Volume 79 - Issue 2 Spring 2013

Transcription

1 A Publication of Capital District No. 3 - Order of AHEPA American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association Chapters in the District of Columbia Maryland Virginia North Carolina West Virginia Volume 79 - Issue 2 Spring 2013 District Governor s Message Brothers, Sisters and friends of the AHEPA family. After two terms as your District # 3 Governor Year : & , I had the opportunity and pleasure afforded to me, with enthusiasm to travel all over our district, having visited almost all the chapters in the states that comprise our District # 3. Some I have visited, two to five times, having held six work shops in various states and cities, help bridge our goals and spreading the Hellenic ideals striving to adhere to our goal to GO TO THE CHURCH AND COMMUNI TY. It has been a very rewarding experience! I want to thank all of you for your trust, respect and hospitality given to me at all times. Together we have accomplished many things. We started new projects with much success too many to name, but some of which were the Katrina hurricane relief, feed the needy in Greece, the fund to provide the firefighters of Greece with training here in the USA, help send over $ to Thessaloniki and Chios Hospitals for medical supplies. I like to thank all our District Officers: Lt. Governor Rob Stepp; Secretary, Jim Stasios; Treasurer George Papaspyrou; Marshal Gary Nichols; Warden Gary Metry; and Athletic Adviser Pete Kalogerinis. Also our Supreme Governor Ed Guminski and the whole Supreme Lodge from Supreme President, Dr. John Grosomanides on down they have been very supportive of our accomplishments and initiatives to our communities for their unconditional devotion to me and to the Lodge and for the good of the Order. Also to our District advisors, Dr. Pete Nickolas, Nick Matthews, Nick Trintis, Col. Nick Vamvakias, Tom Owens, and Steve Georgilakis. Our secretary has done an outstanding performance, thank you Brother Jim Stasios also for arranging and drafting the Supreme President s itinerary and our traveling in our District in North Carolina. To all of our brothers, I hope your Chapters have had a very good year. Although we have fallen behind our goals by large numbers, I hope we can try to do better this coming year and support our new administration in June From number one last year with 1350 members, we have fallen to fifth place nationally with only 1150 members. Brothers, there is a lot of work to be done,. If each one of us just brings in one new member, we can achieve the goals of at least 10 to 15% higher membership. Go out side the church halls and the meeting rooms, get the word out to the community and let them know what AHEPA is all about. Share with brothers from other chapters all that you are doing to progress, so we can al do the same. In February we had the honor of hosting Supreme President, Dr. John Grossomanides and his wife Anna, Grand Vice President of the Daughters of Penelope. Also traveling with the Supreme President & Grand Vice President were Supreme Governor Ed Guminski, and Past Supreme Treasurer Andrew Zachariades. I had the pleasure of accompanying them as they visited several AHEPA Chapters in North Carolina. This trip is chronicled later in this Trio Gram Lastly, I d like to thank the Hosting Chapter in Annapolis, Maryland for volunteering to host the 2013 District Convention. Next year, 2014 will be hosted by our brothers in Fayetteville North Carolina. If any chapter likes to host the convention please have your request at the Annapolis District Convention. AS OF NOW 2015 IS OPEN has been promised to Durham North Carolina. Please support the convention and the hosting chapter by sending your delegations and the ad album. We are looking forward to a wonderful program in Annapolis for the whole family. Fraternally, Demetrius Govotsos Capital District #3 Governor Volume 79 Issue 2 Spring 2013 Capital District No. 3 TRIO GRAM Page 1 of 16

2 Daughters Of Penelope District Governor s Message D ear Sisters, Greetings from your District #3 Lodge! We hope your chapters were able to take advantage of the waiver for re-instatements for the months of January and February. I will let everyone know how each chapter did with this once Headquarters has the numbers. The Mid-Year Conference in Richmond, Va. was very well attended. There were 7 chapters represented with 41 attendees. We extend a big thank you to Antiklea #68 for being gracious hosts for this event. Grand Governor/ #3 Liaison Jan Spanos attended and gave her wise advice and support to each committee at the meetings. She traveled from Sacramento, Ca. and will also attend our District #3 Convention in June. A few reminders: District #3 Obligations are due to Treasurer Kathy Matrakas by April 1 st National Obligations are due to Headquarters by May 1 st. Send per-capita ($30 per member) to Headquarters monthly. District #3 Convention is in Annapolis, Md. hosted by AHEPA #286 on June th at the Annapolis Sheraton. Look for registration forms form AHEPA #286. But do not use the delegated form enclosed. This is for AHEPANS only. Supreme Convention is at the Loews Porto ino Bay Hotel at Universal, Orlando, FL from August 19-24, The 2012 statistics for our District did go up from 482 in 2012 to 488 in Not a huge jump, but at least we are progressing to the positive! Keep up the good work in extending our membership! Lastly, our District #3 Convention forms will be mailed to you by the end of March and are due to our Secretary Loretta Kirk by May 25 th. Please elect your delegates in April or May. Remember, delegates must be in good standing and have at- tended 4 business meetings. Please send delegates so that District 33 can prosper! In Theta Pi, Kathy Matthews, District #3 Governor Capital Hill Day is May 22 nd and the Congressional Banquet is that night at the Willard Hotel. District #3 will have a table. If you are interested in attending, please contact the District Governor. Volume 79 Issue 2 Spring 2013 Capital District No. 3 TRIO GRAM Page 2 of 16

3 Worthington Ch. #30 Veterans Day & Scholarship Awards Dinner On November 11th 2012, Worthington Ch. 30 along with Lord Baltimore Ch. 364 celebrated the 17th Annual Veterans Day Commemoration at Baltimore s famous Ikaros Restaurant. We as a Chapter feel that our veterans are a special group of people and are deserving of our honor. Thus we continue to celebrate this day, annually. Brother John Stathopoulos has organized the event again this past year, and as always, it was both an enjoyable and also a very moving event. The focal point of the event came when the names of the deceased AHEPA veterans are read and a bell is rung as an act of honor. This year we were privileged to have Nicholas Krial (PDG) give a very heartwarming presentation entitled, What Veterans Day means to me. Brother Krial is a veteran of the Greek Army and the Korean War. Also on the agenda was the awarding of six scholarships each amounting to $1000. The awardees were (See numbers on photos): 1. Sophia Sourlis (father[pete Center] accepting) 2. Maria Stavrides (with parents) 3. Evangelos Matzavinos (with parents) 4. Christian C. Jenkins (with Father R) 5. Tereza Roros (parents accepting) 6. James G. Eagan (parents accepting) Santa with a very Special Guest Lord Baltimore Chapter #364 The Lord Baltimore Chapter #364, Order of The AHEPA, held its annual Christmas Party For The Children at the Kennedy Krieger Institute. Every year the Chapter grants the wishes of many children who cannot be home for the holidays. Santa Claus handed out special gifts as family and friends enjoyed delicious Greek food prepared by the Chapter volunteers. Many thanks go out to the Trintis family for all their hard work and to Brothers Vasili Skordalos and George Drakos for their tireless work in the kitchen. Brother Alex Karas provided the entertainment for the evening. Special guests included Santa Claus and the Oriole Bird. The Chapter also welcomed the members of the St. Nicholas and St. Demitrios GOYA who participated in this event. The Lord Baltimore #364 and Worthington Chapter #30, celebrated their annual Vasilopita cutting meeting in January. This annual event, shared by both Chapters in Baltimore, expresses the true meaning of fraternal brotherhood in AHEPA. The event was attended by Past Supreme Governor Brother Dr. Pete Nickolas and many Brothers from both Chapters. Submi ed by Nick Forakis, Ch. 364 One of the most beautiful and inspiring traditions and customs of the Greek Orthodox Church is the observance of Vasilopita. It is this annual family observance, together with many other traditions of our Church, which joins our Orthodox Faith and heritage with the history of the Christian religion itself. Brother Presidents Bill Bond and George Frangos cu ng the Vasilopita (Right) Volume 79 Issue 2 Spring 2013 Capital District No. 3 TRIO GRAM Page 3 of 16

4 Visits to Chapters in NC by Supreme President Grosomanides Fellow AHEPA Brothers: As some of you know, in addition to serving as Chapter Treasurer for our Cape Fear Chapter #408, I have also served on the District Lodge for the past 21/2 years. Currently I am serving as Distict Secretary for AHEPA-Capital District No. 3. Last weekend, we had the honor of hosting Supreme President, Dr. John Grossomanides and his wife Anna, Grand Vice- President of the Daughters of Penelope. Also traveling with the Supreme President & Grand Vice- President were Supreme Governor Ed Guminski, Past Supreme Treasurer Andrew Zachariades. District Governor Demetrius Govotsos & I traveled with them as they visited several AHEPA Chapters in North Carolina. On Friday afternoon, Past Su- preme President Dr. Spiro Macris greeted the SP and his party as they arrived at RDU and welcomed them to Capital District No. 3 and to the State of North Carolina. Dr. Macris and a couple of Brothers took our guest on a tour the Classical (Greek) Collection at the NC Museum of Art in Raleigh. On Friday evening at 6:00 PM, SP Grossomanides, his traveling party, PSP Dr. Macris, DG Govotsos & I visited the Sir Walter Raleigh Chapter #10 Brothers at the Casa Carbonne Restorante Italiano in Raleigh. AHEPA, Brothers, their wives and friends of AHEPA welcomed the Supreme President and his party and treated them to a delicious dinner. They heard SP Grossomanides as he updated the audience on AHEPA's projects / activities on the international, national and chapter fronts. On Saturday morning at 9:30 AM we visited Durham Chapter #277 Brothers at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church Hellenic Center in Durham. The Brothers prepared a very nice breakfast for the SP and his traveling party and hear from the AHEPA SP and DOP GV-P. In spite of the snow showers, we traveled to Greensboro for a Noon visit with General Greene Chapter #257 Brothers at OPA Greek Cusine restaurant in downtown Greensboro. Sisters of Ktimene Chapter #70 of the Daughters of Penelope were there to greet Grand Vice-President Anna Grossomanides and to welcome all their out of town guests. Sister Helen Peterson, a Past Grand Lodge Of icer, from Greensboro was recognized for her 70+years of service to DOP. The Greensboro DOP Chapter is celebrating it's 75th anniversary this year! On a personal note, my wife's grandmother, Florence Melts, was a Charter Member of the Greensboro DOP Chapter. We enjoyed a delicious Greek meal before we traveled to the next Chapter visit. DG Govotsos said "goodbye" to the SP and his traveling party and he headed to Fayetteville to represent our District Lodge at Fayetteville Chapter #9's annual "Athenian Night" fundraiser. On Saturday evening at 6:00 PM the rest of the traveling party visited the Land of the Sky Chapter #28 Brothers at the Cornerstone Restaurant located on Tunnel Road in Asheville. The DOP Sisters of Kirki Chapter #313 of Asheville entertained Grand Vice-President Anna Grossomanides at another restaurant there in Asheville. While in Asheville, SP Grossomanides presented two Chapter #10 AHEPA Brothers with Sir Walter Raleigh Chapter 10 Raleigh, NC Durham, NC Chapter 277 General Greene, Chapter 257 Greensboro, NC their Certi icates acknowledging their Life Member (50-year) status. I started my return trip "down the mountain" Saturday evening while our Supreme President and his party departed Asheville on Sunday morning via return lights to their respective home destinations. The Grossomanides are traveling to Paris this coming weekend to charter our irst AHEPA chapter in France. We were honored to have SP John Grossomanides and GV -P Anna Grossomanides in North Carolina as they visited Chapters in four NC cities within 26 hours. All in all, it was a great weekend! Fraternally yours, Jim Stasios., District Secretary, AHEPA-Capital District #3 Volume 79 Issue 2 Spring 2013 Capital District No. 3 TRIO GRAM Page 4 of 16

5 Supreme President's visit to Chapter Durham NC In mid-february, our Supreme President visited several chapters in NC. SP Brother John Grossomanides was accompanied by the Grand VP of the Daughters, Sister Anna H. Grossomanides, as well as Supreme Governor Brother Ed Guminski and PST brother Andrew Zachariades. PSP Spiro Macris led the eminent visitors on a tour of the Classical Collection in the NC Museum of Art, which displayed a number of items acquired by the "Friends of Greek Art" group - including many AHEPA members. The next day, Durham's Chapter 277 hosted a "presidential breakfast", attended by the visitors, AHEPA brothers, as well as numerous friends of the AHEPA. Above: Group photo; Depicted are the Durham brothers with their visitors. Left: Photo in the NC Museum : (L to R) District 3 Governor Demetrius Govotsos, Supreme Governor Ed Guminski, PSP Spiro Macris, Grand VP of the Daughters Anna Grossomanides, Supreme President Dr. John Grossomanides Order of AHEPA news from the Marathon Chapter No.2 The chapter has been off to a great start for The chapter has activated the Scholarship Committee and the following awards are available: (1) The Marathon Chapter No.2 Scholarship $2,000 (2) The John G. Plumides Scholarship $1,000 (3) The Father "C" Scholarship $1,000 (4) The Venus Chapter No.102 Scholarship $1,000 On March 27 th, brothers from the Chapter volunteered at the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina in the battle against hunger. Brothers sorted, inspected and packed food and other items for distribution to various agencies. The AHEPA Marathon Chapter #2 Foundation provided a $3,000 donation to the Breast Cancer Research and Education Fund at the Levine Institute at Carolinas Medical Center. The Chapter will be celebrating its 91th Anniversary this year. In recognition of this important milestone, a social event will be held in the afternoon of May 19th. We will honor this year s scholarship recipients, provide a brief history of the chapter, overview of the philanthropic support provided to various organizations and announce the winners of the 2013 Scholarship Fundraiser Raf le. In support of AHEPA Day, a memorial service at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral will be held to memorialize our local Order of AHEPA and Daughter of Penelope members who are no longer with us. There will be coffee hours sponsored at both Saint Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church and Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Submitted by: Louie P. Politis Chapter President Volume 79 Issue 2 Spring 2013 Capital District No. 3 TRIO GRAM Page 5 of 16

6 Fayetteville Chapter No. 9 Fayetteville Chapter No. 9 has been very active this year. In September our members assisted the Sts Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in a big way with the annual Greek Festival held on the church grounds. President Steve Goodson was one of the Festival Co-Chairman, Secretary Paul Kanos helped keep track of the money, John Bantsolas and Joe DaRosa helped with the signs and beverage sales, Vice President Pete Kalogerinis and Dr. John Poulos helped with the entertainment, and Tasos Hasapis, John S. Poulos and numerous others helped with the food preparation and serving. During the irst week of November our chapter ran a food booth at the local Holiday Fair held by the Fayetteville Junior League. Our Sons of Pericles, Maids of Athena, and Daughters of Penelope put in lots of work supporting this endeavor, which netted us some additional funds for our chapter scholarships and Christmas gifts to the needy. On Saturday, Feb 16, our AHEPA family held its annual Athenian Night gala dinner-dance scholarship fundraiser in the Hellenic Center. In spite of a freak snowstorm that afternoon we fed and entertained nearly 300 guests to the music of Achilleas. In 2012 we were able to give out $ 3, in scholarships to graduating high school seniors. In March our chapter provided inancial support for our community Youth Ministry s 3 rd annual Bingo fundraising event. On a couple occasions thus far our chapter has provided meals to children and to a mental health group. At Christmas time we made over $1,500 donations to local nonpro its and sent $500 to AHEPA headquarters for Hurricane Sandy relief. We also sent several AHEPA, DOP, and Sons of Pericles members to Richmond for the workshop/mid-year conference in February. Our chapter members supported the community s Greek School by attending the Greek School program celebrating Greek Independence Day after church Sunday, March 31. During this Lenten season our chapter along with our DOP sisters prepared and served a Lenten Meal to our church members after the Pre-Sancti ied Liturgy on April 3. On AHEPA Sunday we will sponsor the coffee hour after church and we will cosponsor with the church Youth Ministry a community picnic at the end of the Sunday School year. We have voted to purchase ads in the District 3 Convention Book and the National Convention Book. Our Brothers recently voted to hold the 2014 District 3 Convention in Fayetteville. We have picked up a few new members and currently have 60 Brothers in Fayetteville Chapter No. 9. President Steve Goodson Vice President Pete Kalogerinis Secretary Paul Kanos Treasurer Joe DaRosa The photo below was taken by a reporter from the Fayetteville Observer (our local newspaper) who attended the Athenian Night event. The photo is of Chapter No 9 members with our District Governor Govotsos. Submitted by John N Bantsolas Si ng (L to R): John S. Poulos, VP Pete Kalogerinis, Treasurer Joe DaRosa, DG Dimitrios Govotsos Standing (L to R): Tasos Hasapis (food chairman), John Bantsolas (event co-chairman), Secretary Paul Kanos, Pres Steve Goodson. Below: Ethnic Greek Dancers at the Athenian Night Gala Event Volume 79 Issue 2 Spring 2013 Capital District No. 3 TRIO GRAM Page 6 of 16

7 C h a p t e r o f DURHAM, NC, hosted the District 3 southern region workshop and meeting. On April 6, 2013, numerous delegates from the North Carolina and Virginia chapters enjoyed the fellowship and brotherhood during that day, including the program prepared by the District Lodge, as well as the breakfast and Lenten lunch prepared by brothers of chapter 277. District 3 Workshop Durham, NC Saturday, April 6, 2013 PSP Brother Spiro Macris also made a presentation, that included information about the Friends of Greek Art group, which has many AHEPA members involved and actively promoting the Classical Collection at the NC Museum of Art in Raleigh. Chapter 277 was honored with an Award Certificate, and with the attendance of nearly all District Lodge officers and brothers from Charlotte, Fayetteville, Raleigh, and Wilmington. The presence of many local Durham brothers was noted, including the Very Rev. Archimandrite Father Stavroforos Mamaies, an eminent brother in the host chapter Durham. The workshop and meeting took place at the conveniently appointed fellowship hall, next to and a part of the fairly new St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church building in Durham NC. Submi ed by Larry Odzak Volume 79 Issue 2 Spring 2013 Capital District No. 3 TRIO GRAM Page 7 of 16

8 82 nd Annual Capital District 3 Convention Annapolis Maryland June 27-30, 2013 SHERATON ANNAPOLIS HOTEL 173 Jennifer Road Annapolis, Maryland Order of AHEPA...Room Rate is $129 single/double occupancy (thru June 1, 2013) Hotel Website: Or Call (Hotel Reservation Representative)... Mr. Eugene Dear Brothers, Sisters, and Friends of the Order of AHEPA, On behalf of the brothers of Chapter #286, I bring you greetings from Annapolis, Maryland and cordially invite you to the... 82nd Annual AHEPA Capital District 3 Convention that our chapter is hosting from June 27th through June 30th, This year's convention will be held at the Sheraton Hotel in Annapolis, Maryland. I am confident that this convention will have something interesting and enjoyable for everyone in attendance. I encourage everyone to view this opportunity for a great getaway weekend to visit the Capital of the State of Maryland along with its many Historic attractions. We have planned several special events that we believe will make your visit to Historic Annapolis both enjoyable and rewarding. All the registration information is included on our District website which we encourage all to download, complete and submit: You can also visit our chapter website at for any updates or changes to the convention schedule or information. Feel free to contact me with any questions at (410) or by at ahepa286@comcast.net George Papaspyrou Capital District #3 82 nd AHEPA District #3 Convention Chairman President Annapolis AHEPA Chapter 286 Volume 79 Issue 2 Spring 2013 Capital District No. 3 TRIO GRAM Page 8 of 16

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10 AHEPA CHAPTER # 28 LAND OF THE SKY ASHEVILLE NC. Esteemed AHEPA brothers... greetings. On Feb.16 th we were honored by the visit of our Supreme President Dr. Grossomanides and his traveling party witch included Mrs. Grossomanides, Supreme Governor Ed Guminski, Former Supreme Treasurer Zahariades, and our Dist. Secretary Jim Stasios. It was a happy and joyful event for our small chapter because we did not have any visits from the Supreme headquarters since the early 1970s. We want to thank Brother Dr. Grossomanides and hope that he will visit us again in the near future. Fraternaly. George Xanthos Chapter #28 President. Land of the Sky Chapter 28 in Asheville, NC Greek Independence Day Parade 2012 Photo at right is of the Brothers from the Lord Bal more #364 and Worthington Chapter #30 preparing to march in the Greek Independence Day Parade in Bal more; March 24, 2012 Volume 79 Issue 2 Spring 2013 Capital District No. 3 TRIO GRAM Page 10 of 16

11 Chapter 383 Silver Spring, Maryland February, though short, was quite a busy month for Chapter 383 of Silver Spring, Maryland, as it held its annual Vasilopita Luncheon on Sunday the 10th at the Greek Village restaurant. The well attended event was plentiful with delicious food and a beautiful traditional Vasilopita. A personal Thank you, to the Brothers for their instrumental efforts and arrangements for a successful Luncheon, along with a thankful appreciation to our visiting honored Counsel Representatives from the Greek Embassy of Washington DC, for taking the time from their busy schedules to come and support our annual event. WOODROW WILSON # 241 Newport News. VA Our Chapter s goals were clear and concise; Gain & Retain Membership and Increase Participation. We would like to share with the District the process we implemented to ensure progress in both areas. Gain & Retain Membership Highest YOY Growth in District # 3 FY 2011: 57 Members FY 2012: 69 Members YOY Growth: 21% We are proud that we had exceed the goal set by our Supreme President, Dr. John Grossomanides. Our goal was 67 and we achieved 69 for 103% We had our Treasurer, John Samos invoice all the members who had paid 2011 but had not paid their 2012 dues. A personal letter was sent by our President, Butch Kypriandes to all the delinquent Brothers, with a reinstatement application. Increase Participation, we still had a participation issue at meetings and activities. We decided to plan some early activities to increase our participation March 10 th Meatballs for Meatfare Spaghetti Lunch after Church June 14th Scholarship Golf Tournament Kiln Creek Resort Please contact Nick Matthews for details nikosmatthews@gmail.com Both of these fundraisers will bene it our local scholarships May 19 th AHEPA Family Awards & Scholarship Luncheon A couple of PSP s sent a letter to all the brothers, congratulating them on our year end numbers. What is needed is participation from the membership in attending meetings whenever possible and supporting and participating in our Chapters activities. As a Chapter we are Planning for Success, we strive to be proactive, instead of reactive. Submitted by Bro. Nick Matthews (PDG) Volume 79 Issue 2 Spring 2013 Capital District No. 3 TRIO GRAM Page 11 of 16

12 AHEPA CHAPTER 31 ORGANIZES A LECTURE BY THE AMBASSDOR OF IRELAND TO THE UNITED STATES HIS EXCELLENCY MICHAEL COLLINS On Monday January 28 th, 2012, AHEPA Washington Chapter 31 organized an interesting and informative lecture by his Excellency Michael Collins, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States. The lecture was held at Saint George Greek Orthodox Church and was attended by over a hundred AHEPANs and non AHE PANs, including representatives from the Embassies of Greece, Cyprus, Slovakia, Romania and Poland. Brother Anastasios Vassilas, the Chapter President, extended an invitation to the Ambassador, on the occasion of Ireland s Assumption of the Presidency of the European Council. He was requested to speak on Ireland s Program for the European Union and on the economic and political challenges currently faced by the twenty seven member Union. Following a few opening remarks by the Chapter President, the Chapter Vice President Efstathios Balatsos introduced the Ambassador to the assembled guests by outlining the salient assignments in his diplomatic career. In his articulate remarks Ambassador Collins displayed exceptional diplomatic skills, an in depth familiarity of his country s economic miracle as well as a thorough appreciation of the economic and political challenges that Ireland will face during the forthcoming six months in the reins of the European Union. Ambassador Collins opened his presentation by noting that his country of 4.5 million people can claim 40 million descendants throughout the world. He outlined the serious national debt burden faced by his country in the recent past. He pointed out that this is similar to the economic predicament currently faced by Greece, which he felt that Greece would overcome. Apparently many Irish Banks collapsed when property values decreased to 60% of their pre crisis values. Further deterioration was averted with the intervention of the European Community Bank which provided inancial support to the Banks. Ambassador Collins emphasized that none of the Irish debt holders were required to suffer haircuts of their holdings. The presence of more than 1000 American Companies doing business in Ireland was a most interesting remark offered by Ambassador Collins who stressed that their presence created 80,000 Irish jobs. He noted that his country has promoted foreign investments by providing a favorable environment for companies to relocate in Ireland. On the other side of the coin he noted that Irish companies operating in the United States have created 100,000 jobs! Following conclusion of his remarks, Ambassador Collins entertained a number of questions from the audience which generated further comments and observations. The Chapter President thanked Ambassador Collins for his incisive and interesting presentation. Chapter 31 then hosted a brief reception which gave everyone an opportunity to interact and to enjoy further discussion and good fellowship. Volume 79 Issue 2 Spring 2013 Capital District No. 3 TRIO GRAM Page 12 of 16

13 Daughters of Penelope Helle Chapter #283 Helle Chapter #283 would wish everyone a Happy New Year and best wishes for much health and happiness in 2013! We had a beautiful Christmas party in December, and along with the hats, scarves, hooded sweatshirts, and glove donations, our Angel Tree coat drive helped to clothe children in 4 different homeless and abused family shelters in the Northern Virginia area. In January we teamed with the Brothers from AHEPA #438 and sponsored a Financial Seminar given by the Ric Edelman Financial Education Group which was very well attended! We also welcomed 3 new Sisters to our Chapter in 2013 and collected loose change for St. Basil s Academy which our Chapter matched penny for penny! In February Helle Chapter attended the District #3 Mid Year Conference in Richmond, VA, and worked hard on issues to get ready for our District Convention at the end of June. We were thrilled to have seen our dear Sister, Kay Kissal, who was Helle s President from 1985 through Wishing all of you a blessed Lenten and Paschal Season from all the Sisters in Helle Chapter! Sister Anna-Helena Grossomanides' (DOP Grand Vice-President) visit to Ktimene Chapter #70 in Greensboro, NC on February 16, Front Row (L to R): Su Peterson, Helen Peterson, Dorothy Megremis, Lore a Boll, Barbara Kazazes Back Row (L to R): Anna-Helene Grossomanides, Theodora Vaporis, Elaine Goodwin, Effie Vari midis, Celia Touloupas, Eleni Harrison, Soteria Dascalakis, Edna Pappas, Vasiliki Pa erson Very Back - behind Celia Touloupas (woman with white hair) is Joy Dascalakis - dark hair with glasses. Volume 79 Issue 2 Spring 2013 Capital District No. 3 TRIO GRAM Page 13 of 16

14 In Memoriam PETER A. KATSARELIS Peter Anthony Katsarelis of Triangle, VA passed away peacefully during the night on 27 January 2013 at McGuire nursing home, Richmond, VA at the age of 92. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Helen Georgiades Katsarelis, daughter, Angela Katsarelis Beamer (Richard), son Anthony Peter Katsarelis (Robyn); four grandchildren Andrew and Lacey Beamer, and Bailey and Tanner Katsarelis, his brother Manuel Katsarelis, and sister Virginia Welch and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded by brothers George and Nick. The family received friends on 31 January at Bliley's Central Funeral Home in Richmond where a Triagion Service was conducted by Father Nicholas Bacalis, Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church. We are very grateful to the President of the Richmond AHEPA chapter for conducting a very beautiful AHEPA funeral ceremony for Pete. His funeral was held at The Nativity of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox church of Fredericksburg by Father John Katsoulis and Father Ted Chelpon, burial at Quantico National Cemetery, and reception following at the church hall in Fredericksburg. In lieu of lowers contributions may be made to the Nativity of the Theotokos church or Sts. Constantine LOU GERGOUDIS: Passing of the Old Guard Lewis Gergoudis, a devoted and active AHEPAN for 66 years passed away on December 20, 2012 in Richmond, Virginia a few weeks after the death of his beloved wife Fannie. Brother Lou was initiated into Richmond Chapter 83 in 1946 where he was affectionately known as Mr. AHEPA. He served as of icer for many years and also served as President for several terms in the 1950s and 1960s. He was also active at the district and national level, attending with his devoted wife many national and district conventions. Perhaps Brother Lou s greater contribution to the Richmond AHEPA Chapter was the organization of an annual Debutante Ball to raise money for college scholarships. Through his efforts, Richmond Chapter 83 raised thousands of dollars which were invested wisely, for the purpose of supporting higher learning in the years to come. Hundreds of college students have bene ited from Chapter 83 college scholarship scholarships. As stated at the AHEPA Funeral eulogy, Lou Gergoudis was a ine example of a irst generation American of Greek descent; he loved and served his country well, he loved his family, especially his wife of 68 years Fannie; he loved God and his Church, he loved his and Helen Greek Orthodox cathedral, Richmond. Peter A. Katsarelis was a loyal lifelong member of the Mary Washington AHEPA Chapter #290 of Fredericksburg, VA. He was initiated on 15 February Pete served in the Army Air Corps during WWII. His B 17 was shot down over Germany and he survived as a POW until the end of the war. Pete spent most of his post war career in the automotive sales business with his brother Nick as an of ice manager for Nick's Pontiac / Oldsmobile, Woodbridge, VA. Pete held the following of ices in the Mary Washington chapter: President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The Mary Washington chapter was incorporated in 1933 with 15 members, continued until deactivated during WWII and reactivated by Supreme President John Thevos beginning with a small number of members and now have about 27 active members. The Chapter supports The Nativity of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox church and the Washington Capitol District Scholarship awards program. The Mary Washington Chapter #290 was suggested and named by Brother Harry Cokinides after Mary Washington "because of its historic implications and because this organization is primarily one to perpetuate a love for America conceived in the minds and hearts of American citizens of Hellenic ancestry." Greek roots and culture and he loved AHEPA. In addition to AHEPA, Lewis Gergoudis served in the US Army and 30 years in army reserves with the rank of Colonel. He was also very active with the community of Sts. Constantine and Helen Cathedral, Richmond, VA, having served on the Parish Council and Board of Trustees for several years as well as President of the Parish Council. Both AHEPA Chapter 83 and the Richmond Greek community will miss Brother Lou s leadership, enthusiasm, and guidance. To his family and friends we extend our heartfelt condolences. May his memory be eternal! Volume 79 Issue 2 Spring 2013 Capital District No. 3 TRIO GRAM Page 14 of 16

15 TRIO GRAM STATEMENT OF EDITORIAL POLICY The Trio-Gram is an official Publication of Capital District 3, Order of AHEPA Fraternal Organization. Our publishing policy and philosophy must be a reflection of this. With this in mind, please understand that all articles and commentaries which are submitted by any AHEPA family members should directly reflect AHEPA issues and business. Explanation: A one and a half page article dealing, for instance, with Hellenic history may be of interest, but our budget and space constraints put this kind of item on an appreciably lower ranking with regard to our publishing priorities. Basically, our editorial policy reflects that of the National publication, AHEPAN Magazine as listed on its first pages, but is one which must be more restrictive with regard to material such as that described above because of funding and space limitations. The AHEPAN is a Magazine - The Trio-Gram is a Newsletter. We cannot stretch it beyond our means. Trio-Gram Editorial Staff Associate & Technical Editor Luke Hajiantoni Editor James Constantinides, Reviewing Editor James Stasios Reviewing Editor Demetrius Govotsos Reviewing Editor Kathy Matthews Printer : Schmitz Press Note: A star designates some informa on was not submi ed and therefore is missing. Corrections to the Fall 2012 Issue 1. The DOP Governor s message in the Fall issue, pg.2 of12, had listed the incorrect Liaison assignments. Below you will find correct liaisons. District Gov. Kathy Matthews: Agave #224 Vesta #237 Arion #298 Lt. Gov Geri Hasapis and MOA Ad. /Marshal Irene Bantsolas: Ktimene #70 Kirki #313 Venus #102 Hestia #416 Hermione #11 Anti- Secretary Loretta Kirk: klea #70 of the Trio-Gram District Advisor Jackie Anas, PDG: Harmonia #366 Princess Anne # The picture of the District #3 Lodge on pg.10 of 12 of the Fall 2012 has incorrect text that appears to have been pasted from the Fall 2011 on pg. 2 of 20, beginning with Chapter of the Year thru Personal contact is always best! The info. around the picture was from the previous year. Please disregard. 3. On pg. 12 of 12, the list of DOP Lodge officers are incorrect and it appears to have been pasted from the Spring issue of 2012, pg. 16 of 16. The officers and info on the back page of this present issue are correct. The Editors of the Trio-Gram apologized for any problems that may have resulted from these mistakes. District #3 Permanent Scholarship Fund Have you considered a Tax Free Deduc on and Dona on to a most worthy cause? Since its incep on in 1958, we as AHEPANS have helped over 1,000 students a end college. Your dona on LARGE or SMALL will keep the fund growing allowing us to increase the number of scholarships. The Scholarship Commi ee administers the fund without deduc ng any overhead costs from your dona on. (Scholarship grants are paid only from interest earned; capital funds can not be used for scholarships.) Remember your dona on will help AHEPA children prepare for college and then help future genera ons. Fraternally Yours, THANKS, Nicholas P. Vamvakias C. Steven Georgilakis John Samos District #3 Permanent Scholarship Fund 4801 St. Elmo Ave. Bethesda, MD YES! I want to help educate the sons and daughters of AHEPANS, enclosed, please find my tax-deductible contribution, payable to District #3 PSF. $1,000 $500 $100 $50 Other: $ Check preference, if desired: In Memory of: In Honor of: Name: Please send acknowledgment to: Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Tear at the dotted line - enclose check payable to District #3 PSF and mail to this address: District #3 PSF C/O Steve Georgilakis 4801 St. Elmo Ave. Bethesda, MD Volume 79 Issue 2 Spring 2013 Capital District No. 3 TRIO GRAM Page 15 of 16

16 TRIO GRAM Capital District No. 3 Newsletter 6374 Montgomery Rd. Elkridge, MD NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT # 1608 District Governor Demetrius P. Govotsos 4786 Mid County Court Monrovia, MD Home (301) Work (301) Cell (240) dpgovotsos@gmail.com District Lt. Governor Rob Stepp Green Forest Drive Colonial Heights, VA H: W: C: rob.helen@comcast.net District Secretary Jim Stasios 424 Camway Drive Wilmington, NC H: W: x20 X jstasios@aol.com ORDER OF AHEPA DISTRICT #3 OFFICERS District Treasurer George Papaspyrou 3067 Tudor Hall Road Riva, Maryland (Cell) (Fax) : papaspyrou@verizon.net 2: gpapaspy@yahoo.com District Marshall Gary Nicholls 124 Long Bridge Road Hampton, VA H: W: x6518 C: gnicholls@cox.net District Warden Gary J. Metry Birchleaf Road Chester, VA, H: C: doc @yahoo.com District Athletic Advisor Pete Kalogerinis Fayetteville, NC petekalogerinis@gmail.com District Governor Kathy Matthews 229 Dogwood Lane Cobbs Creek, VA H: (804) kathy.matthews1968@gmail.com District Lt. Governor Geri Hasapis 356 Edinburgh Drive Fayetteville, NC (910) (H) geriha@centurylink.net District Secretary Loretta Kirk 404 Aubery Road Richmond, Va H: (804) (H) lkyrk@yahoo.com District Treasurer DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE DISTRICT #3 OFFICERS Katherine L. Matrakas 2013 Pagebrook Road Silver Spring, Md (301) (H) klukia14@gmail.com District Marshall and Advisor to Maids of Athena Irene Bantsolas 6304 Whitehall Drive Fayetteville, N.C (910) irinibant@gmail.com Advisor to DOP Jackie Anas 4925 W Norfolk Road Portsmouth, VA H: (757) janas23@yahoo.com Volume 79 Issue 2 Spring 2013 Capital District No. 3 TRIO GRAM Page 16 of 16