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AHEPA FIFTH DISTRICT CELEBRATES IT'S
78TH ANNUAL CONVENTION
The Fifth District NJ/DE
convention was held on June 5-7, 2009 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Monroe Township, New Jersey. The convention was hosted
by the AHEPA Trenton
Chapter #72. The convention provided a great forum for the "Fighting
Fifth". The local chapter had worked hard all throughout the year to
host the annual convention.
On Friday of the convention, registration began
promptly under the supervision of PDG Lee Millas who served as Chairman
of the organizing committee. Opening the Friday meeting was President
Asteris Fanikos. The delegates approved PDG Chris Diamantoukos to chair
the convention. The evening concluded with an opening night reception in the
hotel where the delegates were treated by the local chapter.
Saturday started the convention in earnest with
close to 60 delegates participating from throughout the 18 chapters in
our domain. The morning session was highlighted by an appearance and presentation
from AHEPA National Vice President Nick Karacostas. The Governor's report
of outgoing District Governor Ted Fanikos summarized the District's
accomplishments throughout the year. This included the Governor's visit
to Greece
last summer to oversee how fire relief monies raised by the district was
used. Accomplisments include the refurbishing of a church, acquiring
computers for a school, and sponsor the expenses of a senior and a child.
Other accomplishments include a successful district workshop, visitation
to and fundraising for Saint Basil's Academy, a regional benefit for the
Cooley's Anemia Foundation and the Journey to Greece, participation in
both the Philadelphia and New York Greek Independence parades, a
fundraiser for our Metropolis of New Jersey headquarters, among other
things. The convention also addressed other issues including the
induction of the Sons of Pericles new District Lodge, a review and
emphasis on Hellenic cultural events and fundraising, a presentation on
the application of a Greek Regional charter school in Hackensack, New
Jersey, a Hellenic and Cyprus Affairs report, a report on the Odyssey
school in Wilmington, a district scholarship reportand AHEPA Fifth
District Cancer Foundation Report.
The Trenton
chapter kept the hard working delegates energized with door prizes, a
presentation to all chapter presidents of special AHEPA medals as well as
a terrific luncheon hosted by the local Daughters Chapter where the
district scholarship recipients were recognized. The convention concluded
with the elevation of Phil Vogis (Ramapo Chapter #453) to the office of
District Governor. The incoming District Governor gave an impassioned
speech regarding his aspirations for the District and thanked the
delegates for their support. District Governor Phil Vogis will be joined
on the Lodge by Lieutenant Governor George G. Horiates, Esq., District
Secretary Savas Tsivicos, District Treasurer Bill Harrison, District
Marshall Sammy Thomas, District Warden Dimitrios Rozanitis, District
Athletic Advisor Nick Mariolis and Sons Advisor PDG Ted Vittas. The
evening concluded with a Grand Banquet with many in attendance. His
Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos presided over the Banquet. AHEPA Supreme
Secretary Dr. John Grossmanides Jr. gave remarks as well. The banquet was
a perfect end to the "Ahepan of the Year" as District Governor
Ted Fanikos and Supreme Governor Louis Arvanitis gave eloquent responses.
The highlight of the gala came with presentation of
year end awards. The Chapter of the Year Award was presented to Camden #69. The
Chapter President of the Year was Trenton
#72 own Asteris Fanikos. The Chapter Secretary of the Year was from the Monroe Chapter #75
John Millas. Special Achievement awards were given to Eagle Rock #375
Peter Kokidis and Trenton
#72 Spiro Spereas. A special award was presented by the district lodge
officers honoring the achievements and tenure of Supreme Governor PDG
Louis Arvanitis. Finally, the awards concluded by the naming of District
"Ahepan of the Year", Camden #69 member Brother Stelios
Theodoris, whom received a rousing ovation from the crowd. Trenton Chapter #72
is to be commended for being gracious hosts and facilitating a productive
and enjoyable convention. All Ahepans left renewed and re-committed to
our Order.
We look forward to next year's convention, to be
hosted by Alexander Hamilton Chapter #54 at the Park Ridge Marriot. SEE YOU NEXT YEAR
!!
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John G. Thevos Fifth District
