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)** E-mail: ahepa243@gmail.com **
“Let’s Do Something Great in 2008”

MINUTES OF AUGUST 18, 2008

**LATE BREAKING NEWS**

August is the eighth month of the year but is month three of our chapter year. It is also known through out the USA as the month where most school students return to school and begin their academic year. Our chapter followed suit. We returned to our home (Harry’s Plaza Café) to begin tackling the pressing issues of the fall months.

Joining us were three visitors, one of them a student (very appropriate) and two long standing members of our church- one is a recent convert to Orthodoxy. Also with us was Fr. Simon. His presence always is welcome as is his Blessings for our endeavors on behalf of Ahepa and the Parish of Saint Barbara. Welcome to all.

August in the Greek is Augoustos and in the United States is a month-long celebration of National Goat Cheese Month. So eat your Feta!! These month-long National recognitions are an American tradition, like having fathers chasing kids around with power tools.

From the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People-“Once you have a sense of mission, you have the essence of your own reactivity. You have the basic direction from which to set your long-range and short term goals.”

These minutes were recorded by our hard working Chapter Vice-President, George Papazacharioudakis (aka Mr. Raytheon). I thank him for standing in for me and dutifully recording the nuances of the meeting. I just put the icing on the cake. (JB)

Our next meeting is scheduled for September 15, 2008 at Harry’s Plaza Café’. Hopefully the remodeling of the Plaza will be closer to completion-but then Athens was not built in a day either.

HAVE YOU VISITED OUR WEB SITE RECENTLY?



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President Arger called our meeting to order at 6:45

Attendance: Fr. Simon, Bill Poulis, Brian Iorio, Costa Gastouniotis, George Alexiades, Jim Arger, Greg Pantages, George Alexiadis, Steve Compogiannis, Alex Chucas(?) George Fakinos, Chris Compogiannis, Costa Frangos, Alex Haimanis, and George Papazacharioudakis.

Opening prayer was offered by Fr. Simon.

Welcome and Introductions: Brian Iorio, Alex Chucas and George Fakinos were introduced and we were very pleased to see new talents and energy possibly added to our active chapter. Alex is a new graduate from UCSB, a church member and works for ATK Defense Company in Goleta. Brian is also a long standing member of the church and friends with most members. George and wife Barbara with a young daughter lives in Carpinteria and most everyone knows them from the church.

Last month’s minutes Approved as is by Bill Poulis and second by Chris Compogiannis.

Happy Dollars: Most stories and appreciations were centered on the new comers and our chapter’s contributions to the SB Greek festival. Costa Gastouniotis is happy that is going to Greece to rebuild his summer home in Greece that was heavily damaged fro the last earthquakes.

Glendi: Jim Arger reported on the Nov Glendi plans. The price is set at $45 and $25 for adults and students respectively. Decorations and settings will be like last year (paper clothes and candles). The Arger family will work out the details. Raffle tickets will be sold with 50-50 winning splits. Comps will be limited to AHEPA District Governor and Priest’s family. Advertisement to go in the next church Epistle and chapter to send by bulk mail which is ½ price if mailing is greater than 200.

Chapter Correspondence: Received a Thank You note for our festival contributions. Request for donations to the Greek Heritage Society were declined for now based on lack of chapter recognition and organizational goals not clear or specific to our chapter. Costa Frangos will investigate and get back to the chapter with more information for future consideration.

Treasurer, Chris Compogiannis reported $9275 in the savings with $273 Happy Dollars included and $1580.45 in checking account. Account balance reflects $200 spent for festival ads by Chapter. Festival individual donations were $500 plus the AHEPA banner donated by Greg Pantages.

Meeting was adjourned with a closing prayer by Fr. Simon.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Gregory P. Brown (9/25). Costantinos Frangos (9/21) and Constatine Gastouniotis (9/25) WOW! Two on the same date!!

See you at Harry’s on September 15, 2008.

Respectfully Submitted,
George Papazacharioudakis.
Chapter Vice-President.