Port Jefferson AHEPA Chapter 319 Initiates New Members
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PORT JEFFERSON, NY – On March 16, Port Jefferson AHEPA Chapter 319 held an initiation ceremony at the Holiday Inn Express in Stony Brook, NY which is owned and operated by Brother John Tsunis. Food and refreshments were in abundance along with some nistisima food for Lent during this time of Greek Orthodox fasting.
Five new members were welcomed into the AHEPA Family including Michael Hartofelis, Dino Hartofelis, Nicholas Manolis, Sam Zubalake, and Vassili Nafpliotis. Also in attendance were members and officers of Babylon Chapter 416 and Constantine Cassis Chapter 170. Also present was AHEPA District 6 Governor Dean Moskos. AHEPA District 6 Lt. Governor Chris Pappis attended via Zoom.
Five new members were welcomed into the AHEPA Family including Michael Hartofelis, Dino Hartofelis, Nicholas Manolis, Sam Zubalake, and Vassili Nafpliotis. Also in attendance were members and officers of Babylon Chapter 416 and Constantine Cassis Chapter 170. Also present was AHEPA District 6 Governor Dean Moskos. AHEPA District 6 Lt. Governor Chris Pappis attended via Zoom.
Since Port Jefferson Chapter 319 was reactivated in 2017, it has shown annual growth and comradery among members. The feeling of friendliness, goodwill, and fraternity among the Chapter is demonstrated through these events. “We welcome five new members into our brotherhood and AHEPA Family. Among the many aspirations of this Chapter, it has been part of our goal to grow our membership,” said President Nicholas Calogredes. The Chapter has been having multiple events like these annually.
The chapter plans on having a car show fundraiser in June to benefit the chapter and its philanthropic endeavors. Please visit http://www.ahepa319.org for more information.
The chapter plans on having a car show fundraiser in June to benefit the chapter and its philanthropic endeavors. Please visit http://www.ahepa319.org for more information.
For nearly a century, the Order of AHEPA has promoted the ancient Hellenic ideals of education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, family and individual excellence through community service and volunteerism. These events help strengthen and grow the Chapter which is beneficial to the organization as a whole.
Port Jefferson AHEPA Chapter 319 Welcomes 2022
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PORT JEFFERSON, NY – Chapter 319 of the Order of AHEPA located in Port Jefferson conducted its first monthly business meeting of the New Year on January 25. The Chapter celebrated with a traditional Vasilopita and recognized the 100th anniversary of the founding of AHEPA in 1922. The Order has completed 100 years of service since its founding and continues to carry on its mission worldwide. Many new and exciting plans were discussed during the meeting, moving a number of them closer to fruition.
Among those plans, the members are very excited about the Classic and Exotic Car Show which the Chapter is planning for June 4. Save the date! The Chapter also welcomed a new member, Brother Sam Zubalake who happened to find the lucky coin in the Vasilopita as well.
Port Jefferson AHEPA Chapter 319 Celebrates OXI Day
PORT JEFFERSON, NY – On October 31, Port Jefferson AHEPA Chapter 319 held an OXI Day event at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption. It began after regular church services with Father Jim Calogredes, the chapter’s chaplain, reading the history and significance of OXI Day from the pulpit. This was followed by Vice President George Kallas giving a moving speech on the importance of AHEPA as a synergistic force for good, and emphasizing that the whole is more than the sum of its parts.
The event culminated with Brother George Kallas, flanked by members of the Chapter, presenting a check to the Greek School of Port Jefferson in the amount of $500 for the advancement of Education and Hellenism.
The event culminated with Brother George Kallas, flanked by members of the Chapter, presenting a check to the Greek School of Port Jefferson in the amount of $500 for the advancement of Education and Hellenism.
Port Jefferson AHEPA Chapter 319 Hosts Sold out 4th Annual Fall Fishing Trip
PORT JEFFERSON, NY – Port Jefferson AHEPA Chapter 319 hosted their 4th Annual Fall Fishing Trip on the Long Island Sound on September 25, providing bait, tackle, food, and refreshments for 75 guests, including fellow Ahepans, family, and friends.
Every year this event also brings together several AHEPA chapters, and this year was attended and supported by Brothers from Shrine Chapter 500 Greenlawn, Andreas T. Stamboulidis Parthenon Chapter 495 Whitestone, Constantine Cassis Chapter 170 Hempstead, Delphi Chapter 25 Manhattan, District 6 Treasurer Peter Ragoussis, and Past District Governors Demi Pamboukes and Michael Capous. The brightest, most significant and satisfying by-product of this event is the enthusiastic and joyful participation of students from St. Basil Academy in Garrison, NY, thanks to the generous AHEPA sponsors, including Past District Governor Louis Katsos. Shrine Chapter 500 from Greenlawn took it a step further and provided all the students with a gift at the end of the trip as they disembarked from the boat.
Special thanks go to Brother Haralabos (Bobby) Gemelas, who was most instrumental in the success of the event, spear-heading the sales and production, Brother Alex Vogiatzis, for help preparing and serving the food, and Port Jefferson Chapter Treasurer, Brother Mike Kontonicolas, for the management and handling of all the ticket sales.
Every year this event also brings together several AHEPA chapters, and this year was attended and supported by Brothers from Shrine Chapter 500 Greenlawn, Andreas T. Stamboulidis Parthenon Chapter 495 Whitestone, Constantine Cassis Chapter 170 Hempstead, Delphi Chapter 25 Manhattan, District 6 Treasurer Peter Ragoussis, and Past District Governors Demi Pamboukes and Michael Capous. The brightest, most significant and satisfying by-product of this event is the enthusiastic and joyful participation of students from St. Basil Academy in Garrison, NY, thanks to the generous AHEPA sponsors, including Past District Governor Louis Katsos. Shrine Chapter 500 from Greenlawn took it a step further and provided all the students with a gift at the end of the trip as they disembarked from the boat.
Special thanks go to Brother Haralabos (Bobby) Gemelas, who was most instrumental in the success of the event, spear-heading the sales and production, Brother Alex Vogiatzis, for help preparing and serving the food, and Port Jefferson Chapter Treasurer, Brother Mike Kontonicolas, for the management and handling of all the ticket sales.
Port Jefferson AHEPA Chapter 319 Awards Scholarship
PORT JEFFERSON, NY – AHEPA’s Port Jefferson Chapter 319 presented the winner of The Journey of Greek and Cypriot-American Immigrants Competition with the grand prize of $1,000 during a virtual ceremony on June 1.
George Kallas of AHEPA Chapter 319 and Professor Stella Tsirka of Stony Brook University partnered to create a scholarship competition targeted for students of the Center for Hellenic Studies. The theme of the essay competition was developed by Professor Tsirka and focused on documenting the experiences and history of people of Greek and Cypriot descent who immigrated to the United States.
Each participant interviewed five elderly/older Greek residents and documented how they were received and blended into the American culture, learned the language, and became established in the community as citizens of the United States. Correlations were encouraged to be drawn to the current immigration environment. Access to elderly Greek and Cypriot residents was facilitated by AHEPA.
John Tsunis, AHEPA Chapter 319, who personally donated the $1,000 for the scholarship, presented Electra Dovas, the winner of the scholarship competition, with the award. Dovas, who completed her sophomore year at Stony Brook University, was thrilled, not only to have won the competition, but also to have had the opportunity to experience interviewing the elderly Greek immigrants, including members of her family, and learning about their experiences coming to the United States.
Participating in the virtual ceremony were AHEPA members John Tsunis, George Kallas, and Mike Kontonicolas, Stony Brook University Faculty Members Professor Stella Tsirka, Nikos Panou, and Maria Athanasopoulou, and students Maria Karamitas and Electra Dovas.
AHEPA and the Stony Brook University Center for Hellenic Studies intend to keep this scholarship going year after year, and Professor Tsirka plans to build a volume of the essays, capturing the extraordinary experiences of the immigrants, along with their feelings, comments, and messages. The faculty members that reviewed the essays were moved by the stories they read, and noted how there was a common theme to all them that included sacrifice, determination, nostalgia, and a fierce love for their mother country of Greece.
AHEPA is very proud to have had the opportunity to make this scholarship available to the students of SBU’s Center for Hellenic Studies and will continue to do so as part of its mission of philanthropy, education, and promoting and preserving the Hellenic identity of Greek-Americans.
George Kallas of AHEPA Chapter 319 and Professor Stella Tsirka of Stony Brook University partnered to create a scholarship competition targeted for students of the Center for Hellenic Studies. The theme of the essay competition was developed by Professor Tsirka and focused on documenting the experiences and history of people of Greek and Cypriot descent who immigrated to the United States.
Each participant interviewed five elderly/older Greek residents and documented how they were received and blended into the American culture, learned the language, and became established in the community as citizens of the United States. Correlations were encouraged to be drawn to the current immigration environment. Access to elderly Greek and Cypriot residents was facilitated by AHEPA.
John Tsunis, AHEPA Chapter 319, who personally donated the $1,000 for the scholarship, presented Electra Dovas, the winner of the scholarship competition, with the award. Dovas, who completed her sophomore year at Stony Brook University, was thrilled, not only to have won the competition, but also to have had the opportunity to experience interviewing the elderly Greek immigrants, including members of her family, and learning about their experiences coming to the United States.
Participating in the virtual ceremony were AHEPA members John Tsunis, George Kallas, and Mike Kontonicolas, Stony Brook University Faculty Members Professor Stella Tsirka, Nikos Panou, and Maria Athanasopoulou, and students Maria Karamitas and Electra Dovas.
AHEPA and the Stony Brook University Center for Hellenic Studies intend to keep this scholarship going year after year, and Professor Tsirka plans to build a volume of the essays, capturing the extraordinary experiences of the immigrants, along with their feelings, comments, and messages. The faculty members that reviewed the essays were moved by the stories they read, and noted how there was a common theme to all them that included sacrifice, determination, nostalgia, and a fierce love for their mother country of Greece.
AHEPA is very proud to have had the opportunity to make this scholarship available to the students of SBU’s Center for Hellenic Studies and will continue to do so as part of its mission of philanthropy, education, and promoting and preserving the Hellenic identity of Greek-Americans.
Long Island AHEPA Chapters Initiate 12 New Members
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PORT JEFFERSON, NY – On June 9, several AHEPA chapters in Long Island, NY participated in a new member initiation ceremony hosted by Port Jefferson Chapter 319 at the Holiday Inn Express in Stony Brook. Over 35 existing chapter members, including prominent dignitaries, participated to show their support as 12 new members joined the Order of AHEPA. The Chapter was honored to have several in attendance including Supreme Vice President Jimmy Kokotas, Supreme Governor Tom Dushas, District 6 Governor Lou Katsos, Lt. Governor Dean Moskos, Treasurer Peter Ragoussis, Warden George Zouvelos, and Past District 6 Governor Ted Stamas. The chapters also welcomed District 6 Secretary Chris Pappis virtually via Zoom.
The Chapter president Nicholas Calogredes declared: “Our goal for 2021 is to increase our members’ participation and expand our Chapter with more members so that we can do more to pursue AHEPA’s mission of philanthropy, education, and promoting and preserving the Hellenic identity of Greek Americans.”
Port Jefferson AHEPA Chapter 319 and Parish Council Honor Community Icon Peter Tsantes
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PORT JEFFERSON, NY – After the Divine Liturgy at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption, Kimisis tis Theotokou, on March 7, Port Jefferson AHEPA Chapter 319, along with Fr. Louis Nicholas, presiding priest of the community, and Parish Council President George Kokolakis, honored a founding member of the community, Peter Tsantes.
Tsantes has been a very active and generous member of the Assumption Church in Port Jefferson for many decades as well as many other communities in Long Island. He has also been an active member of AHEPA for over 50 years. Several years ago, Tsantes and his family made a generous donation to Stony Brook University to create a center for Hellenic Studies. Fr. Nicholas and Mr. Kokolakis presented a silver icon of the Panagia to Tsantes in recognition of his many years of dedicated service to the Greek Orthodox Church and AHEPA. In attendance were his daughter Sophia Brandon, son-in-law Michael Brandon, and granddaughter Petroula Brandon.
“The community of Assumption Church and AHEPA 319 are honored to have Mr. Tsantes as a member,” Chapter 319 said in a statement via email.
Tsantes has been a very active and generous member of the Assumption Church in Port Jefferson for many decades as well as many other communities in Long Island. He has also been an active member of AHEPA for over 50 years. Several years ago, Tsantes and his family made a generous donation to Stony Brook University to create a center for Hellenic Studies. Fr. Nicholas and Mr. Kokolakis presented a silver icon of the Panagia to Tsantes in recognition of his many years of dedicated service to the Greek Orthodox Church and AHEPA. In attendance were his daughter Sophia Brandon, son-in-law Michael Brandon, and granddaughter Petroula Brandon.
“The community of Assumption Church and AHEPA 319 are honored to have Mr. Tsantes as a member,” Chapter 319 said in a statement via email.
Port Jefferson AHEPA Delivers Greek Food to the Homeless
PORT JEFFERSON, NY – AHEPA Chapter 319 of Port Jefferson prepared and delivered approximately 40 meals to Pax Christi Hospitality Center on December 31, providing the homeless there with a delicious New Year’s Eve dinner.
The AHEPA Meals for Those in Need effort was spearheaded by Chapter 319 brothers with assistance from Gus Xikis, a church parishioner. They prepared and delivered marinated oven-roasted pork loin served with gravy, spanakopita, tyropita, Greek salad, cooked mixed vegetables, roasted potatoes, rice pilaf, soda, and pita bread.
It was such a success that Chapter 319 is now planning to formalize it into a recurring chapter event.
Pax Christi offers guests who are homeless a safe alternative to the streets. Pax Christi offers case management, drug and alcohol counseling, mental health counseling, links to benefits and resources in the community, as well as the basics of food and shelter. Over 50 active volunteers assist with cleaning, making beds, painting, serving meals and providing food and clothing for guests. More information is available online: https://www.hhm.org/pax-christi.
The AHEPA Meals for Those in Need effort was spearheaded by Chapter 319 brothers with assistance from Gus Xikis, a church parishioner. They prepared and delivered marinated oven-roasted pork loin served with gravy, spanakopita, tyropita, Greek salad, cooked mixed vegetables, roasted potatoes, rice pilaf, soda, and pita bread.
It was such a success that Chapter 319 is now planning to formalize it into a recurring chapter event.
Pax Christi offers guests who are homeless a safe alternative to the streets. Pax Christi offers case management, drug and alcohol counseling, mental health counseling, links to benefits and resources in the community, as well as the basics of food and shelter. Over 50 active volunteers assist with cleaning, making beds, painting, serving meals and providing food and clothing for guests. More information is available online: https://www.hhm.org/pax-christi.
Port Jefferson AHEPA Chapter 319 Accepts the Chapter of the Year Award
PORT JEFFERSON, NY - On June 30, AHEPA District 6 Governor Dean Moskos and District 6 Treasurer Petros Ragoussis attended AHEPA Port Jefferson's Chapter 319 business meeting to award them with the District Chapter of the Year award.
Present to receive the award were the officers of the chapter, President Nicholas Calogredes, Vice President Haralabos (Bobby) Gemelas, Secretary George Kallas and Treasurer Michael Kontonicolas as well as eight other members with three more via video conference.
As he presented the award, newly elected District Governor Dean Moskos applauded Port Jefferson Chapter 319 for their efforts and accomplishments, especially during COVID-19 pandemic, most notably the Multi-Chapter Mass Initiation for 12 new members that the chapter hosted in June, their vigilance in holding monthly business meetings , the AHEPA scholarship they awarded to Stony Brook University's Center for Hwllenic Studies in June, the 3rd Annual Fishing Trip hosted in September and their Feeding of the Poor with 50 meals delivered to the Pax Christi Homeless Center last New Year's Eve.
Following the wawrd presentation, the Chapter held its annual elections for officers electing the following Brothers to their Executive Board: President Nicholas Calogredes, Vice President George Kallas, Secretary Alexi Poulianos and Treasurer Michael Kontonicolas.
After doing a great job recruiting new members into AHEPA this year, the Chapter will focus on raising funds for the rest of the year, so that they can better fulfill AHEPA's mission.
Port Jefferson AHEPA Celebrates the Three Hierarchs & Greek Language
PORT JEFFERSON, NY – The AHEPA Port Jefferson Chapter 319 on January 24, following the Divine Liturgy celebrated by Frs. Lou Nicholas and Demetrios N. Calogredes at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption in Port Jefferson paid tribute to the Feast of the Three Hierarchs and the Greek Letters.
Students of the Greek Afternoon School Katerina Rodolico and Alexandros Manolis read essays about the lives of the Saints and their contributions to Greek Education. Continuing the program, the AHEPA leadership spoke about the Chapter’s activities during the past year. The Chapter donated 1,000 masks and 1,000 pairs of gloves to parishioners and friends. They also donated $1,000 for scholarship to students at Stony Brook University who are enrolled in the Hellenic Studies Program. Donations were also made for the victims of the terrible fires in California. AHEPA 319 is dedicated to promoting the Greek Language, culture, traditions, philanthropy and the precious Greek Orthodox Faith to all members and families throughout the community of Port Jefferson and beyond.
Students of the Greek Afternoon School Katerina Rodolico and Alexandros Manolis read essays about the lives of the Saints and their contributions to Greek Education. Continuing the program, the AHEPA leadership spoke about the Chapter’s activities during the past year. The Chapter donated 1,000 masks and 1,000 pairs of gloves to parishioners and friends. They also donated $1,000 for scholarship to students at Stony Brook University who are enrolled in the Hellenic Studies Program. Donations were also made for the victims of the terrible fires in California. AHEPA 319 is dedicated to promoting the Greek Language, culture, traditions, philanthropy and the precious Greek Orthodox Faith to all members and families throughout the community of Port Jefferson and beyond.
Port Jefferson AHEPA Chapter 319 Joins the Celebration of Greece’s Independence
PORT JEFFERSON, NY – Following the Divine Liturgy on March 28 at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption, Father Louis Nicholas and Father Demetrios Calogredes read the proclamation for Greek Independence from the Town of Brookhaven. Brother John Tsunis, from AHEPA’s Port Jefferson Chapter 319, was instrumental in helping to create this proclamation, which was announced during a virtual town meeting earlier in the week.
Thanks to the outstanding outreach and diligent efforts of the local AHEPA chapters, AHEPA Global Headquarters has received numerous city and state proclamations to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of Greek Independence.
Thanks to the outstanding outreach and diligent efforts of the local AHEPA chapters, AHEPA Global Headquarters has received numerous city and state proclamations to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of Greek Independence.
Port Jefferson AHEPA Chapter 319 Hosts Third Annual Fishing Trip
Left to right: President Nick Calogredes, Vice President Bobby Gemelas, Fr. Demetrios Calogredes, and Bobby N. Gemelas. (Photo: Courtesy of AHEPA)
The Chapter issued the following statement about the event, “Thank you to all who donated their time, to those who helped spread the word, and a very big thank you to everyone who helped sponsor the kids from Saint Basil Academy in Garrison, NY. It was a special day for the kids and staff members of Saint Basil's and we hope to create more memorable opportunities for them in the future!”
The Chapter issued the following statement about the event, “Thank you to all who donated their time, to those who helped spread the word, and a very big thank you to everyone who helped sponsor the kids from Saint Basil Academy in Garrison, NY. It was a special day for the kids and staff members of Saint Basil's and we hope to create more memorable opportunities for them in the future!”
Left to right: Vice President Bobby Gemelas and AHEPA Constantine Cassis Chapter 170 President Anastasios Stampolis. (Photo: Courtesy of AHEPA)
In a Challenging Year, AHEPA Port Jefferson 319 Produces Results
PORT JEFFERSON, NY – AHEPA Chapter 319 held its first monthly business meeting in Port Jefferson on January 7 during which the members also cut the Vasilopita. Chapter President Nicholas Calogredes, was blessed with the lucky coin, and the chapter members wish him good luck for the year to extend to his family and the Chapter!
Though 2020 was a challenging year for the whole world and for Chapter 319 as well, as President Calogredes reviewed the Chapter’s accomplishments for 2020, it was also a year of progress and advancement which included the following initiatives:
Providing masks and gloves to the church community for protection against COVID-19Launching a scholarship for students at Stony Brook University’s Hellenic Studies ProgramAnnual Fishing Trip FundraiserCalifornia Wildfire DonationLaunching the Greek Food to the Hungry programDevelopment of the AHEPA Trifold Brochure to help attract new membersThe Chapter goal for 2021 is to increase their members’ participation and expand the Chapter with more members in order to do more to pursue AHEPA’s mission of philanthropy, education, and promoting and preserving the Hellenic identity of Greek Americans.
AHEPA Chapter 319 wishes everybody a fulfilling, productive, safe, and Happy New Year in 2021!
Though 2020 was a challenging year for the whole world and for Chapter 319 as well, as President Calogredes reviewed the Chapter’s accomplishments for 2020, it was also a year of progress and advancement which included the following initiatives:
Providing masks and gloves to the church community for protection against COVID-19Launching a scholarship for students at Stony Brook University’s Hellenic Studies ProgramAnnual Fishing Trip FundraiserCalifornia Wildfire DonationLaunching the Greek Food to the Hungry programDevelopment of the AHEPA Trifold Brochure to help attract new membersThe Chapter goal for 2021 is to increase their members’ participation and expand the Chapter with more members in order to do more to pursue AHEPA’s mission of philanthropy, education, and promoting and preserving the Hellenic identity of Greek Americans.
AHEPA Chapter 319 wishes everybody a fulfilling, productive, safe, and Happy New Year in 2021!
Port Jefferson AHEPA Chapter 319 Donates Masks and Gloves
It’s a proud day for AHEPA Chapter 319 of Port Jefferson. Even though these are troubling times we have managed to stick together, reach out to one another, and fully engage the fundamentals of the Order of AHEPA for the benefit of our beloved community.
Through the use of today’s latest technology along with some innovative thinking, the chapter was able to brainstorm, implement, and execute a plan to extend a helping hand by raising enough funds to send out 1,000 masks and 3,000 pairs of gloves to almost 250 families and parishioners of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption in Port Jefferson, NY. We look forward to continuing to help our community through our efforts so that we can overcome all obstacles together, united, and as a family.
Through the use of today’s latest technology along with some innovative thinking, the chapter was able to brainstorm, implement, and execute a plan to extend a helping hand by raising enough funds to send out 1,000 masks and 3,000 pairs of gloves to almost 250 families and parishioners of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption in Port Jefferson, NY. We look forward to continuing to help our community through our efforts so that we can overcome all obstacles together, united, and as a family.