκρατικό τρόπο, αλλά πάντα εκφραζόταν οχι μόνο με λόγια αλλά με έργα. Μια καινούργια και δυναμική προσωπικότητα έκανε την εμφάνιση στον ορίζοντα της ΠΕΑ αλλα η αφετηρία ηταν πολυ μακρυά και το ταξίδι επίπονο. Το γέρικο φορτηγό ανηφόριζε τους κακοτράχαλους KPHTH 9

10 ΕΞΩΦΥΛΛΟ COVER STORY Standing: Emmanuel Velivasakis, Sitting (left to right): Former First Ladies Ethel Stamis and Margo Chryssis and Former PAA President George Chryssis. δρόμους που συνδέουν τα Χανιώτικα χωριά, φορτωμένο με φρέσκα ψάρια πού επρεπε να διανεμηθούν αυθημερόν μιάς και τα ψυγεία ήταν ακόμη δυσεύρετα σε αυτά τα απομακρυσμένα χωριουδάκια. Η χώρα μόλις ειχε βγεί απο τίς δύσκολες συνθήκες του δευτέρου παγκοσμίου πολέμου και ο καθένας έκανε οτι μπορούσε για να επιβιώσει. Το πολύτιμο φορτίο τού οδηγού δεν ήταν οι σαρδέλες και τα μπαρμπούνια αλλά το νεαρό αγόρι καθισμένο στη θέση τού συνοδηγού με ενα ανοιγμένο βιβλίο στα χέρια του, πρόθυμος πάντα να συντροφεύει τον πατέρα του στην καθημερινή διανομή. Ο Γιώργος ηταν ο πρωτότοκος γιος τού Χριστοφόρου Χρύση απο τις Καλύβες, και της Ουρανίας Καμισακης απο το Ντερε. Εκει πρωτοείδε το φως τής μέρας και μάλιστα γεννήθηκε μέσα στο σχολείο τού χωριού. Ισως το γεγονός αυτό να μην ήταν τυχαίο μιάς και η ζωη του ηταν αλληλοσυνένδετη με εκπαιδευτικά κέντρα. Τα βιβλία παρείχαν στον Γιώργο μια πηγή μάθησης και του έδιναν την ευκαιρία να ταξιδέψει νοερώς σε χώρες μακρινές. Τα μαθητικά του χρόνια τα πέρασε στα Χανια οπου διέμεναν οι γονεις του, και ήταν απο τους λίγους που ειχαν καταφέρει να μάθει την Αγγλική γλώσσα, κατι που θα αποδειχθεί πολύτιμο προσόν. Ηταν ο ανεπίσημος διερμηνέας κατά τα γυρίσματα τής ταινίας «Ζορμπάς». Ισως η ευχάριστη συναναστροφή με τους κορυφαίους Αμερικανούς ηθοποιούς να τού κέντρισε το ενδιαφέρον για μια καλύτερη ζωή στην Αμερική. Η αδελφή τού πατέρα του, Ελενη Βαρδαλας απο το Somerville MA εγνώριζε το πόθο τού Γιώργου για ανώτερες σπουδές και τον παρότρυνε να γραφτεί σε ενα Αμερικάνικο κολλέγιο. Ετσι λοιπόν μόλις αποφοίτησε απο το γυμνάσιο αποβιβάστηκε στην Βοστώνη με την καρδιά γεμάτη όνειρα και με αποφασιστικότητα να διαπρέψει σε όλους τούς τομείς. Εγράφτηκε στο Franklin Institute, ηταν επιμαθής και επιμελής και τα αρχηγικά του προτερήματα ηταν εμφανή. Ηταν η πρώτη του επαφή με την Αμερικάνικη εκπαίδευση και μάλιστα στο ιδιο κολλέγιο θα εργαστή τα δυο τελευταία χρόνια της ζωής του. Ηταν οχι μονο πιστός στις σπουδές του, μα πιστός και στις υποχρεώσεις του προς την γενέτειρά του. Σαν ολους τούς ευσυνείδητους Ελληνες πολίτες κατατάχθηκε στις Ελληνικές Ενοπλες Δυνάμεις και υπηρέτησε στο σημαντικό πόστο των διαβιβάσεων απο οπου απεκόμισε τεράστια εμπειρία και οργανωτικές ικανότητες. «Η γνώση ειναι δύναμη και η δύναμη είναι πλούτος» ηταν ένα απο τα προσφιλή ρητά, το οποιον επαναλάμβανε συχνα. Ηταν απόλυτα βέβαιος οτι ο μόνος τρόπος να επιτύχεις ριζικές αλλαγές ηταν μόνο δια μέσου μάθησης και εκπαίδευσης. Εργαζόταν επίμονα να αποκτήσει ενα πλούτο γνώσεων το οποίο το κατόρθωσε κάτω απο δυσμενής συνθήκες. Συχνά ηταν αναγκασμένος να εργάζεται σε δύο και τρεις διαφορετικές δουλειές για να εξασφαλίσει τα δίδακτρα και τα φοιτητικά του έξοδα. Το Northeastern University ηταν ο επόμενος σταθμός στη ακαδημαϊκή σταδιοδρομία του, οπου τού εδώθη η ευκαιρία να παρακαλουθή τα μαθήματά του και παράλληλα να εργάζεται επί αμοιβής στον τομέα των σπουδών του. Ο Γιώργος θα παραμείνει ευγνώμων για πάντα δια τις τεράστιες διευκολύνσεις που του παρείχε αυτό το πανεπιστήμιο. Αποφοίτησε με το πτυχίο Bachelor of Science Degree, συνέχισε τις σπουδές του και απόκτησε και το Master of Science Degree. Επισης απόκτησε Associate s Degree απο το Wentworth Institute και εβραβεύτηκε με το τιμητικό πτυχιο Doctor of Engineering Technology degree. Εφοδιασμένος με τις εμπειρίες και τις γνώσεις του και με το επιχειρηματικό του μυαλό εργάστηκε στον τομέα υψηλής τεχνολογίας και προγραμμάτων. Ιδρυσε τις εταιρείες Intelco, Delcom, Itergon, Arcadian Capital management οι οποίες απασχολούσαν δεκάδες υπαλλήλους και τεχνικούς ερευνητές. Ανεξάρτητα απο τις Ακαδημαϊκές και επιχειρηματικές του δραστηριότητες, ηταν περήφανος για την οικογένειά του, την οποία χαρακτήριζε σαν το ανώτερο επίτευγμα του. Δια μέσου ενος συνεργάτη του εγνωρισε την σύζυγό του Μαργαρίτα Σαιε, απο το Λίβανο. Η αμοιβαία συμπάθεια αναπτύχθηκε σε πραγματική αγάπη που οδήγησε σε γάμο. Η Μαργαρίτα ηταν ο ακρογωνιαίος λίθος γύρω απο τον οποίο έκτισε την οικογένειά του. 10 KPHTH October 2013

11 ΕΙΣ ΜΝΗΜΗΝ Μαζί απόκτησαν τρία παιδιά, την Ουρανια, την Λιλη και το Αλέξανδρο και δυο εγκονάκια τον Λουκα και τον Θεοδωρο. Η οικογένεια και τα παιδια του ηταν το επίκεντρο της ζωής του. Εφροντισε να τους παρέχει τα απαραίτητα εφόδια της ζωής, να τους μεταδώσει την αγάπη για την μάθηση και εκπαίδευση και προ πάντων την επιμονή για την καλύτερη προσωπική επίδωση. Η Παγκρητική απέκτησε στο πρόσωπο του Γιώργου εναν ικανότατο ηγέτη ο οποιος την οδήγησε επιτυχώς στα πρόθυρα τού 21ου αιωνα. Με προοδευτικές μεθόδους θεμελίωσε το Century Club το οποιο συμπεριλαμβάνει τα τρια κληροδοτήματα της ΠΕΑ. Ηταν ο κύριος συντελεστής στην αναγνώριση για την σημαντικότητα της Μάχης της Κρήτης απο το Αμερικανικό Κογκρέσο και την Γερουσία. Για τις πολυάριθμες κοινωνικές και φιλανθρωπικές του δραστηριότητες είχε αναγνωριστεί με ειδικά μετάλια και περγαμηνές. Είχε βραβευθεί με το Ellis Island Medal of Honor καθώς επίσης και με το Μινωικό Βραβειο της Πρώτης περιφέρειας της ΠΕΑ. Είχε υπηρετήσει στα διοικητικά συμβούλια τού Ανατολια κολλεγίου, στο Ελληνικο κολλέγιο του Τιμίου Σταυρού. Τον Μαρτιο του 2005 εχρίστη Αρχοντας τής Ορθοδόξου εκκλησίας απο τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Αμερικής Δημήτριο. Ο ενθουσιασμός του Γιώργου δια την εκπαίδευση ειναι έμπρακτα αποδεδειγμένος. Οι προσωπικές του χρηματοδοτήσεις συντηρούν τα ταμεία υποτροφειών δια φοιτητες Ελληνικής καταγωγής στα πανεπιστήμια που εφοίτησε καθώς επίσης και της ΠΕΑ. Ο Ακαδιμαϊκός κύκλος της ζωής του ολοκληρώθηκε τον Ιανουάριο του 2001, με την εκλογή του σαν Πρόεδρος του Κολλεγίου Benjamin Franklin Institute, στο ιδιο κολλέγιο που αρχισε την ανωδική του πορεία. Που αλλού μπορεί κανείς να αρχίσει σαν μαθητής και χρόνια αργότερα να επιστρέψει σαν Πρόεδρος; «Μόνο στην Αμερική» ηταν το σχόλιο που έκανε οταν ανέλαβε τα καθήκοντά του. Ο Γιώργος Χρύσης εχει αγγίξει θετικά την ζωή αμέτρητων ανθρώπων και η επίδραση τού έργου του θα παραμείνει μαζί μας για πάντα. Γιώργος ηταν ενας απλός άνθρωπος που κατόρθωσε εκπληκτικά επιτεύγματα. Την επόμενη φορά που θα σηκώσετε το βλέμμα στον έναστρο ουρανό και συγγεκριμμένα πάνω απο το γραφικό χωριουδάκι Ντερε, κοιτάχτε να διακρίνετε αυτό το λαμπερό άστρο που το φώς του χαιδεύει απαλά το πρόσωπό σας, αυτό το άστρο είναι ο Γιώργος Χρύσης που χαμογελά νοερά στην γη, ο οποίος με τα έργα της ζωής του έκανε αυτό τον κοσμο καλύτερο για όλους μας. K In Memoriam: George Chryssis JOHN MANOS t has been said of people from time to time: He I was a gentleman and a scholar. In George Chryssis case, this was not a cliché. He was truly a gentle man and a scholar. He touched everyone he met with his kind words, offering his advice whenever someone requested it, and encouraged all those he met to follow their dreams and strive to make a difference. George was born in Chania, Crete, in 1947, and his love for our beloved island was one that was passed on not only to his family, but to everyone that was close to him. His relationship with the Pancretan Association of America began with his local chapter in Boston in the 1980s, where he served in many capacities, including president. He followed that tenure with his election as district governor. He continued serving the PAA as a trustee for the Pancretan Endowment Fund, chaired our national convention in Boston and ultimately was elected president of the PAA in Σου Πρέπει, πάντα αθάνατος Στή σκέψη μας νά μείνεις Καί στούς μεταγενέστερους Παράδειγμα να γείνεις Τό χώμα πού σέ σκέπασε Μεγάλε ποιητή μας Νάναι αλαφρό ευχόμαστε Μέ πόνο απ τή ψυχή μας Όσα νά γράψω και να πώ Για να τον εξυμνήσω Πάλι δεν θάναι αρκετά Γι αυτό θα σταματήσω Ιν Μεmoriam KPHTH 11

12 ΕΞΩΦΥΛΛΟ COVER STORY Former PAA President George Chryssis As president, he developed and supported visionary programs and projects that continue today, and he helped position our organization to successfully move into the 21st century. He said, We must realize that education is knowledge and knowledge is power, and gave priority to the education and cultural development of our children and grandchildren. During his term as president, he emphasized proper development of the Pancretan youth and adult chapters through leadership workshops. He raised the funds to erect the statue of Spyros Kayiale in 1998 at historic Akrotiri, Crete. He envisioned the advancement of the PAA through technology, by creating the first website for the organization, implementing dramatic format changes for our magazine, and by planting the seed for a national headquarters. On the national front, George took an active role in supporting Greece s position during territorial claims by Turkey, and was instrumental in passing a resolution in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives for the recognition of the Battle of Crete as a pivotal battle of World War II. As a community leader and activist he was a strong supporter of the Greek Orthodox Church, 12 KPHTH October 2013 vested as a fellow Archon on March 5, 2000, as he was conferred by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America. Shortly thereafter he became a member of the Leadership 100. He has served the church in many capacities as well as a Trustee of the Hellenic College and Holy Cross School of Theology. A successful entrepreneur and businessman, he published several successful technical books and a few on poetry, as well as many articles in journals, magazines and newspapers. We are proud to have had George lead the Pancretan Association, and owe much to the visions of our dear president, friend and fellow Cretan. In his last President s Message in our organization s monthly magazine, George began his message with: I thank God that I was born a Cretan. He felt strongly that it was every member s responsibility to help preserve and perpetuate our civilization, culture, ethnic identity and organization. He ended his last message with: You have touched my heart I will miss you. I know I speak not just for the PAA, but for all of his friends, family and those who knew him: You, too, George Christopher Chryssis, have touched our hearts. We will miss you, too. K In his own words At sunset he gathered his papers folded his thoughts and feelings and packed his suitcases for the voyage. On the road he paused and looked back. He remained silent. He smiled only. He saw little paper flags fluttering green, red, blue various colors. He has performed his duty fully. He has done what he had to do nothing less. On nature s lips he painted a large thank you. Then he picked up his suitcases and headed eastward, where tomorrow the sun will rise once more. Far off, on the horizon, he sees young people dancing and laughing. Sure for the future now he let himself be carried away by the sound of a lyra into a voyage full of hope. George Chryssis included the above poem in his final message to PAA members as president. It was originally published in the June 1997 issue of KPHTH Magazine.

13 Ρεπορταζ PEF News Pancretan Endowment Fund Update GEORGE PAPADANTONAKIS Former Women s Executive Director Helene Moussouraki-Nakis was bestowed the medal of the Friend of the University of Crete by former PAA President Costa Stamis while former PAA Presidents Manny Velivasakis, John Manos and Ted Manousakis and the Pancretan Endowment Fund (PEF) Chairman Dr. George Papadantonakis watched. The ceremony took place during the general meeting of the 43rd National Convention in Akron, Ohio, last July. Photo Courtesy Helene Moussouraki-Nakis Former PAA Presidents Ted Manousakis and Constantine Stamis, award recipient Helene Moussouraki-Nakis and PEF Chair George Papadantonakis Nakis was elected by the PEF Board unanimously and she represented the PEF at the World Council of Cretans convention last July in Chania, Crete. In addition, Ethel Stamis donated $1,000 to the PEF in memory of Ted Pavlakis, son of the late former PAA President Emmanuel Pavlakis, with the designation of donation to be directed to the Botanical Park in Chania. We are grateful for her continued support. K Special Report Andy Manatos Receives AHEPA Public Advocacy Award (Left to right) AHEPA Supreme President John Grossomanides, Andy Manatos, AHEPA Chairman of the Board Nick Karacostas. Andy Manatos was honored with the Outstanding Public Advocacy Award by the American Hellenic Education Progressive Association (AHEPA) in recognition of his decades of work in Washington on behalf of Hellenic and Orthodox causes. The award was presented at AHEPA s 40th Annual Congressional Banquet on May 22, before an audience of Greek-American community leaders and members of Congress. Other award recipients that evening included U.S. Representative Albio Sires (D-NJ); Ambassador Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, president of the 2004 Athens Olympic organiz- ing committee; Colonel Steve Pisanos, retired World War II flying ace; and Father Alex Karloutsos, assistant to the archbishop for public affairs. For more than five decades, Andy has advocated for Hellenic and Orthodox causes, first during his service as the youngest U.S. Senate committee staff director and youngest assistant secretary in the Carter Administration, and for the last 30 years as president of Manatos & Manatos, a consulting and public policy firm, which provides provides services for these causes. Some of his major policy accomplishments for Hellenism and Orthodoxy have included securing a meeting for the Greek-American community with every president for 27 straight years; securing the signatures of 90 senators and 291 members on a letter to the president regarding the religious freedom of the Ecumenical Patriarchate; leading the effort that resulted in the Ecumenical Patriarch receiving the Congressional Gold Medal; and working with President Bill Clinton and Dick Holbrooke to reverse the vote of Germany and France to allow Cyprus to accede to the European Union. K KPHTH 13

14 Stavros Antonakakis PAA Convention Business Affairs Chairman 2nd Vice President Message from the PAA s 43rd Biennial Business Affairs Chair For an organization like the PAA, which has been around since 1929, it should be no surprise that every two years at our national convention we mark some important milestone in our history happens to be the 100th anniversary of the Union of Crete with Greece. The PAA s Centennial events began at the convention in Akron and continue throughout North America, reaching their zenith at the Awards Gala in New York City on Friday, Dec. 6. At the final national PAA convention before Crete enters its next centennial journey, it was my distinct honor and privilege to serve as chairman of the Convention business affairs meeting. It was an experience that I will never forget. There were moments of excitement, pressure and even discourse! As streamlined as our business affairs were we could have easily lasted another week. Our bylaws require during the biennial convention that PAA delegates from each chapter spend approximately three and a half days of democratic discussions on how the PAA can continue to progress and keep the promise of its purpose (Article 2 of the PAA bylaws): 1. To promote and develop social, ethnic and cultural relationships and mutuality among all Cretans and their descendants residing in the United States and Canada. 2. To promote and develop education through scholarships and otherwise; to raise voluntary contributions and funds and to distribute such funds to legally recognized philanthropic institutions and educational, charitable or cultural purposes. 3. To inspire and encourage loyalty and devotion to each member to his adopted country and its flag, obedience of its constitution and laws and to instruct and encourage non-citizen members to become citizens of their respective countries. 4. To give such moral encouragement and assistance as necessary to the members and Chapters of the Association. 5. To promote throughout the world, and especially in the United States of America, a better and more comprehensive understanding of Crete and its history and culture. Details of the business convention will become available on our new website; however, highlights are showcased in this issue. Since the PAA s beginning, the biennial convention provides us the opportunity to gather as chapter leaders and connect with one another, renew or forge new friendships, share information, discuss past, present and future PAA objectives as well as enjoy a week full of exceptional Cretan cuisine, entertainment and fellowship. A strong signal to each of us of how really important the biennial PAA conventions are is how blessed we were to have had in Akron, Ohio, the Archbishop of Crete, His Eminence Irineos, the Representative of the All Holy Patriarchate in Constantinople Reverend Archimadrite Makario, and the President of the World Council of Cretans Antoni Tsourdalakis. These individuals traveled from the three corners of the earth to participate during the three plus days of PAA business affairs meetings! We are highly regarded and respected not only as an organization, but as accomplished second, third and even fourth generation Cretans of the diaspora. The Cretan experience is alive, strong and continues to flourish well beyond our island s shores! We all owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the Convention Hosts of Akron for their leadership in creating an unforgettable convention. Although we have come far as an organization, there is still much to do; this can be only be accomplished through volunteering, by sharing our thoughts, knowledge, celebrating our successes and learning from mistakes. The 2015 convention in Salt Lake City, Utah, will be no exception to the Cretan experience and will serve to reinforce our heritage, culture and Cretan identity. Mark your calendars accordingly! K 14 KPHTH October 2013

15 Νεα συμβουλιου Constitution and Bylaws Amendments Several changes to the PAA Constitution & Bylaws were placed on the ballot and passed at the convention in Akron. The following is a summary of each. A revised constitution is being prepared reflecting the exact language changes and will be available by request from General Secretary Erasmia Novotny. Constitution Article 12, adding new Paragraph 16 Elections To require that nominations for the election of officers to the PAA Board shall be made first from eligible candidates actually present at the convention, and that only in the event that no person actually physically present is nominated shall nominations be permitted of candidates not physically present, and then only after a formal standing vote is conducted suspending the requirements in Article 12 paragraphs 5 and 6 above that a candidate be physically present to accept the nomination, and that said vote to suspend passes by the required three-fourths majority of the registered delegate voting strength. Bylaws Article 5 Board Meetings To change the number of consecutive board meetings, including teleconference meetings, to three consecutive meetings for resignation to have deemed to have occurred, and remain at two consecutive inperson board meetings for resignation to be deemed to have occurred. It will also permit the board, on a two-thirds vote, to remove members for failing to take required acts, or for financial misconduct involving the PAA, and to suspend the operation of this section in individual cases. Bylaws Articles 21, 5 and 37 IT Committee To make the IT Chair an appointed position, to be appointed by the president and ratified by the board, and adding the PAA second vice president to the IT Committee, making the committee a total of five people instead of the current four. The IT Chair will no longer be a voting member of the board. Bylaws Article 27 Donors To add the new category of Grand Benefactor for those making cumulative donations of $50,000 or more to the PAA. The current Article 27 has Great Benefactors as the highest category. Donors ($1,000+), Benefactors ($4,000+), and Great Benefactors ($10,000+) shall remain as is. Bylaws Article 28, Paragraph 3 KPHTH Magazine To require that the magazine KPHTH include the Greek and English languages, rather than publish a portion of the magazine in English, and that the magazine publish chapter news, events, donations, stories and articles, including pictures and letters from scholarship recipients to promote interest in the program among students and donors, adds the requirement that following each convention the former president shall publish in the magazine a special biennial insert reporting on PAA highlights, activities, stories and accomplishments including convention updates, and eliminates the requirement that all correspondence be done in Greek and English. Bylaws Article 30 Funeral Expense Fund To eliminate the Funeral Expense Fund and pay out to the remaining six members the required $300 each. New Bylaws Article 38 Official PAA Awards To create new Bylaws Article 38 to establish a structure for PAA awards, for the Venizelion Award (government, politics, diplomacy or civil service), Kazantzakis Award (literature, poetry, the arts, letters or academe), PAA Lifetime Achievement Award (PAA member), Constantine Papadakis Visionary Award (entrepreneur, professional, corporate leader), and Scholastic Achievement Award, all to be awarded from nominations received from PAA members and voted on by a majority of the PAA Board. K from the board KPHTH 15

16 PYA President s Message President Katerina Makridakis (330) aikaterinimak@gmail.com West Coast Vice President Alex Sargetis (916) a.sargetis@gmail.com East Coast Vice President Christos Markakis (313) cmarkakis@gmail.com Treasurer Manoli Liodakis (801) manoliliodakis@gmail.com Secretary Mary Papadakis (801) m.papadakis1@hotmail.com Kri-Kri Editor Joseph Antonakakis (707) sifis@kphth.org IT Chair Vaggelis El-Ali (586) aelali31@gmail.com Fundraising Chair Manolis Boutzoukas (727) manoboutz@gmail.com Philanthropic Chair Matthaios Daoutis (708) mdaoutis720@yahoo.com Public Relations co-chairs Matina Legakis (248) matinalegakis@gmail.com Stephanie Novotny (248) novotnystephanie@gmail.com Cultural Chair Nikolaos Markakis (416) nikomarkakis@yahoo.ca West Coast Youth Supervisor Xanthippi Gelasakis (916) xmeraklina@aol.com East Coast Youth Supervisor Terry Stratoudakis (347) terrystratoudakis@gmail.com Katerina Makridakis PYA President aikaterinimak@gmail.com Dear Youth Members, Happy Fall! I hope school and work are going well for everyone! As most of you know, this year is a very special year for the Cretan people because it marks the 100th year that Crete has been a part of Greece. The enosi took place on December 1, 1913, and marks a historical turning point for both the island of Crete, as well as for all of Greece. The significance of this date is immeasurable. The University of Illinois here in Chicago is putting together a symposium to educate both Greeks and non-greeks alike on the background and history of the enosi, set to take place on the evening of Wednesday, November 13, at the university. The youth will be streaming this lecture live on our website, and we encourage all members of both the PYA and the PAA to watch this symposium and learn more about this significant moment in the history of our beautiful island! In addition to the lecture on the history of the enosi, many of our chapters are celebrating locally. Please save the dates for the following events: November 2nd -Dinner Dance - Los Angeles, CA (**PAA Board Meeting during the day) November 16th - Dinner Dance - Pittsburgh, PA November 17th - Dinner Dance - Chicago, IL November 30th - Dinner Dance - Cleveland, OH December 6th - 8th - PAA 100th Year Anniversary Celebration - Astoria, NY January 9th - 12th - PYA National Youth Conference - Springfield, MA January 26th - Dinner Dance - Detroit, MI I encourage you all to send pictures from these events to our KriKri editor, Joseph Antonakakis, at sifis@kphth.org. I also want to collect all of the pictures from the 100th year anniversary celebrations so that we can create a collage of pictures on the website for historical purposes. Please make sure to send your pictures! Please also save the date for the 2014 PYA Winter Conference, set to take place in Springfield, Massachusetts from January 9-12, The Springfield youth are very excited to host the conference, and entertainment will be provided by Dimitri Vakakis, Nikos Anyfantakis, and Stefanos Marakis. Registration will be available soon, so be on the lookout! As usual, rooms with four paid youth members will be reimbursed for one night s stay if all four members attend the meeting. Please save the date, oh, and GET EXCITED!!! Thank you for your continued support, Katerina Makridakis PYA President 16 KPHTH October OCTOBER 2013

17 Clothing Drive For the Cretan Orphanage This year the PYA began a clothing drive to collect clothes for the less fortunate children in Kphth for the 'KENTRO APOKATASTASHS ATOMWN ME EIDIKEZ ANAGKEZ', in Chania. This program targets boys and young men with special needs, home needs and orphans. In less than four months with help from our youth and adults of the PAA chapters we collected three large containers full of clothes. The Manos family opened their home and allowed us to ship and deliver all the clothes to their residence. The containers where shipped by Kphth with Kronos International Shippers. Mr. Nick Mourikies took full responsibility and donated the cost of shipment. A plaque was award to him during the PAA National Convention this summer. The containers arrived in Piraeus in the beginning of August then forwarded to Kphth. The containers where shipped to Kamboi, Chania, the home of Xanthippi Gelasakis. With help from Maria and Nick Stratoudakis and the local children from the village, we were able to sort through all the items. Sorting through the clothes took many days because there were several items shipped that were not children's clothing. Those items were donated to a few different churches. Little girls clothing was also distributed to villages for those less fortunate. Throughout the last few years I have had the pleasure of working with Mihali Kondastakis, a volunteer for the orphanage for many years. With his help we gave the children the clothes on August 14. A friend from the xorio was kind enough to volunteer his time and help us load, unload, and deliver the container. Look at the pictures and you can see the children s excitement. Shortly afterwards the younger kids started looking through the clothes and taking what they liked. I look forward to sharing our upcoming projects, which will take place in Kphth next summer and here in the United States. Details will be in the upcoming issues from Matthaio Daoutis, our newly elected PYA Philanthropic Chair, and me. Thank you to the youth and the adults who took the time to represent the PYA and PAA in this wonderful philanthropic effort to make a difference. Yours sincerely, Xanthippi Gelasakis PAA West Coast Youth Supervisor Vice President World Council of Cretans 2. Maria Stratoudakis socializes with the locals (Left to right) Xanthippi Gelasakis, Maria Stratoudakis, young man from village, and Nick Stratoudakis Group photo at the orphanage. Front: Xanthippi Gelasakis, Amalia Mbasia Theodorakis, Maria Stratoudakis and Nick Stratoudakis Back: Mihalis Kondastakis. 4. Delighted children from the orphanage help unload the clothes. KPI-KPI KPHTH KPHTH

18 Meet The New Clearwater Minos Youth Board! Manolis Boutzoukas - President Despina Votzakis - Vice President Eleni Protopapadakis - Treasurer Connie Makris - Secretary Vasilia Votzakis - Historian Anna Nikolopoulos - Board Member Yianni Votzakis - Board Member Dean Kotakis - Board Member Anna Avgoustis - Board Member* *Missing from photo SAVE THE DATE PYA Winter Conference 2014 DATES January 9-12, 2014 (Thursday to Sunday) MUSIC Lyra - Dimitris Vakakis Laouto - Nikos Anyfantakis Mpaso - Stefanos Marakis FLIGHT Bradley International Airport (BDL), Windsor Locks, CT HOTEL Sheraton Springfield, 1 Monarch Pl, Springfield, MA Group Code: PYA (**Must call for group rate) Group Rate: $99 per night 18 KPHTH October OCTOBER 2013

19 Get Involved - Join a Committee! To join, visit or contact the Committee Chair. Communications Committee: Committee Co-Chairs: Matina Legakis Stephanie Novotny matinalegakis@gmail.com novotnystephanie@gmail.com (248) (248) Committee Purpose: The overall purpose of this committee is to establish effective communication and contact with the members of the PanCretan Youth Association through the use of cbuzz, KriKri, social media, , etc. Cultural Committee: Committee Chair: Nikolaos Markakis markakisniko@gmail.com (416) Committee Purpose: The overall purpose of this committee is to brainstorm and execute means of keeping the PanCretan Youth Association members involved and aware of Cretan cultural traditions, and assisting the PYA Cultural Chair in putting together at least one cultural event, and/or presentation per national youth event. Information Technology Committee: Committee Co-Chairs: Katerina Makridakis Vaggelis El-Ali aikaterinimak@gmail.com aelali31@gmail.com (330) (586) Committee Purpose: The overall purpose of this committee is to pioneer and maintain the information technology efforts of the PanCretan Youth Association, brainstorming ideas and tasks for the PYA website, PYA mobile app, social media, etc. Philanthropic Committee: Committee Chair: Matthaios Daoutis mdaoutis720@yahoo.com (708) Committee Purpose: The overall purpose of this committee is to pioneer the efforts of the PYA in nationwide philanthropic events, both in the United States and in Crete. This committee aims to find means to help fellow Cretans, as well as others that are in need of assistance. KPI-KPI KPHTH KPHTH

20 OXI Day Celebrating Modern History s Most Consequential David vs. Goliath Courage for Freedom and Democracy the Greeks in WWII ANDY MANATOS You can be proud of being part of the most consequential David vs. Goliath exhibition of courage for freedom and democracy in modern history the Greeks in World War II. Their actions following Prime Minister Metaxas rejection of the Axis Forces surrender request with the word OXI (no) literally changed the outcome of WWII and the world. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill said, If there had not been the virtue and courage of the Greeks, we do not know which the outcome of World War II would have been. Hitler s Chief of Staff Wilhelm Keitel said, The Greeks delayed by two or more vital months the German attack against Russia; if we did not have this long delay the outcome of the war would have been different. It s little wonder Churchill said, From now on we will not say that Greeks fight like heroes but that heroes fight like Greeks. Cretans can be proud of the fact that the first citizen counterattack the Nazis faced was at the Battle of Crete. More Nazis died during the first day of that battle than on any day in that year-and-a-half-long war. With Cretan men fighting on the mainland, Cretan women stepped forward. In reprisal the Nazis killed more than 1,000 Cretan women and sent an additional 500 to camps. The Nazis barely won that battle, primarily because of a strategic error by an Allied Commander on Crete. Had Greece not shown such extraordinary Philotimo (love of honor), said OXI, delayed Hitler s invasion of Russia long enough for them to cease being vulnerable, we Allies may well have lost the war. It is extraordinary that the small country of Greece could have a comparable impact on modern history as giants like the United States, Great Britain and Russia. Had the Allies lost the war and freedom and democracy taken a back seat to the police state our world today would be a much different place. K Note: Manatos & Manatos annually contributes services for Orthodoxy and Hellenism. They are making America aware of OXI Day and the Battle of Crete by the creation of the Washington OXI Day Foundation. The Foundation annually issues prestigious awards and two prizes to people who fight for freedom and democracy. For more information please visit their web site at Andy Manatos is president of Manatos & Manatos, founder and president of the Washington OXI Day Foundation and former Assistant Secretary of Commerce. A Holy Visit by Joanna Kamvouris slick black car pulled up to the lobby of A the Sheraton Hotel in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, where District 3 youth members clad in traditional Cretan costume awaited the arrival of His Eminence Archbishop Eirinaios of Crete. Committee members opened the door of the car to reveal His Eminence. A warm smile illuminated the Archbishop s face as he made his way into the hotel to greet the crowd. On July 1, 2013, the Archbishop arrived in Ohio to join PAA members in celebrating the 43rd National Convention. I was inspired by his gentleness, his pure heart, and desire to keep doing the Lord s work, Father Jerry Hall said. He had a beautiful spirit of patience and peace about him. One of the first things His Eminence expressed to Father Jerry was his desire to reunite with his old friend, Metropolitan Maximus, whom he had first met during his seminary in Halki. Father Hall arranged a meeting with Metropolitan Maximus and escorted the Archbishop to Pittsburgh for a visit. On July 4, the Archbishop had the opportunity to reunite with a few of his old friends who were former Mennonites. Father Hall contacted the Mennonites and they drove more than three hours from Archbold, Ohio, to reacquaint with the Archbishop. His connection with the Mennonites goes back to his early days as a priest in Crete, Father Jerry explained. Since His Eminence spoke English, he was asked to communicate with 20 KPHTH October 2013

21 Ρεπορταζ Οι Έλληνες στο Β Παγκόσμιο Πόλεμο Τιμώνοντας μια σύγχρονη ιστορία για την Ελευθερία και τη Δημοκρατία παράλληλη με το θάρρος του Δαβίδ εναντίον του Γολιάθ. Mπορειτε να αισθανεστε υπερήφανοι που ειστε μέρος τής πιο σημαντικής σύγχρονης ιστορίας για την Ελευθερία και τη Δημοκρατία παράλληλη με το θάρρος του Δαβίδ εναντίον του Γολιάθ, οι Έλληνες τού Β Παγκοσμίου Πολέμου. Οι ενέργειές τών Ελλήνων μετά την απόρριψη στην αιτηση των δυναμεων του Άξονα για παραδοση απο τον πρωθυπουργό Μεταξά με τη λέξη «ΟΧΙ» άλλαξε κυριολεκτικά την έκβαση του Β Παγκοσμίου Πολέμου και του κόσμου. Ο Βρετανός πρωθυπουργός Ουίνστον Τσόρτσιλ είπε: «Αν δεν υπήρχε η γενναιότητα και το θάρρος των Ελλήνων, δεν ξέρουμε ποια θα ήταν η έκβαση του Β Παγκοσμίου Πολέμου. Ο ιδιος αργότερα ειπε το περίφημο: «Από τώρα και στο εξής δε θα λέμε ότι οι Έλληνες πολεμούν σαν ήρωες, αλλά ότι οι ήρωες πολεμούν σαν Έλληνες.» Οι Κρητικοί μπορούν να είναι υπερήφανοι για το ότι ηταν οι πρώτοι που αντιστάθηκαν στους Ναζί στη μάχη της Κρήτης. Περισσότεροι Ναζί έχασαν τη ζωή τους κατά τη διάρκεια της πρώτης ημέρας της μάχης τής Κρήτης, από ό, τι σε οποιαδήποτε αλλη ημέρα κατα το διαστημα του πολέμου. Καθ οσον οι Κρητικοι πολεμούσαν στο εσωτερικο τής χώρας, οι γυναίκες της Κρήτης εκαναν οτι μπορούσαν να βοηθήσουν τους στρατιώτες. Σε αντίποινα οι Ναζί σκότωσαν πάνω από γυναίκες της Κρήτης και έστειλαν άλλες 500 σε στρατόπεδα. Οι Ναζί κέρδισαν εκείνη τη μάχη, απο στρατηγικό λάθος ενός Διοικητή των Συμμαχικών Δυναμεων στην Κρήτη. Αν η Ελλάδα δεν ειχε δείξει τέτοια αυταπάρνηση και δεν ειχε πει το «ΟΧΙ», να καθυστερήσει την εισβολή του Χίτλερ στη Ρωσία, οι Σύμμαχοι μπορεί κάλλιστα να ειχαν χάσει τον πόλεμο. Είναι εκπληκτικό το γεγονός ότι μια μικρή χώρα, η Ελλάδα, θα μπορούσε να έχει μια ανάλογη επίπτωση στην σύγχρονη ιστορία οπως μεγάλα κράτη σαν τις ΗΠΑ, τη Μεγάλη Βρετανία και τη Ρωσία. Αν οι Σύμμαχοι έχαναν τοτε τον πόλεμο σήμερα ο κόσμος μας θα ήταν ένα πολύ διαφορετικό μέρος. K Σημείωση : Manatos & Manatos συνεισφέρει κάθε χρόνο υπηρεσίες για την Ορθοδοξία και τον Ελληνισμό. Με τη δημιουργία της «Washington Oxi Day Foundation» εχουν κανει γνωστή στην Αμερικανικη κοινωνία την Ημέρα του OΧΙ και τη Μάχη της Κρήτης. Το Ίδρυμα εκδίδει ετήσια βραβεία και δύο βραβεία σε ανθρώπους που μάχονται για την ελευθερία και τη δημοκρατία. Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες, παρακαλώ επισκεφθείτε την ιστοσελίδα τους στο Απο τον Andy Manatos, Πρόεδρο της Manatos & Manatos, Ιδρυτή και Πρόεδρο της Washington Oxi Day Foundation και πρώην Βοηθό Γενικό Γραμματέα Εμπορίου. Special Report the Mennonites, who traveled to Crete to help with agriculture. Over a period of 10 years he worked closely with the Mennonites, and afterward they remained in contact. Roughly 90 miles northeast of Columbus, the city of Berlin, Ohio, is home to a large community of Mennonites. Michael Detorakis, convention committee member, escorted His Eminence to Berlin for a tour of the Amish Country. After a week of organized Cretan events, dance group performances and banquets, the Archbishop returned to his home in Crete. On July 10, Detorakis received an elegant thank you letter with the Archbishop s signature along the bottom. He expressed in the letter that he was proud of the way the Akron committee organized the convention, Detorakis said. He thanked me for taking him to visit the Mennonites, and he said that he was proud of the way we were teaching our children about where we came from. Overall, the Archbishop had a great visit. Keeping our Cretan culture alive and being able to share that with His eminence is what made the convention most memorable. For more Akron Convention stories such as this one, order the Akron Convention Commemorative Album! The album will include exclusive interviews with the Archbishop of Crete and dignitaries in attendance, along with convention highlights. Simply KPHTH303@ yahoo.com or call Steve Elefter at to place your order. KPHTH 21

22 ΚΡΗΤΙΚΗ ΚΟΥΖΙΝΑ Cretan Cuisine Vegetarian Delights GEORGE VUTETAKIS Chef George Vutetakis Great Aunt Yeorgia Stratigakis dressing her horta with olive oil from her trees. As my readers know, I love to frequent farmers markets to shop for vegetables, talk to the farmers and participate in the age-old traditions of community marketplaces. Here in Michigan, the heavy June rains delayed the summer harvest. So, in a recent visit to one of my favorite markets, the Royal Oak Farmers Market, I was delighted to see the abundance of produce. I made my way around the market juggling the heavy bags bursting with the treasures of the earth and musing over what to prepare with this wonderful bounty. It came to me when a elderly woman brushed past me with her arms full of produce. She reminded me of my Greek relatives, bringing back wonderful memories of eating traditionally prepared greens with them on the island of Crete. Aunts and cousins would harvest their kitchen gardens to prepare Horta freshly picked greens simply cooked. Some nights it seemed as though they invited the entire village to join us for dinner; for those large events, they journeyed into town to the agora in Chania, an early 20th century structure built to resemble the ancient Greek marketplaces. They filled their baskets with dandelion greens, lambs quarters, spinach, escarole just to mention a few. Back in the busy kitchen, they dressed the greens with sea salts harvested from coastal deposits, homemade olive oil and lemons from their own trees. Horta (also Horta Vrasta) can pertain to any green vegetable that is boiled in its own juices and dressed with olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice. The Cretan tradition of eating wild greens may be one of the longevity secrets in the Mediterranean diet. In Greece, picking the greens is almost a national pastime, which my grandparents brought with them when they came to America. They often took me along to pick dandelion greens in their favorite spots around Canton, Ohio. (I recently read about a Greek who was arrested in Chicago for picking them on someone s property!) The key to making good horta is to use just enough water to cook the greens while ensuring a small amount for bread dipping. This way, all the nutrients in the vegetables are consumed. Also, do not feel restricted by one or two greens; it s fine to mix and match a number of them, but, keep in mind the various cooking times. Collard greens take much longer than most greens and arugula cooks almost instantly. The right choice of olive oil can make a significant difference to the taste of the horta. I prefer extra virgin oils made with Greek Koroneiki olives. One organic brand that stands out is from Theo Rallis family farm, Rallis Olive Oil. Theo has developed a method for ice pressing the oil, which preserves the nutritional integrity, often degraded by the naturally hot environments of traditional olive pressing. The following recipe is from my book, Vegetarian Traditions. Feel free to adapt it to other greens. K This homage to Crete previously appeared on Chef George s blog, which can be read at A video of the accompanying recipe, along with many other Mediterranean recipes, can also be found on his website. 22 KPHTH October 2013 Swiss Chard Horta (Serves 4) INGREDIENTS: 6 cups, or 1 bunch red, multicolored or white chard, stemmed, washed and coarsely chopped ½ cup water For the Dressing: 1 3 cup fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil ½ teaspoon sea salt DIRECTIONS: In a large saucepan on medium-low heat, cover and simmer chard until stems are soft. In a serving bowl, mix together all dressing ingredients. Add cooked greens and broth. Gently mix the greens into the dressing and serve. Serve warm, room temperature or cold.

23 ΔΩΡΕΕΣ Name Memo Amount EDUCATION-ACTIVITIES Stavros Semanderes Various Educational/Cultural Activities PSK 5, George Savakis Various Educational/Cultural Activities PSK 5, TOTAL EDUCATION-ACTIVITIES 10, PHILANTHROPIC-CRETE RELIEF District 2 Philanthropic Endowment Fund - Crete Relief 1, TOTAL PHILANTHROPIC-CRETE RELIEF 1, PHILANTHROPIC-GIFT OF GIVING FUNDRAISER donations Impact Design Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago Schwartz Benefit Services Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago , Minoan Corporation Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago John Marakis Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago Joseph Dakis Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago Cynthia Vivian Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago Helena Skordalos Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago Angeline and Gregory Poulos Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago Dimitrios and Anna Kamilis Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago Dean and Maria Lampros Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago George and Olga Panagakis Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago Ikiana LLC Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago Olympic Roofing Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago Geane Manos Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago Ethel Stamis Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago John Volokakis Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago Michael J. Marks Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago Marcus and Pauline Theotikos Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago Educational Advantage Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago Manny Riggles Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago Spyros Theodorakis Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago , Nikolaos Verikakis Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago George Hlepas Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago Tomaras Investments, LTD Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago , Anna Giannoulias Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago , Alexis Giannoulias Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago , Patrick Angus Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago Mary A. Gutman Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago Stelios and Helen Logarakis Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago Amalia Hobitakis Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago Emmanuel Nouhakis Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago Catherine E. Lemperis Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago John Hobitakis Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago Georgia Kakis Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago Evangelia Alpogianis Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago George Marnelakis Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago Sylvia Chmiel Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago David Sinski Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago Maria Brightly Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago Elaine Sotos Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago Lynch Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago Gus Georgelas Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago Michael and Elisa Helford Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago Stella Black Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago Pseloretes Detroit Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago KPHTH 23

24 ΔΩΡΕΕΣ Name Memo Amount donations Spyros Theodorakis Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago Phyllis Psyhogios Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago Erasmia Novotny Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago Anastasia Kakis Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago Estaminet, Inc. Gift of Giving Fund Raiser, Chicago TOTAL PHILANTHROPIC-GIFT OF GIVING FUNDRAISer 27, Scholarship - Crete Stavros Semanderes Studies in Crete Scholarship Program Donation In Memory of Nick Sfougatakis Stavros Semanderes Studies in Crete Scholarship Program Donation In Memory of Demosthenes Voskakis Stavros Semanderes Studies in Crete Scholarship Program Donation In Memory of George Dakis TOTAL SCHOLARSHIP-CRETe Scholarship - Memorial Tom Lantzourakis Scholarship Memorial Fund In Memory of Demosthenes Voskakis 1, Emmanuel E. Zervos Scholarship Memorial Fund - Zervos Memorial Scholarship 2, Arkadi-Maleme Scholarship Memorial Fund In Memory of George Dakis Mr. George Paterakis Scholarship $21, TOTAL SCHOLARSHIP-MEMORIAl 24, TOTAL SERVICe 63, If you would like to make a donation to the PAA General Fund or to one of our other funds or programs, you may do so by sending your donation to: PAA, 8530 Sharon Drive, White Lake, MI If you choose, you may make your donation in honor of or in memory of someone. (For a donation of $10,000 or more to a fund, a named perpetual scholarship/donation will be made.) For more detailed information, or if you have any questions, please contact any member of the Board of Directors responsible for managing these funds or programs. They can be found on our website: Pancretan.org or on page 3 of this magazine. PAA 300 Name Memo Amount Mr. Kostas Stamatakis PAA 300 $1, Mr. John Marakis PAA 300 $ James & Mia Boutzoukas PAA 300 $1, John & Vickie Sargetis PAA300 $1, Nikolaos & Despina Verikakis PAA 300 $1, John & Pagona Kokolakis PAA 300 $1, Theodore & Rema Manousakis PAA 300 $1, Panagiotis & Julie Rodamis PAA 300 $1, TOTAL PAA 300 $7, PEF TOTAL $42, Ms. Helen Mousourakis Nakis Friend of the Universities of Crete $1, Mrs. Ethel Stamis PEF in loving memory of Ted Emm. Pavlakis $1, TOTAL PEF $2, CAN You Believe It? Introducing the first-ever PAA Cretan Alumni Network Professional/Business Directory. This directory is available to all PAA/PYA members as well as CAN members throughout the United States and around the world. For a small fee, we hope you will list your business/profession. We developed this online site because so many members wanted to connect with fellow professional and business owners throughout the world. Need to find a dentist, painter, web master, or PR professional? Want to find a car service in New York, Los Angeles or Chicago? As Cretans, we want to help each other out. This is what this Professional/Business Directory is all about. Fees start as low as $25.00 for a full year listing. All funds will benefit the PAA and the Cretan Alumni Network. The directory will go live September Just visit the PAA website at and click on the CAN Professional Directory link on the homepage. It s that easy! Thank you, Your CAN Committee Cretan Alumni Network Get Connected, Stay Connected 24 KPHTH October 2013

25 EVENTS November October 12 Astoria, N.Y. Omonoia Annual Dinner Dance at the Cretan House Kostas Kapelonis (917) Los Angeles, Calif. PAA National Board Meeting hosted by the Southern California Cretans Association Stamatis Zoumberakis (562) Woburn, Mass. 30th Anniversary Dance at the Annunciation Church Cultural Center hosted by the Acrotiri Chapter of Lowell, Mass. Despina Mattheos (978) Piscataway, N.J. Kritiko Glendi hosted by Cretans Fraternity, the White Mountains of New Jersey at St. George Church Soula Kantilierakis (732) Takis Psarakis (908) Dunlap, Calif. Annual 6th District Retreat at St. Nicholas Ranch hosted by PAA District 6 Effie Fourakis (415) Brooklyn, N.Y. Annual Dinner Dance hosted by the Cretan Brotherhood of N.Y. at Three Hierarchs Church Hall Yanni Verikakis (347) itsmeyv@me.com 26 Astoria, N.Y. Annual Dinner Dance at the Kritiko Spiti Minos hosted by Syllogos Kreton Minos Stratos Mamalakis (718) Maria Gasparakis (203) Los Angeles, Calif. The 100th Anniversary of the Union of Crete with Greece hosted by the Southern California Cretans Association at St. Sophia Cathedral Stamatis Zoumberakis (562) Does your chapter have an event coming up? Let us know! your events to Events@pancretan.org so we can help promote them. 2 Springfield, Mass. Annual Dance at the Cretans Association hosted by Minos-Crete John Kontekakis (413) john@realtography.com 9 Cherry Hill, N.J. 100 Xronia KPHTH with Niko Zoidakis, an Authentic Cretan Panygyri hosted by the Knossos/Talos Chapters of Greater Philadelphia at St. Thomas Greek Orthodox Church Anastasia Tsinetakis (856) Sifis Antonakakis (609) Astoria, N.Y. Pasiphae Annual Dinner Dance at the Cretan House Omonoia Maria Solanakis (646) Chicago, Ill. Academic Symposium on the Unification of Crete with Greece at the University of Illinois at Chicago hosted by Cretan Fraternity of Chicago, the Cretan Ladies Association, the Cretan Youth of Chicago and the PAA George Papadantonakis (312) Chicago, Ill. Photo presentation and viewing of Dimitris Haronitis Film, Τhe Rise of the Greek Flag Over Firka Castle in Chania, Union of Crete with Greece, at the Hellenic Community House hosted by the Cretan Fraternity of Chicago and Suburbs Michael Mastorakis (847) Sacramento, Calif. Annual Crab Feed & Horoesperitha at the Hellenic Community Center Pagona Stratoudakis (916) zeuscretagenis@gmail.com 16 Pittsburgh, Pa. Annual Dinner Dance hosted by Arkadi-Maleme Helene Semanderes (724) Charlotte, N.C. Annual Dinner Event hosted by the Cretan Association of the Carolinas at Holy Trinity Church Ioannis Datseris jdkrete44@gmail.com Nikos Evgenitakis (704) Brooklyn, N.Y. Scholarship and Olive Harvest Luncheon hosted by The Cretan Sisterhood of New Yorkat the Rex Manor Evanthia Kourtakis Basias (718) omegaevan@aol.com 17 Niles, Ill. Annual Cretan Dance at the Chateau Ritz hosted by the Cretan Fraternity of Chicago and Suburbs Kostas Chaniotakis (847) George Papadantonakis (312) Michael Mastorakis (847) Manos (847) Cleveland, Ohio Annual Dance at the George Varouh Cretan Club hosted by the Cleveland Chapter John Elliott (440) December 1 Piscataway, N.J. Celebration of Crete s Unification with Greece hosted by the White Mountains of New Jersey Takis Psarakis (908) Atlanta, Ga. Wine Reception for the 100th Anniversary of the Union of Crete with Greece hosted by the Samaria Chapter at the Atlanta Hellenic Center Demetri Mazacoufa (404) The 100th Anniversary of the Union of Crete with Greece hosted by the PAA and the United Cultural Committee of the NY-NJ Chapters Georgia Kokkinidou (917) Emmanuel Velivasakis (917) Zaharoula Marmatakis (732) New York, N.Y. Lecture on Cretan Nutrition at the United Nations from noon to 3 p.m. at the Terrace on the Park 6 New York, N.Y. Formal Awards Gala Banquet at the Terrace on the Park 7 Astoria, N.Y. Theater Production at the Kritiko Spiti A historical recount of events surrounding the union of Crete with Greece followed by a musical event composed for the union 8 Manhattan, N.Y. Memorial Service for the heroes of the Cretan struggles for liberation and the union doxology and Artoklasia commemoration January Springfield, Mass. PYA Winter Conference Stamati Moraitakis Bill Hatzis Warren, Mich. Pseloretes Annual Dance at the Royalty House of Warren hosted by the Pseloretes Fraternity of Detroit John Marakis yannako@gmail.com 25 Modesto, Calif. Cretan Dance hosted by Lefka Oree at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation Mike Stagakis (510) Mike J. Kordazakis (209) Save the Date! 44th PAA National Convention June 27-July 2, 2015 Salt Lake City, Utah Check out the You Tube trailer for the 2015 PAA Convention: KPHTH 25

26 Epimenides/Ariadne San Francisco Chapter Still Strong After 87 Years DIANE KOUNALAKIS The time was 1926, and people from all corners of the globe and from all corners of Crete immigrated to this new world that promised so much hope. On May 24, 1926, a small number of Cretan immigrants gathered together in a home to begin a Cretan parea and to organize a society later to be named by those same immigrants as the Epimenides Chapter, legally known as the League of the Cretans of San Francisco. They met as often as they could, from home to home or apartment to apartment, over tsikoudia and kalitsounakia, to carefully organize and keep their beloved customs and religion. It was very difficult in the early years, yet they truly believed that they needed to band together. They succeeded in keeping all that they had prayed for: religion, country and family. Now, collectively and all united with one purpose in mind, their earliest goal was to support other Greek communities. During these early years the club was the only Cretan fraternity in California. The Cretans that formed these chapters, Epimenides and the ladies chapter Ariadne, were proud that their clubs helped maintain their native traditions and cultures. When World War II was upon us, the Epimenides Chapter took pride in raising and donating the huge amount of $7,000 to send to Greece. They joined with other Pancretan Association chapters to continue to host fundraisers for the war effort. We salute these Protoporous Cretans of our Epimenides Chapter for leaving us with a legacy of philanthropy that shall never be forgotten. Over the past 87 years, the Epimenides Chapter has strongly contributed to local charities, medical research, scholarship programs, education and churches. For example, when the earthquake of 1989 destroyed the Annunciation Cathedral in San Francisco, the Epimenides Chapter, in conjunction with the Ariadne Chapter, managed to raise and donate more than $50,000 to help rebuild the church. Again in 2001, following the tragedy of 9/11, the Epimenides Chapter raised more than $8,000 for the victim s families. In celebration of the group s 75th anniversary, the chapter hosted a special dinner dance to honor and salute our pioneer members who served our Epimenides Chapter for more than 40 years. Over the past several years, our chapter annually hosts a Cretan Glendi and each dinner dance benefits a charity such as the Modern Greek Studies Program at San Francisco State University (SFSU), including the Kazantzakis Chair, which supports cultural and academic outreach activities of the center; the Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Some of our earlier Epimenides Members from the 1960s at a dinner in honor of Kostas Mitsotakis, who was visiting San Francisco. (Left to right) Back Row: George Stathoudakis, John Sarikakis, Stavros Varanakis, Vasilis Ballas, Charalambos Galanis, George Papadoulis, Stanley Cocoles, John Milonakis, Antonios Tsouvalakis. Front Row: Spiros Paizes, Kostas Ballas, Antonios Vatsakis, Kostas Mitsotakis, Antonios Tsougarakis, Antonios Kounalakis, Nick Varanakis. 26 KPHTH October 2013

27 ΠΡΟΦΙΛ ΣΥΛΛΟΓΟΥ Institute in Berkeley, Calif.; the newly established Epimenides/Ariadne Scholarship Fund; and the Annunciation Cathedral Building Fund. In 2009, the Epimenides/Ariadne Scholarship program was established and annually awards at least five to six scholarships to our young adults to help them with college expenses. Biannually, the chapter hosts a Cretan Reception with our District 6 chapters for the Modern Greek Studies Program at SFSU and, in 2004, we hosted the West Coast premiere concert by world renowned musician Gaitanos. We participate in the annual Greek Independence Day Celebration in San Francisco and we are on the board of the United Hellenic American Society. Recently, our chapter became a member of the PAA300, pledging $1000 for the next 10 years for this outstanding program, and we also donated to the Cretan Relief program. In addition, we participate annually in the District 6 Family Conference at St. Nicholas Ranch. Each year we look at ways that our chapter can make a difference in the lives of our members and in the greater world around us. We take great pride in the work that we do and in our resolve to perpetuate and preserve our culture. HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS Epimenides was honored to host a very successful national convention in 1974 and assisted the Cretan youth of San Francisco in hosting a national PYA Convention in In 2017, the Epimenides/ Ariadne Chapter will host the National PAA Convention for the first time in more than 40 years! The chapter has also hosted PAA District Conferences and PAA National Board Meetings over the years. Epimenides honored all of the District 6 Governors with a Governor s Ball. Our members also have participated as delegates in conventions all over the United States and Crete. Over the years, we have boasted a number of national officers, including National PAA President, the late Nick Delakis (Delis); PYA National Youth President, PAA National Youth Supervisor and current Cretan Alumni Network Chair Diane Kounalakis; PAA General Secretary Antonios Kounalakis; and PAA Philanthropic Chair, former Lt. Governor and current District 6 Governor Roxanne Koston. In addition, former Cretan Youth members John Monolakis (current Epimenides/Ariadne president) The Epimenides/Ariadne Chapter preparing for the 2017 PAA National Convention. (Left to right) Front row: John Monolakis, Joanne Karavolos, Bessie Malekos, Giorgia Papadakis, Terpsi Varanakis, Garifalia Tsiglieris. Second row: Roxanne Koston, Kathy Roque, Olga Papadakis, Sophia Daskalakis, Olga Daskalakis. Back Row: Mike Papadakis, Spiro Papadakis, George Papadakis, George Fanourgiakis, Evangelia Daskalakis, Christo Daskalakis, Nektaria Klouvidakis-Tsiglieris, Nick Varanis. served as PYA vice president; Adrienne Konstan and Maria Koston served as PYA national youth secretaries, and Dimitri and Yvonne Koston served on the National PYA Boards. We would also like to salute all of our past Epimenides presidents. Their dedication and hard work have managed to keep us together in harmony. Those Presidents are: K. Vavouris, John Lefakis, I. Papadoulakis, Alex Harhalis, Spiros Paizakis, Antonis Vatsakis, Antonios Tsoungarakis, Dimitri Kokolakis, Emmanuel Katotakis, George Miridakis, George Havredakis, Nick Delakis, Nick Papadakis, Stanley Mamalakis, Col. Gus Francis, George Xirakis, Kosta Baladakis, Antonios Kounalakis, James Peros, George Cocoles, John Bakogiannis, George Volikakis, Jimmie Pappis, Anthony Sooklaris, Ted Constantine, Steve Monolakis, Elefterios Kavros, Diane Kounalakis, Roxanne Koston, Christos Daskalakis and John Monolakis. (We apologize if we missed any names as our records are limited over the years.) EPIMENIDES AND ARIADNE BECOME ONE In March 2008, the Ariadne Chapter merged with the Epimenides Chapter to form the newly created Epimenides/Ariadne Chapter. The Ariadne Chapter was originally formed as a women s chapter in 1940 and the late Melpa Manos-Frangos helped organize the first meeting of more than 45 ladies and young women at the time. The first president was Melpa Manos-Frangos, who served for several years as president and went on to become PAA Ladies Supervisor and District Governor. The other former Chapter Profile KPHTH 27

28 ΠΡΟΦΙΛ ΣΥΛΛΟΓΟΥ Chapter Profile Members of the Erotokritos Youth Chapter of San Francisco recently participated in a cancer walk. Ariadne presidents were Mary Hatzis, Sophie Volanakis, Stella Mamalakis, Frosso Stathoudakis, Vera Lourakis, Anna Kounias, Helen Sooklaris, Helen Delis and Roxanne Koston. The chapter was quite successful over the years, hosting numerous fundraisers for local charities and supporting the various Greek churches in the community. They worked in tandem with the Epimenides Chapter and it just became a natural progression that the chapters should merge as one over time. Now, the Epimenides/Ariadne Chapter has more than 150 combined members and, working together, they continue to attract new members and new enthusiasm for current and future projects. CRETAN YOUTH OF SAN FRANCISCO Established in 1974 during the Pancretan Convention in San Francisco, the group was one of the most vibrant youth groups around the country. Not only did the youth chapter host a National Convention in 1983, but it also hosted several youth conferences over the years and established one of first national PYA Dance groups. Many of its members, as noted earlier, have and continue to serve the PAA/PYA. The chapter also supported local and national philanthropic projects, hosted ski trips to Lake Tahoe, road trips to Salt Lake City, bike-a-thons, and so much more. The chapter became dormant for a few years but in the late 2000s was reinvigorated under the new name Erotokritos and we anticipate great things from this revitalized youth chapter. A special thanks to the late John Lendaris who, in the early days of the club, served as youth advisor and a friend to so many youth members. His memory, his love of Crete and his spirit lives on in all of us. As we look to the future, we are excited about what lies ahead of us. We have an amazing group of men and women who are passionate about their heritage. Our chapter is becoming more technologically advanced (especially being in the heart of the Silicon Valley), helping to promote new members and working on revitalizing our youth program. We are thrilled to be one of the oldest chapters in the country and we take great pride in the fact that we are still going strong after all these years. We have a great legacy to look back upon and an even more exciting future on the horizon. So plan now to join us in 2017 at the PAA National Convention to be held in San Francisco. You might even, as our PYA slogan in 1983 said, Leave your vraka in San Francisco. K Matches Made in PAA Heaven In honor of Valentine s Day and because of the success of the Matches Made in PAA Heaven display at the National Convention in Akron, the February issue of KPHTH Magazine will highlight couples who met at a Pancretan national, district or local event. If you have made a love connection through the PAA please let us know! Send us a brief description of how you met and when you married. Don t forget to include maiden names. Also, provide a then and now photograph. Images should be scanned to at least 300 dpi and 4x6 in size. the information to KM@pancretan.org by Nov. 30, In your , please also include your name, and contact information so we can reach out to you if necessary. 28 KPHTH October 2013

29 Νεα συλλογου SAMARIA ATLANTA, GEORGIA ANNUAL RETREAT On Saturday, Aug. 24, the Samaria Chapter of Atlanta held its second annual retreat at the Diakonia Center in the rural southwest corner of South Carolina. Owned by the Metropolis of Atlanta and located an easy two-hour drive from the city, the center s idyllic 210 acres feature hiking trails, a lake, cabins, chapel and other facilities that can accommodate small to large groups, including a summer camp for the Orthodox youth of the southeast. Twenty-five members of the chapter arrived early in the morning to begin a full day of events at the center. After some casual social time to catch up with everyone s news, the group made its way to the chapel to hold a prayer service to commemorate the feast day of St. Titus, who is the chapter s patron saint. This service featured readings by the young children of members, as well as their leading prayers for the group. After the chapel service, the group gathered at the center s main hall to enjoy a delicious lamb and orzo meal prepared by the center staff. The afternoon was open for members to fish, canoe, hike and explore the beautiful setting of the center. After a late afternoon of wine tasting, tasty mezes, mandinades and Cretan music, the group members made their way back to Atlanta as the Members of Samaria Chapter pose in the center chapel after the prayer service. sun set behind the Appalachian Mountains, which straddle the border between Georgia and South Carolina. PETER MANOS, SECRETARY Chapter News CRETAN LADIES SOCIETY OF DETROIT Detroit, Michigan 100TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION On June 22, more than 90 people gathered at the home of George and Dena Perakis in Shelby Township, Mich., for Stella Lolas Cavas-Kouvaritakis 100th birthday celebration. Family and friends traveled from California, Illinois, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Tennessee, New Jersey and Crete for the momentous event. Stella Cavas-Kouvaritakis Born on June 16, 1913, Stella has been a mainstay in the Cretan community for many years. She and Peter raised four daughters and nurtured many cousins and neighbors with her caring, loving ways. Her good works are legendary, having assisted many new to this country with the ways of America. Her winning personality also helped collect many dollars for the American Cancer Society. Her leadership skills allowed her to be a chairperson for the Cretan National Convention held in Detroit. Stella and Peter helped develop many successful events for that convention, including the moonlight cruise around Bob-Lo Island. Stella and Peter were also active in the Greek-American organization Omospondia. Earlier in the day, a graveside trisagion remembering Peter Cavas was held with Father Stratton Dorozenski giving the blessing. More than 30 family members attended to honor him. At the party, guests were treated to a beautiful yard setting with music and delicious Greek fare, including traditional Cretan kalitsounia. The richness of the event was exemplified by the love and happiness shared by all who were there. CHRISTENING Congratulations to Amalia (Stefanou) and Kiriakos Niastikas on the baptism of their daughter Kiriaki Katina. The blessed event took place on July 20, at St. Nicholas Church in Troy, Mich. Kiriaki s godmother is Christina Khoury. A lovely reception took place at Maggiano s Restaurant. Family and friends from as far as Tennessee, California and Canada attended the event. Send Your chapter news to km@pancretan.org REMEMBER: When you send your chapter news, please send high-resolution color images of at least 300 dpi, and 4x6 inches, with a caption that identifies the people in the images. DO NOT embed photos in MS Word files. Contact second Vice President Stavros Antonakakis at (609) if you have questions or if you would like to advertise in KPHTH Magazine. Thank you.

30 Νεα συλλογου Chapter News Amalia (Stefanou) and Kiriakos Niastikas, their daughter Kiriaki Katina, and Nouna Cristina Koury. Kiriaki is the sister of little Andreas and niece of Kristina and Katherine Stefanou. Congratulations to the proud grandparents, Andreas and Joanne Stefanou, and to Elena Niatsikas of Canada and Niko Niatsikas of Crete. Na sas zisi! CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations to Nikolaos Markakis on his graduation from York University, with a specialized honors bachelor of fine arts degree in the field of dance. Niko was the recipient of the J.P. Beckett Award and the Winters College Council 50th Year Anniversary Award. In addition to excelling in his academic studies, he served as the vice president and president for three years on the Dance Students Association; alongside several positions ending Nikolaos Markakis with the position of vice president of internal affairs on Winters College Council, simultaneously being an active dance member of both the Toronto and Detroit Dance Troupes. Niko is now on a working assignment at York University, while aspiring to continue with his master s degree in fine arts dance and choreography. We would also like to congratulate Kleanthi Markakis on her graduation from Pine Ridge High School. Kleanthi graduated at the top of her class, achieving an honors standing for all four years and a distinction of Ontario Scholar. Among her accomplishments are the Certificate of Kleanthi Markakis Endorsement Art Studies, top grade in senior year; the Fashion Industry, top grade in senior year; Technological Design: Apparel & Textile Design, top grade in senior year; Cooperative Education, the Dayco Distributing Limited Award, and the Pine Ridge Fashion Technology Award. Kleanthi has been accepted with a scholarship and is pursuing her studies at York University, in the department of fine arts; specializing in dance and theatre costume design. ARKADI-MALEME PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA CONGRATULATIONS Kiara Eleni Kennelly graduated on June 6 from Keystone Oaks High School. Kiara is attending Baldwin Wallace University as a theater major. She is the granddaughter of the late Eleftherios Petrakis and Dina Petrakis, and the daughter of Daniel and Maria Kennelly. Rosemary Nikas Congratulations are in order for Rosemary Nikas on her re-election to another four-year term of office as president of the Metropolis of Pittsburgh Philoptochos. Rosemary has been a dynamic, hardworking and very popular president of the Metropolis Philoptochos, which includes chapters covering most of Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. Kiara Eleni Kennelly As president, Rosemary will be one of the welcoming hosts for the National Philoptochos meeting in Pittsburgh this October. She is also chairing the 14th biennial Children s Medical Fund Luncheon, which is the National Philoptochos most important fundraising event. It promises to be a spectacular affair with Mike Emmanuel as master of ceremonies and other important speakers. Our very best wishes and gratitude to Rosemary for her philanthropic efforts. We are proud to have her as a member of our Arkadi-Maleme Chapter. MARY VASILAKIS, ARKADI-MALEME NEWS CORRESPONDENT 30 KPHTH October 2013

31 Νεα συλλογου ZEUS CRETAGENIS SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA Koula and Alex Kokologiannakis Wedding Koula (Rozakis) and Alex Kokologiannakis were married on June 29 at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Sacramento, Calif. The bride is the daughter of Mavra and Panagiotes Rozakis of Granite Bay, Calif. The groom is the son of Artemisia and Yiannis Kokologiannakis of Modesto, Calif. Koula s sisters, Antonia Rozakis and Demetra Rozakis, were bridesmaids. Alexʼs best friend, Anthony Limantzakis, of Salt Lake City was the koumbaro. Following the ceremony, a lovely reception was held at the Hellenic Center, where guests enjoyed live music performed by Ta Pantermakia, who traveled from Chania, Crete, for the wedding. The happy couple will reside in Sacramento. Συγχαρητήρια στους νεόνυμφους! Τους ευχόμαστε από καρδιάς βίον ανθόσπαρτον και καλούς απογόνους! Chapter News Minos Salt Lake City, Utah In Memory Mike Nick Varanakis, our beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle, passed away peacefully one year ago surrounded by his loving family. Mike was born on Oct. 31, 1924, to Nick and Georgia (Saras) Varanakis in Kenilworth, Utah. He graduated from Carbon High School in He served honorably in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1942 to He was then transferred to the U.S. Air Force and received an honorable discharge from both the Army and the Air Force. After Mike returned to Utah, he met and married the love of his life, Sylvia Maragakis, in the fall of They enjoyed a long and happy life together and he was never far from his Dolly. They celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on Sept. 17, Mike was a devout member of the Greek Orthodox church and served as vice president of the parish Mike Varanakis council for four years. He was also a member of the Pancretan Association of America for more than 60 years and was very proud of his Cretan heritage. Mike was active during the 1978 PAA National Convention held in Salt Lake City. Mike was selfless, thoughtful, loyal, sincere and truly loved his family and Cretan Heritage. Mike enjoyed working with people and worked for Sears Roebuck for 27 years. He then worked for Wolfe s Sporting Goods for 12 years and continued to work at Weight Watchers of Utah until he turned 84. Mike is survived by his wife Sylvia (Maragakis), three sons, Nick (Ellen), John (Beverly) and Jeff, and his three cherished grandchildren, Mike Tiger, Nicole Princess No. 1 and Alexandra Princess No. 2, and his little puppy, Elvis. He had many nieces and nephews who knew him best as Uncle Mike. May his memory be eternal. EPIMENIDES/ARIADNE SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA Graduations Andoni Sooklaris, son of John and Artemisia, graduated from Coronado High School in Coronado, Calif., with a 4.2 GPA. In high school he played JV baseball and was a member and (Left to right): John, Andoni, Artemisia and Maria Sooklaris. officer in the National Honor Society. He earned the designation of AP Scholar with Distinction and National AP Scholar. In addition, he was honored with awards for excellence for his work in engineering and AP chemistry. Andoni served in the altar throughout high school at St. Spyridon in San Diego, and before that at the Annunciation Cathedral in San Francisco. He participated in GOYA at St. Spyridon and served as vice president. He was also a dancer in the Ionian and Aegean dance groups of San Diego and the Minoan Dancers in the Bay Area, participating every year at the Folk Dance Festival in California. He currently is on a Rotary Youth Exchange, studying in Belgium. Upon his re- KPHTH 31

32 Νεα συλλογου Chapter News turn to the United States, he will matriculate at the University of California at Davis to study mathematics. Antonios Nectarios Baxter (Tony), son of Jeff Baxter and Diane Kounalakis, graduated with high honors from St. Ignatius College (Left to right): Diane Kounalakis, Tony Baxter, Victoria Baxter and Jeff Baxter. Preparatory School in San Francisco on June 2. Along with his rigorous academic program, Tony was a water polo player all four years of high school and was very involved in a number of community service projects at school. He traveled to Washington State for a two-week immersion program, working on a sustainable farm run by Catholic Charities for adults with Down Syndrome. Tony is a member at large of the Pancretan Youth Association and was awarded an Epimenides/Ariadne Scholarship this year. He was also named a scholar of the National Society of High Scholars, an AP Scholar, a CSF lifetime member and was on the Dean s list all four years. Throughout the years, Tony has attended National PAA Conventions and local Cretan chapter activities. Tony began his undergraduate studies at Georgetown University this fall, pursuing a degree in finance. Tony is the grandson of Epimenides/Ariadne members Antonios and Vasiliki Kounalakis and Ron and Carol Baxter. We wish Tony much success and in the words of St. Ignatius, Go forth and set the world on fire. CONDOLENCES George Trochalakis entered peacefully into rest at his Dublin home on July 28 following a courageous battle with cancer. He was 83 years old. Born on Sept. 4, 1929, in Chania, Crete, Greece, George was the oldest child born to Eleftherious and Evangelia Trochalakis. In 1957, he moved to Montreal, Canada, where he began his commercial photography career. George Trochalakis George went on to meet the love of his life, Betty, whom he married in They moved to California, settling in Foster City until 2013, when they moved to Dublin. Over the years, George enjoyed camping, spending time with his loved ones, playing with gadgets and enjoying music. George was treasured by all who knew him. He will be fondly remembered for his dynamic personality and how much he loved his family. George is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of 52 years, Betty Trochalakis, of Dublin; his loving daughters and their husbands; Elsa and Rick Kitts of San Ramon; Linda and James Gallegos of Concord; and Tanya and David Aurelio of San Ramon; sister and brother-in-law, Miranda and Nick Enepekides of Montreal; grandchildren, Andy, Sophia and Ava Kitts; Stefan and Alexandra Gallegos; and Zachary and Gabriella Aurelio; nephews, Danny and Terry Enepekides; niece, Angie Enepekides; and many cherished extended family and friends. May his memory be eternal. IKAROS San Jose, california Angie and Richard Sellen PAGONIS-SELLEN WEDDING Dr. Angie Pagonis and Dr. Richard Sellen were married on Aug. 24, at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in San Jose, Calif. Their marriage was officiated by Reverend Father Thomas Paris, a dear friend of Angie s maternal grandfather, the late Father John Berris. Father Paris wore the cross that Angie s great-grandparents had given her papou upon his ordination to the priesthood more than 68 years ago. Angie and Richard s stephana were blessed at the wedding of Angie s paternal grandparents, Nick and Ardelle Pagonis 67 years ago. Family, extended family and a few dear friends were present to witness Angie and Richard s marriage and then all celebrated at the Hyatt Regency Santa Clara with dinner, dancing and a fun photobooth. Angie is the daughter of Milton and Joanne Pagonis of Saratoga, Calif. She has followed in her dad s footsteps and is an associate dentist at Cupertino Dental Group practicing with her dad, cousin Alex Pagonis (koumbaro), Angie s uncle and nouno, Dr. Gary Pagonis, and family friend Dr. Kenneth Frangadakis. Angie and Richard met while both attending Arthur Dugoni University of Pacific Dental School in San Francisco. Richard is the son of Christina McMaster of Arizona and Daniel Sellen of California. Richard just completed his one-year residency at the VA Hospital in Fresno. The happy couple honeymooned in Hawaii and the French Polynesian Islands. Angie and Richard reside in Cupertino, Calif. 32 KPHTH October 2013

33 Νεα συλλογου (left) Presbytera Magdalene Paraskevaidis and her daughter. (right) Fr. Dimosthenis Paraskevaidis and Metropolitan Gerasimos. ANNUAL IKAROS BARBEQUE On Sunday, Sept. 1, Ikaros held their annual barbeque at the home of Michael and Liz Frangadakis in Monte Sereno. This was really a family affair with members bringing their kids and grandkids. There were games for the kids out back, and plenty of good food for all. As in the past, this was a potluck affair with everyone bringing their best dishes. The club provided the lamb chops and ribs, which were barbequed by Ikaros President Ted Cocoles and Anthony Frangadakis. In a tribute to his recently deceased papou, Anthony surprised everyone wearing Manos favorite straw hat. We were all honored and blessed to have His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos join us for the event. He introduced the new priest for St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in San Jose, Father Dimosthenis Paraskevaidis, with Presbytera Magdalene. Of course we made them Cretans for the day. IKAROS 2013 SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS As is the custom at our end of summer barbeque, the night was capped off with our Ikaros Scholarship presentations. This year the Scholarship Chairman Michael Spero presented $1,500 scholarships to Sydney Venierakis and Jonathan Lampros. Sydney, the granddaughter of Emmanouil and Eleni Venierakis, is a junior at San Jose State University, majoring in child and adolescent development. She plans to become a teacher in the near future. Jonathan, grandson of Helen Francis and son of Nick and Linda Lampros, has been enhancing his communication skills at the Lindamood-Bell development center. Lindamood-Bell supports those with autism. Lampros is enjoying the program and making great progress. Since 1997, Ikaros has awarded 37 scholarships totaling approximately $40,000. Michael Francis, Chapter News Reporter Chapter News KRITIKI FILOXENIA STATEN ISLAND, NEW YORK Ο σύλλογος Κρητική Φιλοξενία του Στατεν Αιλαντ της Νεας Υορκης, χαιρετίζει το νεο προέδρο τής Παγκρητικής John Sargetis και το συμβούλιό του και τους εύχεται καλή συνέχεια και καλή δύναμη στο εργο τους. Επισης τα θερμά μας συγχαρητήρια στην κ. Ζαχαρούλα Μαρματάκη στην εκλογή της ως Εκτελεστική Διευθύντρια των Γυναικείων Τμημάτων της Παγκρητικής καθώς και στη νεα κυβερνήτη της περιφερειας μας κ. Μαρία Στρατουδάκη. Θελουμε επισης να συγχαρούμε τους απόφοιτούς μας απο το High School Δημήτριο Λιντζέρη και Κυριακή Ξενάκη και να τους ευχηθούμε καλή επιτυχία στις σπουδές τους στα Πανεπιστημια που επέλεξαν. Ευχόμαστε στην Αγάπη και Κωνσταντίνο Σβιράκη να τους ζήσει η κορούλα τους Αφροδίτη-Πελαγία που απέκτησαν στις 7 Ιουνίου 2013, (8lbs. 6oz. 20 inches), στους παπούδες και γιαγιάδες Γιώργο και Αφροδίτη Σβιράκη, Λεφτέρη και Μαγδαλινή Μπονάκη να τους ζήσει και να την δούνε και νυφούλα. Ευχόμαστε στον Γιώργο και Στελιανή Μαρονικολάκη να τούς ζήσει ο εγγονός. Στις 8 Ιουνίου ο συλλογος μας φιλοξένησε το περιφερειακό συνέδριο για την εκλογή τού κυβερνητη τής 2ας περιφέρειας με μεγάλη συμμετοχή απο ολους τους συλλόγους. Κατόπιν ακολούθησε το ετήσιο πικ-νικ του συλλόγου μας και ευχαριστούμε την πρόεδρο Δήμητρα Βλάχου-Λιντζέρη, τον Βαγγέλη Ξενάκη, τον Σταύρο Κορδατζάκη, τον Αντώνη Ξενάκη, τον Διονύσιο Ζούγκρα και ολους οσους βοήθησαν για την διεξαγωγη του καθως και ολους τους παρευρισκομένους που συνέβαλαν στην επιτυχία του. Dimitrios Lintzeris GRADUATION Dimitrios Lintzeris, son of Pavlos Lintzeris and Dimitra Vlachou Lintzeris, graduated with honors from Staten Island Tech High School. Dimitrios will attend the New York University School of Engineering. Congratulations Dimitri! ΛΕΦΤΕΡΗΣ ΜΠΟΝΑΚΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΔΗΜΗΤΡΑ ΒΛΑΧΟΥ- ΛΙΝΤΖΕΡΗ KPHTH 33

34 Τριήμερο εορταστικών εκδηλώσεων στη Νέα Υόρκη από την Παγκρητική Ένωση Αμερικής για τα 100 χρόνια της Ένωσης της Κρήτης με την Ελλάδα ΑΘΑΝΑΣΙΑ ΜΠΙΣΚΑ Γιορτή μνήμης με σειρά πολιτιστικών εκδηλώσεων στη Νέα Υόρκη από τις 5 έως και 8 Δεκεμβρίου 2013 διοργανώνουν η Παγκρητική Ένωση Αμερικής με την Πολιτιστική & Εκπαιδευτική Επιτροπή της οργάνωσης σε συνεργασία με τους διοικητές των τοπικών Παραρτημάτων για να τιμήσουν τα 100 χρόνια της Ένωσης της Κρήτης με την Ελλάδα ( ). Οι εορτασμοί της ιστορικής αυτής μνήμης, ορόσημο για την Κρήτη και για την Ελλάδα, θα ξεκινήσουν με τη διοργάνωση Συμποσίου στα Ηνωμένα Έθνη με τίτλο: «Η Κρητική Διατροφή: η διαχρονική προσφορά της Κρήτης μετά την ενσωμάτωσή της στην Ελλάδα στην Καλύτερη Διατροφή και Υγιεινή Ζωή» στις 5 Δεκεμβρίου από τις μ.μ. έως και τις 3.00 μ.μ. Στόχος του Συμποσίου είναι να καταδειχθεί η παραδοσιακή Κρητική Διατροφή ως πρότυπο της Μεσογειακής Διατροφής και ως ιδανικής για τη διατήρηση της υγείας και της μακροζωίας. Ταυτοχρόνως, στόχος του Συμποσίου είναι η ανάδειξη της πλούσιας γεωργικής παραγωγής του νησιού και της εξαιρετικής ποιότητας των προϊόντων της. H βουλευτής της Ν.Δ. και επικεφαλής της ελληνικής αντιπροσωπείας στην Κοινοβουλευτική Συνέλευση του Συμβουλίου της Ευρώπης κ. Ντόρα Μπακογιάννη και ο διαπρεπής Συγγραφέας κ. Χάρι Μαρκ Πετράκης θα είναι οι αποδέκτες των βραβείων της Παγκρητικής Ένωσης Αμερικής «Βενιζέλειο» και «Καζαντζάκειο» αντιστοίχως, στην επίσημη εκδήλωση Awards Gala η οποία θα πραγματοποιηθεί το βράδυ της 6ης Δεκεμβρίου 2013 στο «Terrace on the Park». Θα ακολουθήσουν δύο πολιτιστικά δρώμενα στις 7.30 μ.μ. με μ.μ. στις 7 Δεκεμβρίου 2013 στο Κρητικό Σπίτι στην Αστόρια: Θεατρικό έργο «Διάλογοι και Συλλογισμοί την εποχή της Ένωσης - Ιστορική ανασκόπηση των γεγονότων που οδήγησαν στην Ένωση» και μουσική εκδήλωση, σύνθεση αφιερωμένη στην Ένωση. Την Κυριακή 8 Δεκεμβρίου 2013 θα τελεσθεί Μνημόσυνο για τους ήρωες του Κρητικού Αγώνα για την Ένωση καθώς και Δοξολογία και Αρτοκλασία χοροστατούντος του Αρχιεπισκόπου Αμερικής Δημήτριου στον Καθεδρικό ναό Αγίας Τριάδας, στο Μανχάτταν. Οι εκδηλώσεις θα ολοκληρωθούν το απόγευμα της ίδιας ημέρας στις 3.00 μ.μ. με Κατάθεση Στεφάνου στο Άγαλμα της Ελευθερίας, (South Ferry). Η επιλογή και απόφαση για τους αποδέκτες των βραβείων έγινε από το Δ.Σ. της οργάνωσης μετά από σχετικές προτάσεις και εισηγήσεις των μελών της Παγκρητικής Ένωσης Αμερικής. Το «Βενιζέλειο» βραβείο απονέμεται σε προσωπικότητες που έχουν συμβάλλει και διακριθεί στους τομείς της κυβέρνησης, πολιτικής, διπλωματίας και ευρύτερα έχουν υπηρετήσει το καλό του πολίτη. Το «Καζαντζάκειο» βραβείο δίνεται σε προσωπικότητες που έχουν συνεισφέρει και διακριθεί στις Τέχνες και τα Γράμματα (λογοτεχνία, ποίηση, τέχνη, γράμματα ή σε ακαδημαϊκούς κύκλους). Η επίσημη εκδήλωση των Βραβείων αποσκοπεί στο να γνωρίσει το ευρύτερο Αμερικανικό κοινό αλλά και οι νεώτερες γενεές Ελληνο-Αμερικανών την ιστορία και την επιτυχημένη πορεία της Παγκρητικής Ένωσης Αμερικής. Ντόρα Μπακογιάννη Πρόκειται για την πρώτη γυναίκα δήμαρχο Αθηναίων και Υπουργό των Εξωτερικών, η οποία συμμετείχε ενεργά στη διοργάνωση της Ολυμπιάδας του 2004, ενώ το 2005 εξελέγη «World Mayor» από τον οργανισμό «City Mayors». Το 2006, 2007 και 2008 έκανε περήφανο το απανταχού Κρητικό στοιχείο καθώς το περιοδικό «Forbes» την περιέλαβε στη λίστα με τις 100 ισχυρότερες γυναίκες του πλανήτη. Το 2008, της απονεμήθηκε από την επαρχία του Τυρόλου και την πόλη του Ίνσμπρουκ το βραβείο Maximilian Award - European Award for Regional Policy and Local Government και την ίδια χρονιά έγινε δεκτή στο Παρίσι ως η πρώτη γυναίκα ξένη εταίρος της Ακαδημίας Ανθρωπιστικών και Πολιτικών Επιστημών της Γαλλίας και ανακηρύχθηκε στο Σάλτσμπουργκ της Αυστρίας επίτιμη Συγκλητικός της Ευρωπαϊκής Ακαδημίας Επιστημών και Τεχνών. Το 2010 της απονεμήθηκε το παράσημο της Εθνικής Τάξης της Λεγεώνας της Τιμής ενώ εφέτος αναγορεύθηκε Επίτιμη Διδάκτορας του Ευρωπαϊκού Πολυτεχνείου Βουλγαρίας, για την προσφορά της στην ευρωπαϊκή πορεία της Βουλγαρίας και της Ν.Α. Ευρώπης. ΣΥΝΤΟΜΟ ΒΙΟΓΡΑΦΙΚΟ Η Ντόρα Μπακογιάννη προέρχεται από οικογένεια Κρητών με μακρά παράδοση στην πολιτική. Είναι κόρη του πρώην πρωθυπουργού Κωνσταντίνου Μητσοτάκη και της Μαρίκας Μητσοτάκη το γένος Γιαννούκου. Το 1974 παντρεύτηκε με τον γνωστό δημοσιογράφο Παύλο Μπακογιάννη με τον οποίο απέκτησε 2 παιδιά, την Αλεξία και τον Κώστα από τα οποία έχει αποκτήσει 4 εγγόνια. Στις 26 Σεπτεμβρίου του 1989 ο σύζυγός της Παύλος Μπακογιάννης, βουλευτής της Ν.Δ. στη μονοεδρική της Ευρυτανίας, δολοφονήθηκε από την τρομοκρατική οργάνωση «17 Νοέμβρη». Εννέα χρόνια μετά παντρεύτηκε τον Ισίδωρο Κούβελο. Σπούδασε Πολιτικές Επιστήμες και Επικοινωνία στο Πανεπιστήμιο του Μονάχου. Συνέχισε τις ακαδημαϊκές της σπουδές στη Νομική Σχολή, όπου αποφοίτησε από το τμήμα Δημοσίου Δικαίου της Νομικής Σχολής Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών. Μιλά γερμανικά, γαλλικά και αγγλικά. Μετά τη δολοφονία του συζύγου της, το Νοέμβριο του 1989 εξελέγη για πρώτη φορά βουλευτής του Ελληνικού Κοινοβουλίου κερδίζοντας τη μονοεδρική περιφέρεια της Ευρυτανίας, όπου επανεξελέγη και στις δύο επόμενες εκλογικές αναμετρήσεις, τον Απρίλιο και τον Οκτώβριο του Τον Οκτώβριο του 1990, ορκίστηκε στην κυβέρνηση Μητσοτάκη της Νέας Δημοκρατίας Υφυπουργός στον Πρωθυπουργό και τον Δεκέμβριο του 1992 ανέλαβε το Υπουργείο Πολιτισμού. Τον Σεπτέμβριο του 1996, τον Απρίλιο του 2000, τον Σεπτέμβριο του 2007 και τον Οκτώβριο του 2009, εξελέγη πρώτη σε σταυρούς βουλευτής Α Αθηνών με τη Νέα Δημοκρατία. Τον Οκτώβριο του 2002 εξελέγη η πρώτη γυναίκα στην ιστορία της πόλης των Αθηνών Δήμαρχος Αθηναίων, με ποσοστό 60,6%, που είναι το μεγαλύτερο που έχει πάρει ποτέ δήμαρχος στο δήμο της Αθήνας. Τον Φεβρουάριο του 2006 ανέλαβε τα καθήκοντα του Υπουργού Εξωτερικών στην κυβέρνηση Καραμανλή, θέση την οποία κατείχε 6 KPHTH October 2013

35 ΡΕΠΟΡΤΑΖ μέχρι και τον Οκτώβριο του Τον Νοέμβριο του 2009 διεκδίκησε την ηγεσία της Νέας Δημοκρατίας. Τον Μάιο του 2010 διεγράφη από το κόμμα της Νέας Δημοκρατίας. Τον Νοέμβριο του 2010 ηγήθηκε πρωτοβουλίας πολιτών που ίδρυσαν το πολιτικό κίνημα της Δημοκρατικής Συμμαχίας. Τον Μάιο του 2012, η Δημοκρατική Συμμαχία λόγω της κρισιμότητας των εκλογών και του ισχύοντος εκλογικού νόμου, αποφάσισε μέσα από ένα συγκεκριμένο προγραμματικό πλαίσιο αρχών και θέσεων, τη συνεργασία με τη Νέα Δημοκρατία αναστέλλοντας τη λειτουργία της. Στις εκλογές της 17ης Ιουνίου 2012 η Ντόρα Μπακογιάννη ορίζεται επικεφαλής του ψηφοδελτίου Επικρατείας της Νέας Δημοκρατίας. Η κυρία Μπακογιάννη στάθηκε πάντοτε αρωγός στο έργο της Παγκρητικής Ένωσης Αμερικής. Χάρι Μαρκ Πετράκης Ο Χαράλαμπος Πετράκης θεωρείται ο πιο σημαντικός Ελληνοαμερικανός συγγραφέας της γενιάς του με δέκα βιβλία, έξι νουβέλες, τρεις συλλογές μικρών ιστοριών, και μια αυτοβιογραφία. Υπήρξε δύο φορές υποψήφιος για το Εθνικό Βραβείο Βιβλίου στις Η.Π.Α. και βραβεύθηκε με τα βραβεία: Friends of American Writers Award, Friends of Litterature Award, Society of Midlands Authors Award και Ο Henry Award. Πρόσφατα τιμήθηκε με το βραβείο Film Hellene Honorary Award 2013 για την ταινία Όνειρο Βασιλιάδων ( A Dream of Kings ), βασισμένη στο ομώνυμο βιβλίο του, που μπήκε στη λίστα των μπεστ σέλερ των New York Times. Θέμα του βιβλίου είναι η ιστορία ενός Έλληνα του Σικάγου, τρυφερού, αλλά όχι πιστού, συζύγου και πατέρα, ο οποίος μαθαίνει ότι ο γιος του πεθαίνει. Μέρος της ταινίας, στην οποία πρωταγωνιστούν ο Άντονι Κουίν και η Ειρήνη Παπά, γυρίστηκε στην οδό Χάλστεντ στην Greektown του Σικάγου. Ο Χάρι Μαρκ Πετράκης δίδαξε σε αρκετά αμερικανικά πανεπιστήμια και ανακηρύχθηκε επίτιμος διδάκτορας. ντυμένες και οι τρεις σε λευκά δαντελένια φορέματα, μια απότομη σιωπή απλώθηκε γρήγορα ανάμεσα στους συναγμένους άνδρες. Συγκινήθηκαν και άρχισαν να κλαίνε κάνοντας το σταυρό τους, ενώ μερικοί φιλούσαν τα κρόσσια του φορέματος της μητέρας του καθώς περνούσε ανάμεσα τους. Μια φωτογραφία ύψους 2.5 μέτρων που αποθανατίζει την έλευση της οικογένειας του στην Αμερική αποτελεί ένα από τα μόνιμα εκθέματα του Αμερικανικού Μουσείου Μετανάστευσης στο Ellis Island της Νέας Υόρκης. Ο Χάρι ήταν το πέμπτο παιδί της οικογένειας ανάμεσα σε έξη. Γεννήθηκε το 1923 στο St. Louis. Λίγους μήνες μετά τη γέννησή του η οικογένεια του μετακόμισε στο Σικάγο. Ο πατέρας του υπηρέτησε στην ενορία του Αγίου Κωνσταντίνου και Ελένης στο South Side του Σικάγου μέχρι και το 1951 που αποδήμησε. Οι γονείς του ανέπτυξαν πρωτοπόρα προγράμματα στηρίζοντας άπορους μετανάστες με συσσίτια. Στην ηλικία των 11 χρονών ο Χάρι προσβλήθηκε από φυματίωση και αναγκάστηκε να παραμείνει για δύο χρόνια στο κρεβάτι, με συντροφιά τα βιβλία. Όταν ανάρρωσε συνέχισε να διαβάζει βιβλία από την βιβλιοθήκη της γειτονιάς του. Κατά τη διάρκεια της φοίτησής του στο Γυμνάσιο άσκησε σειρά επαγγελμάτων. Μεταξύ άλλων εργάσθηκε στα χαλυβουργεία και ως αχθοφόρος στα τρένα. Στα είκοσι δύο του χρόνια παντρεύτηκε την Diane Perparos, την οποία γνώριζε από το σχολείο και μαζί της απέκτησε τρεις γιους και τέσσερα εγγόνια. Στα έργα του περιγράφει τον αγώνα και την αγωνία των Ελλήνων μεταναστών που αναζητούν το αμερικανικό όνειρο. Ήξερε από τον πατέρα του, τις συνθήκες υπό τις οποίες εργάσθηκαν οι συμπατριώτες του στα ανθρακωρυχεία στη Γιούτα. Ήξερε, από πρώτο χέρι, τις αντιπαραθέσεις με τους Μαύρους στα χρόνια της οικονομικής δυσπραγίας στο Σικάγο. Γνώριζε τους γκάνγκστερ και τους χαρτοπαίκτες μιας κι ο ίδιος είχε εθιστεί στο χαρτοπαίγνιο για κάποιο διάστημα. Ήξερε τα ελληνικά εστιατόρια, τα ελληνικά ζαχαροπλαστεία, τα ελληνικά ανθοπωλεία. Το 1970 δημοσίευσε την αυτοβιογραφία του «Stelmark: A Family Recollection» καταγράφοντας τις προσωπικές του εμπειρίες και της οικογένειάς του στην κεντροδυτική Αμερική. K Special Report ΣΥΝΤΟΜΟ ΒΙΟΓΡΑΦΙΚΟ To 1916 o πατέρας του Χάρι, ιερέας Μάρκος Πετράκης, εγκαταλείπει την Κρήτη με τη γυναίκα του Στέλλα και τα τέσσερα παιδιά τους για να προσφέρει τις υπηρεσίες του σε μια πολυπληθή παροικία Κρητικών ανθρακωρύχων που βρίσκεται στην πόλη Price της πολιτείας Utah των Η.Π.Α. Οι νεαροί Κρητικοί είχαν έρθει στην Αμερική μέσω μιας διακρατικής συμφωνίας για επαγγελματική μαθητεία στα ανθρακωρυχεία της Utah. Η εργασία στα ορυχεία εκείνη την εποχή ήταν ιδιαίτερα σκληρή και πολλοί έχασαν τη ζωή τους σε εργατικά ατυχήματα. Είχαν χτίσει μια εκκλησία αλλά δεν είχαν παπά και έγραψαν στον Αρχιεπίσκοπο στην Κρήτη να τους στείλει ιερέα, με την προϋπόθεση όμως να έχει οικογένεια καθώς οι ίδιοι μετανάστευσαν στην Αμερική τελείως μόνοι, χωρίς μανάδες, αδελφές, συζύγους. Η οικογένειά του ήρθε με το καράβι στη Νέα Υόρκη και ταξίδεψε με τραίνο μέχρι το Salt Lake City. Από εκεί με αυτοκίνητο έφτασαν στον τελικό προορισμό τους, την πόλη Price. Η σκηνή που διαδραματίστηκε στο Salt Lake City ήταν βγαλμένη από γουέστερν: χωρίς να το ξέρουν οι γονείς του 1000 νεαροί Κρητικοί ανθρακωρύχοι τους περίμεναν στο σταθμό του τρένου και μόλις έφτασαν έβγαλαν τα περίστροφα από τις ζώνες τους και άρχισαν να πυροβολούν στον αέρα για να το γιορτάσουν. Η μητέρα του σκέφτηκε πως ξαφνικά βρέθηκαν σε εμπόλεμη ζώνη και τρομοκρατήθηκε. Αλλά μόλις άρχισε να κατεβαίνει από το τρένο μαζί με τις δύο αδελφές του, Πλήρη βιογραφία και συνέντευξη του Χάρι Μαρκ Πετράκη στο Περιοδικό «Στιγμές»: html?pagenumber=14 Hotel Accommodations Reserve your rooms for the PAA s centennial celebration of the unification of Crete with Greece! A block of rooms have been set aside for the Pancretan Association of America at the LaGuardia Plaza Hotel, which is located at Ditmars Boulevard East, Elmhurst, N.Y Simply call (718) or (506) or cpreservations@cplga.com. To receive the discounted rate of $115 per night for either a king/queen hotel room or a two double bed hotel room, people must reserve rooms by Nov. 5, 2013, and mention they are part of the Pancretan Association of America. KPHTH 7

36 The Pancretan Association of America Celebrates the Centennial Anniversary of the Union of Crete with Greece By Nancy Biska & Georgia Kokkinidou elebrations with a series of cultural events in New York City Con December 5-8, 2013 are being organized by the Pancretan Association of America and the Cultural & Education Committee of the NY&NJ local chapters, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Union of Crete with Greece ( ). The celebrations of this historical milestone for Crete and Greece will start by organizing a United Nations Symposium entitled The Cretan Diet: 100 years of Crete s contribution in Better Nutrition and Healthy Living. (December 5, afternoon). The Symposium s purpose is to promote the traditional Cretan diet as a model of the Mediterranean Diet, as well as a way of living for maintaining health and longevity. At the same time, the Symposium will promote the rich and excellent quality of the agricultural products of Crete. The New Democracy Minister and head of the Greek delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Dora Bakoyannis, and preeminent author Harry Mark Petrakis will be the recipients of the highest awards of the Pancretan Association of America, the Venizelos and the Kazantzakis awards respectively, during the Centennial Awards Gala to be held in the evening of December 6, 2013, at the «Terrace on the Park», in Flushing Meadow Park in Queens, N.Y. There will also be two additional cultural events in the early evening of December 7, 2013, at the Cretan House in Astoria: A theatre play Dialogues and Reflections during the Union Era - Historical overview of the events that led to the Union and a musical event, a composition dedicated to the Union by an Orchestra of 12 young Cretan-American musicians headed by Lyra-player Christos Fasarakis. On Sunday, December 8, 2013, a Memorial service will be dedicated to the heroes of the Cretan Struggle for the Union and Doxology and Artoklasia officiated by Archbishop Demetrios at the Cathedral of Holy Trinity in Manhattan. The Centennial celebrations will conclude on Sunday afternoon with a wreath-laying ceremony at the South Ferry terminal in Manhattan, which will be received by the U.S. Coastguard and transferred to the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor, as a small token of our appreciation to all those who sacrificed their lives for that illusive liberty, which many of our ancestors never lived to enjoy. Awards Gala The selection of the awards recipients are made by the Board of Directors of the Pancretan Association of America where suggestions are submitted by members of the organization and representatives of the chapters. The Venizelos award is bestowed to those who have contributed and excelled in the fields of government, politics and diplomacy. The Kazantzakis award is bestowed to personalities who have contributed and excelled in the letters, arts, literature and academia. The official event of the awards gala serves the purpose to inform the broader American public as well as younger generations of Greek Americans of the history and achievements of the Pancretan Association of America and its members. Dora Bakoyannis Dora Bakoyannis was elected as Athens first female mayor in the city s 3,500-year history. As mayor, she was heavily involved in the preparation of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, was the first woman to serve as mayor of a city hosting the Olympic Games, and she passed the Olympic flag to the Dora Bakoyannis mayor of Beijing, Wang Photo Courtesy WikiCommons Qishan. Bakoyannis received the honor of being elected World Mayor in 2005, an annual internet-based project organized by City Mayors in order to honor the mayors who have served their communities well. On February 15, 2006, she became Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece and thus the highest-ranking woman in the history of the Cabinet of Greece. Mrs. Bakoyannis made proud the Cretans worldwide by being continuously included in Forbes Magazine s List of The World s 100 Most Powerful Women from 2006 to In 2008, she was awarded the Emperor Maximilian Award-European Award for Regional Policy and Local Government by the State of Tyrol and the city of Innsbruck. In 2009, she was named as the first female foreign associate of the French Academy in Humanities and Political Sciences (Académie Française des Sciences Morales et Politiques). The same year, she was also awarded the title of Honorary Senator by the European Academy of Human and Political Sciences in Salzburg. In 2010, Dora Bakoyannis was awarded the National Order of the Chivalry of the Legion of Honor of the French Republic (Ordre Nationale de Chevalier de la Legion d Honneur). In January 2013, she was awarded an Honorary Doctor of the European University in Bulgaria, for her contribution to European progress made by Bulgaria and Southeast Europe. Brief Biography Dora Bakoyannis comes from a prominent Cretan family with outstanding tradition in the country s politics. She is the daughter of former Prime Minister of Greece Constantine and Marika Mitsotakis. In December 1974, she was married to journalist Pavlos Bakoyannis and later gave birth to their two children, Alexia and Kostas. She has four grandchildren. She studied political science and communication at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. After the collapse of the junta, she returned to Greece and continued her academic studies in public law at the National and Kapodistrian University of 4 KPHTH October 2013

37 ΡΕΠΟΡΤΑΖ Athens. In addition to Greek, Bakoyannis is fluent in English, French and German. On September 26, 1989, her husband, who had been elected a member of the Hellenic Parliament in the June 1989 election, was assassinated by members of the terrorist group Revolutionary Organization 17 November. Nine years later, in 1998, she married businessman Isidoros Kouvelos. After her husband s assassination on November 1989, Bakoyannis successfully contested her late husband s seat in the Evrytania constituency and was re-elected a member of the Hellenic Parliament in the 1990 and 1993 elections. In October 1990, she served as a Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Mitsotakis government and, in December 1992, she was appointed Minister for Culture in the government of New Democracy. In September 1996, April 2000, September 2007 and October 2009, she was elected Member of Parliament for the New Democracy party in Athens s 1st electoral district, coming first in votes. In October 2002, Mrs. Bakoyannis was elected as Athens s first female mayor, winning by a majority of 60.6%, greater than any Athens mayor in history. In February 2006, she was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece in the government Karamanlis, a position that she held until October In November 2010, she led a citizens initiative that founded the political movement of the Democratic Alliance. In May 2012, she was a member of the Greek Parliament after the coalition of Democratic Alliance with New Democracy based on a focused memorandum of understanding between the two parties, concerning the structural reforms needed to keep Greece in the Eurozone. In the elections on June 17, 2012, Dora Bakoyannis lead the At-Large ballot of New Democracy. Mrs. Bakoyannis was and always is a friend and staunch supporter the Pancretan Association of America. Harry Mark Petrakis In 1923, Charalambos Petrakis was born in St. Louis. He is the most important Greek-American writer of his generation. Mr. Petrakis has published ten books, six novels, three collections of short stories, and an autobiography. He was twice nominated for the National Book Award in the United States and won the Friends of American Writers Award, Friends of Literature Award, Society of Midlands Authors Award and O Henry Award. He was recently honored with the Film Hellene Honorary Award 2013 for the film A Dream of Kings. The movie was based on his novel, A Dream of Kings, which is a New York Times bestseller. The theme of the book is the story of a Greek man from Chicago, a loving, but not faithful husband and father, who learns that his son is dying. Part of the film, which stars Anthony Quinn and Irene Papas, is shot on Halsted Street in Greektown Chicago. Harry Mark Petrakis Photo Courtesy Mark Petrakis He also taught at several American universities and received many honorary doctorates. BRIEF BIOGRAPHY In 1916, the father of Harry Mark Petrakis, the Rev. Mark Petrakis, left the island of Crete with his wife Stella and their four children to offer his services to a crowded community of Cretan miners in the town of Price, Utah. The young Cretans had come to America through an interstate agreement for apprenticeship in the mines of Utah. The work in the mines at the time was very tough and many lost their lives in accidents. The Cretan miners had built a church but had no priest and wrote to the Archbishop of Crete asking him to send them a priest, provided, he have a family as they immigrated to America completely alone, without mothers, sisters, or wives. His family came by boat to New York and traveled by train to Salt Lake City. From there, a car drove the Petrakis family to their final destination, the city of Price, Utah. The scene that played out in Salt Lake City was something out of a western: the parents of Harry Petrakis were welcomed by more than 1000 Cretan miners, who were waiting at the train station. When the Petrakis family arrived, the Cretan miners pulled out their pistols from their belts and started shooting in the air to celebrate the arrival of the priest. His mother thought they were in a war zone and was terrified. But when Harry s mother descended from the train along with his two sisters, dressed all three in white lace dresses, a sudden silence spread quickly among the gathered men. Excited and filled with emotion, the men began crying and making their cross while some kissed the fringe of the dress of his mother as she passed between them. A photo of 2.5 meters high, reflecting the arrival of his family in America, is one of the permanent exhibits at the American Museum of Immigration at Ellis Island in New York. Harry was the fifth of six children. His father served the parish of Sts. Constantine and Helen on Chicago s South Side until his death in At the age of 11, Harry contracted tuberculosis, which kept him bedridden for two years. He passed his time reading avidly whatever he could find usually a book every few days. When he had recovered, he continued his reading in the neighborhood library. He ended his formal education while still in high school while holding a series of jobs, including working in the steel mills and on the railways express baggage platform. When he was 22, he married Diane Perparos, whom he had known since grammar school. They have three sons and four grandchildren. In his work, Petrakis examines the plight of the Greek immigrants as they search for the American dream. He knew from his father the conditions of the Greek coalminers in Utah, where Father Mark Petrakis had first been assigned when he arrived from Crete. He knew first-hand the confrontations with blacks in the Depression years as they migrated from the Jim Crow south to Chicago. He knew the gangsters, the gamblers, he himself being addicted for a while, and the lonely, burnt out old men. He knew the Greek restaurants, the Greek sweet shops, the Greek floral shops. His realism sometimes bothered other Greeks who felt he was often defining an unflattering Greek-American portrait. In 1970, when he was not yet 50, Petrakis published his frank autobiography, Stelmark: A Family Recollection, where the roots of most of his literary work can be discerned in family memoirs of ancestral Crete and his own personal experiences in Midwestern America. K Special Report KPHTH 5

38 The Pancretan Association of America and the United Cultural Committee of the NY-NJ Cretan Chapters Invite You to Commemorate & Celebrate the Centennial of the Union of Crete with Greece Thursday, December 5, 2013: (3:00 6:00pm) Symposium: The CRETAN NUTRITION: Crete s 100 Years of Contributions to Better Nutrition and Healthy Living Location: The United Nations, New York Friday, December 6, 2013 Pancretan Awards Gala Banquet (Sponsored by the PANCRETAN ASSOCIATON) Celebrating 100 years of Progress since the ENOSIS Awarding the Kazantzakis and Venizelos Awards Honoring the Hon. Dora Bakoyannis with the VENIZELOS Award & Renown author Harry Mark Petrakis with the KAZANTZAKIS Award. Terrace on the Park, in Flushing Meadow Park, NY Saturday, December 7, 2013 (7:30-11:30pm) Theater Production Theater Production Διάλογοι και Συλλογισμοί την Εποχή της Ένωσης Dialogoi kai Syllogismoi tin Epohi tis ENOSIS A Historical Recount of Events Surrounding the UNION and MUSICAL EVENT Composed Specifically for the UNION at the KRITIKO SPITI, Astoria, NY Sunday, December 8, 2013 (10:00am) Memorial Service for the Heroes of the Cretan Struggles for Liberation and Great Doxology & Artoklasia Commemoration for the Enosis The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, Manhattan, NYC His Eminence Archbishop Dimitrios of America Invited to Officiate Sunday, December 8, 2013 (3:00pm) Laying of Wreath to Lady Liberty, South Ferry, NYC

39 The Pancretan Association of America and the United Cultural Committee of the NY-NJ Cretan Chapters Centennial Anniversary of the Union of Crete with Greece Pancretan Awards Gala HONORING: The Hon. Dora Bakoyannis with the VENIZELOS Award & Author Harry Mark Petrakis with the KAZANTZAKIS Award Terrace on the Park In Flushing Meadow Park, Queens, NY Friday, December 6, 2013 SPONSORSHIP FORM Benefactor $5,000 Listing in Program plus 20 prime tickets Patron $2,500 Listing in Program plus 10 prime tickets Sponsor $1,000 Listing in Program plus 4 prime tickets Supporter $500 Listing in Program plus 2 prime tickets Friend $250 Listing in Program plus 1 prime ticket Individual Dinner Tickets $125 per person (Youth up to 24yrs old $75 per person) Dinner per table (12) $1,250 Please reserve..tables tickets. My check in the amount of $... is enclosed Please make checks to the Pancretan Association of America and mail to: Pancretan Association of America c/o Georgia Kokkinidou THORNTON TOMASETTI 19th Fl. 51 Madison Avenue, New York, NY FAX Name: Address City State. Zip.. Tel. For questions or clarifications contact Georgia Kokkinidou at or GKokkinidou@ThorntonTomasetti.com For Sponsorships or Tickets call Emmanuel Velivasakis at ; Zaharoula Marmatakis ; John Vomvolakis ; Stavros Antonakakis ; or Niko Verikakis Hotel Reservations LaGuardia Plaza, $115 per night. (718) or (506) Call by Nov. 5, and mention group name of Pancretan Association of America.

40 KPHTH official publication of the pancretan association of america OCTOBER