Santa Barbara AHEPA Chapter 243

The big issue is the effort to allow Greece to enter the U.,S Visa Waiver Program Greece is the only country in the Eurozone excluded from VWP. Greece has a visa refusal rate of 3% and a record of fighting terrorist especially since 9/11. National Oficers are meeting with heads of various departments in our government to include Greece in the program We have met with Mrs. Rice (State Department)and other departments to bring about this change. 21 members of the House of Representatives have signed a petition that was presented to the Stare Department and Homeland Security asking for the change in the program.

ORDER OF AHEPA
SANTA BARBARA CHAPTER #243
“Promoting the Harmony of Greek Culture, Service, and Community”

Our Nomination of Chris Compogiannis
“AHEPAN OF THE YEAR”

The members of the Santa Barbara Chapter #243 of the Order of Ahepa are pleased to place into nomination the name of our most esteemed member, Chris Compogiannis, as AHEPAN OF THE YEAR. This nomination reflects not only the years of service and dedication to the Order of Ahepa, but more importantly reflects the character of this man and its ultimate reflection on this organization.
Chris Compogiannis has a legacy of honored service to our country, the City of Santa Barbara, local civic groups, the Saint Barbara parish community and to the Order of Ahepa, District 20, and our local chapter #243. His involvement with what is now known as the El Camino Real District 20 Ahepa Scholarship Fund since its inception in 1959 is well known. Under his investment guidance the principle of the fund this year is approximately $406,000 and the interest that will be paid out to the successful scholarship applicants will be approximately $20,000. He always attends our District Conventions, and just about all National Conventions.
Chris Compogiannis is among the group of chapter leaders that meets with the City Mayor of Santa Barbara and the chair of Hellenic Studies at the University of California @ Santa Barbara on projects of mutual interests.
Chris always has a smile and laughs easily. When chapter discussions may become heated his calm demeanor and his ability to see the important elements of the discussion, bring calm and clarity. As President of this chapter I seek the counsel of the officers. I listen to Chris’ remarks. I have never heard him raise his voice or speak poorly of any individual. This is the reflection of the man, his personality and his character. He fits the statements found in the Oath of Initiation on how an Ahepan should act.
Chris Compogiannis is not afraid to volunteer his time or personal resources to aid in the successful conclusion of any chapter project.
Chris Compogiannis represents the finest ideals of Ahepa and as a human being. He is a quiet leader and yet everyone listens to him. He is optimistic and smiles easily. He is well thought of in his profession and by his business colleagues.
It is for these reasons that I have the honor on behalf of the 30 members of the Santa Barbara Chapter #2453, Order of Ahepa, District 20 to place in nomination the name of Chris Compogiannis as “AHEPAN OF THE YEAR.”

Respectfully Submitted,
James P. Brown, D.,C.
President, Ahepa Chapter #243.

Jim Brown’s message to the officers of this chapter and to the membership

When I first attended a Santa Barbara Ahepa Chapter meeting I saw a great potential in the members who were present. They seemed to be dedicated to the organization even though it appeared to me that this chapter was hidden in the shadows.
When I was elected as President of the Chapter it was, and has been my goal to have this chapter be the best in the district and to be the premier organization in Santa Barbara. I am proud to state that I believe that this chapter has accomplished a great deal and our fortunes have benefited not only our chapter but the greater community also.
We accomplished all of this by focusing our dedication to common goals as a team. Team work has been the key element in this success. We have discussed things, agreed on actions, and accomplished our goals.
Another key element is that we began each project by visualizing the end result-the end goal- and then working to achieve our expectations as a team-working together without dissention or ill-will.
Remaining true to our mission of “PROMOTING THE HARMONY OF GREEK CULTURE, SERVICE, AND COMMUNITY” the rewards have appeared as a by-product of our service. Every member has been a contributor to this success even if by only their presence at our meetings.
As President of this chapter I have seen my job as the one who directs in concert with the officers and membership the direction of the chapter…by thinking of long-range goals as we wish to evolve to a greater organization. Indeed I have held back ideas because other organizations need to accomplish their goals. I also have tried to support the various chairmen of projects and to let them do their work. No one has disappointed this chapter. This is a way for all of us to grow as individuals. I have tried to direct our meetings in a fair manner where all can express themselves to the subject at hand.
I wish to thank the officers I served with: Nick Kakis, Steve and Chris Compogiannis, George Papazacharioudakis, Jim Arger, and Dino Frangos who have always been there with their support and ideas All members of this chapter have given unselfishly to the enhancement of this organization. I know that this same teamwork will be given to our new President-Jim Arger.
It is my wish that this chapter never lose its basic goodness, its teamwork, its vision for the future, and that the Santa Barbara Chapter of the Order of Ahepa #243 continues to grow and flourish and become an even greater Avenue of Service for the Santa Barbara Community.

Respectfully,
Jim Brown, President (2004-2007)

This is my last meeting of my Presidency but because of other obligations I will not be able to attend. Our Past President and current Vice-President George Papazacharioudakis will preside over this meeting.
At the Dictrict 20 Convention held in Long Beach our chapter received recognition in many ways. Most importantly was the awarding to Chris Compogiannis of the “Ahepan of the Year” award for District 20. This honors our brother Chris for the many years of dedicated service to this District especially in his leadership in the management of the District 20 Scholarship Fund. Under his guidance that fund now has a principle of approximately $345,000 and generated an interest sum of approximately $20,000 which was distributed to our qualifying applicants. Additionally this honor also honors the Man-His character, his moral center and his interaction with his fellow man. Chris also justly reflects those specific traits spoken of in the Imitation Oath of Ahepa., Additionally this award honors his achievements in the military, as an elected civic leader, and as a member of many civic and service organizations.
These admirable traits can be seen in his brother Steve, and his sister Helen and the close knit family they come from. This chapter is blessed to have this family and others from this community as members who represent attributes we all can strive for.
Chris’ name is now placed for consideration of the National Ahepan of the Year Award which will be announced at a banquet on July 13th at the National Ahepa Convention to be held in Denver, Colorado. To Chris we extend our Best Wishes as we anticipate this honor.
Additionally two of our young adults received scholarship awards to aid them in their educational goals: Marie Ann Arger will attend CLU as she studies in the field of education and Eleni Marie Pantages has been accepted into the music school at USC. Our fondest good wishes go with them.
Finally our chapter was mentioned time and time again during the speech by District Governor Peter Triantafyllos as he recounted his year as Governor. We can all be proud of our Chapter accomplishments this year. Let us look forward to another exciting year under the leadership of our new President and Officers.