Santa Barbara AHEPA Chapter 243

IONIAN VILLAGE ACCEPTING STAFF APPLICATIONS: Ionian Village, the travel abroad camping program of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, is now accepting volunteer staff applications for the summer of 2009. Ionian Village staff members play an important role in the spiritual, cultural and social development of Orthodox teenagers from across the United States of America, as they travel to the most significant and cultural sites in Greece. For more information visit

www.ionianvillage.org

AHEPA Raises Issue of
Improper Use of Star of Vergina to Congress
Maloney, Bilirakis Applauded for Their Letter to Visa CEO
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), a leading association for the nation's three million American citizens of Greek ancestry, and countless Philhellenes, applauds Hellenic Caucus Co-Chairs Carolyn Maloney (D-14-NY) and Gus M. Bilirakis (R-9-FL) for sending a letter to Mr. Joseph Saunders, CEO and chairman, Visa, Inc., today. The letter expressed a strong concern about a Visa credit card portraying the Star of Vergina.

"We felt this was a serious issue to bring to the attention of Congress," said Supreme President Ike Gulas. "It is another example of how Greece's cultural and historical identity is threatened by 'Macedonian' Diaspora groups who aspire to steal it and make it their own. I commend Representatives Maloney and Bilirakis for understanding the severity of the issue and for taking action."

The letter states:

"We have long been concerned about efforts by the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and its diaspora to adopt symbols and images significant to Greece as part of a propaganda campaign. We believe that the "United Macedonian Diaspora's" efforts regarding this credit card may be yet another example."

Ahepa Chapter243 general information
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/
Or www.ahepa20.org/chapters (easier for some)
** E-mail: ahepa243@gmail.com **
“Let’s Do Something Great in 2008."
General mailing address: Ahepa Chapter #243, c/o Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 1205 San Antonio Creek Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93111.
(805) 683-4492, Fax (805) 964-2774 http://www.saintbarbara.net/ (please note our e-mail address above).
2008-2009 officers: Pres. James Arger, Vice. Pres. George Papazacharioudakis, Treasurers- Steve & Chris Compogiannis, Sec'y & immediatePast President James Brown, Past District Governor Costandino Frangos.
Meetings held on the third Monday of the month (12) @ Harry's Plaza Cafe' in the Lorretto Plaza at the corner of State St. and Las Positas Rd,
6:30-6:45 start time. We have a wide range of vision and activity. We welcome your visitation.

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 NOVEMBER 17, 2008

November is the eleventh month of our year and the sixth month of our chapter year. In the United States, elections are held on the Tuesday after the first Monday of November. They therefore fall between November 2 and November 8. In even numbered years, members of the House of Representatives are elected to two-year terms, and about one third of the U.S. Senate are elected to six-year terms. The President of the United States is elected in years divisible by four. Most U.S. states, counties, and municipalities have some part of their election cycle coincident with this date. We also celebrate Thanksgiving followed by the ominous sounding Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

From “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”-The law of the harvest governs: we will always reap what we sow-no more, no less. The Law of justice is immutable-align ourselves with correct principles”

Ponder on this-He was deeply in love. When she spoke, he thought he heard bells, as if she were a garbage truck backing up.

HAVE YOU VISITED OUR WEB SITE RECENTLY?

President Arger called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM
Opening Prayer was lead by Bill Poulis
Attendance: There were 15 members (one who arrived later-you know who you are) and one guest-Richard Pertsulakis-whom we had not seen for a while. His father Bill just had eye surgery this afternoon and Richard chauffeured Bill to this meeting, (there is a joke here). Nice to see both of them. We also discussed the health challenges that Brothers Bill Chachakos, John Laury and Peter Demourkas are facing. Bill Poulis will have knee replacement surgery on December 5th. And we wish them speedy recovery
Minutes of the October meeting were approved-motion by Gregory Pantages.
Treasurer’s Report indicated that the savings account has not been transferred yet to UBS. At Smith- Barney our account has $9683.13 of which $345 is Happy Dollars=$9338.13 is savings amount.. Three deposits were made from the Glendi =$5019.16.




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Monies paid that night-$1600 cash to the band, $179.24 to Jim Arger for supplies, $150 to church for the use of the room, $25 to Geo Papazacharioudakis for the liquor license. John Demoukas requested $354.24 to pay the meat vendor-that bill is forthcoming. We now have $3800 from the Glendi but not all expenses are in. George donated towels for the bathrooms. We had 138 paid tickets and 8 comps.
Old Business We discussed ideas for the next Glendi based on this year’s experience. It was suggested that we have one price for early payment and higher prices for late and at the door tickets.
There was discussion of the two women who cleaned up the tables etc. They had agreed to $10/hr each stating at 3:30PM. At 3:00 they left a message on Arger’s phone saying they wanted $17/hr each. Jim paid only the $10 and wanted guidance. We agreed to pay them the agreed upon fee of $10/hr and negotiate next year. (Motion Brown-seconded by Chachakos)
Prior to the onset of the meeting-(not knowing when John Demourkas would arrive)-it was decided to give John an Ahepa certificate of appreciation. To Katarina Antonopolos who created the Greek Pastries we will send a gift card. Chris Compogiannis will take on this task.
Chapter Correspondence- Jim Arger –Ahepa is encouraging that we sign up for the Ahepa Visa Card-and our chapter would make $10/card. The District 20 Mid-Winter conference will take place January 23-25 in Tempe AZ. Hotel is $119/night. The DOP is selling raffle tickets at the conference $20/5tickets. The motion made to purchase the 5 tickets for $20. Jim Brown reported that the applications for the District 20 Scholarships and the Journey to Greece are on the web site. He reported that he sent a note to Ruth Angelos with information so that Jim Angelos might communicate with us.
NEW BUSINNESS-Bill Pertsulakis and Jim Arger gave a report on the difficult financial status of the church. Fair Share revenue is down $50K and that amount will be taken from Festival monies to meet expenses. $180K needed for renovations, $75K and perhaps more to repair the church dome. The $ 230K from the building fund will be used to meet the cost of repairs. The Diocese wants $41K/year currently as fair share from St. Barbara. The Parish Council has been advised by Fr. Simon that only Orthodox events can be held at the community center. This has caused 3-4 events to be turned down.
Fr. Simon also sent word that Metropolitan Gerasimos will be at St. Barbara for our name day celebration. Fr. Simon requested our chapter prepare the Lenten meal after the Vesper Services and that the DOP and Philoptohos prepare the meal for the after liturgy services on the 4th. It was decided to allow $200-$300 for expenses and George Papazacharioudakis will ask Brother Ahileas Tziouvaras to prepare the Lenten meal.





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The Parish council again sent word that they would appreciate our assistance with the Crab fest which is scheduled for January. We again reaffirmed our intention to assist. Dr. Ernest Kolendrianos will lead and the monies raised will go to the church. The Modesto Ahepa raises $20K net.

Bill Pertsulakis reported on the joint Christmas Party with the DOP. It will be held at the Redding Ctr. Cost is $20. Jim Arger is donating the alcohol; Stan Nicoliades will do the cooking at his home and bring the food. (Menu attached to this report).

Costa Frangos suggested that we give $100 to aid the victims of the Tea Fire. This item was tabled.

Alex Haimanis requested $500 to aid the St. Barbara parish in Northern Greece which teaches young Orthodox girls to be teachers in that Muslim area. We agreed to give $250.

Bill Pertsulakis requested $250 to be given to the Unity shop through the Saint Barbara Parish donation. We agreed to give $100 to this cause.

Good of the order-went quickly
Closing prayer –was led by Bill Poulis
Meeting adjourned at 8:35 PM

January Birthdays--Dr. G. Chachakos (1/8), Gus B. Chachakos (2/17)
February Birthdays-Jim Chachakos (2/18), Chris Compogiannis (2/24), John Laury2/15), Aheleas Tziouvaras (2/12).



Our next meeting is January 19, 2009 at Harrys Plaza Café’

With the New Year our Chapter Dues are due. The breakdown is as follows:
Membership = $65.00 ($40 to National, $5 to District, $3.55 to District Scholarship fund, (remember the penny a day campaign?) and $16.35 goes to our chapter).
New members pay $65.00 plus $15.00 fee, and reinstatement is $65.00 plus $10.00 fee. Please pay your dues at our meeting or send your check to Steve Compogiannis 5290 Overpass Road #124, Santa Barbara, 93111-2049 (967-6311)

Respectfully Submitted,
Jim P. Brown
Chapter Secretary.