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To view past issues of This Week For Greeks! click on the links below:

2009

February

• February 09, 2009 (vol.3, issue 05)
• February 02, 2009 (vol.3, issue 04)

January

• January 27, 2009 (vol.3, issue 03)
• January 13, 2009 (vol.3, issue 02)
• January 05, 2009 (vol.3, issue 01)

2008

December

• December 15, 2008 (vol.2, issue 40)
• December 08, 2008 (vol.2, issue 39)
• December 01, 2008 (vol.2, issue 38)

November

• November 24, 2008 (vol.2, issue 37)
• November 10, 2008 (vol.2, issue 36)
• November 03, 2008 (vol.2, issue 35)

October

• October 27, 2008 (vol.2, issue 34)
  
• October 20, 2008 (vol.2, issue 33)
• October 13, 2008 (vol.2, issue 32)
  
• October 07, 2008 (vol.2, issue 31)

September

• September 29, 2008 (vol.2, issue 30)
  
• September 22, 2008 (vol.2, issue 29)
• September 15, 2008 (vol.2, issue 28)
• September 08, 2008 (vol.2, issue 27)
  
• September 02, 2008 (vol.2, issue 26)

August

• August 04, 2008 (vol.2, issue 25)

July

• July 28, 2008 (vol.2, issue 24)
  

June

• June 17, 2008 (vol.2, issue 22)
• June 09, 2008 (vol.2, issue 21)
• June 02, 2008 (vol.2, issue 20)

May

• May 26, 2008 (vol.2, issue 19)
  
• May 22, 2008 (vol.2, issue 18)
• May 16, 2008 (AHEPA Day 2008)
• May 16, 2008 (AHEPA 2008 Western Caravan)
• May 14, 2008 (vol.2, issue 17)
  
• May 05, 2008 (vol.2, issue 16)
  

April

• April 28, 2008 (vol.2, issue 15)
• April 18, 2008 (vol.2, issue 14)
• April 14, 2008 (Action: Honor Constantino Brumidi)
• April 10, 2008 (AHEPA Road to Hellenism Message)
• April 09, 2008 (vol.2, issue 13)
  
• April 01, 2008 (Action: Greek Flag Desecrated)
  

March

• March 25, 2008 (Greek Independence Day Message)
• March 24, 2008 (vol.2, issue 12)
• March 17, 2008 (vol.2, issue 11)
• March 10, 2008 (Supreme Convention Update)
• March 10, 2008 (vol.2, issue 10)
• March 03, 2008 (vol.2, issue 9)

February

• February 22, 2008 (vol.2, issue 8)
• February 15, 2008 (vol.2, issue 7)
• February 08, 2008 (vol.2, issue 6)
• February 01, 2008 (vol.2, issue 5)

January

• January 25, 2008 (vol.2, issue 4)
• January 18, 2008 (vol.2, issue 3)
• January 11, 2008 (vol.2, issue 2)
• January 04, 2008 (vol.2, issue 1)

2007

•  Go To 2007 Archive

FEBRUARY
    06-08 Sons & Maids Mid-Year Conference - Albany, NY
    07     Sons & Maids Annual Valentine's Day Dance - Albany, NY
    13-15 District 1 Midwinter Convention - Nashville, TN
    28     Greek Glendi Welcome Night - Clearwater, FL

MARCH
    01     36th Annual AHEPA SE Regional Golf Tournament - Largo, FL
    12-15 AHEPA Marrow Basketball Tournament - Chicago, IL
    21     AHEPA Canada Roast & Toast - Montreal
    29     AHEPA Suffolk County Half Marathon & 5k Race - Selden, NY

MAY
    01-03 District 4 Convention - Wilkes Barre, PA
    15-17 District 3 Convention - Silver Spring, MD
    15     AHEPA's 1st Annual Official Rush Day - Global
    16     AHEPA's 1st Annual Official Hug-A-Greek Day - Global
    17     AHEPA Day - Global
    30-31 District 6 Convention - LaGuardia, NY
    30-31 District 17 Convention - Colorado

JUNE
    04-06 District 2 Conference - Boca Raton, FL
    05-07 District 1 Conference - Birmingham, AL
    05-07 District 5 Conference - Trenton, NJ
    05-07 New England (Districts 7, 8 & 9) Regional Conference - Mansfield, MA
    05-07 District 10 Conference - Michigan
    05-07 Districts 12 & 13 Conference - Joliet, IL
    12-14 District 14 Conference - Sioux Falls, SD
    12-14 District 20 Conference - Anaheim, CA
    18-20 District 16 Convention - New Orleans, LA
    19-21 District 11 Conference - Canton, OH
    19-21 District 15 Convention - Kansas City, MO
    19-21 District 21 Convention - Santa Clara, CA
    29-30 AHEPA Supreme Convention 2009 - San Francisco, CA

JULY
    01-05 AHEPA Supreme Convention 2009 - San Francisco, CA

Brother Emmanuel G. Pappas

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Mr. Emmanuel G. Pappas, a 37-year member of AHEPA from Atlanta, who passed away in March 2008, bequeathed $50,000 to AHEPA, announced Supreme President Ike Gulas.

Pappas, 60, dedicated his life to helping others in need both as an entrepreneur and philanthropist. In 1977, he founded Pappas Contracting, Inc., a construction consulting firm specializing in commercial construction and insurance industries with an emphasis on natural disaster risk and damage assessment. His company, now known as EGP and Associates, Inc. has become a nationwide industry leader.

Brother Pappas was a member of Mother Lodge Chapter No. 1, Atlanta.

###

AHEPA is the largest Greek-American association in the world with chapters in the United States, Canada, Greece, Cyprus, and sister chapters in Australia and New Zealand. It was established in 1922 by visionary Greek Americans to protect Hellenes from prejudice originating from the KKK, and in its history, AHEPA joined with the NAACP and B'nai B'rith International to fight discrimination.

The mission of the AHEPA family is to promote the ancient Greek ideals of education, philanthropy, civic responsibility and family and individual excellence through community service and volunteerism.

For more information about the AHEPA family, or how to join, please contact AHEPA Headquarters, (202) 232-6300, or visit www.ahepa.org.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), a leading association for the nation's three million American citizens of Greek ancestry, and countless Philhellenes, congratulated President Barack Obama on his historic inauguration in a letter sent to The White House on January 21, 2009, announced Supreme President Ike Gulas.

The letter highlighted AHEPA's commitment to civic responsibility and raised key issues that the American Hellenic community looks forward to working on with the new administration.

"Celebrate the American Dream" Reception Welcomes Hellenic-Americans to DC

AHEPA welcomed its members and community leaders from across the country who came to Washington for inaugural events at a reception held Monday, January 19, 2009, at the National Press Club. Supreme President Gulas, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, His Excellency Alexandros Mallias, ambassador of Greece to the U.S., and His Excellency Andreas Kakouris, ambassador of Cyprus to the U.S., and congressional staff attended and offered remarks. Gulas reflected on the reception's theme "Celebrate the American Dream" and President Obama's call to "National Service" on the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday and their meaning to the Hellenic-American community.

Monday evening, Supreme President Gulas, Supreme Vice President Nicholas A. Karacostas, and Executive Director Basil Mossaidis attended a pre-inaugural dinner hosted by Archbishop Demetrios.

###

Photo Caption: Gathering at the AHEPA "Celebrate the American Dream" Reception are (l-r): Ambassador Mallias, Archbishop Demetrios, Supreme President Gulas, Ambassador Kakouris, and Supreme Vice President Karacostas.

AHEPA is the largest Greek-American association in the world with chapters in the United States, Canada, Greece, Cyprus, and sister chapters in Australia and New Zealand. It was established in 1922 by visionary Greek Americans to protect Hellenes from prejudice originating from the KKK, and in its history, AHEPA joined with the NAACP and B'nai B'rith International to fight discrimination.

The mission of the AHEPA family is to promote the ancient Greek ideals of education, philanthropy, civic responsibility and family and individual excellence through community service and volunteerism.

"We are pleased to provide assistance to the communities still reeling from the devastation caused by the wildfires of nearly a year-and-a-half ago," said Gulas. "The Supreme Lodge believes that by providing aid that will help combat future wildfires, and replenish the land, that we are offering a useful and effective relief response."

The $240,000 contribution, to be presented during the annual AHEPA Family Excursion in April 2009, will complete a successful humanitarian relief effort that also included the delivery of 270 care packages (an estimated $250,000 in goods) in October 2007.

"We are grateful to the individuals, AHEPA family chapters, and fellow organizations that contributed to our fund-raising drive and helped us meet our mission," said Gulas. "Moreover, I'm proud many Philhellenes, in addition to Hellenes, met our appeal for relief aid."

###

AHEPA is the largest Greek-American association in the world with chapters in the United States, Canada, Greece, Cyprus, and sister chapters in Australia and New Zealand. It was established in 1922 by visionary Greek Americans to protect Hellenes from prejudice originating from the KKK, and in its history, AHEPA joined with the NAACP and B'nai B'rith International to fight discrimination.

The mission of the AHEPA family is to promote the ancient Greek ideals of education, philanthropy, civic responsibility and family and individual excellence through community service and volunteerism.

Former U.S. Senator Claiborne Pell

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Supreme President Ike Gulas issued the following statement on the passing of Former U.S. Senator Claiborne Pell of Rhode Island:

"He was an extremely well-respected senator who served the citizens of Rhode Island admirably for six terms in the U.S. Senate. From 1987 to 1994, he served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee where he was a champion of Greek-American issues. Of course, he will always be remembered and saluted for the educational grants that bear his name that have allowed countless students to attend college.

"We were honored and privileged to count Senator Pell as a 45-year member of AHEPA. Senator Pell was instrumental in helping AHEPA obtain three senior citizen housing projects totaling 82 units in Newport, Rhode Island. In essence, he helped AHEPA fulfill every aspect of its mission.

"Our deepest sympathies are with the family of Senator Pell. May his memory be eternal."

Until his passing, Senator Pell was an active, faithful member of Maud Howe Elliot Chapter No. 245, Newport, R.I. He was a recipient of the AHEPA Pericles Award for excellence in public service. The senator was initiated into AHEPA on June 8, 1963.

###

AHEPA is the largest Greek-American association in the world with chapters in the United States, Canada, Greece, Cyprus, and sister chapters in Australia and New Zealand. It was established in 1922 by visionary Greek Americans to protect Hellenes from prejudice originating from the KKK, and in its history, AHEPA joined with the NAACP and B'nai B'rith International to fight discrimination.

The mission of the AHEPA family is to promote the ancient Greek ideals of education, philanthropy, civic responsibility and family and individual excellence through community service and volunteerism.

For more information about the AHEPA family, or how to join, please contact AHEPA Headquarters, (202) 232-6300, or visit www.ahepa.org.

Cooley's Anemia, also known as Thalassemia, is a fatal genetic blood disorder which affects people of Mediterranean descent. Today, in order to survive, children must receive blood transfusions every two weeks and receive painful drug injections via an infusion pump every night of their lives.

In its major form Cooley's Anemia is fatal. Over two million people in the United States are carriers of the minor form and do not even know it. The bad news is that these people are at risk in passing along the major form if they have children. The good news is that finally a cure is in sight.

Download a free brochure on Cooley's Anemia, or to learn how to contribute to our Foundation.

Make a tax deductible online contribution to the AHEPA Cooley's Anemia Foundation.

Share Life… Donate Blood

Thalassemia patients are the largest consumers of blood. Because of this constant need and the needs of all patients, it is crucial that we as concerned citizens donate blood on a regular basis.

Some quick facts:

• Only 5% of the population donates for 100% of the population.
• Every 2 seconds someone needs blood in the U.S.
• More than 38,000 blood donations are needed everyday
• 1 out of 10 people admitted in a hospital needs a blood transfusion
• The type most often requested by hospitals is Type O/universal donor. Only 7% of the population has this blood type.
• A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood.
• Less than 38% of the U.S. population is eligible to donate
• Shortages of blood are most common during the summer and winter months.

Eligibility

• Must be 17 years or older and at least 110 pounds and in good general health.

The demand for blood donations is growing faster than donations. Please sponsor a blood drive in your community.

To contact the American Red Cross, please call 1-800- GIVELIFE (1-800-448-3543)

You can make a difference!

How do I test for the trait?

A single blood draw will allow the hospital or clinic the sample they need to test for the beta Thalassemia trait. A test called a hemoglobin electrophoresis and quantitation of hemoglobin F and hemoglobin A2 are sufficient and reliable.

When the doctor’s office takes the routine CBC (Complete Blood Count) at your appointment, they will look at the mean MCV (Molecular Corpuscle Volume). This determines the size of your red blood cells. If the size is less than 75 and you are not iron deficient, you may carry the trait. The doctor should take additional tests to confirm this result.

It is very important to test to know if you are a trait carrier if you plan on having a family. If you find that you are a trait carrier, you must have your partner tested too. It is crucial that you have the test read by a hematologist. Your obstetrician can refer you to a genetic counselor if you are both trait carriers. They will be able to discuss with you what this might mean for your unborn child.

Who carries the Thalassemia trait?

Thalassemia was originally believed to be common only to the people of the Mediterranean region, such as Greeks, Italians, and Turks.

Since then, scientists have discovered that the Thalassemia trait is found in people of many other regions, including the Arabian Peninsula, Africa, the Indian subcontinent, China, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean.

Today, due to the migration and intermarriage of different ethnic groups, the trait for Thalassemia is found in people with no obvious ethnic connection to the disorder. For this reason, the New York State Department of Health provides couples seeking a marriage license with information a bout Thalassemia.

How do I test for the trait?

Doctors testing for Thalassemia will be looking at the size of your red blood cells.

A routine blood test known as a CBC, Complete Blood Count, which most doctors do at checkups, will be in your file. Ask your doctor to look up the MCV, the Mean Corpuscle Volume. This reading determines the size of your red blood cells. For adults, if the reading is less than 75, and you are not iron deficient, you may be a trait carrier. For children, the MCV reading may be lower and varies with age.

If your MCV reading determines that you may have the Thalassemia trait, your doctor should perform additional tests to confirm that you have the Thalassemia trait and to determine what kind.

Although the MCV is a good indicator of whether a person may have Thalassemia trait or not, more tests should be performed to determine what type.

What is Thalassemia?

Thalassemia is the name of a group of inherited genetic blood disorders.

Blood carries oxygen from your lungs to other parts of your body. Oxygen is carried inside the red blood cells by a substance called hemoglobin.

Hemoglobin is made of two different kinds of proteins, called alpha and beta globins. These globin proteins are made by genes located on pairs of chromosomes. If one or more of these globin-producing genes is abnormal or missing, there is a drop in globin production.

When only one beta globin gene is missing, as with trait carriers, the drop in globin production is so small it rarely affects the person’s health.

When two beta globin genes are missing, as with the more serious forms of Thalassemia, the drop in globin production is so great that the red blood cells do not form properly and the blood cannot carry enough oxygen.

The result is anemia that begins in early childhood and lasts throughout life.

What is the Thalassemia trait?

If you have been diagnosed with the Thalassemia trait, it is simply another way of saying that you carry the genetic trait for thalassemia.

A genetic trait is a kind of message or code contained in your body. You may pass this code on to your children, and they may then pass it on to their children. These codes carry half of the mother’s genes and half of the father’s genes determining how they will look and what they will genetically carry.

Thalassemia trait is a genetic possibility that can pass on to your descendants.

The Thalassemia trait is not a disease or condition that will require any medical treatment.

Medical personnel often tell people that they have Thalassemia trait that they “have Thalassemia” which can lead trait carriers to believe that they have some kind of health- threatening medical condition. This is not true.

Medical terminology refers to the Thalassemia trait as “Thalassemia minor.” Be aware that carrying the genetic trait for thalassemia is not the same thing as having the disease.

The Thalassemia trait does not require medical treatment.

Physicians sometimes mistakenly prescribe iron supplements for thalassemia trait carriers, usually because they mistake the small size of the trait carrier’s red blood cells with iron- deficiency anemia. Without a test of blood iron levels, iron should not be prescribed for trait carriers.

The Thalassemia trait cannot become worse or turn into a serious disease. You cannot “catch” or spread it.

The Thalassemia trait is a genetic trait and not a health condition. It cannot become worse or change into a more serious form of thalassemia.

   What is the Thalassemia trait?

   Who caries the Thalassemia trait?

    What is Thalassemia or Cooley's Anemia?

   How do I test for the trait?

    About the AHEPA Cooley's Anemia Foundation

    Want to Volunteer?

    News & Updates

Former Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Supreme President Ike Gulas issued the following statement on the passing of Former President of the Republic of Cyprus Tassos Papadopoulos after receiving a phone call from His Excellency Andreas Kakouris, ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the United States, who delivered the news:

"He was an extremely passionate leader, who as president, shepherded the Republic of Cyprus into the European Union in 2004, and standing by his convictions, strongly advocated for the rejection of the Annan Plan.

"During his five-year tenure as president, Mr. Papadopoulos consistently welcomed and received the AHEPA family with open arms. We were honored to share our ideas and discuss all issues confronting Cyprus with him. We felt our dialogue was always an open, two-way line of communication.

"Personally, I had the pleasure of meeting him at an event hosted by the Center for Ancient Studies at New York University in September 2007, and found him to be deserving of all the honors and accolades he received during his accomplished lifetime.

"Our deepest sympathies are with the family of Mr. Papadopoulos and the people of Cyprus. May his memory be eternal."

In 2006, Papadopoulos received the "AHEPA Hellenism Award" on behalf of the Republic of Cyprus.

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AHEPA is the largest Greek-American association in the world with chapters in the United States, Canada, Greece, Cyprus, and sister chapters in Australia and New Zealand. It was established in 1922 by visionary Greek Americans to protect Hellenes from prejudice originating from the KKK, and in its history, AHEPA joined with the NAACP and B'nai B'rith International to fight discrimination.

The mission of the AHEPA family is to promote the ancient Greek ideals of education, philanthropy, civic responsibility and family and individual excellence through community service and volunteerism.