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)

Oscar-winning director Alexander Payne, actress Nia Vardalos and Fox CEO Jim Gianopulos will be honored at the 22nd Annual Leadership 100 Conference that brings together the best and brightest from the Greek Church and Community. The three-day event will take place February 7-10, 2013, at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel in Dana Point California.

Jim Gianopulos, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Twentieth Century Fox Film, overseeing News Corporation’s motion picture companies, including Twentieth Century Fox Film Corp., Fox 2000, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Fox Animation Studios, Blue Sky Studios, Fox International Productions, and their related entities, will highlight a star-studded program at the 22nd Annual Leadership 100 Conference that brings together the best and brightest from the Greek Church and Community, announced Charles H. Cotros, Leadership 100 Chairman. The Conference, to take place February 7-10, 2013, at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel in Dana Point California, will feature an address with special feature video by Gianopulos on Thursday afternoon, February 7, who will be introduced by his pastor, Fr. John Bakas, Dean of Saint Sophia Cathedral in Los Angeles, who will also speak to conferees, and “will also include Alexander Payne, the award-winning director, screenwriter and producer, and Nia Vardalos, the actress, screenwriter, director and producer,” added Cotros.

One of the longest-tenured studio chairmen in the film industry, Gianopulos oversees all feature film production and marketing, as well as global distribution through all windows and platforms spanning the theatrical, broadcast, cable, home entertainment, digital and mobile markets. During his time as Chairman of Fox, the studio has had its most profitable years ever. He has been involved in the evolution of new entertainment media and technologies for more than 25 years, and is considered a leading strategist in the industry. During his tenure at the studio, he has overseen the release of a broad range of successful films, including Life of Pi, the X-Men series, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Night At The Museum, Taken (and its sequel), The Simpsons Movie, Borat, The Day After Tomorrow, Walk the Line, the Star Wars Trilogy, Live Free or Die Hard, Minority Report, and Moulin Rouge. He also has the unique distinction of having championed two of the biggest gambles, and the two highest grossing films of all time: Avatar and Titanic.

Under his leadership, the studio’s animation division, Blue Sky Studios, produced successful films such as the Ice Age series, and Fox Searchlight Pictures, the studio’s specialized division, produced commercial and critical successes such as The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, The Descendants, Black Swan, and the Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire, among many others. Prior to his current post, Gianopulos was Chairman & CEO of Fox Filmed Entertainment and before that, he was President of Twentieth Century Fox International, a position he held since 1994. Among the many notable successes during Gianopulos’ tenure at Fox International are the Oscar winners Titanic and Braveheart, in addition to at one point having four of the five top grossing pictures of all-time internationally: Titanic, Star Wars, Independence Day and Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace.

The son of Greek immigrants and a native New Yorker, Gianopulos attended the Master’s program at the New York University School of Law, the Fordham School of Law, earning a Juris Doctor in 1976 and Boston University, earning a BA in 1973. He resides in Los Angeles with his wife Ann and their three daughters.

Alexander Payne, who will speak on Friday afternoon, February 8, will be introduced by his former pastor in Omaha, Nebraska, Very Rev. Fr. Eugene N. Pappas, now of Three Hierarchs Church in Brooklyn, New York, and Nia Vardalos, the Canadian-American actress best known for the 2002 Academy Award –nominated film My Big Fat Greek Wedding, will speak on Friday evening, February 8. Other speakers include Michael S. Johnson of Denver, Colorado, a member of Leadership 100 and an award-winning petroleum geologist, who will speak at the opening of the Conference on Thursday morning, February 7, and Mary J. Mitchell of Omaha, Nebraska, also a member of Leadership 100 and the author of Drawn to Fashion, who will speak at a special program on Saturday, February 9. Entertainment will feature the sisters, Lexy and Stephany Prodromos, at the Hellenic Festival on Friday evening, February 8. Their popular and classical music has been seen on Fox, NBC and WGN television and has received more than 250,000 views on YouTube. Dean Vali & Keffe will also perform at the Hellenic Festival, as well as at the Grand Gala on Saturday evening, February 9.

Payne was born Constantine Alexander Payne, February 10, 1961 in Omaha, Nebraska, the youngest of three sons of Peggy (née Constantine) and George Payne, restaurant owners, and grew up in the same neighborhood as billionaire Warren Buffett. His grandfather had Anglicized the last name from Papadopoulos. He graduated from Stanford and the UCLA Film School. Payne made his feature film debut with Citizen Ruth (1996) and followed up with Election (1999), which won Best Screenplay from the Writers’ Guild of America and the New York Film Critics Circle, as well as an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. About Schmidt (2002) premiered in competition at the Cannes Film Festival and opened the New York Film Festival. Both Sideways (2004) and his latest film, The Descendants (2011), won Oscars for Best Adapted Screenplay and were nominated for four others, including Best Picture and Best Director.

Vardalos was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on September 24, 1962. She is the daughter of Greek Canadian parents Doreen and Constantine “Gus” Vardalos. She attended Shaftesbury High School and Ryerson Univesity. After roles in television, most notably on The Drew Carey Show and Two Guys and a Girl, she gained overnight success with My Big Fat Greek Wedding, which was based on a one-woman show she had previously written and starred in. The film earned her an Academy Award Nomination for Best Writing, a Golden Globe Nomination for Best Actess in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy and a Screen Actors Guild Award Nomination. Vardalos made her directing debut in 2009 with the independent feature I Hate Valentine’s Day. This was followed by My Life in Ruins, the first American production given permission to film at the Acropolis. In 2011, Vardalos and Tom Hanks wrote the romantic comedy film Larry Crowne. She is set to star in the upcoming films Talk of the Town and A Wilderness of Monkeys.

Michael S. Johnson & Mary J. Mitchell
Michael Johnson has been recognized for his contribution to the discovery of Parshall Field in North Dakota, one of the world’s major oil discoveries. Born in Maryville, Missouri of Greek immigrant parents, his interest in the oil business began when his family moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1931, then called the oil capital of the U.S. He graduated from The Ohio State University with a B.Sc. degree and an M.S. degree, both in geology. Mary Mitchell is acknowledged for her 30-year career as a fashion illustrator for top designers and major department stores. Born Mary Kafasis to Greek immigrant parents in South Buffalo, New York, she graduated from the Albright Art School in conjunction with the University of Buffalo.

For more information please visit: L100.org

Pappas will be presenting her latest sculpture and installation exhibition titled Recall this Friday, January 11, at the Archer School for Girls in Brentwood, LA. The opening ceremony will take place at 6:30p.m., with a reception followed by the artist’s speech. The exhibition will run until February 11. The event is organized under the auspices of the Consulate General of Greece in Los Angeles.

Pappas received her BA in Mathematics and Studio Art from Smith College in 1987. She attended the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and completed her MFA in Studio Arts at the Maryland Institute College of Arts in Baltimore in 2012. She has lived and worked in the Boston area all her life.

The gallery will be open after appointment from Tuesday to Friday (11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.). For further information, contact Patti Meyers at pmeyers@archer.org 

Vassy with her grandmother Anna in Greece.

On Saturday, Jan 12th, the Hellenic Society of Constantinople will hold its annual Gala at the Wilshire Country Club. This will be the 46th consecutive year for the organization’s main event which will honor singer-songwriter Vasiliki Karagiorgos, known mononymously as VASSY.

Every year the society honors a person of Greek descent at their annual dinner – gala. Past honorees included names of the entertainment industry such as Clint Eastwood, Jim Gianopulos, Costas Mandylor, Billy Zane and Nia Vardalos.

“We are very happy to honor Vassy this year, not only because of her extraordinary achievements in the arts but because of her Greek heritage that descends from Constantinople,  commented the president of HSC,” Mike Begakis.

Vassy was born in Australia to Greek immigrant parents. She moved to Hollywood, CA in 2008 and she quickly established a name in the American music scene. Vassy’s music has been placed on television series such as Grey’s Anatomy and Ugly Betty, as well as in campaigns for brands such as NIKE, Google, and most recently Victoria’s Secret. Her song “Desire” is on the soundtrack to the feature film The Cabin in the Woods.

“I am very honored with their decision to present me with an Award, but most importantly I am honored because this organization has its roots in Constantinople where my grandmother comes from,” said Vassy.

The Hellenic Society of Constantinople was founded by a group of Greek Americans who came to the US from Constantinople (moden day Istanbul) looking for a better future. The Founders of the organization were Yani Begakis, Kleo Lee, Steven Chakiris, Gregory Kokkinos, Mike Tsakoumakis, Panos Chrisostomides and Christine Amato. The mission of the society is to maintain and perpetuate the traditions of the Hellenes of Constantinople.

The primary fund raiser is the Annual Vasilopita Dinner Dance with the traditional gold coin. Kleo Lee and Marika Begakis used to provide and bake the vasilopitas for the events. Mary Morrison continues the tradition by baking all the vasilopitas  for the event. Vassilopita is a Greek cake made once a year, for New Year’s Eve (or for subsequent New Year’s celebrations). It includes a coin that brings luck to the person who gets it.

During the event the organization will also honor Harry Pappas, a philantropist and long-time supporter of the Hellenic Society of Constantinople.

The cost of the ticket is one hundred and twenty five dollars, and checks may be made payable to The Hellenic Society of Constantinople. The goal of the Gala is to raise funds for charity organizations of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

Where: Wilshire Country Club (301 N. Rossmore Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90004).
Date & Time: Jan 12th 2013 – 5.30pm
RSVP: For reservations or more information feel free to call,
Mary Morrison (818)500-0904, Jeanete Benetatos (323)660-5707

At 26, Marios Karkalis left behind his family’s well-established jewelry business in Greece in order to come to Hollywood,CA and create his own high-end jewelry brand, ‘Mac&Lou.’

Originally from Glyfada, young entrepreneur Marios Karkalis now lives in Los Angeles where he bases his company, MAC&LOU. The name “Karkalis” may sound familiar if you purchase fine jewelry in Greece; his father is a well-known wholesaler whose brand continues on through the family-run business.

With a solid background in jewelry, Marios designs and sells his own line targeted towards a “funkier” generation. We had the opportunity to chat with the Greek designer and businessman about MAC&LOU, and his determination to find success outside of his father’s legacy.

What is your experience when it comes to jewelry?

My father was one of the pioneer jewelry wholesalers in Greece starting in 1952. He migrated to Germany and when he came back, [he] started selling silver and gold chains door to door. Later, bringing multiple investors in to the company, they were able to buy bulk, making them very competitive on pricing. My name is still one of the biggest associated names with high-end jewelry in Greece, as part of my family continues my father’s legacy.

How did you come up with the name for your company, MAC&LOU?

I liked the symbol ‘’&’’ in between words. I was trying to find a catchy short name like ‘’something&something.’’ I believe MAC&LOU is a name people will remember. It registers even though it came from nowhere.

Why didn’t you use your own name as most designers usually do?

My name, “Karkalis,” is already associated with luxurious jewelry in Greece. It brings to mind diamonds and gold; very expensive products for older people. MAC&LOU goes for more funky, loose, “I don’t give a f***” style.

Why did you decide not to stay with the family business?
Big, sad story. Let’s leave it at that.

Okay. So, what is the inspiration behind MAC&LOU?

For years now, I’ve felt the burden of creation. I’ve been living off my father’s money, both before and after his death. I believe a man should have something more to say to his children other than, “I lived a very good life spending all of your grandpa’s money, and now there is nothing for you.” I’ve thought of all kinds of things as far as different businesses. I was young and most of them remained as thoughts. By the time I turned 25, I said it’s time for action. Let’s see.

Do you design the jewelry yourself?

I design and make everything myself. I buy the gemstones from all over the world and I cast my own metal designs. For example, the spikes on the “Abatu” and on “Genesis,” I made the prototypes by hand and then I casted multiple pieces to ensure the uniqueness of the products. There are a lot of people that are interested, but being a total new brand, it is difficult for them to trust spending $300-500 on a single piece.

Why is the cost of your jewelry higher than most others, even though pieces may not be made of silver or gold?

As I said, everything is made by myself and people here in LA. I have my own casting factory with 3 huge ovens burning 24/7. It requires a lot of money to maintain a place like this – [to] design in metal and then cast thousands of pieces, in addition to assembling the order to get the final products. The packaging gives a 60’s era feel; more than 20 minutes of work for each packet. Competitors sell similar products, charging 2-3 times higher and ship in boxes made in China. I LOVE jewelry accessories, and I bought from many brands. Nobody takes care of the quality and the presentation like MAC&LOU does.

How did you decide on the individual names for each jewelry piece?

I see most companies refer to their products with a code. Not me, those are my babies. Could you name your baby AW0023?

I see your point. Do you plan on branching out from necklaces and bracelets?

Yes. I have many products in mind that I am anxious to create. I believe people will love MAC&LOU in the years to come, but I just started. One step at a time.

Is the jewelry only available online?

No, it is also in one of my favorite stores [in] downtown [LA]; they are the designers of the brand Sandast. You walk in and you see art and quality in every single corner. Along with their brand, they carry several other top and hard to find fashions. I am going to be looking for more places like this. You won’t be able to carry MAC&LOU unless you can support a certain taste. They are perfectly made items and I want them in a perfectly made environment.

To check out the MAC&LOU line, visit http://macandlou.com, or “like” them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MACANDLOU

An intense brainstorming session over Greek coffee, gave birth to a Greek online store that aims to help Greek Exports by giving you the opportunity to shop for Greek products and donate 10% of the proceeds to charities in Greece.

With Christmas around the corner, it couldn’t be a better time for Doromu.com to open its online doors and come to your life at a time when Greece needs our support. That can come in many ways and Doromu – a private enterprise with a social conscience – pledges with your help to support Greece in three stages: support Greek Exports, donate 10% of the proceeds to charities in Greece and promote Greek culture.

Doromu.com started as an idea of two lifelong friends at a coffee shop in Los Angeles, after a discussion of not being able to find Greek gifts in the USA. Their American friends who have visited Greece have always mentioned all the cool stuff they were able to find in Monastiraki, and the little shops around Greece, but where are these gifts in America?

With a population of 3 million Greeks and people of Greek descent, it would only make sense for an online shop to offer Greek gifts to that population as well as all the Philellines around the world. It was that afternoon brainstorming (over coffee) that gave birth to a dream which was realized just a week ago. The two friends partnered to open an affordable but premium Greek gift store online that people can trust to do their shopping when they want to buy something Greek for themselves or their loved ones.

“It’s not about the gifts we sell, it’s about the people that our clients introduce our Greek culture to through the gifts of Doromu. Greek culture is a lifestyle of love and giving back and we believe that with our gifts people can introduce their friends and loved ones to this culture,” said Chris Kontos (photo), a partner in the newly formed company.

The operation is run from a garage in Los Angeles that the two Greek entrepreneurs modified to fit the standards of a warehouse, but it’s not keeping them from their dreams to open a real store.

“We cannot say much about our future plans but we want to start a physical store that will embrace our Greek culture of ‘philotimo’ and there will be a twist. We hope to be able to give stuff for free and foster a community around the store,” said Kontos.

The items in Doromu were handpicked in Greece in their last trip to the Mediterannean this summer.

“We met most of our vendors and they truly welcomed the idea of an affordable high-end online store based in the USA. Given the financial situation in Greece most of our vendors depend on exports,” he added.

And guess who helped the two social entrepreneurs go shopping for doilies and jewelry. “‘We had to ask our family members in Greece to help us with these kinds of things since we did not have much experience. Greek grandmothers are never wrong, so we had to trust them,” said Kontos with a smile.

“We decided not to think much and follow our instinct. We acted quickly to form a mechanism of importing from Greece, promote Greek culture through the gifts we sell while at the same time we will be giving back to the country,” he added.

In the last 2 ½ years of recession and austerity in Greece, more than 68,000 businesses, most of them small companies such as those that Doromu buys from, have closed, and many of those still operating are looking more toward export markets, including in the Diaspora.

The store offers a great variety of gifts that combine a traditional and modern taste, all made in Greece, or by Greeks. The prices range from $3.95 for an evil eye pendant and can go up to $79.95 for a 24K gold ring. At Doromu.com you will find most of the stuff you would see at a market on a Greek island or at the famous flea market of Monastiraki. Some unique pieces include Greek Jewelry inspired by Ancient Greek and Byzantine designs and sterling silver Ortodox icons decorated with Swarovski stones.

Something that distinguishes this online Greek gift store is the elegant -and uniquely designed for Doromu- gift-ready packaging offered with all purchases.

“We want to be able to help people exchange Greek gifts with the least hassle for them. So we take care from the packaging to personalized messages that they may want to include in the presents. At checkout there is a comments’ box where the buyer can tell us the message that he/she wants to include and we will happily write it on a card and add it to the package… we offer to write their message in Greek as well,” he said.

To find more about Doromu you can browse www.Doromu.com and like their Facebook page. Doromu representatives are available for interviews, you can reach them at Doromucom@gmail.com.

It has been five years since I lost my very best friend, my closest confidant, my beautiful mother to this terrible disease. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer 20 years ago and bravely fought for her life while having a mastectomy, two rounds of chemotherapy and radiation. She did all of this without missing one school play or important childhood event.

At the time of the initial diagnosis, I was 14 years old and my sister was only 2. Despite the doctors only giving her a 10% chance of survival, my sister and I were fortunate enough to have her by our side for the next 15 years. She vowed to raise her children and made it to see my younger sister graduate from high school, before taking her final breath one month later.

She was my mother, she is my heart, I love her always. Each and every day I miss her limitless love, warmth, and beauty. In her honor, I pledge everyday to do all I can to bring awareness to this disease in the hopes that we one day find a cure. Until that day, I urge everyone to focus on prevention. As Vice President of Earth Friendly Products and as the daughter of my mother, I make sure that we do ‘above and beyond’ in the fight against breast cancer. This month, many of our Facebook posts will show you just how much we do. We will not fail to continue the fight until we have a clear victory, and no more daughters become motherless in this war on cancer.

Tomorrow I am walking the American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Walk in honor of my mother, Rhonda Dawson.

I am proud to say that I am joined all across the country by my colleagues in Florida, New Jersey, Chicago, Washington and Illinois who are walking for Team Rhonda!

I would truly appreciate any possible donation that you could make today in her honor and to support us ending this terrible disease.

If you chose to donate, simply follow the steps below. I am grateful for any amount you can give!

1)Click on the following link:

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?team_id=1248069&pg=team&fr_id=47296

2) Click on Donate Now

3) Click on my name, Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks

Now that the 2012 Olympics in London have come and gone, with some debate as to whether surfing should become part of future Games, the US Open of Surfing just finished its 53rd year in Huntington Beach, California. While the sport wasn’t around in ancient times, and Greece’s beautiful beaches have never really been known as a surfer’s destination, we had the chance to meet one Greek,  famous for riding the waves and being a master craftsman of surfboards.

Bob Bolen, now a Huntington Beach resident and business owner, moved to Garden Grove, California as a youngster. His maternal grandparents hail from Kalamata, and his last name stems from his Irish father. Growing up, his mother tried to get him to go to Greek school but he says he was busy “having too much fun.” Even though he didn’t learn to speak the language fluently, his classmates nicknamed him “The Greek” because of his heritage.

Watch our interview with Bob Bolen below:

Bob “The Greek” Bolen in his early surfing days in California

One day, while hanging with his cousin Jimmy at a local beach, he was introduced to his first ride on a surfboard, and Bolen never looked back. He learned to ride the waves at Doheny and Huntington Beach, and developed a soft spot for Dana Point. Soon after, he started making surfboards for himself and a few of his friends. That was the beginning of what would ultimately become a legendary surfboard-making business.

Initially, his father wanted him to work in a navy yard, but the young Bolen decided to pursue his passion. Holding onto his Greek heritage and nickname, he used it to brand his business and started Surfboards by the Greek, shaping and creating handcrafted boards. From the Shorty, to a fin known as the Turbo Tunnel that he invented which enhances wave-riding, Bolen is considered a local hero in his hometown and that success earned him a spot on the Surfing Walk of Fame.

After closing up his surf shop in 1980, Bolen began focusing on real estate, opening an office on Main Street in Huntington Beach, which has become a museum of sorts with his surfboards lining the walls.

Artwork in Bolen’s real estate office.

Alongside his friend and colleague Mike “Mickey Rat” Ester, he also founded the Surfboard Builders Hall of Fame, an organization that honored veterans in the industry with awards every year since 2000. Professionals aside, Bolen says he welcomes the young generation of wanna-be surfers from Greece to the same waters where he learned his skills, with one piece of advice: “You can’t make the peak without the Greek!”

Since 2010 when the category was first included in the 16-year-old annual poll, Daphne’s has won the honor every year, reports marketwatch.com. ”This year’s win is especially gratifying for Daphne’s as it shows how our customers feel about our new menu, culture and image,” said its CEO, Bill Trefethen. “Our unique fusion of California and Mediterranean flavors continues to resonate among consumers, who want a fresh taste that is also a healthier alternative to other dining options. Thank you, San Diego, for again voting us as the best Greek restaurant in the county.”

Founded in 1991, Daphne’s California Greek offers dishes available for health-conscious customers looking for quality, tasty foods. Their new menu includes Mediterranean salads, flatbread pizzas, pita sandwiches, grilled seafood and many dips and sides. Their innovative multi-grain pita bread contains seven grains. For more information visit www.daphnes.biz.

One of the most popular Greek festivals in Southern California kicks off Friday, September 7 at 5pm. Actor Tom Hanks and his actress/musician wife Rita Wilson will take to the stage once again to host some of the festivities at the L.A. GreekFest. This year’s special guest is popular Greek singer Thanos Petrelis, who will be performing two nights during the festival.

With food, folk dancing, wine tasting, a marketplace and children’s activities, the event always brings out large crowds every year. Zorba Night is the theme for the opening of the festival on Friday, September 7, which goes until 11pm; admission is free. Saturday, September 8, admission is $3 and runs from 1pm-11pm. Sunday, September 9, admission is $3 and is open from noon-10pm. Children under 12 are free all days.

A raffle is also being done, offering prizes from an iPad, flat screen TV and a $2,000 dream vacation package.

The event is hosted by Saint Sophia Cathedral at 1324 S. Normandie Avenue in Los Angeles. Proceeds go to benefit ministries, charities, philanthropic programs and youth initiatives.

For a full schedule of events, and to get more information, visit the L.A. GreekFest website at http://www.lagreekfest.com/, which also offers a $1-off coupon for admission Saturday and Sunday.