The AHEPAN Summer 2022 - 18

Englewood Cliffs, N.J.
Trenton, N.J.
STATE, LOCAL CELEBRATIONS ABOUND!
Community and chapter celebrations also began March 20.
AHEPA Bergen Knights Chapter 285, Tenafly, N.J., and the city
of Englewood Cliffs, held a Greek flag-raising ceremony to celebrate
Greek Independence. Ahepans, local first responders, Boy
Scouts, and Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John
the Theologian GOYA dancers and children, participated.
Also in March, in Indiana, Ahepans were welcomed by
Governor Eric Holcomb (R) to the Governor's residence for
the presentation of a Greek Independence Day proclamation
for a second consecutive year. In addition to marking Greek
Independence, they discussed the contributions of Greek
Americans to Indiana communities. Indiana Ahepans donate
to charities, awards scholarships, and provide affordable senior
housing to help strengthen communities throughout the state.
The Rose of New England Chapter 110, Norwich, Conn.,
led a flag-raising ceremony at Norwich City Hall on Greek
Independence Day.
" It's an honor to raise the flag to honor my ancestors for what
they accomplished coming to this country with nothing and making
a success out of their lives, " Ahepan George Grossomanides
told the Norwich Bulletin.
Past Supreme President Dr. John Grossomanides also
addressed the crowd that gathered at City Hall.
In Nashua, N.H., Mayor James Donchess presented a proclamation
to Ahepans from Chapter 35 at City Hall and held a
flag-raising ceremony. The Ahepans also held a memorial service
at Hellenic Circle.
In Upstate New York, Syracuse's and Onondaga County's
Greek American community gathered at City Hall, March 25,
2022, to celebrate Greek Independence and AHEPA's centennial.
The event, spearheaded by AHEPA Chapter 37, featured Hon.
Ben Walsh, mayor of Syracuse; New York State Assemblyman
John Lemondes, Chapter 37 President Michael Labotos, and
Father David Smith, among others, as speakers. Mayor Walsh
raised the Greek flag during the singing of the Greek National
Anthem. Brother Phillip Georgakopoulos displayed a massive
12 by 25-foot Greek flag, with the help of seven Ahepans, and
Brother Stavros Tamoutselis dressed as an Evzone. City Hall was
illuminated in blue overnight.
In New Jersey, AHEPA family members participated at a
Greek Independence Day celebration and flag-raising ceremony
at the New Jersey State House, Trenton, March 23, sponsored by
the New Jersey Hellenic American Heritage Commission.
Daughters of Penelope Grand Vice President Georgette
Boulegeris, Past District 5 Governor Dr. Zenon Christodoulou,
who chaired the program; and Daughters of Penelope Past Grand
President Evellyn Tsiadis were among the speakers. Supreme
Governor Vassos Chrysanthou and Past Supreme Governor
George Karatzia also attended.
In Wilmington, Del., Mayor Michael Purzycki proclaimed
March 25 Greek Independence Day at a flag-raising celebration
at Freedom Square at the city's Government Complex. The chorus
of the Odyssey Charter School performed the American and
Greek National Anthems as well as a selection of patriotic songs.
District 12 Ahepans with Indiana Gov. Holcomb.
Ahepan George Grossomanides raises the Greek flag in Norwich, Conn.
18 | THE AHEPAN · Summer 2022
www.ahepa.org
John Shishmanian/NorwichBulletin.com
http://www.ahepa.org
The AHEPAN Summer 2022

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