Santa Barbara AHEPA Chapter 243

ORDER OF AHEPA
SANTA BARBARA CHAPTER #243
Established October 17, 1929
“Promoting the Harmony of Greek Culture, Service, and Community”
“Keeping the Spirit Alive”
http://www.ahepa20.org/~chapter243/
www.ahepa20.org/chapters (easier for some)
“Let’s Do Something Great in 2008”

MINUTES OF MAY 19, 2008

**LATE BREAKING NEWS**----
Another indication that our economy is recovering-we only have one member who has not paid up his dues to this fine organization-gentle persuasion is being employed before Guido is called. Good to have all 28 members aboard.

May brings May flowers-as proof-we have six members-roughly 21% of our membership-who were born in this month-one might say they represent the youthful flowers of Greece.

Our next meeting will be held on Monday June 16, 2008 at Harry’s Plaza Café located at the newly refurbished Loreto Plaza which is very Spanish in décor. (Rumor has it that Harry is bald-I just report it).

Have you visited our web site recently?

Our meeting room was set-up in a way which reflected its’ use by the various organizations that meet there-with podium, microphone, and many tables set up for membership meals. This fine room could be used for many interesting meetings in the future.

Our Chapter meeting was called to Order by President Arger at 7:40 PM. In attendance were thirteen members. We were happy to see Bill Persulakes, Steve Poulos, and Costa Gastouniotis.

The opening Prayer was recited by all present and led by Bill Persulakes.

The Happy Dollars container was passed and all gave generously. The glad tidings were shared and appreciated by all of us.







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The Minutes of the April 28, 2008 were approved by vote after a motion by Chris Compogiannis and seconded by Gregory Pantages.

Chris Compogiannis gave the treasurer’s report. Our Smith Barney Account holds $9065.44. If you add the Happy Dollars of $205.00 the total amount in the Smith Barney account is $9270.44. Our checking account now has $1679.46 which remains after the payments of Our Chapter Dues-$980.00 to National Ahepa, $150.00 for our advertisement in the District Convention Souvenir Book, District per capita tax of $130.00,District Scholarship dues of $94.90 , and $25.00 to PDG Dino Frangos for cover the cost of the District Governor’s dinner at our Christmas party. The total of monies paid is $1379.90

Chapter Correspondence-Chris Compogiannis reported that we have one member who is delinquent in his dues payment. The current members were mailed this years’ membership card. They should have been received by now.

Old Business
District Convention-no discussion
Ahepa Sunday-President Jim commented favorably on the day, and the food. He commended Bill Poulis for the food and Jim Chachacos for the Ahepa Historical presentation. It was felt that because the Parish held their General Assembly on that Sunday that our Day was diminished. We will need to be aware of church activities when scheduling events. After our last Chapter meeting Carol Stathopoulos asked our Chapter to split the cost of the Koliva which she prepared. The total cost was $33.00. Bill Poulis presented his bill for the food he purchased -$113.95. He requested to be paid and have the Chapter approach the DOP for the split of the costs. President Arger accepted this challenge,

New Business
National President Ike Gulas (a lawyer from Alabama) caravanned to the Western States to meet as many chapters and members as possible. PDG Frangos and President Arger attended a meeting. President Gulas spoke of the many accomplishments of Ahepa this year. The most ambitious were sending $275, 00 and 50 tons of food and supplies to Greece to assist in recovery from the many fires of last year.
PDG Dino Frangos talked with Mr Gulas about our Chapter’s desire to create a National Project to benefit the Rett Foundation. President Gulas indicated that because the National Convention will be held in Greece and the many special circumstances because of this-this request will be considered next year. It will have a better chance of successful passage at that time. Dino will oversee the project.




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The Greek Heritage Society request for funding of their historical movie was tabled for the next meeting. Gregory Pantages has their DVD and will view it and report at our next meeting. Our Chapter has mixed feelings about this request and organization.
National Ahepa and Bank of America have teamed up to promote a Visa Credit Card with reduced interest rates and $10 to each Chapter per member who joins. If interested see President Jim or visit National’s web site.
November Glendi planning is proceeding. President Jim contacted five Greek Music Bands and after discussion Chris Compogiannis moved with Frangos seconding that we engage “The Greeks” for our Glendi. Cost is $1600.00. The motion passed. Gregory Pantages will oversee that the sound volume is not too high.
After discussion of the food menu PDG Frangos moved and Chris Compogiannis seconded that a committee meets with John Demourkas and creates three menu proposals for the Glendi and report at our next meeting. The motion passed.
A brief discussion on a possible raffle for the Glendi took place and a 50/50 raffle was discussed.
Good of the Order.
Jim Brown remarked that we should have elections of Officers this Month. PDG Frangos took control of the elections and the current officers were reelected for the new term of June 2008 thru May 2009. Congratulations!!
Jim Brown proposed that a group membership photograph be taken and framed and placed on the wall with the other organizations that meet in this room. He also proposed that the AHEPA Flag or Banner be hung in the room with the other organizational banners., He also reminded everyone to try and attend the Scholarship Luncheon at the District Convention not only to support our two recipients but to meet other Ahepans.

Bill Poulis lead us in the closing prayer
Meeting adjourned at 8:10 PM by President Arger
Congratulations to Bill Poulis and Jim Arger who are new members of the Parish Council
Happy Birthday to Fr. Simon (6/11) and to Jim Arger (7/27)

See you at Harry’s on June 16th
Respectfully submitted.
.James P. Brown, D.C.
Chapter Secretary.