Santa Barbara AHEPA Chapter 243

February 2006 Newsletter
ORDER OF AHEPA
SANTA BARBARA CHAPTER #243
“Promoting the Harmony of Greek Culture, Service, and Community”
Est. 1929
“Keeping the Spirit Alive and in the Mix in 2006”
http://www.ahepa20.org/~chapter243/


February is a month that we don’t think too much about. It is a short month in the middle of winter and appears to be nestled between the busy months of January and March. However, there is a lot going on behind the scenes as preparations are made for the coming months of spring.
February is also the month that we remember two of the finest Presidents of our country: George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. We honor their moral and civic service to our country and its people. One mission of Ahepa is Civic Responsibility. Indeed, this is one of the Principles of Hellenism that guides us as an organization. It is our responsibility to serve the greater good through leadership and example on all levels of governance.
The Ahepa organization through its’ network of 450 chapters across the United State, Canada, and Greece takes an active posture in dealing with many crisis’ through out the world. Our members are educated through seminars and conferences. We are active in local, national, and international levels. To enumerate these many projects would be too lengthy to list here. One of the accomplishments of Ahepa is the civic responsibility to provide affordable housing to our senior citizens. Over the years the Ahepa Housing Corporation has been awarded many hundreds of millions of dollars.The housing complexes that have been built are managed under the direction of the Ahepa Management Company inc.
The promotion of the Hellenic Ideals-basically man’s commitment to humanity-is an area where Ahepa has and always will be deeply committed
So it is with this background that I list some of the coming events of Ahepa:
On March 10th in Washington, D.C. Ahepa will hold its’ 37th Bennial Salute Banquet honoring retiring legislators Senator Paul Sarbanes (MD), and Representative Michael Billirakis (FL).
Our Ahepa chapter has already received confirmations from invited civic leaders from various levels of government to commemorate Greek Independence Day. We are hoping for a very unique and inspiring day as we remember our valiant forefathers and their heroic accomplishments.
Applications are available for the Ahepa Educational Foundation Journey to Greece which will take place July 20 to August 20 2006. This is a program with the University of Indianapolis and their campus in Athens. Earned college credits (6). For more information call Jim Dimitriou (310)375-5544 or jfdplato@aol.com. Application deadline: May 1, 2006. Call Jim Brown (444-1054) for an application .
Our Ahepa Chapter is always looking for men who are interested in serving the greater good of the community. We have many avenues of service. If you have an interest please contact any Ahepan or call Jim Brown, or George Papazacharioudakis.

May this month of February be one of Peace and Love for you and yours,
James Brown, President #243