This Week For Greeks! - Vol.2 Issue 26 - Tuesday, September 02, 2008

A Message from the Supreme President

Brothers, Sisters and Friends:

The traditional end to the summer has come upon us as we observed the Labor Day holiday weekend. This week, many of us are returning to work and school, and this month, members of the AHEPA family will be returning to their chapters to commence another successful and productive administrative year.

However, it was not much of a holiday weekend for many of our fellow Americans who were threatened as Hurricane Gustav made landfall in the Gulf Coast. As with previous natural disasters, we stand ready to assist those who are in need as a result of Gustav's fury. Currently, we are monitoring the situation and receiving reports from the individuals affected by Gustav. We will keep you apprised as we learn of what exactly is in need as people return to their homes and businesses. We are asking for our chapters to stay on alert-especially as two other storms are approaching.

AHEPA VOTE 2008 Now is also the apex of the political season, with the Democratic National Convention being held last week and the Republican National Convention this week. Please take the time to think of how you can help fulfill the civic responsibility component of our mission over the coming months. November 4 is Election Day. We are engaging in a Voter Registration and Voter Education campaign, and we will need the support and efforts of our chapters to make it a success. Host a voter registration drive this fall. Organize a Townhall meeting. Encourage your family members and peers to participate. And most importantly, don't forget to vote! Visit the AHEPA Web site for more information. We will also be distributing materials to our District Governors at the Governors' Conference on Sept. 12.

Fraternally,

Ike Gulas, Supreme President

News From AHEPA

Greek American Community Expresses Concern, Pledges Assistance in Wake of Gustav
WASHINGTON (AHEPA News) -- Ike Gulas, the national president of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), the nation's leading association for American citizens of Greek heritage, issued the following statement on the approach of Hurricane Gustav to the Gulf Coast ... read more.

AHEPA Commends Alexi Giannoulias for His Rise in Politics, Community Service Initiatives
WASHINGTON (AHEPA Vote) -- Supreme President Ike Gulas issued the following statement on The Honorable Alexi Giannoulias, state treasurer, Illinois, speaking at the Democratic National Convention this evening: ... read more.

AHEPA Vote 2008 AHEPA Launches Vote 2008 Campaign
WASHINGTON (AHEPA Vote) -- AHEPA is launching its most aggressive effort to ensure the Greek-American Community is engaged in Election '08. This sounds overwhelming, but it really comes down to 4 easy steps -- and it begins with YOU! ... read more.

Circus Circus Hotel and Casino - Reno, NV Western Regional Leadership Conference
RENO (AHEPA Events) -- The Western Regional Leadership Conference will be held on October 3-4, 2008, at the Circus-Circus Hotel & Casino, Reno, NV. Download the registration flyer and make your reservations today! ... read the latest conference newsletter.

AHEPA Disaster Relief Help AHEPA Widen Our Scope of Disaster Relief Efforts!
WASHINGTON, D.C. (AHEPA Relief) -- Recently our nation and world have faced a series of natural disasters which, as Ahepans we can not turn a blinds eye. After the enormous success of our efforts to provide relief to the wild fire victims in Greece, AHEPA asks each of you to join us now, in helping disaster victims, many of whom have been left homeless and severely injured. ... please give generously.

AHEPA's New VISA Affinity Card Apply Today for your New AHEPA VISA Affinity Card!
WASHINGTON, D.C. (AHEPA Promotion) -- AHEPA is proud to announce, through our partnership with Bank of America, an offer you literally can't afford to pass by! The New AHEPA VISA Affinity Card offers you, not only the lowest APR available, but at a fixed rate that won't change after the card has been activated -- and a chance to help AHEPA at the same time! Please check out the offer online and appply for your new card today!

AHEPA 2008 Calendar

SEPTEMBER
    12     Supreme Lodge Meeting - Washington, DC
    12     Board of Trustees Meeting - Washington, DC
    13     AHEPA District Governors Meeting - Washington, DC
    13     AHEPA Day at Camden Yards - Baltimore, MD

OCTOBER
3-4 Western Regional Leadership Conference - Reno, NV
28 OXI Day - Greece

NOVEMBER
04 Election Day - Nationwide

DECEMBER
25 Holy Nativity (Christmas)
31 AHEPA Annual Chapter Dues Deadline

Greek American Weekly News Digest

Government Pushes Bill to Allow Greeks Abroad to Vote
ATHENS (Greek News) -- September 01, 2008 -- Up to 400,000 Greeks living abroad are expected to benefit from an imminent change to the law that will allow them to vote in Greece's general elections from their country of residence, which would end the practice of the two big political parties flying over supporters to cast their ballot. ... read more.

Other Greek American News Headlines

ANA-MPA - September 2, 2008
Gov't on '08 tourism figures
Greek News - September 1, 2008
Bakoyiannis Reiterates Position on FYROM Name Issue
GOARCH.org - August 28, 2008
Archbishop Demetrios of America Offers Invocation at Democratic National Convention
GOARCH.org - September 2, 2008
Archbishop Demetrios of America to Deliver Invocation at Republican National Convention

Greeks of the Week!

AHEPA Family Members Affected by Hurricane Gustav
Over the past few days the entire AHEPA Family has been glued to our TV sets, praying for the communities in the path of Hurricane Gustav. We remember the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina and the extensive and immediate relief efforts AHEPA, Daughters, Sons and Maids conducted to help the survivors. We wanted to make sure, should this hurricane become as horrific, that once again, those in need could count on our help.

The storm has past without loss of life, but efforts to repair widespread property damage will go on for months. AHEPA encourages you, once again, to help those in need by giving to the American Red Cross's Gustav Disaster Relief Efforts. We also ask that you join us in honoring all those affected by Hurricane Gustav as AHEPA's Greeks of the Week!

Who's Your Greek of the Week?
There are many heroes in our community who often sadly go unrecognized. You can help. Nominate someone to be AHEPA's Greek of the Week! Simply email a short, detailed nomination, along with a digital photo of them to webmaster@ahepa.org.