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.

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A Message from the Supreme President
On The Road for the AHEPA Western Caravan!
Dear Brothers,
I'm excited to once again, be on the road, visiting with the AHEPA Family. This time our AHEPA Caravan is making its way through our Western Districts and Chapters.
Our trip officially began Sunday night in Las Vegas, NV -- meeting with AHEPA Chapter 314. The event was held at a great restaurant, The Fat Greek. The turnout was great! Close to a hundred members of AHEPA and the Daughters of Penelope met with us. We discussed the state of AHEPA, our exciting Supreme Convention in Greece this June and the possibility of having Las Vegas host one of our future Supreme Conventions.
Prior to the Sunday night kick-off event for the caravan, I was able to meet in Las Vegas with entertainment legend Tony Orlando (a Greek American) and discussed his recent Aristotle Award from AHEPA in March. We also discussed working together to promote a new joint AHEPA project. I will keep you posted as that develops.
The AHEPA Western Caravan continues ...
Please look at the AHEPA calendar below to see which dates the Caravan will be visiting your city and chapter, as AHEPA makes its way though Nevada, California and Arizona.
Fraternally,Ike Gulas, Supreme President

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 APRIL 28, 2008

**LATE BREAKING NEWS**----
As you may have heard our economic recovery seems to be taking hold-so the very few members who have not paid you Ahepa Dues please contact Steve or Chris Compogiannis-or we may have to send Guido-and we don’t want that.

Our next meeting will be on May 19, 2008 at Harry’s Plaza Café—(with apologizes to Rick in “Casablanca”)—“of all the Gin joints in the whole world “–“those Greeks” had to walk in here----Play it again, Sam”

Have you visited our web site recently?

Our Chapter meeting was held a week later than normal because of Holy Monday and was again held at the McKenzie Market with our hosts Ahepa Brothers Peter and Mrs. Katina Demourkas and John P. Demourkas who again prepared a very delicious meal.
April arrived with showers, April fool’s Day, Income and Property Taxes but we had Easter the day prior to our meeting and the camaraderie and great food of our meeting to lift our spirits
.
President Jim Arger called the meeting to order at 7:51 PM with thirteen members present. We were happy to see the return of Steve Compogiannis

The opening Prayer was said by all present.

The Happy Dollars container was passed and all gave generously
.
The Minutes of our March 17th meeting were approved with comments to the secretary.

Treasurer’s Report was given by Chris Compogiannis. Smith Barney acct-$9261.09-(which includes $191.00 from Happy Dollars.).


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Deduct the happy dollars=$9070.09 in Smith-Barney. Checking acct -$1233.36. Paid National Dues of $$980.00. We still owe to District Scholarship fund. Some members paid their dues at the meeting. We have 28 members with 4 still owing.

Correspondence-National has new source for product sales- Ahepa.org. Ahepa.com connects with the National office

Old Business-
District 20 Convention, May 29-June 1 Chris Compogiannis moved to pay $150.00 for a full page advertisement in the convention book to support the District. Jim Brown seconded the motion. After brief discussion the motion passed. Jim Brown will write the copy. PDG Dino Fangos reported that the Rett Syndrome project proposal will be discussed at the District Convention and then presented to the National.. He has spoken with National officers and there seems to be interest
Greek Independence Day program and food were deemed to be a success. The cost of approximately $140.00. $250.00 was raised in support for the Orthodox Missions project by Brother Alex Haimanis.
The Getty visitation was cancelled because of a lack of interest. We had a deadline limit with the bus company and did not have enough time to secure reservations.

New Business-
Ahepa Sunday will be May 18th. The DOP President accepted to split food costs which after our discussion was thought to be approximately $150.00. We gave approval to that amount to be split with the DOP-(Dino Frangos made the motion and George Papazacharioudakis seconded). The Koliva will be made and donated by Carol Stathopoulos. She asks for any updates to the memorial list.
President Jim was asked for Ahepa to contribute to the Palm Sunday luncheon. He indicated that the request came too late and he could not obligate the chapter on his own.

Good of the Order-favorable comments and thank you’s to the Demourkas family for the great food and old-time atmosphere. May Birthday Greetings to George Alexiades, Alex Haimanis, George Papazacharioudakis, Nick Pappas, Bill Pertsulakes. and Bill Poulis
Fr. Simon Thomas is the only June Birthday member -6/11

Bill Poulis lead us in the closing prayer
Meeting adjured by President Jim at 7:45PM
Respectfully Submitted,
James P. Brown, D.C.,
Chapter Secretary.

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 MARCH 17, 2008
(St. Patrick’s Day)

**LATE BREAKING NEWS**-----
As the value of the U.S Dollar has been weakened it becomes important to assist our CHAPTER and the U. S. Economy by circulation of currency-so support the U. S Economy AND your Santa Barbara Ahepa Chapter and PAY YOUR DUES!!!! Please contact either Steve or Chris Compogiannis

MEETING DATE CHANGE!!!!! Our APRIL MEETING will be held one week later than usual-on Monday April 28, 2008 @ Harry’s Plaza Café. This is because Holy Monday falls on our regular meeting night. (See you in church!!)

The Chapter meeting was held at the McKenzie Market because our regular meeting place was fully booked for the St. Patrick’s Day holiday. Our hosts were the owners and Ahepa Brothers Peter and Mrs. Katina Demourkas, and John P. Demourkas who provided a delicious Lenten meal (certainly much tastier than the corn-beef and cabbage usually served on this holiday or the traditional 7-course meal for an Irishman-a 6 pack and a baked potato.)

My guest and I arrived at 6:40 PM and the meals were already served so I would assume the meeting was called to Order promptly at 6:39PM by President Jim Arger and that the Opening prayer and Blessing was said.

There were 12 members and 2 guests in attendance. Our guests were: NICK GEKIS who visited us last year and is known in our community and Brother CHRIS MALLAKIS from Camarillo and a member of the Ventura Chapter #220. Absent officers were: Steve Compogiannis who is under the weather (and we wish him a speedy recovery) and George Papazacharioudakis who went to Greece for his nephew’s wedding, to visit family and to reconnect with the Glory of Greece (ask him about the garbage and gas station strikes). He was unable to provide the minutes of the February 18, 2008 meeting prior to leaving but I will have those minutes for the record upon his return home.

PDG Dino Frangos received an emergency call and had to leave early. He suggested that we organize a District 20 and perhaps a National project to raise funds for Rett Syndrome and ultimately to assist the Kolendrianos family and their granddaughter who

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suffers from this syndrome. By unanimous vote we agreed and Dino will make the appropriate contacts and report at our next meeting.

SECRETARY’S REPORT. The minutes were unavailable so we proceeded from memory

TREASURER’S REPORT. Chris reported that as of last month’s meeting our general fund had $2,209.56. He transferred $ 1,800 to the Smith Barney account which now has $9,035.22. Happy Dollars has $169.which is included in the Smith Barney monies.
Membership Dues-18 members are paid out of a membership of 34. The more members paid the more delegates and votes our chapter will be entitled to. PLEASE PAY YOUR DUES.

National Convention in Greece-July 1 thru July 12. Our only delegate is Alex Haimanis. If you are interested in attending the convention the deadline is June 1, 2008

President Arger passed out Delegate/Alternate forms for the District Convention to be held May 29th through June 1st. at the Double Tree Hotel. Individual tickets can be purchased for the Banquet, Scholarship Luncheon, and the Glendi. The Luncheon will be held on Saturday, May 31st at $40 each. We urge our members to at least attend the luncheon and show support for our local and District youth who are receiving scholarships from our Ahepa District. Forms are available on-line and at our next meeting.

We discussed the Greek Independence Day presentation to be held after Liturgy on March 23rd. President Jim said the DOP will provide the desserts. Br. Bill Poulis will cook and Louis Velliotis will provide cod-fish for the Lenten meal consisting of fish rice, salad, bread, bottled water left from the festival and desserts. Bill’s budget is $200. We will collect donations on behalf of the Orthodox Missions and assist Alex Haimanis with this worth while project. Georgia Gastouniotis has the children who will recite poems; Helen Iounidis has the dance groups prepared. We just ask our members to assist with the clean-up.

Our May 3rd project-a trip to the J. Paul Getty Villa is on hold as the bus company may not have buses available. We will monitor the situation.

Ahepa Sunday-we are unsure of the date although we feel it will be the Sunday after Mother’s Day-May 18th. Jim Brown will confirm date. We discussed possible programs for the event. Jim Brown suggested Dr. Dimitriou as a speaker because he did a history of our chapter. (Your humble servant will follow-up). We felt this would be a coffee hour event; we need to have a contact to make the Koliva, which may cost $65, and give up-dates to Carol Stathopoulos who maintains the memorial list.


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The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 PM by President Jim following the closing prayer by Bill Poulis.,

With Thanks to our hosts-the Demourkis family and to the strains of “Danny
Boy” we clogged around the Blarney Stone and line danced out the door. John thought clogging was a drainage problem but we assured him otherwise.

April Birthdays-Gregory Pantages (4/16).


Respectfully Submitted,
James P. Brown
Chapter #243 Secretary.

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/
“Let’s Do Something Great in 2008”


The twenty-eight members of this energetic chapter congratulate the Officers of District 20 for their two years of dedicated effort to create an improved system of communication, support, and long range goals for District 20 and its membership.

Santa Barbara Chapter #243 expresses its Thanks and Appreciation for the support and guidance graciously afforded to us by the District Officers during their term of office and loudly declare-“Job Well Done.”

We also express our appreciation to Ahepa Chapter #302 and Daughters Chapter #151 for hosting the 77th Annual El Camino Real –District 20 Ahepa Family Convention. We are aware of the magnitude of this undertaking and we commend you for your efforts.

Our Santa Barbara Ahepa Chapter #243 and our Parish Community of Saint Barbara and Rev. Fr. Simon Thomas invite you to join us in the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains and enjoy the cool breezes from the Gold Coast of the Santa Barbara Channel.

Come and enjoy our Santa Barbara Greek Festival, chaired by PDG Constantino Frangos, listed by our Chamber of Commerce as highlighted event, and held this year on July 26th and 27th, our Chapter #243 Birthday Party on Sunday October 19th, and our annual Ahepa Greek Glendi to be held on Saturday November 1st. You will have an enjoyable time at these events.

We look forward to seeing you.

The members of Santa Barbara Ahepa Chapter #243