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THE HELLENIC LINK, Inc.

Member Update- BULLETIN

No. 86, March 2010

25 March 1821: Commemoration in a Contemporary Setting

The Celebration of Greece’s National Day is traditionally observed by Greeks everywhere as an expression of gratitude for the unspeakable sacrifices of their forefathers who took the fateful risk on that Day to stand up against the Ottoman Empire in order to reclaim their freedom and live with dignity at last. The liberation which came after years of bloody struggle ended four long Centuries of brutal suppression and factual slavery. This Day is also a reminder that the freedom and sovereignty bequeathed to succeeding generations of free Greeks should not be taken for granted, and that in the corner of the world called Hellas liberty can be maintained only with constant vigilance and at a high price. This cautionary reminder is particularly applicable today, 189 years since 1821; threats against the independence and sovereignty of Greece increasingly appear in various, unprecedented ways, which unlike past experiences are not necessarily linked to overt military aggression. Consider, for example, the case of Western Thrace. To illustrate the point, we cite a recent, well documented article, which sheds light on the predatory designs against this territory of the Greek State by its neighbor to the East. The title of the article: “An Insidious Danger of Losing Thrace” («Ενας Ύπουλος Κίνδυνος Απωλείας της Θράκης») by N. P. Soleintakis, published in the Greek magazine AKTINES recently (No. 707, Jan.2010, pp 10-14). This article assesses the devious and for long time persistent Turkish claims on Thrace, and points to the dexterous propaganda war waged for this purpose on a premise of false arguments, camouflaged under a cloak of sanctimonious fuzzy logic. Unfortunately, the Turkish tactics have yielded juridical decisions in their favor at the European Court of Human Rights (in 2008), at the absence of an effective legal Greek defense.

The enlightening article cited confirms the dire necessity for paying greater attention to the ways in which Greece’s national interests are projected and defended in the media and in international fora. In the interest of our readers, we reprint this article, with permission, in the HL Web Site.

A New Look of HL in the Cyberspace

This Bulletin issue salutes the Hellenic Link members and the community from a renewed Web Site, which we hope will be accepted by our readers as much as it has been welcomed by our editors. The new site allows for an easier posting of longer texts in both Greek and English than previously; it is handily amenable to a more speedy presentation of time-sensitive announcements, and it offers upgraded services such as a more efficient automated submission of application for HL membership. The ability to connect with links of other Hellenic Organizations will be helpful to our readers, marking significant advancement in the implementation of the Aims and Objectives of the Hellenic Link.

These improvements were realized through efforts of the HL Board to further facilitate communication with members and the public. These efforts will continue as long as there is sufficient commitment on the part of our members and friends to sustain them.

The editors of the Bulletin heartily encourage the cooperation of all of our readers in raising further the quality in both appearance and content of our presentations. Suggestions to this effect as well as submissions of letters, news and articles of interest are always welcome.

In Support of Hellenic Education: a New HL Initiative

Following the presentation of the proposal on “Aligning Greek Language Teaching with U.S. National Standards” by Dr. Vasiliki Tsigas-Fotinis at the recent AFGLC Conference in Tampa-Tarpon Springs Florida (see HL Bulletin, February 2010), and related post-presentation discussions among Conference participants, the Hellenic Link is considering appropriate follow-up action on the subject. Such action may require the commission of an ad hoc task force of experts to express and articulate “Greek Standards” which would be consistent with the National U.S. “Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21^st Century” (3^rd Edition, Revised, 2010).

The authoritative development of Greek Standards by knowledgeable experts is a sine qua non for officially placing Modern Greek in the sanctioned repertory of foreign languages currently taught in American schools. Such a development would facilitate a uniform and effective teaching of the Greek language across the land, and provide relevant criteria for certification of teachers.

The Advisory Council on Hellenic Education of the Hellenic Link is currently taking exploratory steps to establish interest for participation in the planned task force by Hellenist Educators teaching and conducting research in U.S. institutions of higher learning, especially those sponsoring programs of Hellenic Studies.

For the further enlightenment of our readers on what is involved in this initiative and on what is its significance, we are presenting the above proposal on the HL Web Site, as delivered at the AFGLC Conference.

On the Health Promotion Trek

The health promoting trekkers continued their journey through the Frank Parlamis St. Demetrios Senior Center of Jamaica, NY recently. On Friday, 19 February, RN Angela Floratos and Dr. Andreas Adams

presented a discussion-dialogue on stress and its effects on physical and psychological health to the Center’s energetic and proactive older adults. The workshop was conducted in both Greek and English.

Dr. Adams, using an open-ended Socratic method, elicited the participants’ meaning of stress. Their

responses varied, but they seemed to correlate to their lives’ experiences. Everyone agreed that stress is a function of an individual’s thoughts or ideas, which originate in the mind. Then the presentation focused upon an enumeration of possible stressors, especially for older adults. These include health problems (e.g.,

compromised immune system), the biological/physical changes associated with aging, major transitions

such as retirement (i.e., a decline in income and social networks), the “empty nest syndrome,” widowhood,

and so forth. RN Floratos explained the physical consequences of stress, which include ulcers, head/back aches, hives, decrease in energy, accidents (esp. falls), depression, strokes, vascular dementia, and Alzheimer’s. They posited a set of “Dos” and “Don’ts” for coping with stress so one can live a healthier and longer life. These suggestions include: physical and mental exercises; proper diet; avoidance of radical changes; change of attitude; elimination of nicotine; decreasing alcohol intake; and so on.

The two healthcare professionals also recommended reading books (e.g., Albert Ellis’ A New Guide to Rational Living), articles, and active participation in many social and church activities as a way of controlling/minimizing stress. Reading on ways to take things less seriously, getting control and ignoring certain unpleasant events is known as “bibliotherapy,” and can be performed individually on a one-to-one basis.

RN Floratos explained medication management bilingually; defined/clarified the importance of a “durable power of attorney”; took the vital signs (blood pressure); and reinforced the importance of physical exercises and mental activities, such as reading, doing crossword puzzles, volunteerism); pursuing classes at local public colleges; teaching Greek to grandchildren, knitting, crocheting; and so on.

Handouts on “Tips to avoid Negative Stress” and “Handbook 2010” were distributed to the participants,

the latter lists 40 recommendations on living healthier and longer!

By Andreas Adams and Angela Floratos, RN

Staikos, Pioneer Hellenic Link Member Turns 90 Happily

One of the early pioneers, who developed and organized a useful for the needs of Hellenism closely knit association of Hellene scientists in the United States, has been Dimitri Staikos, PhD, Chemist, professionally engaged for years in the Research Division of the Dupont Company. Dr. Staikos is a direct descendant of Staikopoulos, the Peloponnesian chieftain who in the first few weeks of the Greek War of Independence in 1821 led his rebel force to capture by assault and liberate from the Ottoman Turks Palamidi, the imposing fortress above the city of Nafplion. Dimitri is a member of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Link, Inc., who has served our Association in several important administrative capacities, including the presidency.

At a recent surprise party in his honor in suburban Wilmington Delaware, he celebrated his Ninetieth Birthday among family and numerous friends. The prevalent spirit at this party was one of jubilant and grateful recognition of Dr. Staikos’ lifelong efforts in support of numerous Church, civic, and Hellenic cultural causes. He chaired, for example, the Building Committee of his Church Community in Wilmington Delaware for the construction of its Cultural Center; more recently, he was one of the prime movers for the establishment and successful operation of the Charter Greek language and culture-oriented, School “Odyssey” of Wilmington, a school currently enrolling hundreds of multicultural students; through the years, he has always been on the ethnic ramparts defending the rights of Hellenism together with colleagues and compatriots. We wish to emphasize his role in laying the foundations and in designing a functional structure for the Organization “Krikos, Inc.,” and subsequently of the “Hellenic Link, Inc.” Both Organizations benefited from his co-operative, indefatigable and unswerving endeavors to impart in them a truly professional nature with by-laws governing fittingly their broad spectrum cultural, scientific, and educational activities aimed at the promotion of the interests of the Greek –American community and of Hellas. We mention in passing one of the activities he directed: the organization of Annual Conferences on themes of great significance for the educational, industrial and economic development of Hellas. In 1980,

for instance, he presided over the planning and conduct in New York City of a truly prophetic, ahead of its time, Conference on “Energy Alternatives of Greece,” in which solar, photovoltaic, geothermal, and wind turbine generation of power were focused topics, analyzed technically, and underscored for their economic importance for Greece.

At the above birthday party, the felicitous feelings and wishes of the Hellenic Link were expressed to Dimirti Staikos by its President Prof. C. Efthymiou and Secretary Prof. Katina Efthymiatou-Stabile. The Board of Directors of our Association, to which Dimitri is continuing to offer wise counsel, warmly wishes to him good health and a continued experience of fulfillment in his efforts on behalf of all of his benevolent pursuits.

CJE

Invitation to an Important Lecture:

The Hellenic Medical Society of New York

and

The Hellenic Link, Inc.

Cordially invite you to attend:

Dr. Demetrios Flessas’ Tenth Annual Memorial Lecture

His professional life was a paradigm of honoring the Hippocratic Ideals exemplifying

compassionate and humanitarian medical practice among Hellenes and Americans.

Topic of the Lecture:

“The Mediterranean Diets: What is so Special about the

Diet of Greece? The Scientific Evidence”

Introduction: Prof. Constantine Efthymiou – President, The Hellenic Link, Inc.

Dr. George John Tsioulias – President, Hellenic Medical Society of New York

Guest Speaker:

The Distinguished Artemis P. Simopoulos, M.D.

President, The Center for Genetics, Nutrition and Health,

Washington, D.C.

When: Thursday, April 15, 2010 at 7:00 pm

Where: Archdiocesan Cathedral Cultural Center

337 East 74^th Street, New York, NY 10021

Dr. Simopoulos will provide the scientific evidence that the traditional diet of Greece – that is the Greek diet prior to 1960 – is the healthiest diet because it is consistent with the diet human beings evolved and their genetic profile was programmed to respond to such diet. The Greek diet is balanced in the omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, is rich in antioxidants, fiber, and has adequate amounts of vitamin D, both from dietary sources and sunlight.

A fellowship hour, 6:00-7:00 p.m., will precede the Lecture

Information : (718) 398-2440(HMS); (718) 2174285(HL)

The Greek Debt Crisis: Is There a Way Out?

Under this disturbing title, the current economic upheaval in Greece will be the focused theme of a Lecture to be given by a knowledgeable expert, Dr. Charles W. Calomiris, Henry Kaufman Professor of Financial Institutions at the Graduate School of Business at Columbia University. The Lecture will be presented under the auspices of the Center for Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies of Queens College, NY, and co-sponsored by Hellenic Organizations of New York. This event will be presented at the Holy Trinity Cathedral Center (337 East 74^th Street) in Manhattan, N.Y., on April 7^th 2010 at 6:45 p.m.

The significance of the topic and the distinguished speaker -- we feel confident -- will draw a large and very much interested audience.

Opportunities for Summer Study in Greece

The Academia Homerica Program

The 13^th Academia Homerica will take place 9-18 July 2010 in Athens (2 days) and in the island of Chios (July 11-18); included in the program are educational visits to Oinousses or Psara ( nearby islands) and possibly to the ruins of Ephesos in Asia Minor.

The program in Athens includes visits to the Acropolis, the New Acropolis Museum and the Archaeological Museum of Athens. Before departure by ship for Chios, there will be lunch at Pasalimani-Piraeus, near the Themistoclean Walls (7/10). Lodging of the participants in Chios will be at the Boarding House of the Aegean University and in hotels. The program in Chios (instructional part and lectures) will be mainly at the Homerion Cultural Center. In addition to the mentioned near by islands or Asia Minor, there will be sightseeing visits in Chios town and island (Archaeological site at Emporio, Mastic villages, Nea Moni, Homer’s House and School, and others)

The overall program is divided into three distinct sessions:

a. Students’ session. Students with at least some acquaintance with Homeric Greek will have the opportunity to improve their knowledge of Homer’s poems and the world of Homer’s place. The program will include classes on Homer’s Odyssey, 23. (a text, Odyssey 23,1-296 and vocabulary notes will be sent in advance by e-mail to students attending the Academia Homerica). Lectures and seminars will also concern other Homeric topics, Mycenaean and Trojan archaeology, as well as Greek/Chian epigraphy and history.

This session will be directed by Prof. John Thorley, assisted by Dr. Antonis Makrinos and other faculty from European Universities. Instruction will be in English.

b. Scholars/Hellenists’ session. This part of the Program is for academics. It will be conducted in Modern Greek (with English summaries) by an international faculty.

c. Modern Greek session. This session will be devoted to the Modern Greek language, with intensive morning and afternoon classes conducted by qualified faculty.

Participants of all three sessions will take part in the same educational tours and visits.

Participation cost: 500 euro. This will cover full board in Athens and Chios, ship tickets, excursions. Optional airfare to and from Athens is not included.

For more information contact: Dr. Maria Giatrakou, Director of Academia Homerica,

4-6 Sot. Charalampi, 11472 Athens –Greece, tel. +30-210 642 3526, mobile: +30 6932368 388, e-mail: bissias@otenet.gr (Attn: M.E. Giatrakou)

Paideia Study Program in Greece 2010

The Center for Hellenic Studies “Paideia” offers semester programs in Athens, Thessaloniki and Rhodes in collaboration with Aristotle University, University of Macedonia, University of Athens, University of the Aegean. A non-credit study tour will commence in Aiani, Kozani on 7/23 and will end in Rhodes

on 7/30. The main sites visited are Aiani, Vergina, Dion, Thermopylae, Marathon, Athens,

Rhodes, Lindos, Kameiros. The tour includes participation in scholarly conferences and athletic competitions with local Greek youth. This year is the 2500^th anniversary of the Battle of Marathon, which adds a significant dimension to this tour.

There is also another three-week study tour, with credit, which commences earlier and includes visits of historical sites in Peloponnese and other points in Southern Greece.

These programs may offer partial scholarships to cover part of expenses.

For information and application contact: Center for Hellenic Studies Paideia, Campus of the University of Coinnecticut, 28 Dog Lane, P.O. Box 818, Storrs, CT 06268 Tel/fax (860)429-8518,

e-mail Paideia@snet.net , Web Site: www.paideiaonline.org

Summer Program in Crete of Drexel U.

The Department of Culture and Communication (College of Arts and Sciences) of Drexel

University sponsors a Study Abroad Program for the summer, exclusively for its students in any and all of its majors in Crete. The12-credit program consists of four 3-credit courses. The courses are all hybrid courses-meaning that learning takes place partly face-to-face and partly online. The program offers students the opportunity to literally dive into the Greek experience through an empirical study of its rich multifaceted culture as it is expressed today on the island of Crete. Learning doesn’t end when the program finishes, as it is structured to have 3 parts: a. Pre-program coursework and preparation;

b. 4 week on site intensive coursework in Crete; and c. Post-program reflective coursework and research writing done on-line. Students are required to take all 4 courses,

which include: “Crete Through the Looking Glass”, “Greek and Cretan History, Economy and Society”, “Cretan Civilization: Unraveling Ariadne’s Thread”, and “Communicate in Greek: Philoxenia.”

For complete information on this innovative academic program, interested readers can call Maria Hnaraki, Ph. D., Assistant Teaching Professor, Director of Greek Studies, at: 215.895.6143.

Professionals and students in every discipline or field of endeavor, whether of Greek Descent or Philhellenes, are cordially invited to join the Hellenic Link, Inc. as members. It is quite easy and useful! Just contact us at any of the indicated addresses

THE HELLENIC LINK, Inc.

A NON PROFIT CULTURAL AND SCIENTIFIC ASSOCIATION

OF HELLENES AND PHILHELLENES

INCORPORATED IN DELAWARE

Suite No. 278, 38-11 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, New York 11105

Web Site: http://www.helleniclink.org Email: info@helleniclink.org

Contact Telephone : (718) 217- 4285