With eighteen “Blue Flags” on its coasts, Rethymnon occupies the 11th position in the list of the awarded counties for the year 2011, from the Greek Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF). The organization acts as coordinator of the International Program “Blue Flag” in our country.
Among the 387 awarded beaches, Greece again placed second among 41 countries. Nine flags will be placed within the limits of the municipality of Rethymno and eighteen flags in the entire county. Rethymno is one of the counties with the most “Blue Flag” beaches and continues the tradition, which in recent years shows that the local governments and citizens protect their beaches.
In 2008, in Rethymno, 16 blue flags were posted, the same picture remained for 2009. In 2010, 13 blue flags were posted and this year, 18 beaches are being awarded. Specifically: “ Rethymnon 6/ Rethymnon 4 / B Missiria Platanias / Rethymno 6 / Perivolia Adelianos Plain A / Plain Pigianos / Scaletta / City Mylopotamou / Panormos / Lake / Lianos Kavos Lavrio / Varkotopi Bali / Bali Lawn / City of St. Basil / Damnoni / Plakias / Souda / Agia Galini / Late Varkotopi / Rodakino”.
Cretan Coast Awarded with 18 Blue Flags
4.9R Earthquake Jolts Kyllini Sea Region
A moderate earthquake measuring 4.9 on the Richter scale was recorded at 2:27 a.m. Thursday. The quake hit at a distance of 228 km. west of Athens, with its epicentre in the sea region off Kyllini, southwestern Greece.
According to the Geodynamic Institute of the Athens Observatory, the quake had a shallow epicentral depth of 15-20 km. and thus was strongly felt in the wider area.
No injuries or damages were immediately reported.
(source: ana-mpa)
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Pays Religious Visit to Smyrna
The Ecumenical Patriarch, His All Holiness Bartholomew, will be paying a visit to the region of Smyrna, starting on Friday, May 27th until Sunday, May 29th. A highlight of the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit will be the Saturday’s vespers service, officiated by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, for the first time in 90 years after the destruction of Asia Minor at the Entrance of Theotokos Temple in Alatsata.
Additionally on Saturday, the Patriarch will also be officiating the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy at the archaeological site of Ephesos, at the temple of St. John Theologos, where according to tradition, the faithful disciple of Christ annunciated in heavens. On Sunday, May 29th, at 9:30 a.m., the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy will be held at the Temple of St. Foteini in Smyrna.
The Patriarch will be accompanied by a delegation of the North Aegean Region, led by the periphery’s regional governor Nasos Yagalis. During their stay in the region, members of the delegation will be meeting representatives of the political, financial and social sectors of Smyrna.
The church of the Entrance of Theotokos was built in 1833 in Alatsata, by the famous architect Emmanuel Kalonaris from Smyrna.
Pontiac Greek Descendants Hold Event in Kings Park, June 11th
A representation of the Descent of the Myriad will be organised by the Pontiacs of Australia. They will revive the effort of returning to their homeland, made by the Greek mercenaries who participated in the military operations against Cyrus II of Artaxerxes, in 401 BC.
The representation will take place at the hill of Kings Park, Perth, in Western Australia. Its panoramic view has inspired the revival of the touching meeting of the Myriad with the Greeks of Pontus.
“The exclamation” Thalatta Thalatta “coming from the hills of Thichis, as well as the pyrrichios and the cranes dance that the Greeks danced, nowadays carry the timeless message of the human will and strength to survive, particularly updated in the difficult days that we live” stressed the organizers. They additionally noted:
“The descendants of the Pontiac Greeks will meet on Sunday, June 12th to remember and honor their history and their people. We dance the pyrrichios dance and the cranes dance in the same way our Greek ancestors did 2,500 years ago”.
10th Turkish-Greek Friendship Festival Takes Place in Strasbourg, France
The 10th Turkish-Greek Friendship Festival will take place in Strasbourg, France between June 3rd and 5th, as Anatolia News Agency reports. The festival has been organized in different cities in Turkey and Greece so far. This year marks the first time it takes place in another European city. Hasan Yavuz, Culture Counsellor of Turkey’s Paris Embassy, told reporters on Wednesday that Strasbourg was selected to host the event for its symbolic role in peace between Germany and France, adding that its organization committee strived to make Strasbourg an influential model for Turkey and Greece. The theme of the festival is ”Daphnes and Dialogues”.
Up Close and Personal with Broadcaster Ernie Anastos
Ernie Anastos, an Emmy award-winning Fox News broadcaster and the first Greek-American anchor in the country states: “I am very proud of my Greek heritage. I am extremely proud of my family and all of the good values and qualities that they’ve passed on to me.
My grandfather, on my father’s side, was one of the first Greek Orthodox priests ordained in America. He is listed among one of the great pioneers of our church. His name was Anastasios Anastasiou. My grandfather’s dream was to become a priest, and when he came to America that dream was fulfilled. He brought his whole family here.
My father, Phillip Anastos, was also extremely proud of his Greek heritage. He was in the travel business in Boston, and became a prominent figure in New England. His travel agencies were located in Boston and Lowell in Massachusetts, as well as in Athens, Greece. Dad also had a radio program on Sunday mornings called ‘Grecian Echoes.’ He would provide travel information on the program, and give commentary on family values, including the importance of our faith, education and the family unit. As a child, it was important that we celebrated many of the great holidays and traditions of our culture and our church. I grew up in a home filled with family and love. For many years we lived together with my Papou, Yiayia, my parents and two sisters, Maria and Georgia. I am still very close to my family and thankful that we were provided with great role models that we now share and pass along to our extended family.
I have been honored to be on television in New York City for more than thirty years, and often speak of my Greek heritage. I have tried to serve as a role model for many young people who have entered the field of broadcast journalism and I have shared my love and respect for our church.”
Anastos continues, “I have been close to the Archdiocese of New York. I have even taught Sunday School at the Holy Trinity Church in New Rochelle. This was one of the most meaningful and rewarding experiences of my life. Many students will often remind me of something that I said in that little classroom. I believe we can make a difference and an impression on people’s lives by doing something very simple such as teaching a Sunday school class about our faith. Overall, my Greek heritage is very much a part of my life.”
“My wife Kelly’s father was a wonderful man and a great priest. Reverend Spyridon Coutros was cherished and admired in his community of Asbury Park, New Jersey for more than 40 years. Today, our family remembers the great traditions that have become a part of everyday living. Kelly provides the delicious Greek cuisine in our home, we speak the Greek language, and often look at picture albums to rekindle our memories of the motherland.”
“One of my first inclinations as a young person was to enter the priesthood, but I eventually became very interested in becoming a broadcaster. As early as ten years old, I would pretend to be a radio announcer at home by reading the news out loud and telling stories to whoever would listen. All that passion helped me in landing my first radio position as an announcer when I was 15 years old and growing up in New Hampshire, thus commencing my path into the field of journalism. I still feel like a kid at heart since I love what I do!”
In addition to reporting the nightly news, Anastos is producing and hosting two specials for Fox 5 in New York called Positively Ernie. “This is a program which will share much of the good news and many stories that are going on in the world that often don’t make the news. There will be other positive features that will help motivate and inspire people to achieve their goals, and help them become happier and more successful with themselves and their families,” says Anastos.
Ernie Anastos was one of the biggest influences of the founder and author of the Loukoumi book series, Nick Katsoris. “Nick Katsoris was a young student who came to visit me when I was on ABC about twenty years ago. I saw his zest for life and I could sense that he was also a person of purpose. I am a strong believer in that. We started to talk about his desires to follow journalism and law. Nick and I really struck a chord right there and we became good friends and have been friends since the 1980s.”
“I think his Loukoumi book series is great! I think Nick has done an exceptional job. He’s trying to use his books to teach children about values and principles, doing good deeds, showing the kindness and sensitivity to our fellow man, and to make the world a better place. I applaud him for what he has done,” says Anastos.
Throughout his illustrious career in journalism Anastos has been the recipient of many awards and accolades. “Recently, I was truly honored by a New York Times special article called ‘The Importance of Being Ernie.'”
This tribute article was exceptionally written since the writer was basically saying that everybody in New York loves and respects Ernie… from the police officer, to the mayor, to the man on the street, and of course his millions of viewers.
“It is very fulfilling to have gained the trust, love and compassion of my viewers who depend on our broadcasts to keep informed and in many ways, entertained through a personal relationship that we have developed over the years.”
With regard to his proudest professional moments, Anastos remarks “I’ve received 30 Emmy awards and nominations in my career. The most significant story and the most painful was covering the events of September 11, 2001. I was on the air for several months with extended coverage that generated strong emotions throughout the nation, and especially in New York City.”
“I have also traveled to Havana, Cuba to cover the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution. My assignments have taken me to London, where I covered Princess Diana’s funeral. I reported on the heartbreaking story of John F. Kennedy Jr.’s unfortunate passing on Cape Cod. Also, I landed an exclusive report on the death of former Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1979.”
According to Ernie Anastos, “I’ve been to Greece many times. I’ve traveled with my wife and with our children. I love the islands. We spend most of our time on the islands of Mykonos, Santorini, and Patmos. I love Athens and Delphi. The center of democracy, among other things, is a reminder of our rich history and contributions to the world. Our culture has its origins in Greece and I’m also proud to be an American. I have served in the United Stated Army as a communications specialist and have been active in many patriotic programs and events in New York City. I will always have this great admiration and respect for Greece.”
Ernie Anastos was the first recipient of the Hellenic Times Dinner Dance Scholarship. “This started twenty years ago, and I still attend every annual Gala. I congratulate John and Margo Catsimatidis, as well as Nick Katsoris, on their vision to create this scholarship program which benefits so many talented Greek-American students. This year, they are celebrating their 20th Annual Anniversary, and it is expected to be a promising and stimulating evening event.” In addition, Anastos will present a scholarship award to an outstanding student in the field of journalism.
“My advice for aspiring journalists is to have the passion and commitment to report the news with truth, fairness and accuracy,” says Anastos. “You also have to have a sense of motivation and a sense of purpose in your life. I believe education is paramount. Get as much as you can and never stop learning!”
American best-selling writer H. Jackson Brown, Jr. once said, “Success is getting what you want. Happiness is liking what you get.” Anastos echoes this inspirational quote as his personal definition of the word success. “I feel successful because I have a family that I love and people who respect my work, and a sense of purpose in my life. Most important is my faith in God. After that, everything else then falls into place” adds Anastos.
As for the future, Anastos concludes, “The Greek-American community is very much alive and doing very well. I see families, children, schools and programs that perpetuate what we believe in. We are strong in pursuing and nurturing our faith and family values. The Greek-American community is extremely strong and I witness that every day and I am very proud of it.”
Greek Police Seize Cocaine Shipment, Arrest 9
Greek police say they have arrested nine people in Thessaloniki on suspicion of smuggling nearly 300 kilograms (661 pounds) of cocaine into the country.
Police say the drugs were unloaded at the northern port city last month, and following a surveillance operation four Greeks and five foreign nationals were arrested Wednesday.
It says the arrests followed cooperation with U.S. anti-narcotics authorities.
They said the drugs allegedly originated in Paraguay.
(source: ap)
EU Commissioner Damanaki States: "Greece Must Sacrifice or Leave Euro"
Greece must make sacrifices to overcome its debt crisis or face the risk of leaving the eurozone and return to the drachma, the European Commission’s Greek representative warned Wednesday.
“The greatest (achievement) of post-war Greece — the euro and the country’s European course — are in danger,” fisheries commissioner Maria Damanaki said in a statement.
“The scenario of Greece distancing itself from the euro is on the table,” the veteran Greek socialist said, stating that she was “forced to speak openly.”
“We either agree with our creditors on a programme of tough sacrifices that brings results, and assume the responsibilities for our past, or we return to the drachma. The rest is secondary under today’s conditions,” she said.
The Greek government and Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker, the head of the group of eurozone Finance Ministers, strongly denied rumors earlier this month that Athens was considering abandoning the euro.
(source: afp)
"Indignants at Syntagma" Facebook Member Protest Attracts Over 40,000 Supporters
After the successful “Los Indignados” protest in Spain where thousands of Facebook users gathered peacefully to protest against the economic crisis, members of the social network in Greece have now followed suit.
Syntagma Square, aptly named after the Greek word “constitution” became jam-packed with protesters long before 6:00 p.m. which was the official time for the protest to begin. Thousands of Facebook users, mostly young people, accepted the invitation sent out over the network within minutes. On Wednesday evening, the supporters gathered to show their total support.
Organizers and protesters, calling the protest “Indignants at Syntagma” claim they want to send a message, “to protest against all those who have led the country to its present situation and the grave crisis every citizen is facing.
Facebook, often singled out for criticism in the past through the media, proves its influence in a positive light as it brings out people and their strength in numbers.
Another 5,000 gathered in the northern city of Thessaloniki and similar protests were planned in the cities of Patras, Ioannina, Iraklio and others.
“Thieves, thieves,” the crowd chanted in Athens as a small police force looked on, with reinforcements in reserve.
“What time is it? Time for them to go,” read a banner.
Cypriot Eleni Tanousi Kamilari Passes Away at 108-Years-Old
One of the oldest women in Cyprus passed away on Tuesday at the age of 108. Eleni Tanousi Kamilari was born in 1903 in Agia Marina Skyllouras and resided in the Kotsiati Community. She moved to the Community after the Turkish Invasion, with most of her relatives originating from the same place. She was married to Michael Tanousis, who died in 1960. Eleni Tanousi died in a place that she loved with her 8 children, 40 grandchildren, 90 great-grandchildren and 25 great-great-grandchildren.