The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), a leading association for the nation’s three million American citizens of Greek ancestry, and countless Philhellenes, will hold its 87th Annual Supreme Convention, June 29 to July 5, 2009, in San Francisco, Calif. “We’re excited to return to the West Coast for our Supreme Convention,” said Supreme President Ike Gulas. “San Francisco is also a poignant location for the Daughters of Penelope which was founded there 80 years ago. We believe we have a wonderful program for the entire family to enjoy, including a gala affair honoring a distinguished group of Hellenes.” Honorees attending the 87th AHEPA Grand Banquet on Friday, July 3, include Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis who will receive the AHEPA Pericles Award. “I would like to wholeheartedly thank both you, personally, as well as members of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) for your decision to honor me with the Pericles Award, which I gladly accept,” wrote Foreign Minister Bakoyannis in an acceptance letter to Supreme President Gulas.
In addition, the convention program will consist of: educational and policy symposia, athletic events, business sessions, and social affairs hosted by the San Francisco AHEPA Family. The Daughters of Penelope, an affiliate organization of AHEPA, will be celebrating its 80th anniversary in the city of its founding. “Everyone is welcome to attend the convention,” said Executive Director Basil Mossaidis. “One can register as a guest, or non-AHEPA family member; although a registration discount is offered to non-members who join.” This will be the third time San Francisco hosts a Supreme Convention. Previously, AHEPA held conventions there in 1931 and 1979.

The fourth case of the new H1N1 “swine flu” in Greece was confirmed by the Pasteur Institute in Athens on Friday.
According to the national Health Operations Centre, the new case involves a 23-year-old woman that arrived from New York on Thursday night having flu-like symptoms, such as a cough, aching muscles and a runny nose, while her fever was being kept in check by medication prescribed in the United States.
On arriving at Athens’ Eleftherios Venizelos airport, the young woman acted on briefing material available to passengers and herself contacted the Hellenic Centre for Infectious Diseases Control, where she was submitted to tests.
After doctors obtained a sample for testing, they gave the young woman treatment and advised her to remain home and meticulously observe all the necessary hygiene measures. When the test result came back positive, they immediately sent a specially equipped ambulance to take her to the ‘Sotiria’ hospital in Athens, where she will be admitted for treatment and an epidemiological investigation.
In the meantime, the second and third patients diagnosed with swine flu in Greece, two travellers arriving from Edinburgh, are still in hospital for treatment but are considered to be doing well and will soon be discharged.
(source: ana-mpa)

Journalist Lambros Papantoniou passed away at age 63 in Washington, DC. Lambros was a constant fixture in Washington, having been a diplomatic correspondent for several Greek and Greek-American media outlets for nearly 35 years.

Ian Kelly, State Department spokesman made the following statement “This is a sad day for all of us here. We learned this morning that our long-time friend and colleague Lambros Papantoniou passed away. Lambros was a veteran member of our press corps family here. And he was proud to say that he covered the State Department from Nixon to Obama. He loved his work here, and we loved him.”

The President of AHEPA in an email targeted to the organization’s members highlighted the importance of Papantoniou’s coverage for the Hellenic Issues in the US and abroad.
“His diligent work to explore U.S. foreign policy issues toward the Eastern Mediterranean and Balkans at a multitude of press briefings and press conferences in Washington was immeasurable. Lambros always ensured that no matter the Hellenic issue; it was always raised before the spokespersons of Washington DC policymakers. We are truly indebted to his passionate work as a journalist. Moreover, Lambros was a personable and warmhearted individual, and we will sorely miss his presence at future gatherings and events in Washington and elsewhere. We also remember fondly his support of AHEPA and all Hellenic American organizations.”