Mickey Mouse will be dressed in traditional “fustanella” attire, while children will also be given the opportunity to meet mythical strongman Hercules.

Disney’s Kristin Peterson noted, “Having shattered every record known to man—and the gods—Hercules is very excited to train the next generation of Olympians. Our younger guests will be able to lift weights, toss shot puts, shoot arrows, leap distances and take photos with their hero.”

Greek musicians and dancers will entertain visitors with traditional folk dances at the Disney California Adventure Park as well.

Greek celebrity chef, Argiro Barbarigou, and Greek winemaker, Christina Boutari, are set to host a special, separately ticketed culinary event for adults. Traditional dishes accompanied by exceptional Hellenic wines are of course on the menu.

The showcase is a series of public programs that explore the journey of Greek immigrants, as reported in Tarpon Springs Patch website.

In the framework of this exhibit, the members of the band Ellada, as well as the local Kalymnian vocalist Irene Karavorikos and the visiting clarinetist Jim Stoynoff will give a musical performance on May 31 from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

The event is being presented in conjunction with The Smithsonian exhibition Journey Stories, which explores the powerful tales of how the ancestors came to America, the place they now call home, according to Tarpon Springs Patch website.

The small exhibition Journeys to Tarpon Springs, which will feature items by local families to remind them of the homes and families left behind, will be presented at the cultural center as well.

The exhibits will be at the City of Tarpon Springs’ Center for Gulf Coast Folklife from April 11 until July 5. Admission to the concert is free.

Source: Tarpon Springs Patch website

Dr. Despina Siolas presented with award by distinguished persons.

Dr Despina Siolas, MD/PhD of Bayside and Mattituck, New York was honored at the 2013 Hermes Expo Dinner on April 13. Stella Kokolis,,President of the Federation of Hellenic American Educators and Vasiliki Filiotis, President of Prometheus Greek Teachers Association presented her with the Aien AristeveinAward.  “Ever To Excel” is a phrase delivered from the sixth book of Homer‘s Iliad (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ever_to_Excel‎), in which it is used in a speech Glaucus delivers to Diomedes.

The Honor states, “This, the “Aien Aristevein” Award is bestowed upon Dr. Despina Siolas for your high achievements in your life and for your ability to become a model to others and ensure them that the Hellenic cultural heritage and language are the cornerstones of your professional success. The Greek-American teachers of the Greek schools that you have attended and Everyone in the Greek-American community are standing today in front of you with pride and honor.”

Siolas expressed her sincere appreciation saying, “Thank you for this unique honor. I am a fourth generation Greek American from Tripolis, Arcadia, Chios, Limnos and Asia Minor.I pledge to uphold the high purposes of Hellenism. I will be true to the principles for which it stands. I will be loyal to my community and country and will maintain and encourage high standards of character, service and leadership.”

She is currently in a Medical Oncology fellowship at New York University Langone Medical Center. Siolas completed a Research Track/Internal Medicine residency at the same center. Her mentor is Dr. Rany Condos, Associate Professor, NYU Department of Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care Division. Siolas was awarded the prestigious E-Trade Financial scholarship of the Hellenic Medical Society of New York, in 2010 for her performance in medical school at Stony Brook University.

In addition to her MD degree, she is the recipient of a Doctor of Philosophy in Genetics from the State University of New York at Stony Brook for studies she conducted in the lab of Dr. Greg Hannon, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Professor, at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. The title of her dissertation is, RNA Barcode Screens as a Tool for Discovering Gene Function. This research showed that small RNA hairpins could be used for aiding cancer studies.
Siolas was awarded her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from St. John’s University with summa cum laude honors in 2001. She was the first student in the history of St. John’s University to be accepted in the Medical Scientist Training Program of Stony Brook University. Her mentor at St. John’s University was Rev. Robert Stephanopoulos, Ph.D., former Dean of the Holy Trinity Cathedral of the Greek Archdiocese of America and adjunct faculty of Theology at St. John’s University. St. John’s University former Dean Salvatore Spizziri, a descendent of Bari, Southern Italy (where the bones of St. Nicholas of Myra are interned) encouraged her to pursue a medical career. His guidance and encouragement for her entire undergraduate years shaped her future medical career.
Dr. Shirley Strum Kenny, President of Stony Brook University, in the 2005-2006 issue of the Graduate Student Achievements (GSA), congratulated Siolas and her thesis adviser Dr. Hannon for their federally funded Breast Cancer Research Program Idea Award. This award of $500,000 was the largest given to a graduate student in 2006. She has presented papers at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) meetings and was a student member of the Physician Council for Long Range Planning of the American Medical Association (AMA).  Siolas is currently a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncologists and plans on pursuing pancreatic cancer research for the remainder of her fellowship.

Dr. Despina Siolas (left) with Dr. Spiro Spireas, Dr. Emily Spireas, Mrs. Hasapidis and granddaughter.

The event will focus on foreign policy challenges for the United States: The Crisis in Greece, Arab Revolutions and the Rise of China

Nicholas Burns is the Director of the Future of Diplomacy Project and Faculty Chair for the Program on the Middle East at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.

Professor Burns served in the United States Government for twenty-seven years.  As a career foreign service officer, he was Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs from 2005 to 2008; U.S. Ambassador to NATO from 2001 to 2005; and Ambassador to Greece from 1997 to 2001.

To register for this event click here.

The mission of the Hellenic Alumni Network is to increase the involvement and influence of alumni of Greek descent in the University and to support the University in its mission to become the premier leader in liberal arts education. Furthermore, the organization provides opportunities to create a formal network of Boston College alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends in order to play an important role in the life of the University.

Photo Credit: NY Daily News

As her husband Tom Hanks performs on Broadway in “Lucky Man,” Rita Wilson is taking the stage to sing songs from her album AM/FM at New York City nightclub 54 Below, with performances through April 20.

The actress, and “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” and “Mamma Mia!” producer, released her debut solo album in 2012. Born and raised in the Hollywood Hills, Wilson harbored dreams of becoming a singer in the 60’s and 70’s after falling in love with The Beatles, The Mamas & the Papas, Janis Joplin, and The Supremes, among others. AM/FM was recorded at the legendary Capitol Records Studio A in Hollywood. Over the last few years, she appeared as Roxie Hart in “Chicago” on Broadway and recorded the song “Lessons Learned,” by Grammy Award-winning songwriter Diane Warren for “The Trap,” a short film Wilson directed as part of Glamour magazine’s “Reel Moments” series.

Wilson told the NY Daily News that she plans on continuing to act, write songs, and possibly get back on Broadway, adding, ”The truth is I feel blessed to be able to do what I love to do. My parents left their countries for precisely this reason. I keep that in the back of my mind. Without their hardship so that they could live free, life might be very different.”

54 Below is located at 254 W. 54th St. There is a $25 food and drink minimum per show. For tickets and schedule, visit: broadway.com/shows/rita-wilson/

“For the moment, there is no official information about a Greek injured,“ Ambassador Chris Panagopoulos told the Greek news agency ANA.  “We are watching closely the case and are in constant contact with the local authorities and the State Department,” Panagopoulos said underling that “first all, we wanted to express our sorrow about the incident and then to find out whether there were any Greek citizen or citizen of Greek origin among the injured”.

The Greek consul in Boston, Ilias Fotopoulos, said he was in constant communication with the local authorities and Metropolitan Methodios (Tournas) of Boston and there in no information or evidence about a Greek injured. Both Fotopoulos and Panagopoulos stressed that all Greek athletes who participated to the Boston Marathon are fine and were away from the explosions’ spot.

The event was organized by the Hellenic Federation of Northern California, also known as the United Hellenic American Societies (UHAS) which is headquartered in San Francisco.

Ted Laliotis, President of the Federation explained that the Greek Cultural Parade in San Francisco has two main objectives: to promote Hellenism in the non-Greek communities of the area and to make the Greek-American children proud of their Greek Heritage.

“San Francisco is a very colorful multicultural city and we try to share our culture with other ethnic communities of the city. We were honored this year to have marching bands, drill teams, drum corps and JROTC units from three San Francisco High Schools, as well as a Chinese Elementary School fan and ribbon dance group,” said Laliotis.

Besides the Greek Cultural Parade a mini festival with Greek food, Greek Music, and Greek Dancing is taking place before and after the parade.

This year the organizers were favored by great weather something that helped attract thousands of attendees, both Greek and non Greek.

Watch video and photos from the parade:

Consul of Greece Evangelos Kyriakopoulos and filmmaker Elena Maroulleti (Photo by ETA Press)

The history and culture of the Neolithic settlement of Khirokitia, one of the most important prehistoric sites of Cyprus and of the eastern Mediterranean was revived on March 8, during a screening of an original documentary by filmmaker Elena Maroulleti at the Stathakion Cultural Center in Astoria, NY.

Organized by CYPRECO of America from its ongoing folk art series which highlight during each new production different aspects of the rich heritage, folklore, culture and history of Cyprus, the successful event was attended by Greek and Greek-Cypriot Americans and members of the general audience of all ages, including dignitaries and representatives from the Greek and Cypriot governments.

The evening’s program also included a performance of traditional Cypriot dances and songs from the youth division of the Lampousa Cyprus Association.  The participating children whose ages range from 5 to 12,  traveled to New York from Bergenfield New Jersey to participate in the event and their performance truly enthused the audience. The youth division of Lampousa, is part of the association’s mission of educating younger generations about the culture, history and folklore of Cyprus so that they can continue the association’s mission when they grow up, explained Stavros Kamilaris, President of Lampousa. Kamilaris also thanked the organizers for inviting the children and congratulated them on their ongoing commitment of producing “such unique programs which promote Cyprus and the island’s rich cultural heritage.”

Congratulations were also extended to the organizers by the Consul of Greece to New York,  Evangelos Kyriakopoulos, who also stressed that it was an exceptional pleasure for him to participate in yet another successful event by CYPRECO.  Kyriakopoulos noted that he had the opportunity to visit Khirokitia which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.  The presence of UNESCO in Cyprus he stressed is extremely important because the organization also keeps an eye on the many other historical sites on the island which are under Turkish occupation. Kyriakopoulos also congratulated the filmmaker and producer of the documentary for her true commitment to promoting Cyprus’ rich history and culture.

A written message from the Consul General of Cyprus to New York, Koula Sofianou, who was present earlier at the event was also read. In her greeting message Sofianou conveyed her most heartfelt wishes and congratulated CYPRECO for “enriching once more the cultural life of the diaspora.” Referring to the screening of the documentary dedicated to Khirokitia, an archeological site of such importance as to be listed in the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List, Sofianou praised Maroulleti for her talent stressing that it is another example of her efforts to enlighten her loyal audience on the rich history and culture of Cyprus.

Filmed on location and based on research of the archeological findings at the site from ongoing excavations, the documentary highlights step-by-step with video and narration the history and establishment of the Neolithic Settlement of Khirokitia which dates back to the 7^th millennium BC.  The unique architecture of this Aceramic village, the methods and materials used to build it is explained in the beginning of the documentary. The Khirokitia complex, unique to Cyprus and the near east, as further explained in the documentary shows the full extent of the exceptional skills of its first inhabitants who built this village with unique circular houses with flat roofs in comparison to most villages of that period in the Near East which feature rectangular units.

The documentary also provides an in-depth look into the customs, traditions, beliefs and the way of life of the first inhabitants of Khirokitia which are revealed from the discovery of important artifacts such as pottery, tools, jewelry, utensils, rocks of various origins and human remains among others.

Stavros Kamilaris, Pres. Lampousa (Photo by ETA Press)

In the last part of her documentary, Maroulleti brings attention to some remarkable archaeological discoveries during the last decade of the 20^th century which challenged Khirokitia as one of the oldest prehistoric settlements of Cyprus.  As explained, excavations at the rock-shelter known as Aetokremnos on the Akrotiri Peninsula brought to light archaeological findings dating back to around 10,000 BC while excavations at Pareklissia Shillourokampos brought to light what appeared to be a pre-Khirokitia type architectural remains dating back to the end of the 9^th millennium and to the second half of the 8^th millennium BC.

In Spring 2004, archaeologists digging at Shillourokampos also unearthed a 9,500-year old grave containing the remains of a human and a cat buried with seashells, polished stones, artifacts and other offerings. As stressed in the documentary,  despite these new discoveries, to this day the prehistoric site at Khirokitia boasts the largest exhibits of architectural remains and is one of the most comprehensively studied Aceramic Neolithic settlements in the eastern Mediterranean and one of the most popular archaeological sites on Cyprus visited by thousands of tourists each year. In recognition of its importance, UNESCO included Khirokitia in its World Heritage List in December of 1998, making it the third Cypriot site to be included in this prestigious list.

After the screening, Maroulleti also acknowledged the attendance of a family who comes from Khirokitia, Among them, Louis Andreou who was invited to the podium to share his thoughts about the documentary. Very moved Andreou said that the screening revived some of his childhood memories growing up so closely to the ancient site including the first excavations that took place. Thanking and congratulating the filmmaker for this production and presentation, he stressed that the documentary truly highlights the importance of this prehistoric site and “enriches our knowledge about the history of Khirokitia,” He further stressed that although he comes from Khirokitia he was not very familiar with the historical facts surrounding the ancient site. The film helped him appreciate even more his village and his rich heritage.

The event dedicated to Khirokitia, with free admission as a public service, was under the auspices of the Cyprus Federation of America and supported by the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York.  It was made in part by Arch Capital Services, the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cyprus Federation of America.

(Press Release)

Scores of thousands of people of every age, hundreds of Greek institutions (schools, federations, communities, associations, student organizations), as well as dozens of floats and bands will participate in the march through Manhattan.

This year’s parade will have the following slogan “Greeks will overcome the crisis with courage and determination.” Like every year, the contingent of Evzones of the Presidential Guard will open the parade, while for the first time there will not be a delegation from the Greek Parliament, because of the economic crisis. The governments of Greece and Cypriot Republic will be represented by diplomatic and consular authorities. US officials and the mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg.

The Greek Parade is organized every year by Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York. George Venizelos, the FBI’s Assistant Director in the city, will be the parade’s Grand Marshal. Athena Lazarides-Dimitriou will be the honorary master of ceremonies in commemoration of her husband, Dimitris Dimitriou,  who died recently. He was a well-known member of the Federation of Greek Associations of New York and for years was the parade’s announcer.

Earlier on Sunday, the doxology will be sung by the Archbishop Demetrios of America at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Manhattan.

The American Hellenic Council (AHC) honored three distinguished Greek individuals for their service to Hellenism and their respective professional fields. During the AHC Gala and awards ceremony Professor, Author & Poet Thanasis Maskaleris received the Theodore Saloutos Award, Congressman Gus Bilirakis was honored with the Pericles Award in Politics and Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic, Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki with the 2013 Aristeio Award. The event which attracted hundred’s of Greek-Americans was held at the Omni Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, March 30th 2013. Michael Dukakis, Former Governor of Massachusetts and US Presidential Candidate was the Master of Ceremonies.

Professor Thanasis Maskaleris is the Founding Director at the Center for Modern Greek Studies at San Francisco State University. He spearheaded efforts that led to the establishment of the Nikos Kazantzakis Chair for Modern Greek Studies at SFSU in 1983 .

Each year, the AHC celebrates the achievements of dedicated community members who have made major contributions to Hellenism, Greek culture and heritage by awarding them the Theodore Saloutos award, named after UCLA professor Saloutos, a founding member of the AHC.

“We decided to honor Professor Maskaleris in recognition of his efforts in establishing the Nikos Kazantzakis Chair for Modern Greek Studies at San Francisco State University and for his contributions to Hellenism within the Greek-American community in California” stated Alexander Mizan, Executive Director of the American Hellenic Council.

Professor Maskaleris was born in Arkadia, Greece and immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 17. He completed his studies in Philosophy and English at the University of Oklahoma and studied Comparative Literature at Indiana University and University of California, Berkeley. He later embarked in writing original poetry in Greek and English, and translating contemporary Greek poetry and prose extensively. He taught Comparative Literature, Classics and Creative Writing at San Francisco State University until his recent retirement.

The second honoree, Congressman Gus M. Bilirakis, is a Republican from Palm Harbor, representing Florida’s 12th Congressional District. He was first elected to Congress in 2006, and is currently serving his fourth term in the United States House of Representatives. As a young boy, Gus learned the importance of public service from his father, Michael Bilirakis, who represented Florida’s Ninth Congressional District from 1983 to 2006. The elder Bilirakis also instilled in his son a pride in the family’s Greek heritage, which Gus proudly carriers into his career today.

Each year, the AHC honors with the Pericles Award a nationally elected official who has made major contributions to Hellenic causes. Recent recipients of the Award include Rep. Shelley Berkley, Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Rep. Dina Titus.

Gus has always been vocal in supporting every resolution that reaches the House of Representatives and represents positions that the American Hellenic Council supports. As co-Chair of the Hellenic Caucus in Congress, he has spearheaded several efforts calling for religious freedom in Turkey, for an end to the occupation of Cyprus and for a resolution in the name dispute between Greece & FYROM. He was either lead sponsor or co-sponsor of HR676, HR180, HR306, & HR506 during the 112th Congress. His voting record on Hellenic issues is impeccable, having earned him a 100% voting score according to the AHEPA Congressional scorecard.

“We decided to honor Congressman Bilirakis in recognition of his dedicated work in Congress supporting the Hellenic Causes. He has been a leader in advocating for religious freedom and human rights protection in Turkey, for an end to the illegal occupation of Cyprus and for cooperation among the closest US allies in the Eastern Mediterranean; Israel, Cyprus & Greece.” stated Alexander Mizan, Executive Director of the American Hellenic Council.

Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki was honored with the 2013 Aristeio award. Gianna Angelopoulos is well known for winning and saving the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece.

“We decided to honor Mrs. Angelopoulos in recognition of her exemplary and dedicated work in successfully leading the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens and her devotion to education and philanthropy in Greece as well as in the USA” stated Alexander Mizan, Executive Director of the American Hellenic Council.

In 2000, when slow progress and gridlocked bureaucracy put Athens in danger of losing the Olympic Games, she was asked to assume the presidency of the ATHENS 2004 Organizing Committee for the Olympics. Under her leadership, Athens made up for lost time and gave the world what IOC President Jacques Rogge called: “an unforgettable, dream Games.”

Today, Ambassador Angelopoulos-Daskalaki is an active member of the Clinton Global Initiative . She continues to serve as Vice-Chairperson of the Dean’s Council for Harvard’s John. F. Kennedy School of Government.

Her new book, MY GREEK DRAMA: Life, Love and One Woman’s Olympic Effort to Bring Glory to Her Country will be published by Greenleaf Book Group Press in May, 2013.

Previous AHC Aristeio Award honorees include billionaire and real-estate investor and philanthropist George Argyros (2009), George Marcus, CEO of Marcus and Millichap (2010), Van Vlahakis, Founder and CEO of Earthy Friendly Products (2011) and Andrew N. Liveris, Chairman and CEO of The Dow Chemical Co. (2012)