The AHEPAN - Fall 2009 - 9

ahePa family news civic involvement as well as the vision set forth by Past Grand Presidents Karen Stamatiades and Barbara Stavis Wolf.” A senate version of the resolution, S.Res.117, currently rests with the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. It was introduced by U.S. Sen. Olympia J. Snowe (R-ME) and co-sponsored by U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) on Apr. 29, 2009. Congratulations to Brother Arthur Lalos who recently received his 75-year membership pin. U.S. House of Representatives Passes Resolution Commemorating 80th Anniversary of Daughters of Penelope The U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Daughters of Penelope (DOP), on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009, announced Grand President Elaine M. Sampanis. “We are deeply honored and humbled that the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution commemorating the anniversary of our founding and acknowledging the contributions of Greek-Americans to our society,” said Sampanis. “We are grateful to Congresswoman Maloney and Congressman Bilirakis for their support and leadership as well as all the co-sponsors of the legislation.” U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-14-NY), cofounder and co-chair of the Hellenic Caucus, was the original sponsor of the legislation, H.Res.209, which was introduced March 4, 2009. With the assistance of Rep. Maloney and Hellenic Caucus Co-Chair U.S. Rep. Gus M. Bilirakis (R-9-FL), the legislation passed with 53 bipartisan co-sponsors. Sampanis added, “Our members are excited and thrilled. Passage of this resolution could not have been possible without their AHEPA Congratulates Greece’s New Prime Minister Supreme President Nicholas A. Karacostas sent a letter on October 5, 2009, congratulating George Papandreou on becoming Greece’s new prime minister. Papandreou’s PASOK Party won 44 percent of the vote leading President Karolos Papoulias to give Papandreou a mandate to form a new government. “The entire AHEPA family, including the Daughters of Penelope, Sons of Pericles, and Maids of Athena, wish you the best as you strive to meet the challenges Greece currently faces,” wrote Karacostas. “We look forward to working with you and your government to further strengthen and enhance the bonds of friendship between the United States and Greece.” One anticipated agreement that will immediately enhance U.S.-Greece relations is Greece’s entry into the United States’ Visa Waiver Program, added Karacostas. Brotherhood for Life: Lalos Receives 75-Year Pin On Oct. 16, 2009, Supreme President Nicholas A. Karacostas presented Brother Arthur H. Lalos with his 75-year membership pin at a dinnermeeting hosted by Chapter 31, Washington, DC. More than 100 Ahepans and wives gathered to honor Brother Lalos, who is also a recipient of the AHEPA Lifetime Achievement Award. Brother Lalos is a former executive director of AHEPA. He was initiated into the Order in 1934. Chapter 31 President Vassilis Skardis presided over the dinner meeting. Past Supreme President John T. Pappas, Past Supreme Treasurer John Deoudes, and Past Board of Director Steve Georgilakis were also in attendance. Supreme Vice President Dr. John Grossomanides, Supreme Treasurer Col. Nicholas Vamvakias, and District 3 Governor Steve Mavronis also participated. www.ahepa.org Fall 2009 the ahepan

http://www.ahepa.org

The AHEPAN - Fall 2009

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The AHEPAN - Fall 2009