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