Capital District 3 ORDER OF AHEPA

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1 Fall/Winter 2017 Volume 84-Issue 1 Capital District 3 ORDER OF AHEPA District Governor s Message Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Capitol District #3. Since our last Triogram, there has been several events that have taken place both in the District and at the Supreme Lodge level. We had a great 2017 District Convention in Charlotte hosted by Chapter #2. President George Kokalis and his committee put on an excellent convention with great facilities. Kudos to him and all his committee members! We had pretty good attendance with 32 AHEPANS and 18 Daughters. This was the first District convention in our history where we had a social on Friday night and all business of the District was completed in one day on Saturday. I thank Harry Cavarales for the great job he did on keeping the convention on track and completing all of the business in the prescribed time. At the end of the convention the delegates voted to retain the one day convention format. This one day format will be followed for 2018 District Convention in Frederick, Md. on June 8th - 10th The District Lodge officers for the 2017/2018 year are: Bill Bond District Governor, Nick Forakis - Lt. Governor, Steve Goodson - Secretary, George Papaspyrou - Treasurer, Andrew Christakos - Marshal, and Angelo Toutsi - Warden. I am looking forward to working with all of them this year. In 2018, The Frederick Chapter #516 will be hosting the District Convention in Frederick Md. They are well prepared and their Chapter President, Jim Hyrkas made a presentation at the 2017 District Convention on what they have planned. You will be seeing additional flyers about this convention during the months leading up to the convention. Our Supreme Convention in Orlando, Florida at the Disney resort was a huge success with over 350 delegates from AHEPANS, Daughters of Penelope, Maids of Athena, and Sons of Pericles attending. Many delegate families also attended and enjoyed all of the wonderful Disney parks. The Walt Disney World management and employees could not have been more hospitable and gracious. We thank them all for their wonderful service and facilities. Our new Supreme Lodge officers are: Carl Hollister - Supreme President, George Loucas, Supreme Vice President, James Kokatos, Supreme Secretary, George Horiates, Supreme Treasurer, Demetrios Kirkiles, Supreme Counselor. Congratulations to all of the Supreme Lodge members! We are looking forward to working with them in the 2017/2018 year. I believe that this is the youngest Lodge in AHEPA history and will move our organization forward with zeal and enthusiasm. Our first District workshop will be held in Richmond, Va. on February 10th, 2018 hosted by Chapter #83. This workshop will be combined with the Daughters Mid Year Conference. Please mark it on your calendar and plan to attend. There will be some important issue discussed and we need your opinions and recommendations. We are hoping that we can have another workshop in Carolina later in the year. The Raleigh Chapter #10 agreed to host one last year but it was cancelled due to low attendance and other chapter events happening in the various Carolina chapters at the time. I will be asking the Raleigh Chapter to host it again this year and pick a date when there is not so much activity in the various chapters. I believe that our membership goals for the year are very obtainable. The Supreme President, Carl Hollister, has asked that each chapter maintain their current membership, add one new member and reinstate a delinquent member. This is a goal that if all chapters can achieve with some concentrated work. If I can do anything to help each chapter obtain this goal, please do not hesitate to contact me. (continued on Page 2)

2 TRIO-GRAM C?]&(?; +&'()&*( Q4.3 [[[.+&'()&*(3?Z\]?.*4= District Governor s Message (continued from Page 1) We have a national project - K9 Dogs for Warriors - which is to raise funds to purchase a dog that will be trained to support a veterans with PTSD. As we raise funds, we can donate these funds to the national project hosted by the New Jersey chapter #517 ( Once $15,00 is collected, they will find a dog, train the dog, match the dog with a veteran, and train the veteran and the dog to work together. If you have ever seen this interact between the dog and the veteran you will be amazed at how the dog provides the comfort and assurance that the veterans needs to deal with his everyday life. The stories that these veterans tell about how these dogs have changed their life and their relationship with their families is heartwarming. I am asking every chapter in the District to try to plan a fundraising event for this cause. You might have a veteran with a dog in your area that could come to your event and speak. The Toms River Chapter in New Jersey held an event (Comedy Night) this year and raised $15,000 for a dog. Remember you do not have to raise the entire $15,000 as any funds that you raise will go into the national fund and when they get another $15,000 they will get a dog and train it. I went to the District Governor s Conference in Washington, DC on the weekend of September 15th thru 17th. It was a good conference and we received the goals from the Supreme President for the chapters in our District. As I have mentioned above, I believe our membership goals for each chapter are obtainable. I enjoyed meeting District Governors and Supreme Governors from other parts of the country and sharing ideas. Later in September, I travelled to Newport News to give the Oath of Office to their newly elected Chapter Officers and give the 2016 award for AHEPAN of the Year to George Anas. George is a perfect example of what it means to be an AHEPAN! An award that is richly deserved. I also gave the Chapter President of the Year award to Nick Matthews. Another award that was richly deserved! I also travelled to the Peter Derzis Chapter #438 in Fall Church to give the Oath of Office to their new chapter officers and attend the initiation of four new members. It was great night with a delicious cookout afterwards. I had a interesting conversation with Father Costas Pavlakos, Pastor of St. Katherine s Greek Orthodox Church. He told me that their AHEPA chapter is integral to the church community and provides support to the church in many ways. He is surprised that other priests in the District do not have the close relationship that he enjoys with the Peter Derzis chapter. I told him that I have found that the chapters that have a good relationship with their parish are the ones that are strong and moving forward. I was told by the Supreme Lodge that they will be trying to address this relationship when they visit Holy Cross Seminary this fall and explain AHEPA goals and objectives. With a strong relationship with your parish, the community will see firsthand the great things that AHEPA does. I spent the weekend of Oct 27th thru 29th serving at the Annunciation Greek festival. Many of the Worthington chapter members volunteered at the festival. I will be attending the Lord Baltimore Chapter #364 November meeting and the Worthington Chapter #30 Veterans Days luncheon on November 12th. I will also be at the November meeting of Chapter #31 Washington DC on November 2nd. Our first District Lodge meeting will be on November 8th at 7 PM. I have posted my visit schedule on the District website. If you want me to visit your chapter meeting or event, please contact me so I can put it on my schedule. I am schedule to go to the Norfolk Chapter Christmas Party on December 9th, Chapter #542 Chapter Christmas Party on December 16th and Lord Baltimore Chapter annual Christmas party for the children at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in mid December. Since I will not have another opportunity before Thanksgiving and Christmas to see each chapter, I want to wish all of the chapters, their members, and their families a great Thanksgiving and a blessed and peaceful Christmas and a Happy New Year. Work hard on your membership goals and keep your chapters strong through this 2017/2018 year. Fraternally yours, Bill Bond AHEPA District #3 Governor Page 2

3 Daughters of Penelope - District Governor s Message Dear Sisters, Fall is here and all of our Chapters in District #3 have begun their hard work with their many events and philanthropic endeavors. We look forward to working with you all and visiting the chapters for your meetings or events. We extend our best wishes to our AHEPA Family of District 3 and congratulate DG Bill Bond on his re-election. The chapters started the year off with answering the request from our Grand President Eva Jean Fomalont by donating monies to the Houston Flood victims. Let s all keep up the good work and keep Alexandra s dream alive. The new Lodge elected at the Charlotte Convention are as follows with their Liaison Chapters listed behind their names. District Governor: Renee Mozingo (Charis Eleni #337, Hestia #416) Lt. Governor: Lynn Francis (Arion #298, Harmonia #366) Secretary: Sondra Sealine (Alcmene #27, Venus #102) Treasurer: Loretta Kirk (Antiklea #68) District Marshall: Elisavet Vrahopoulou (Helle #283, Hermione #11) District Advisor: Kathy Matrakas, PDG (Kirki #313, Ktimene #70) In September, Sister Lynn and I attended the District Governor s Seminar in Washington, DC and we had the pleasure of meeting all our Grand Lodge officers for the coming year, as well as many other district governors and our AHEPA Brothers. Our District 3 Grand Governor liaison is Stella Sirks and she is looking forward to attending many chapter and district events. Please mark your calendars for our mid-year conference to be held February 10, 2018 at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Richmond, VA. Until then I wish everyone a very good year. In Theta Pi Renee Mozingo District Governor, Daughters of Penelope Capital District #3 Page 3

4 86 th District Convention Charlotte, NC June 9-10, 2017 The 2017 District Convention in Charlotte hosted bychapter #2 was a great success. Charlotte Chapter President, George Kokalis and his convention staff did a wonderful job in providing a good social on Friday night and great facilities for the convention business meeting and Grand Banquet on Saturday. Attendance was good as there were 32 AHEPANS and 18 Daughters there. After the Opening Ceremony, the AHEPANS and the Daughters went to their respective meeting rooms to conduct their business. This was the first time that the AHEPANS have held a one day business meeting and in my estimate it was a success. A vote was held at the end of the convention on whether to retain the one day format or revert back to the two day format. The vote was 24 for the one day format, 2 votes against, and 2 abstentions. The District By-laws will be modified to reflect this vote. There were several revisions to the District By-laws that were proposed and agreed upon at the 2016 District Convention and these changes will be made also. After all changes to District By-have been made and reviewed by the District Lodge, a copy of the revised By-laws will be sent to each Chapter and the District website will be updated DISTRICT AWARDS CHAPTER OF THE YEAR: Fayetteville #9, Fayetteville, NC AHEPAN OF THE YEAR: George Anas, Woodrow Wilson #241 - Newport News, VA PRESIDENT OF THE YEAR: Nick Matthews, Woodrow Wilson #241 -Newport News, VA SECRETARY OF THE YEAR: Pete Margaros, Molon Labe #542 - Sterling, VA TREASURER OF THE YEAR: Mike Hadjimichael, Molon Labe #542 - Sterling, VA (continued on Page 5) TRIO-GRAM Editorial Policy District Governor, Bill Bond commending George Kokalis, Charlotte Chapter #2 President, Markos Kontos, Conv. Registration Chairman, and Harry Cavalares, Convention Chairman for an outstanding job on the 2017 convention The Trio-Gram is an official Newsletter Publication of Capital District 3, Order of AHEPA Fraternal Organization. All articles and commentaries which are submitted by AHEPA family members should directly reflect the AHEPA mission and business.the Trio-Gram serves to unite our membership and to promote and maintain a mutual and fraternal understanding amongst all AHEPA family members. Articles are published based on this policy as well as space limitations. ARTICLE SUMBISSIONS The deadline to submit articles and pictures for the upcoming Spring 2018 Issue is on March 31, All articles and photos must be submitted by to the Editor. Editor: Evan Almyrantis evan1762@yahoo.com Page 4

5 86 th District Convention (continued from Page 4) Several committee reports made recommendations that will have to be discussed by the District Lodge. Recommendations from the National Projects, Triogram, & Hellenic Affairs committees will require discussion. All District Lodge Officers agreed to serve a second term but the position of District Marshal required a paper ballot vote as three people ran for this office. The 2017/2018 District Lodge is as follows (All by acclamation): Governor: Bill Bond; Lt. Governor: Nick Forakis; Secretary: Steve Goodson; Treasurer - George Papaspyrou; Warden - Angelo Toutsi. District Governor, Bill Bond thanked George Horiates, Supreme Counselor, and Tony Drakos, Region 2 Supreme Governor for attending the convention and participating in all the convention events. Both the AHEPANS and the Daughters of Penelope appreciated their words of congratulation on having a great year in District #3 and their encouragement toward the future. Congratulations again to the Charlotte Chapter #2 for hosting this great Convention. Submitted by District Governor Bill Bond 2017/2018 District Lodge Officers with Supreme Counselor, George Horiates (L) and Supreme Governor, Tony Drakos (R) The Oath of Office is given to the District #3 Daughters of Penelope Lodge Officers and Advisor Some of AHEPANS attending the convention Some of the Daughters attending the convention Page 5

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7 95 th Supreme Convention Orlando, FL July 24-30, 2017 District #3 Supreme Convention Delegates and Guests Marathon, Chapter 2 Charlotte North Carolina Some of the members of Marathon Chapter No. 2 at a meeting on 20 June 2017 having just heard the report of the successful District No. 3 Convention held June 9-10 which was sponsored by the Chapter. The members in the photograph (L-R): George C. Kokalis, Konstantine Gus S. Pistiolis, George T. Koufaliotis, Michael E. Diamantis, George C. Andrinopoulos, Samuel N. Boulmetis, Charles Gus C. Euripides (just initiated), Antonis Tony C. Stylianou, George S. Stephenson, Peter B. Pappas, John G. Peroulas, Louie P. Politis, John R. Bugg Jr., Harry T. Cavalaris, Steve J. Constantelos, John N. Couchell, C. Timothy Shelton, N. Markos Kontos, Khalil E. Kardous, Ronald Stavro Drobonick, Tom V. Nixon, James T. Cavalaris, Thomas G. Nickolopouolos, and John N. Nichols. The photograph was taken by Brother Larry C. Peroulas who is not in the picture. Page 7

8 Attendees at the end-of the-year gathering Sir Walter Raleigh, Chapter 10 Our Chapter enjoyed a fun end-of-the-year gathering at Brother Matthew Pusic s home at the end of July. Great fellowship was had by all. This fall season, we have been busy. In September, the Brothers served in various capacities at Holy Trinity s annual 3-day festival at the N.C. State Fairgrounds. On October 16th, we helped celebrate Holy Trinity s 80th anniversary by exhibiting AHEPA through the years. Parishioners and Brothers alike enjoyed viewing old photos and reminiscing. In honor of OXI Day, we will host the coffee hour and have a small presentation to commemorate this day in history. The members of our chapter continue to faithfully serve dinner at the Wilmington Street men s shelter once a month. Raleigh North Carolina AHEPA Brothers at South Wilmington ST Shelter to help serve food on our monthly AHEPA night We are now busy preparing for our main Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser, which will be held at Holy Trinity on Saturday, November 4th. We hope to raise funds for scholarships, our outreach ministry efforts and other community-based events. We look forward to an even busier and productive AHEPA Exhibit Page 8

9 Worthington, Chapter 30 Baltimore Maryland (L-R): Dr. Pete Nickolas with good friends Col. Vambakas, PSP John Grossamides. PSP Andrew Zachariades, and PGP DOP Anna Helene Grossamides DR. PETER NICKOLAS Oct. 6, Sept. 7, 2017 LOVED BY ALL AHEPANS AND DAUGHTERS IN DISTRICT #3 AND THE SUPREME LODGE Known as Dr. Pete by some but to most us just Pete, he was a friend, a mentor, a great AHEPAN, and always available to forward the ideals of the AHEPA organization. His friendly face and great smile will be with us long after he is gone. His stories and videos of the ganstas made us all laugh. He loved the food at Zorbas restaurant and never missed a Board of Governors meeting. He was an excellent Chapter President, District Governor, and Supreme Governor. He worked alongside his brother members at the Annunciation Greek Festival. HE IS GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN MAY HIS MEMORY BE ETERNAL Page 9

10 TRIO-GRAM C?]&(?; +&'()&*( Q4.3 [[[.+&'()&*(3?Z\]?.*4= Richmond, VA Chapter 83 Richmond Virginia Richmond, VA Chapter #83 AHEPA Members - Chapter Officers (sitted L-R): Vice-President John Bletsos, President Mike Hall, Secretary Mike Fotopolous The Richmond AHEPA Chapter #83 is celebrating! Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral celebrated its 100 year Anniversary in In turn, AHEPA Chapter # 83 is celebrating that milestone with our anniversary, dating back almost to the same year. Throughout this year, the Church and its organizations have participated in many events. AHEPA has been an active participant in the anniversary to include event management and food preparation. The church activities included (but not limited to) a visit and Liturgy by His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos, a Centennial Gala dinner/dance at the Omni Hotel in Richmond, and a Community wide picnic at Byrd Park. The church foyer has been transformed to showcase museum quality artifacts and mementos from our church families that portray the last 100 years of Greek tradition and heritage. All events were a great success! Now we move on. Our task at hand is to grow our membership, per the goals of the AHEPA Board. We will look into new ways to promote our organization and to make a difference in the community. Ahepa Chapter #83 meets every 2nd Thursday of each month. Prior to the meeting, we share a fellowship dinner with our sisters (Daughters of Penelope), and discuss joint ventures and activities. AHEPA co-sponsored the annual golf tournament (known as) the Greater Greek Open and provided golf balls and snacks to all participants. We have been honored to host the District Workshop in February and look forward to that fellowship and guidance. AHEPA will provide the community with its annual Champagne Luncheon and will provide raffle and silent auction prizes. Most importantly, we will be providing scholarships to 4 of our students to ensure their continued education. Our fundraising efforts are focused on scholarships and philanthropic assistance. Page 10

11 Robert E. Lee, Chapter 122 Norfolk Virginia 2017 AHEPA Scholarship Recipients (L-R): Courtney Allen, Anna Vastardis, Eleftherios Mendrinos, Ioannis Sakiotis, Peter Tryphonas, Angelos Angelopoulos, Nick Webb and Andriana Zourou...Not pictured (Ellen Russell, Ntiana Sakiotis, Greg Manuel, John Papademas, Hunter Allen, Zoe Papelis, Sophia Papelis, Kleopatra Moditsi, TJ Walter) On Wednesday, June 14, 2017, the Robert E. Lee, Chapter #122 held its 21st Annual Scholarship Dinner at the AHEPA Lodge. Over 80 people attended the dinner. Seventeen well deserving young adults of our community were awarded over $21,000 towards scholarships. A huge thanks to the Annual AHEPA Golf Tournament Commitee, Paul and John Angelson and Pete and Chris Nicholas, who are responsible for funding a majority of the scholarships. During the September General Meeting, Nominating Committee, Brother Ted Maroulis, recommended the new slate of officers to the membership body. The newly elected officers were confirmed and sworn in: President Mike Zarpas, Vice President Mike Douklias, Treasurer Manos Sakiotis, and Secretary J. Chris Coureas. Three new members were initiated into the Brotherhood: Ioannis Lelakis, Ilias Piperidis, and Artie Rea. (L-R): PSG Paul Angelson giving the Oath of Office to new Chapter Officers: Secretary J. Chris Coureas; Treasurer Manos Sakiotis; President Mike Zarpas; Vice-President Mike Douklias On Saturday, October 14, 2017, Chapter 122 held it s 2 nd Annual AHEPA Oyster Roast. The event was very successful with half of the proceeds, $1,500, being donated to the Puerto Rico Chapter 537 of District #2 to assist with cleaning and rebuilding from the damage of Hurricane Maria. Congratulations to the Oyster Roast Committee of our chapter, Chairman George Stepanovich and his Co-chairmen, John Angelson and Dr. Chris Nicholas. On October 29 th, our Chapter sponsored the OXI Day Luncheon at the Annunciation Helenic Center with over 200 people in attendance. On November 21 st, the Chapter held it s 6 th Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon for 70 senior citizens of the Golden Years Club of our community. On December 9 th, the Chapter will be celebrating it s Annual Christmas Party which benefits the USMC Toys-for-Tots. (L-R): PP John Perros receiving his Lifetime Member Certificate from President Mike Zarpas Page 11

12 Woodrow Wilson Chapter 241 Newport News Virginia District Governor Bill Bond installing Chapter Officers: Nick Mathews, Tike Panags, Frank Peri, George T. Anas, John Dermanis (not pictured), John Samos The Ahepa Family, the Woodrow Wilson Chapter #241 of the Order of Ahepa and the Charis Eleni Chapter #337 of the Daughters of Penelope, once again sponsored the Community Awards Luncheon on May 21, Our church affiliated organizations were also welcomed and participated in the presentation of scholarships and special awards. The Ahepa scholarships were awarded to the following deserving students: Giovanna Peri --- Dr. Platon Gailey Scholarship; Joseph G. Dennie --- Bill Kaoudis Scholarship; Fofi Gouletas --- Steve Siokis Scholarship; Dominic Peri --- Andronicos G. Kantsios Scholarship Chapter President, Nick J. Matthews, presented Tom Georges, Board Chairman, the Certificate of Merit Award for his outstanding leadership regarding the successful AGORA-Greek Market. Brother Georges has served the chapter for 48 years. An AHEPA Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Brother John Samos for his 55 years of dedicated service to the chapter, the district as well as national that included the offices of Chapter President, District Governor and Supreme Governor. The AHEPAN OF THE YEAR AWARD for 2016/2017 was presented to Brother George T. Anas, a 45-year member and Past District Governor, for his service to the chapter as Corresponding Secretary, Scholarship Committee Chairman and member of the Board of Governors. Last but not least, Brother John Dermanis, a 17-year member, was awarded the Mary Bicouvaris Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding service to the AHEPA and to the Hellenic Community of Newport News. (L-R): DG Bill Bond presenting the D3 President of the Year Award to Nick J. Matthews and the D3 AHEPAN of the Year Award to George T. Anas (continued on Page 13) Page 12

13 TRIO-GRAM C?]&(?; +&'()&*( Q4.3 [[[.+&'()&*(3?Z\]?.*4= Woodrow Wilson, Chapter 241 (Continued from page 12) Annual Community Picnic---Being the beginning of the church s ecclesiastical year, our chapter gladly extended an invitation to the entire Hellenic Community to our Annual Community Picnic held on Sunday, September 10, 2017 following the Divine Liturgy. Everyone enjoyed both delicious food and great fellowship! Casino Night---This year was the first time that we jointly sponsored our Annual Casino Night with our local Daughters of Penelope chapter. This great event took place on Saturday, September 30, 2017 at the Hellenic Center. A wine and cheese reception preceded welcome remarks by our chapter president, Nick J. Matthews followed by a delicious prime rib dinner. The games included Blackjack, Texas Holdem, Roulette and Craps. Once the games ended, everyone cashed in their chips for tickets for a chance to win prizes. The more chips turned in, the Casino Night Participants more chances one had to win drawing prizes. Prizes included one night s lodging at the Marriott Hotel, two basketball season tickets for Christopher Newport University and gift certificates for 28 local restaurants. It was obvious that everyone thoroughly enjoyed the entire evening! All proceeds will benefit the scholarship fund of both chapters!!! Chapter Officers for 2017/2018: President Nick J. Matthews; Vice-President Tike Panags; Recording Secretary Frank Peri; Corresponding Secretary George T. Anas; Treasurer John Dermanis; Assistant Treasurer John Samos---Board of Governors: Tom Georges, Chairman; George T. Anas, John Christou, Roger Headrick, John Samos, Peter Kilopoulos and Tom Grepiotis. Agora Greek Market---The chapter s AGORA continues to be extremely successful under the chairmanship of Board Chairman Tom Georges. Delicious food items including feta, kasseri, kalamata olives, dolmades, tarama, fillo, grape leaves, Greek coffee, etc., can be found in our AGORA Greek Market in the AHEPA FAMILY CENTER primarily on Sundays following the Divine Liturgy. Purchases can also be made during the hours of our Kefanio, Monday thru Saturday between the hours of 10am to 1pm. Durham, NC, Chapter 277 Durham North Carolina Chapter 277 director Johnny Mariakakis is handing the AHEPA membership certificate to newest brother Costas Constantinou, as more brothers join in congratulating him. Left of brother Johnny are depicted (L-R) brothers Pete Marinos, Lou Tsipis, and Crist Frangakis; right of new brother Costas is brother Dan Przybyl. Page 13

14 TRIO-GRAM C?]&(?; +&'()&*( Q4.3 [[[.+&'()&*(3?Z\]?.*4= Cape Fear, NC, Chapter 408 Wilmington North Carolina District 3 Scholarship Recipients from Chapter 408 (L-R): Thomas Malahias, George Malahias, Katerina Katsikis, William Brown II Cape Fear Chapter 408 is pleased to announce that four students from Wilmington were awarded scholarships at the District 3 convention in Charlotte on June 10, The four were William Brown, ll, son of Brother Doug and Argie Brown; Katerina Katsikis, daughter of Brother Basile and Koula Katsikis; and Thomas and George Malahias, sons of Brother Peter and Courtney Malahias. Katerina Katsikis was also awarded a national scholarship from the AHEPA Educational Foundation. Past Supreme Governor Jim Stasios and Chapter President Nick Lazaridis attended the AHEPAsponsored banquet for Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras in Washington, DC, on the evening of October 16. It was an inspiring evening. On the drive back to Wilmington, the two stopped in Wilson, NC, and visited with long-time member Lee Gliarmis. Lee is the proprietor of Dick s Hot Dog Stand in Wilson, a landmark café now being operated by his son Socrates, named for his grandfather who established the business in ( The AHEPA 408 Philanthropies Board met at Famous Subs and Pizza Restaurant, on September 29, Long time member Lee Gliarmis with PSG Jim Stasios 2017, and voted to donate funds for the following charities: $500 to the National AHEPA Charitable Foundation for hurricane relief in Texas and Florida; $250 to Humanity Now for refugee relief in Greece; and $200 to the AHEPA Service Dogs for Warriors Program. The chapter regrets to report the passing of charter member Tommy Louis Cotses (Diamantis Ilia Kostedakis) on October 13, Tommy was born on the Greek island of Icaria and came to this country in Tommy s work as a chef took him to Richmond and Alexandria, Virginia, and he also managed Holiday Inn restaurants in Durham and Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He was an Executive Chef at Disney World and at the Essex House and the Marriott Marquis in New York City. He opened and operated the Gold N Crust Italian Restaurant and the Orient Express Restaurant in Wilmington. He was a member of the Wilmington Chapter Therma #10 of the Pan-Icarian Brotherhood of American. May his memory be everlasting. Page 14

15 Molon Lave, Chapter 542 Sterling Virginia Our Chapter had a very active summer and is looking forward to announcing several new things as we kick off the New Year. A special Officer Installation event will kick off the New Year on September 24 for members and their families. Here s the Chapter leadership team for OFFICERS President: Pete Margaros Vice President: Chad Burke Secretary: Dave Dorn Treasurer: Alex Kangelaris Recording Secretary Bill Lagadinos BOARD OF GOVERNORS Dean Ecomonou, Chair Vasili Fotopoulos Bill Caras Mike Hadjimichael On September 16, our Chapter made history by being permanently recognized at an official Virginia Historic Landmark with a plaque that hangs inside the school which memorializes the Chapter s donation after the school was vandalized last fall. Our name sits on the same wall as countless other donors including the Washington Redskins and so many more. The Chapter was recognized by several organizations that were part of the Interfaith Prayer Service and Dedication Ceremony. We are so blessed to be able to help such a worthy cause that means so much to the core values of AHEPA, said Pete Margaros, Chapter President. It was also great to see that this initiative started because of the amazing efforts of the students at the Loudoun School for the Gifted. If you haven t checked us out lately, there s a lot happening, so check us out today! Page 15

16 TRIO GRAM Capital District No. 3 Newsletter 7220 Granby St. Norfolk, VA NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID NORFOLK, VA PERMIT NO. 2 District Governor William H. Bond 211 Butler Road Reisterstown, MD H: C: bondgrp@comcast.net ORDER OF AHEPA DISTRICT #3 OFFICERS District Lt Governor Nick Forakis Devonbrook Rd Baldwin, MD H: C: nick.forakis@ahepa364.org District Secretary Steve Goodson 316 Valley Road Fayetteville, NC H: C: lstevegoodson@aol.com District Treasurer George Papaspyrou 3067 Tudor Hall Road Riva, MD C: papaspyrou64@gmail.com District Marshall Andrew C. Christakos 6536 Wildflower Lane Efland, NC H: C: Acchris1114@gmail.com District Warden Angelo S. Toutsi 500 Branch Road Vienna, VA H: C: antovi@verizon.net District Athletic Advisor TBD DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE DISTRICT #3 OFFICERS District Governor Renee Mozingo Lamore Drive Disputanta, VA (C) renee.mozingo@gmail.com District Lt. Governor Lynn Francis 8518 Ordinary Way Annandale, VA Ph: (703) elfran40@gmail.com District Secretary Sondra Sealine Aragon Dr. Mechanicsville, VA Ph: (804) sondrataichi@gmail.com District Treasurer Loretta Kirk 404 Aubrey Rd. Richmond, VA Ph: (804) lkyrk@yahoo.com District Marshal Elisavet Vrahopoulou 1426 Wagaman Circle McLean, VA Ph: (571) epvraho@aol.com District DOP Advisor Katherine L. Matrakas 2013 Pagebrook Road Silver Spring, MD Ph: (301) klukia14@gmail.com