Santa Barbara AHEPA Chapter 243

SANTA BARBARA AHEPA CHAPTER #243

"Promoting the Harmony of Greek Culture, Service, and Community"

"Keeping the Spirit Alive in 2005 and in the Mix in 2006"

In 1922 The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) was formed to provide services to the Greek Immigrants who arrived in America seeking a better life. The AHEPA assisted our forefathers by helping them to learn English, become United States citizens, and by being a source center to assist in many ways unique to each individual.

The association also became a place where news of Greece could be obtained, where one could associate with people of the same culture and values. Community was established. Eventually an important part of Greek life and culture emerged-our local Eastern Orthodox Church. The AHEPA played an important role in the life of oour local parishes and that synergy exists to this day.

Your local AHEPA Chapter is currently collecting and organizing our history so that we can more easily see how closely the AHEPA and our St. Barbara Parish are aligned. We hope to have portions of this heritage on display soon.

As it is with all people who are busy in our Parish, you will find AHEPA members wearing different hats as they involve themselves in areas of interest. You will find us in the Parish Council, choir, leaders of youth groups, and in other areas of church life.

In future newsletters you will read about our Chapter's rich history of motivated people who established programs for the general good. An example is the District Scholarship program initiated by members of this chapter which has evolved to the District level and provides scholarship opportunities for youth of members of the AHEPA family. The principle has grown to $342,000 which produced interest of $18,000 which was recently distributed to our youth.

Our Chapter is working behind the scenes in many areas: our close ties with the Greek Consulate, with local elected officials, and our contacts on the State of California level. Indeed our President George Bush and his father renew their AHEPA membership every year. We contribute to our local Parish by funding programs of Greek heritage-Greek school, dance groups, youth groups, and their functions. We contribute monies and people when possible to assist in religious observances. Currently we are palnning our out reach to neighboring colleges to let Orthodox youth know that the St. Barbara Parish is there for them, and our annual November Glendi. In addition to our customary slate of activities we are also planning a romantic Valentines' Dance and a spring BBQ with Spanish overtones. Our Chapter is a Team that is optimistic, and goal orientated.

Membership is open to everyone: you do not have to be of Greek descent to join us. If you have an interest in our work, leave a note in the church office. You are always welcome.

REMEMBER The Fall Glendi, Nov. 5, 2005. SEE YOU THERE. We thank you for your support

James Brown President