AHEPA E-News Volume 16, Issue 13 | Wednesday, March 30, 2022

Greek Independence Celebrations Highlights Pour In

Greek Independence Day celebrations were held throughout the United States during the past week. In Indiana, Ahepans were welcomed by Governor Eric Holcomb (R) to the Governor's residence for the presentation of a Greek Independence Day proclamation for a second consecutive year (pictured at top). In addition to marking Greek Independence, they discussed the contributions of Greek Americans to Indiana communities. Indiana Ahepans donate to charities, awards scholarships, and provide affordable senior housing to help strengthen communities throughout the state. The Rose of New England Chapter 110, Norwich, Conn., led a flag-raising ceremony at Norwich City Hall on Greek Independence Day (pictured at right, top). "It's an honor to raise the flag to honor my ancestors for what they accomplished coming to this country with nothing and making a success out of their lives," Ahepan George Grossomanides told the Norwich Bulletin. Past Supreme President Dr. John Grossomanides also addressed the crowd that gathered at City Hall. Ahepans representing Canton Chapter 59 and Massillon Chapter 74, and Daughters of Penelope District 11 officers, celebrated Greek Independence with a flag-raising ceremony held at Public Square in Canton, Ohio (pictured at right, center). The city's mayor, Hon. Thomas Bernabei, presented Chapter 59 President Bill Zantopulos with a proclamation. The group also sang the Greek National Anthem and raised a Greek flag at AHEPA 59 Senior Apartments, Canton. In Nashua, N.H., Mayor James Donchess presented a proclamation to Ahepans from Chapter 35 at City Hall and held a flag-raising ceremony (pictured at right, center). The Ahepans also held a memorial service at Hellenic Circle.

Above Photo Credit: John Shishmanian/NorwichBulletin.com

In New Jersey, AHEPA family members participated at a Greek Independence Day celebration and flag-raising ceremony at the New Jersey State House, Trenton, March 23, sponsored by the New Jersey Hellenic American Heritage Commission. Daughters of Penelope Grand Vice President Georgette Boulegeris, Past District 5 Governor Dr. Zenon Christodoulou, who chaired the program; and Daughters of Penelope Past Grand President Evellyn Tsiadis were among the speakers. Supreme Governor Vassos Chrysanthou and Past Supreme Governor George Karatzia also attended.

Construction Begins on AHEPA Founding Monument AHEPA celebrates the beginning of the AHEPA Founding Monument's construction at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation, Atlanta, Ga., which coincided with Greek Independence Day 2022. Sons of Pericles Past Supreme President and Ahepan Gregory Vourloumis, who is a project manager at AVS Builders, oversaw the initial stages of construction work. The AHEPA memorial commemorates the 100th anniversary of AHEPA's founding. It will be dedicated at Centennial Celebration weekend, June 23-26, 2022, in Atlanta.. All are invited to participate and celebrate. Visit AHEPA100.org for more info.

Daughters of Penelope Donates $10K to Meals on Wheels America The Daughters of Penelope presented a $10,000 donation to Meals of Wheels America, March 24, 2022. Grand President Kathy Bizoukas presented the donation to Meals on Wheels America CEO Ellie Hollander. “We commend the Daughters of Penelope for continuing to support our work to address senior isolation and hunger, especially as the post-pandemic demand for services remains high and operational and food costs continue to soar,” Hollander said.  DOP Executive Director Elena Saviolakis and Meals on Wheels America's Chief Development Officer Kristine Templin also attended. Pappas Post | National Herald

Hot Off the Digital Press! The Ahepan Spring 2022 digital edition is out! Catch a recap of events held to kick-off our centennial celebrations, an enticing preview of our Centennial Convention at Walt Disney World Resort, and get a glimpse of who AHEPA's visionary founders were. Also check out happenings at AHEPA senior communities and how our chapters are giving back through service projects!

Appeal for Ukraine Humanitarian Aid

Since opening the Emergency Relief Fund to collect donations for Ukrainian aid, AHEPA Global Headquarters is proud to report that once again, our chapters have answered the call. Retired Colonel Nicholas P. Vamvakias, PST, reported his chapter, Peter N. Derzis Chapter 438, Falls Church, Va., was able to collect over $2,500 from their community to contribute to the AHEPA Emergency Relief Fund. We encourage all chapters to raise funds in their communities for this worthy cause. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the people of Ukraine as they bravely defend their country from a brutal, devastating, and unprovoked invasion by Russia. We hail the Ukrainians’ defense of democracy and freedom. The humanitarian ruin and loss of life has been catastrophic. More than 3 million refugees have fled Ukraine since the start of Russia's invasion. These are staggering numbers not seen since World War II. The Order of AHEPA stands in solidary with Ukrainian refugees and families. The AHEPA Emergency Relief Fund is open to receive donations for humanitarian aid to assist the people affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. read our appeal

Supreme Convention Pre-Registration Form Released

The 2022 Supreme Convention pre-registration form is available from AHEPA Global Headquarters. Please note that in order to register as a Delegate or Alternate, your chapter must report you as one. If you have not been reported as a Delegate or Alternate, you will be charged the guest price, so please coordinate with your chapters early. Download Registration Form

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Call for Applications | AHEPA Journey to Greece

During our 100th Anniversary, we are proud to offer emerging leaders the exciting opportunity to participate on our premier educational program, Journey to Greece. Established in 1968, the Journey to Greece program provides an opportunity for our youth to visit Greece and earn six college credits in the process. This year, we are proud to work with Webster University in Athens for a 17th year.  The 2022 Journey dates are July 5 to 30. Learn More Apply Today!

Deadline Is Tomorrow! 2022 National Scholarship Application

The AHEPA Educational Foundation has made the 2022 National AHEPA Educational Foundation Scholarship Application available on the AHEPA website. Please visit the link to learn about eligibility criteria for the scholarship as well as the scholarships available this year. The deadline to submit an application for the 2022 AHEPA Educational Foundation Scholarship is March 31, 2022.

Apply Today

AHEPA 100th Anniversary Virtual 5K

Celebrate AHEPA's centennial anniversary by participating in a Virtual 5K! This race is ideal for walkers or runners!  Safely complete the challenge your way and at your pace. Even on a treadmill. And you decide when and where anytime until June 15, 2022. Participate in this event as an individual, a small group, or as a chapter! Proceeds go to the AHEPA 501(c)3 Foundation. more info

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AHEPA Supports the Capital Link Invest in Greece Forum AHEPA is proud to be a supporting organization of the 23rd Annual Capital Link Invest in Greece Forum, announced Supreme President Jimmy Kokotas. The forum will be held at The Metropolitan Club, New York City, April 11, 2022. This year's theme is "A New Era -- A New Direction for Greece. Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis is the Keynote Speaker (via videocast). The "Capital Link Invest in Greece Forum" is an International Summit about Greece hosted in New York, organized in cooperation with the New York Stock Exchange and major global investment banks. It is the longest running investment forum about Greece abroad, engaged in a systematic effort to promote Greece as a business and investment destination to a global audience. learn more | register here

Upcoming Events & Deadlines

March  31 | Deadline: National Educational Foundation Scholarship application April 1 - 18 | AHEPA Family Leadership Excursion to Greece, Cyprus, Israel, Ecumenical Patriarchate 1 | Greeks in Atlanta Basketball Tournament 10 | Greek Independence Day Parade, Detroit 11 | Capital Link Forum, "A New Era - A New Direction for Greece," New York City