AHEPA WISHES KALO MINA OF AUGUST 2018

A brief note to the President George Spanos from an Ahepan:

Good afternoon President George,

Just a note to let you know how much fun I had working at the festival. I had the distinct pleasure of 'parking cars' all weekend long. It was a very pleasurable experience, as I was listening to Greek music permeating the air mixed in with the rain and brief periods of sunshine. I loved helping out, as always! It gives one the extreme joy of being a part of something big,,,,that being 'Stewardship'!!! As you know, your Spanos family, the Papoutsis family, the Mallios family, and I could go on and on.....families is the keyword....contribute greatly to the success of the festival...as do many, many, many individuals...young and old, big and small, healthy or sick...it doesn't matter!! Food prep was so enjoyable, too! I had the pleasure of contributing with that service as well!!! I loved being a part of that, too! Many Ahepans were involved over the course of the event,,,including the ones in leadership positions! I could name them but it wouldn't do justice to all of us brothers working the trenches that held up their end of the bargain with both vigor and valor! Kudos not only to them, but to the entire community, i.e. the priest, the dancers, the ladies, the men, the boys, and the girls....it was simply majestic to see the whole community come together for this very worthwhile cause! Bravo mas!Yeia Mas! Dr. Mike

2018 ANNUAL CHAPTER REPORT – 87th POWER DISTRICT #4 CONVENTION Ahepa Chapter #64 celebrated its 93rd year of Brotherhood under the leadership of our elected Officers: President

Dimitri Zozos, Vice-President William Kaldes, Secretary Steve Nicholas and Treasurer Paul Giannaris. Brother Dr. Michael Billys served as our Chaplain and Membership Committee Chairman while also acting as Corresponding Secretary.

Normally our meetings are scheduled on a monthly basis usually held on the second or third Monday of each month

with a summer break for July and August. We have been averaging approximately 25 brothers in attendance for the business meetings and 60 members for our many dinner-meetings. All meetings feature a guest speaker most time chosen from a within our fraternity however sometimes coming from outside our Chapter with food and refreshments offered following for fellowship purposes. We have been expanding membership over the past 4 years as the Power District #4 has awarded us with Chapter of the Year awards over the past 2 years. We have grown from approximately 40 active members in 2014 to 90 active members with about 20 inactive needing to be reinstated. Our Chapter has initiated 43 new members over the past 4 years.

Ahepa Chapter #64 began the year with our Second Annual ‘Kick-Off’ Dinner-Meeting when we scheduled a guest speaker to highlight an exquisite dining agenda held at a facility in our area owned by an Ahepan. This affair was preceded on September 24th, 2017 by honoring our deceased brother John Prokop along with his sister Freda Prokop-Vladyka who together donated over 1.3 million dollars which was equally split between our Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Ahepa Chapter #64. Present for the ‘Rock-Monument’ dedication and memorial trisagion service conducted by Fr. Michael Varvarelis were Supreme Governor Cleon Kordistos, District Governor Alex Barlamas, District Treasurer Bill Gandjos, District Warden John Katras, District Marshall Charles Mackenzie, District Athletic Director Harry Macredes, PDG Tony Drakos, PDG Jim Gregorakis, and PST Bill Macredes. This ‘Rock-Monument’ is strategically placed in the front of our church. SG Cleon Kordistos and DG Alex Barlamas served as our guest speakers and each gave significant overviews on our AHEPA past and future at the ‘Kick-Off’ meeting held at Boomerang’s. Our next meeting was a business meeting on Monday, October 16th, 2017 in our Ahepa Board Room located at our Holy Trinity Cathedral with 29 Ahepans in attendance. Our next Ahepa gathering was a November Dinner-Meeting once again held at an exquisite dining facility on Monday evening November 16th, 2017. Again, over 60 Ahepans attended and enjoyed excellent fellowship, food, with the keynote speaker being Sen. John Desanto. Congressman and Ahepan George W. Gekas also gave inspirational remarks along with the ‘unsung hero’ plaque awarded to Brother Nick Theofanis. Focusing on the specific theme of national service and specifically Veterans Day, our meeting was also honored by a speech given to honor all our veterans by a middle school student specifically invited for this occasion by brother Dr. Michael Billys. Dr. Billys also offered inspiring remarks reminding all about the brave Greeks who inspire us all with our past “OXI” Day commemoration on October 28th, 1821Our December Ahepa meeting on Monday, December 11th as a general business meeting in the Ahepa Board Room with 21 members in attendance. Another prestigious ‘dinner-meeting’ was held on Monday evening January 21, 2018 where Rep. Ryan Mackenzie and District Marshall Charles Mackenzie were our keynote speakers along with SG Cleon Kordistos and DG Alex Barlamas. PDG Jim Gregorakis also attended this wonderful meeting. Judge John Cherry also added inspirational remarks concerning his heritage. On Monday February 26th, 2018 a meeting was held at the Philoptochos Room (due to Ahepa Room being renovated) to administer the oaths and initiations to 12 new members. The next two meetings were both held in the newly renovated Board Room on Monday evenings March 12th and April 16th with both meetings attended by over 20 Ahepans. Our May meeting was cancelled due to most Ahepans contributing to preparations and volunteer contributions for our community’s annual ‘Greek Festival’ held from May 18th-20th, 2018. The June 18th, 2018 business meeting will include elections for next term with a general overview of this past year’s accomplishments.

…AHEPA #64 Greek Independence Day Commemoration at the Capitol is in its 10th year … AHEPA #64 Sponsored Community Lentil Meal celebrated its 1st year …AHEPA #64 Community Blood Bank is in its 32nd year

…AHEPA Service-Dogs Fund Drive for 2018 …AHEPA #64 OPA Discount Cards – over 90 Ahepan participants as donors and/or merchants …AHEPA #64 Ahepa Day Memorial Tribute to All Veterans with a memorial service outside since 2006 …AHEPA #64 Prokop/Vladyka-Prokop Scholarship Program in its 4th year

…AHEPA #64 Movie Producer/Director Ahepan David Bobb “Right Before Your Eyes” …AHEPA #64 Delegates attending the 87th District Convention in Aliquippa, PA

Greek Independence Day Commemoration at the Capitol: On Tuesday, March 13th, 2018 eight Ahepan brothers from our local Ahepan Chapter #64 of Harrisbug, Pennsylvania along with various representatives from Power District #4 embarked on a visit to the State Capitol of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to celebrate the 197th Anniversary of the Greek War of Independence which started on March 25th, 1821. This group which included a young man Angelos Giannaris who was dressed as an “evzone” (a Greek soldier) enjoyed the opportunity to be welcomed by Senator Mike Regan representing the State government of Pennsylvania at the State Capitol. Representatives Sheryl Delozier, Ryan Mackenzie, and Greg Rothman joined the delegation to commemorate Greek Independence Day. The Resolution was then read aloud to all in attendance including special guests Lt. Colonel Vasileios Bobouzis of the Hellenic Army, along with local Ahepan special guests which included Event Coordinator Dr. Michael Billys and Protopsalti Tom Paparoidamis.

Father Michael Varvarelis gave the Opening Prayer opening the session of the House declared by Speaker of the House Rep. Mike Turzai. Speaker Turzai remarked how Greece was under the domination of the Ottoman Turks for over 400 years then finally declared it’s freedom on that particular day. It took 8 years until this War was finally won in 1829. This was a very important step for the world’s insistence in ‘freedom and democracy’ for the entire world to see. Greece showed both courage and faith in its declaration on that important day in 1821 and this recognition is an honor for the entire Greek community of the world. Speaker of the House Mike Terzai introduced Representative Sheryl Delozier who gave an inspirational speech for the resolution for the Proclamation for Greek Independence Day on this day. Ahepans Dr. Michael Billys, Col. Geogre Jatras, Prof. George Papacostas, and Cantor Tom Paparoidamis were then invited to the podium along with Lt. Colonel Vasileios Bobouzis to be recognized by the full membership of the House of Representatives. Rep. Delozier then read Resolution #730 out loud to the entire House chamber recognizing the Greek Independence Day of March 25th, 1821 which was also loudly applauded. Our appreciation goes to Father Michael Varvarelis of the Holy Trinity Cathedral who gave the invocation to open the House which was graciously received by all. AHEPA CHAPTER #64 SPONSORS COMMUNITY LENTIL MEAL: On Wednesday, March 28th, 2018 many dedicated Ahepan brothers volunteered to either become chefs and cook for our parishioners who attended the pre-sanctified liturgy or bring in the various ‘scrumptious’ Lentil foods appropriate for our consumption during the Great Lent period of fasting. Our Ahepan chefs were Brothers Nick Mallios and Jim Lloyd while Brothers Dr. Michael Billys, David Bobb, Dr. Zissis Chroneos, Paul Giannaris, Elias Harbilas, John Harbilas, Colonel George Jatras, Gus Kokos, Chris Pandelares, Prof. George Papacostas, Wayne Pecht, Jimmy Senos, Eric Solomon, Chris Stone, Nick Theofanis, Dimitri Zozos, Honorable George Zozos, and Honorable Paul Zozos all collectively supplied foods or prepared the dining area.

AHEPA CHAPTER #64 BLOOD BANK: The Ahepa Chapter #64 Blood Bank reminds all Ahepans to donate blood at any of the area hospitals and Blood Donation centers, just remind the registrar to make the credit to AHEPA #64. Blood Bank Donations at the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Camp Hill, PA is scheduled for Sunday, April 1st, Friday, May 19th, 2018, Sunday, September 2nd, and Sunday, December 23rd this year of 2018. Brother Christ Megoulas was given the distinguished Plato Award at our Annual Dinner-Meeting for his outstanding contributions in making possible the “Gift of Life” throughout the years in this Blood Donor Program this past January 21st, 2018

The Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank has been saving lives since 1960. The blood bank is a self-supporting, non-profit corporation. This year the blood

bank will provide local hospitals with more than 98,000 pints of life saving blood from volunteer blood donors in our community.

Over eight million Americans would die each year without blood transfusions. Every three seconds someone somewhere uses blood. Locally, over 35,000 people require blood transfusions each year. It could be you, your family, a friend or co-worker. As a member of Holy Trinity, you become part of a continuing system that assures that blood will be available for you and your family, as well as for those members of our community who cannot donate due to medical conditions.

We wanted to take a moment to raise awareness for our Blood Drive which is held four times a year. These drives are held with the cooperation of AHEPA Chapter #64 encourages the“Give the Gift of Life”.

Donors are asked to meet the follow donor criteria:

1. The donor is at least 17 years of age (with parental consent until 18)

2. The donor weighs a minimum of 110 pounds

3. The donor is in good health at the time of donation

4. The donor has waited at least 8 weeks (56 days) from prior donation

5. Meeting the above criteria does not ensure that the donor is able to donate, the criteria above is only a short pre-check. Further confidential screening is done to ensure that the donor’s blood is acceptable for donation.

Ahepa Chapter #64 Cooley’s Anemia Committee: Dr. Michael Billys, Dr. Zissis Chroneos, and Christ Megoulas

have formed this Committee dedicated to offer education and screening to our community for the purpose of teaching all community members about the dangers of this dreadful disease affecting our people. Dr. Billys spearheaded a national effort by participating in the Ahepa Cooley’s Anemia Cycle America Bike-A- Thon in 1979 which was affably referred to as the ‘Ride For Life’. In approaching the 40 - year anniversary, this committee was formed in continuation of that national project. It is hoped that this venture will spread throughout our Power District #4 and eventually the entire National Cooley’s Anemia Foundation of the Ahepa. This Committee is determined to work hand-in-hand with the Blood Donor program to focus on the importance of how our Holy Trinity community approaches the need for blood and to properly diagnosis the potential for contracting Thalassemia or it is commonly referred to as Cooley’s Anemia. AHEPA CHAPTER #64 OPA DISCOUNT CARD: There are 18 restaurants participating to benefit our Chapter #64 that are posted on the back of each OPA card. We thank all Ahepans who purchased these OPA cards and supported our Ahepan merchants who participated. The OPA cards can be used from April 1st, 2018 until April 1st, 2019 and cost only $20 each. It is good for $15 off any purchase of $30 or more from any of these participating restaurants. The card can be used only once for each restaurant participating. Ahepa Chapter #64 fraternal members each were given 5 tickets for their donation of $100 each. 72 members were sent 5 tickets each with about 60 members responding so far. The Drive for collections will be culminated with the final meeting of our year on June 18th. This fundraiser is expected to generate over $6,000 of revenue for the chapter which mainly will contribute to the philanthropic and charitable enterprises undertaken.

Ahepa Day Chapter #64 Memorial Tribute To Veterans normally conflicts with our Community Cathedral Festival. We now celebrate AHEPA Day in conjunction with the Memorial Day Weekend. This year, on Sunday, May 27th, 2018, following the Divine Liturgy and vespers/kneeling service for Pentecost, Father Michael Varvarelis led the congregation to our AHEPA Veterans Memorial located in front of our Cathedral. The Veterans Memorial, a natural limestone memorial, was dedicated on Sunday, June 13, 2004, to the Brothers of Ahepa Chapter #64 and the men and women of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, both past & present, who gave honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States. We also recognize the Lasting Memory of Those who made the Supreme Sacrifice and Those whose call is yet to come. The ceremony concluded with the placing of a Memorial Wreath. We published a booklet for this occasion listing our 152 Deceased Brothers and the 188 members of the Harrisburg Hellenic Community who have proudly and honorably served our great Nation, the United States of America in every conflict from the trenches of France in World War I, on the Beaches at Normandy, on the frozen mountains of Korea, through today’s conflicts that the USA participates in worldwide.

Ahepa Chapter #64 Prokop/Vladyka Scholarship Program was established 4 years ago in 2014 when awards began being distributed to qualified applicants for academic and civic achievements. The Scholarship Committee consists of Nick Stamos, Chairman; Dr. Michael Billys, Nick Mallos II, and Ted Giovanis with brother Sam Kolokithas (Ameriprise) serving as the financial advisor. President Zozos and Secretary Nicholas prepare and assist in the distribution of all awarded recipients. This year our ‘AHEPA Scholarship Sunday’ will take place on June 10th when over 30 general and 5 merit scholarships totaling more than $30,000 dollars will be disseminated. Over the past 4 years, Chapter #64 Prokop/Vladyka Scholarship Program has awarded over $72,000 to over 100 recipients. A student may be awarded not more than 4 times if he/she meets all requirements. In 2017 Ahepa Chapter #64 delivered 36 scholarships to the deserving awardees who were successfully approved by the Ahepa Scholarship Committee. The Scholarship Committee presented 3 College Merit awards and 5 High School Merit awards. Also presented were 19 additional College General and 9 High School General awards. These were the highest to date over the past 4 years since the inception of the Chapter #64 Prokop/Vladyka Scholarship Program of Chapter #64. In 2017 a total amount delivered was $29,800. Presently, 28 applications have been submitted by the cut-off date this past May 23rd, 2018 which are presently under review. Another potential $30,000 shall be awarded by our Chapter #64 this year.

87th Power District Convention in Aliquippa, PA:

Elected delegates attending from Chapter #64 were President Dimitri Zozos, Secretary Steve Nicholas, Chaplain Dr. Michael Billys, and Dr. Zissis Chroneos. Dr. Michael Billys serverd as Co-Chairman of the Convention. Dr. Billys was also elected as District Marshal of the Power District #4 for the 88th term, along with the appointment of Christ Megoulas as District Warden at the Convention. Dr. Billys and Dr. Zissis Chroneos presented the video trailer of David Vincent Bobb’s ‘Right Before Your Eyes’ movie that he produced and directed, along with the Blood Donor Power Point presentation and the Cooley’s Anemia Power Point presentation that will be presented in its entirety at the Ahepa Supreme National Convention in Atlantic City, NJ.

Respectfully Submitted,

Dr. Michael Billys, Ed.D