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This Week For Greeks! - Vol.3 Issue 8 - Monday, March 2, 2009
A Message from the Supreme President
Brothers, Sisters and Friends:
Thanks to our many friends on Capitol Hill, I had the opportunity to attend the President Obama's Address to The Joint Sessions of Congress. It was the first time a Supreme President has been asked to join members of Congress, foreign dignitaries and civic leaders to such an important event. It was an honor I will remember for the rest of my life. The president focused mostly on economic issues important to all of us, but the issue which received the most applause that night spoke to the work we do through AHEPA - namely, education.
President Obama challenged all Americans to look to secondary education. He pledged governmental resources, but we know that will never be enough. AHEPA's scholarship program must be increased to meet the new challenges our community will have in affording vocational and college educations. Further we plan to work closely with the administration to advance the many Greek-language immersion charter schools. If you have not yet made a contribution this year, please support AHEPA's National Education Program and give generously.
While in Washington, I also had the opportunity to meet with Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis and members of Congress, including our newest Greek-American congresswoman, U.S. Rep. Dina Titus of Nevada. The lasting impression from these meetings was pride in our Greek-American heritage and the importance for each of us to exercise our rights and responsibilities as citizens. Democracy was one of the greatest gifts from our community, but for it to thrive we must continue to nurture it from both a community and personal level.
On a last note, we're quickly approaching spring, and the Supreme Convention in San Francisco is right around the corner. If you've yet to make your travel arrangements, please do so in the upcoming weeks.
Fraternally,
Ike Gulas, Supreme President
News From AHEPA
Supreme President Welcomes Newest Greek-American to Congress
WASHINGTON (AHEPA News) -- The United States' Visa Waiver Program and charter schools were two main topics of discussion when Supreme President Ike Gulas met with new U.S. Rep. Dina Titus (D-3-NV) yesterday on Capitol Hill. ... read more.
Supreme President Attends Joint Session of Congress
WASHINGTON (AHEPA News) -- The National President of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), Mr. Ike Gulas, attended President Barack Obama's first Joint Session of Congress last night. One theme of President Obama's speech that resonated with AHEPA's mission is education. ... read more.
AHEPA Athletic Awards Nomintions Deadline is May 1, 2009
WASHINGTON (AHEPA Athletics) -- -- Supreme Athletic Director Spiro Siaggas, AHEPA Scholarship Commmittee members John Tanionos, Mike Taminski and Frank Korbos would like to remind you the deadline for mailing in nominations for the AHEPA Athletic Awards is May 1, 2009. Forms can be mailed via email to AHEPAad@comcast.net or via postal to 3127 St Ives Pkwy Duluth, GA 30097. ... download the nomination form.
87th Annual Supreme Convention - San Francisco
WASHINGTON (AHEPA Events) -- Set the date and book your reservations for a fun-filled convention, June 29 - July 5, in San Francisco. Street trollys, delicious dining, and top-line entertainment are all in store for you in one of America's most romantic cities! Find out more on our website: www.ahepa.org/supremeconvention.
AHEPA National Golf Invitational
WASHINGTON (AHEPA Athletics) -- AHEPA invites you to join us for the Dr. Monthe Kofos Annual Memorial AHEPA National Golf Invitational, Sunday, March 29th - Saturday, April 4th, at the Wild Dunes Resort in Charleston, South Carolina. Download the Registration Form.
AHEPAcademy Now Taking Applications for the 2009 Session
WASHINGTON (AHEPAcademy) -- Attention High School Juniors: you have the opportunity to be one of a small, select group of Greek-American high school students selected from all over the country to participate in AHEPAcademy, an interactive leadership and networking seminar to be held on the campus of George Mason University outside Washington, DC from June 21-27, 2009. ... download your application today!
2009 AHEPA Journey to Greece Application now Online!
WASHINGTON (Journey to Greece) -- The AHEPA Journey to Greece Program is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to earn college credit while learning about ancient and modern Greece. Plans for the 2009 Program are well underway. Download the prospectus and fill out your application today! ... read more.
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 2009 Upcoming Events Calendar
MARCH
01 36th Annual AHEPA SE Regional Golf Tournament - Largo, FL
05 Sons & Maids Reunion at Cavo Cafe Lounge - Astoria, NY
12-15 AHEPA Marrow Basketball Tournament - Chicago, IL
21 AHEPA Canada Roast & Toast - Montreal
28 Greek Independence Day - Global
28 Greek Independence Day Dance - Albany, NY
29 AHEPA Suffolk County Half Marathon & 5k Race - Selden, NY
MAY
01-03 Van Nomikos Basketball Tournament - New Rochelle, NY
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
21-22 District 13 Bowling Tournament - Joliet, IL
30-31 District 6 Convention - LaGuardia, NY
30-31 District 17 Convention - Colorado
JUNE
04-06 District 2 Convention - Boca Raton, FL
05-07 District 1 Convention - Birmingham, AL
05-07 District 5 Convention - Trenton, NJ
05-07 New England (Districts 7, 8 & 9) Regional Convention - Mansfield, MA
05-07 District 10 Convention - Michigan
05-07 Districts 12 & 13 Convention - Orland Park, IL
12-14 District 14 Convention - Sioux Falls, SD
12-14 District 20 Convention - Anaheim, CA
18-20 District 16 Convention - New Orleans, LA
19-21 District 11 Convention - Canton, OH
19-21 District 15 Convention - Kansas City, MO
19-21 District 21 Convention - Santa Clara, CA
29-30 AHEPA Supreme Convention - San Francisco, CA
JULY
01-05 AHEPA Supreme Convention - San Francisco, CA
Greek American Weekly News Digest
Alexi Giannoulias Opens Exploratory Bid for Senate
CHICAGO (Chicago Sun Times) -- March 2, 2009 -- Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, 32, opens his exploratory bid for Senator today hoping his close association with President Obama, generational appeal, record and early start locks him in as a front-runner in what today is a very undefined field. ... read more.
Bakoyiannis Concludes U.S. Trip
WASHINGTON (Greek News) -- March 2, 2009 -- Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis appeared here on Wednesday night "particularly satisfied" after talks with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton which lasted 45 minutes. Bakoyannis also ascertained that a new cooperation between Greece and the U.S.A. begins, characterized by a will for deepening the strategic relationship between the two countries. ... read more.
Other Greek American News Headlines
Greek of the Week!
California State Senator Eleni Kontominas Alquist
When hundreds of Ahepans arrive in San Francisco for the 87th Annual Supreme Convention, we will be greeted by a great representative and champion for our community, California State Senator Eleni Konominas Alquist. In advance, this week please join AHEPA in honoring her as our Greek of the Week!
The daughter of an immigrant, Elaine was born in Chicago and grew up in St. Louis. Her Greek parents instilled in her the importance of maintaining our Greek heritage through Hellenic teachings, civic engagement and a deep pride in religion and culture. It is these principles which guide her to this day.
Senator Kontominas Alquist represents California's 13th District, in the heart of Silicon Valley. She has used her 20 years of experience as a policy maker in championing many issues for our community. This year in the State Legislature Elaine is the lead sponsor of three measures for the Greek-American community -- a resolution to establish a sister state relationship between California and Athens, Greece, a resolution to recognize Greek Independence Day and another to commemorate March as Greek History Month.
Elaine has been a longtime part of the AHEPA Family, going back to 1962 when she was named AHEPA Queen by St. Louis Chapter 53 and is excited to join us for this year's Supreme Convention. For her commitment to our Greek-American heritage, civic responsibility and civic participation, please join AHEPA in honoring California State Senator Eleni Kontominas Alquist as this week's Greek 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.
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