Thursday, February 18, 7-11 pm (downtown venue to be announced next week). RSVP not necessary. Special marquee entertainment and other attractions (scroll down). Cash bar with comp appetizers.
Reminder email next week with our latest newsletter. Send news to George and/or Terry for publication (please summarize news in two paragraphs). Scroll down for events occurring this weekend.
Greek Media Club SPECIAL EVENT!!! The very lovely and talented Ariana Savalas, a young jazz singer living in LA, will be visiting Chicago to perform Friday, Feb. 19 at Davenports, a Windy City jazz staple. But first she'll give us a sampling of her talents at our Feb. 18 event. Ariana is the daughter of the late, great actor Telly "Kojak" Savalas. Who loves ya' baby (!?) Ariana will be joined on the GMC stage by our very own Jimmy Damon, the only singer authorized by the late, great Frank Sinatra to sing Sinatra's music during the legendary crooner's long and illustrious life! We hosted more than 130 revelers at our "Secret Santa" December event, including more than a few well-known media personalities, and we'll reprise that and more this time around.
Special thanks to Ted G. Spyropoulos, President of SAE America (World Council of Hellenes Abroad www.SAEUSA.org), for underwriting considerations.
TONIGHT-FRIDAY FEB 5: Our GMC "cousin" Kostas Zografopoulos - Philanthropist, community leader, 2004 Athens Games Torchbearer - is being honored Friday, Feb. 5 by the Ypapanti Society as "Hellene of the Year" at the Society's annual dinner dance, being held at the Chateau Ritz Banquets in Niles. As well, our "cousin," author and longtime writer for The Greek StarGeorgia Photopulos, will provide the introduction of the guest of honor. Music by Pericles Productions. $55 per person. Phone Joanne Giannopoulos (847) 825-8054 or email . And check out www.KostasZ.org.
SATURDAY FEB 6: The 29th annual Joint Professionals Valentine's Soiree will be held Saturday, Feb. 6 beginning at 7 pm, at Gibson's Bar & Steakhouse (Rush & State Streets). Co-hosted by the Hellenic Professional Society of Illinois, the Hellenic Dental Society, the Hellenic Bar Association, and the Greek Women's University Club. $75 for current members (online registration fee), or $90 at the door for all attendees (includes dinner, open bar until 10 pm, and dancing). Music by DJ John Grammatis. Cash bar and dancing after 10 pm. Also, $30 entry fee at the door after 10 pm. Visit www.HPSI.org.
SATURDAY FEB 6: Bring mask or costume (one or the other is required for this one!). The National Hellenic Museum and Greek social network community www.Portokalada.com co-host Valentine's "Masqeurade" Saturday, Feb. 6 at the Museum in Greektown (Halsted & Adams, enter on Adams, 4th floor). $20 entry fee. Celebrates Apokries! (Carnival), a period of partying, eating, drinking, dancing, and celebrating before Lent. Featuring: TC Matchmaking; palm readings by Victoria; art exhibit; speciality cocktails, beer and wine; Greek mezedes; DJ Yianni from Greektown Music (Yianni Morikis has publicly stated that Greektown Music WILL be rebuilt after the fire!!! We miss it already).
FRIDAY FEB 12: Eurocircle Chicago hosts their annual Valentine's Day event at Crescendo. Lead "cruise director" is Maria Dollas. For info www.EuroCircle.com, click on Chicago chapter.
OUR LAST EVENT: The Dec. 3 GMC Christmas party, held at the Chromecraft wholesale furniture showroom of Alex Kountoures, was attended by more than 130 revelers. We were honored to be visited by a host of media professionals, including CLTV host Gerard McClendon; CLTV news anchor Monica Schneider; CLTV producer Jerry Riles; WLS radio personality Amy Jacobson; former Loop radio and CLTV personality Jane Monzures; the dynamic singing sister combo of Lexi and Stephany Prodromos; restaurateur/lounge singer Donny Greco; singer/celebrity vocal impressionist John Truncali; musician/keyboardist Cole Degenova;Andrea Dres of Harpo Studios; and Nancy Keres of RDS Studios. We were also paid a visit by LA-based Mary Laina of Greeks of Hollywood and www.Notforgreekgirlsonly.com; filmmaker Valerie Gobos; co-directors of www.DailyFrappe.comSpiro Papadopoulos, Kyriakos Mellos, and Kostas Vasilopoulos; Greek internet radio personality Art Andros (aka "Joe Matsokapetros"); CBS2 intern Anthe Mitrakos; movie critic Mike Poulos; and U.S. Congressional candidate Jim Ascott, among others. Thanks to all for sharing a small slice of your Christmas with our fun and growing little group of "cousins."
December 2009 Update
GREEK MEDIA CLUB“Secret Santa”holiday convergence of creative media artisans…If you plan to visit us, we have the expectation of the courtesy of your RSVPby midday Wednesday latest. This one will be well-attended, already more than 100 and counting.
PARTY THIS THURSDAYDecember 3, 2009 A.D. - 7:00-11:00 pm - Suite 1078 Merchandise Mart - Chicago USA - more details below.
EXCLUSIVE, COMP EVENT - The GMC Option = gratis drinks, appetizers, entertainment, special guest, good cheer, hoards of comfy chairs (the venue is a high-end office furniture showroom). Bonus: ‘Cousin’ George is packing Greek mistletoe!
GUEST LIST - Our comp invites are evolving to become more (pseudo) scientific but for this time around at least, if you received this email direct from George or Terry, you’re invited with one guest.
REQUIRE RSVP for you and your guest if you think you might stop by. After-hours building security issues and we’ll highly-likely be at capacity. You should receive a reply email confirmation. If you didn’t previously get one or can’t recall, send another note to George or Terry or text/call. We may be Secret Santas but we’re no Secret Service (White House security joke). It’s comp so we’re anticipating capacity issues. Thanks in advance for your kind consideration.
WHEN/WHERE/WHAT - Thursday, December 3 at the Merchandise Mart, 10th floor ChromeCraft Showroom, suite 1078...Performance by two young sisters who are fantastic, multi-dimensional vocal prodigies…The sharing of verbal discourse and merriment with more than 100 creatively-inclined communicative types who bring passionate, illuminating conversation.
SPECIAL THANKS - Our gHOST of Christmas present is Chromecraft owner Alex Kountoures…Singers Lexi Prodromos and Stephanie Prodromos…Mary Laina of www.NotForGreekGirlsOnly.com …and a handful of ‘cousins’ whose identities shall for now remain anonymous (need to know basis; debriefing at 1900 hours CST Thursday Greenwich Mean Time; classified Secret Santa stuff.
NEWSLETTER - Get the scoop on the debut of Anna Davlantes at FOX32 (and much more) by scrolling down for our Holiday newsletter! Wishing you the best from your GMC co-directors...
George Bliss (312) 217-0510 Terry Poulos (708) 975-0571
Website: www.GreekMediaClub.com Webmaster: Frank Mahony -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
“The Cousins’ Letter” A production of www.GreekMediaClub.com Thanksgiving/Christmas 2009 edition
One long item, a few medium-size notes and a slew of brief nuggets.
DAVLANTES DEBUTS AT FOX32: Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist Anna Davlantes, who we’re honored to say is a close GMC ‘cousin’ and also co-founder, in late November debuted on WFLD FOX32 Chicago in what promises to be an exciting new showcase for her vast talents! She’s reporting on the weekday 9 pm hour-long newscast, contributing investigative reports and specials, and filling in on occasion at the anchor desk weekday nights. Nearly four months back, Anna declined an offer to remain at NBC5 Chicago, choosing to depart the station after 9 years reporting on the weeknight 10 pm news and anchoring weekends. She was looking for new opportunities and an expanded role, not to mention weekends off for the first time in 9 years! Anna promises that this will be “a very different role than that at NBC.“ This Fall, during a contract-stipulated three-month hiatus from broadcasting, Anna took part of that time to vacation in Greece (Santorini and Athens) and Britain, her paternal and maternal ancestral homelands. Upon her return to Chicago in November, a deal was struck with FOX in short order, “much more quickly than normal,” Anna told us. A news operation wishing to quickly get her into the fold is no great surprise because Anna is one of the finest in her field locally and in high demand. A growing chorus of seasoned media observers have even taken to calling her `the most talked-about personality in Chicago journalism’, and the accolade has much merit. In fact, her signing with FOX32 was trumpeted with a banner headline on the front page of the Chicago Sun-Times. A mutli-dimensional media talent (TV/film/radio), Anna also occasionally appears on WLUP and WLS radio to banter with hosts, deliver news, and cross-promote her various endeavors. This dynamic Chicago native and Northwestern University grad has had a whirlwind 2009. Not only did she make a major career move, only weeks prior her acclaimed documentary “Get Into The Shark Tank With Anna Davlantes” won two Emmy’s from the National Association of Television Arts & Sciences! She co-produced and hosted the ground-breaking film about the “Wild Reef” exhibit at Chicago’s world-renowned John G. Shedd Aquarium, conducting much of the narrative while in the same tank as the sharks and completely submersed underwater thanks to specially-fitted scuba gear and a wireless mic. In late 2008, the film debuted on WTTW Channel 11, the local PBS affiliate and coincidentally the same outlet where Anna began her professional journalism career straight out of college. And if that all weren’t enough, Anna recently became a godmother to her niece Christine, whose parents are Anna’s sister Maria and Maria’s husband William Loesch. You can be certain it will be a Merry Christmas in the Davlantes family this year!
LOU JOINS FOX MORNINGS: It was announced just hours ago so we're getting all the details and will report back fully next go-round, but suffice to say another of our close 'cousins,' "Sweet" Lou Canellis, has been hired by WFLD FOX32 to join the morning team! While we don't think there was a connection with Anna's signing, the two are coincidentally good friends and of course GMCers all the way! Lou has been on the call all season for Chicago Bears pre and post-game coverage on FOX TV (the network) and as sideline reporter during preseason contests, and he was also on weekdays with Comcast SportsNet cable. Lou also began his hoops season this month and has already done play-by-play for numerous ESPN broadcasts. We've been informed his new role with WFLD local will be sports in general, but also entertainment reporting, something Lou has had extensive exposure to over the years. NEGOVAN ADDRESSES BIZ OWNERS DEC. 3: Prior to our holiday party, a few GMCers will take in Susanna Negovan’s address at the annual holiday benefit and networking event sponsored by the National Association of Women Business Owners - Chicago chapter. A GMC ‘cousin,’ Susanna is editor-in-chief of Michigan Avenue magazine. Her address takes place Thursday, Dec. 3 at the Allerton Hotel in downtown Chicago. If you’re a woman who owns a business and would like to attend, log on to www.NAWBO.org for registration info. Open to non-NAWBO members but there is a discount for members. Susanna has her publication on a roll. Recent front covers have included actor John Cusak, Chicago Bears QB Jay Cutler and Oak Park, IL native Kathy Griffin, nationally-known TV host and self-described “D-Lister” who’s turned her life on the D-list into an A-list broadcasting career. Kathy’s appearance on Michigan Avenue magazine’s most recent cover made its way onto the front page of the National Inquirer, a coup for Susanna! Susanna’s publication’s front page was featured on the front of the Inquirer, which is distributed internationally. Visit www.MichiganAveMag.com for more. Special thanks to our GMC 'cousin' Anastasia Athans-Stothoff www.InsightDesignSolutions.com.
FREE POETRY READING DEC. 3: Lots happening on the day of our party but this is mostly beforehand so check it out if you have time. The National Hellenic Museum sponsors a free poetry reading “Odes and Fragments of Sophocles” on Dec. 3 from 6-8 pm. “Incidental music” provided by Fulcrum Point New Music Project, Steve Burns. Go to www.NationalHellenicMuseum.org for more.
LA CHRISTMAS PARTY DEC. 8: Greek Americans in Hollywood hosts their annual Christmas mixer Tuesday, Dec. 8 beginning 7 pm at El Bar in LA. Cash bar. Request RSVP to . Hosts are Mary Laina and Daphne Alexa Pagonas.
HPSI CHRISTMAS PARTY DEC. 11: The Hellenic Professional Society of Illinois hosts its 84th annual Christmas party Friday, Dec. 11 from 7-11 pm at Le Passage. For info and tickets, go to www.HPSI.org.
JIMMY “THE GREEK” ESPN REVIVAL: He once ruled network NFL Sundays as the chief prognosticator on CBS’ famous “NFL Today” (the ONLY pre-game NFL show among the three major networks back in the pre-cable days). Jimmy “The Greek” Snyder (100-percent Greek, confirmed!) was THE indisputable ‘father of sports prognostication, and the leader in horse racing analysis. The late and legendary ramblin’ gambling’ man was the focus of one of ESPN’s “30 for 30” series of documentaries commemorating the 30th anniversary of the sports cable network. The compelling film, telling the story of Jimmy’s meteoric rise and ultimately tragic fall, was aired in mid-November and our Cleveland `cousin’ George Veras was consulting producer on the project. George is a famous producer of films and TV productions that have aired on networks HBO and ESPN, among many others, and he also directed the Yanni at the Acropolis videos. George is currently the executive director of the NFL Hall of Fame Enterprises in Canton, OH. Back in the late 70’s and early 80’s, George served as Jimmy’s “NFL Today” director, when Jimmy was achieving rock star popularity working alongside legendary sportscaster Brent Musburger, former NFL player Irv Cross, and analyst Phyllis George. Veras contributed many on-air quotes for the ESPN film, and our Carolina ‘cousin’ Basile the famous Greek comedian did the voice-over for Jimmy’s on-air simulated character. Look for the DVD soon. It‘s a must-see documentary for anyone who considers themselves a discerning sports enthusiast! And check out www.VerasTV.com.
FILM “SNEAK PEAK”: Jenna is back! Our longtime ‘cousin’, filmmaker Jenna Maria Constantine, whose previous project “Spirit of the Chicago Greeks” won an award at the prestigious Cannes International Film Festival in France, is back in Chicago after spending a good deal of the past two years in Italy filming her latest project, “A Sicilian Odyssey.” Catch Jennna’s latest at the Gene Siskel Film Center Sunday, Dec. 20 at 8 pm for an advance preview. For info and tickets, phone (312) 399-4860 and check for the film at www.IMDB.com. Presented by JADE Entertainment and KaplaniKid Productions.
MAG PUBLISHER NEW DIRECTOR OF COUNSELING AGENCY: We’re pleased to report that one of our close ‘cousins,’ former Mia and Enas magazine publisher Christina Sofiakis, was recently named the executive director of the non-profit social services agency The Hellenic Foundation of Chicago. A longtime staple of the local Greek American community, the H.F. recently sold its signature property Hollywood House near north Lake Shore Drive and is now focusing on its core services in the areas of mental health, divorce, child welfare, and drug and alcohol abuse addiction counseling. Sofiakis has been charged with re-defining the organization and going forward is seeking input from the community as well as ways to possibly take the agency national via interactive mechanisms involving media, the internet, radio, and more. The organization also seeks volunteers. For more info, stay tuned to www.HellenicFoundation.org to see expanded website offerings. Christina plans to join us on Dec. 3, so please seek her out and inquire. The president of the foundation is attorney Louis G. Apostol, another of our close ‘cousins’ of course.
KARA IN CHICAGO, EVERYWHERE: Our Chicago native-turned-LA ‘cousin’ Patricia Kara, actress and spokes model on NBC Universal’s “Deal or No Deal” game show, was back in Chicago to emcee the Nov. 27 Pan Hellenic Scholarship banquet, where $250,000 was given to worthy students. She then flew back to LA to host the Impact Awards held at Paramount Studios. That ceremony involved entertainment artisans from Chicago and Columbia College Chicago, with participants including Jeff Garlin (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”) and famous actor Joe Mantegna. Lastly, she jetted off to Houston to host an event in conjunction with the Houston Texans of the NFL. As if all that weren’t enough, Patricia worked her Hollywood connections to raise funds for the Trinity Foundation charity begun by Fr. Avramis in SoCal. Patricia persuaded CSI;Miami actress Sofia Milos to join in, as well as Adoni Maropis (“24”) and game-show host Alfonso Ribeiro. Co-chairs were Elena Evangelo and John Fuleras. As always, we urge a visit to www.PatriciaKara.com.
OUR BARB HOSTED BY GREEK C.G.: GMC ‘cousin’ Barbara Bonfigli, whose debut book “Café Tempest” was previewed at the National Hellenic Museum in October, is set to be hosted at yet another book party by the Counsel General of Greece, the Hon. Aghi Balta, on Dec. 17. The event is set to take place at the Press & Communications Office in mid-town Manhattan, NY. We’re told Balta read the novel this summer and loved it! A few of us GMCers attended a Café Tempest book discussion hosted by Playboy Enterprises immediate-past CEO Christie Hefner at Hefner’s private residence this summer. What a year 2009 has been! Be sure to visit www.BarbaraBonfigli.com.
GREEK CHICKS RULE: Comedian Ellen Karis from NY on Nov. 27 performed her standup routine “Greek Chicks Rule” at St. Sophia’s in Albany, NY. Ellen wrote that people should come after Thanksgiving to “laugh all those calories off.” The funny girl has increasingly raised her profile, appearing on the FOX News Channel, among others, to offer her wit and humor in conjunction with insight gleaned from a former career on Wall Street. Visit www.EllenKaris.com.
COMEDIAN CENTRAL: We’d be remiss to not mention other ‘cousins’ who are prominent comedians on the circuit. Check out these funny guys (funny how?)…Chicago-based Skip Griparis (www.SkipGriparis.com), Carolina-based Basile (www.OpaBasile.com), and NY-based Jimmy “Super Greek” Santis (www.SuperGreekMusic.com).
KOSTAS Z AN ARCHON! He’s one of our special charter ‘cousins’ and one of the real honest-to-goodness great guys in the community. Our very own Kostas Zografopoulos, 2004 Athens Games Olympic torchbearer, disabilities rights advocate, philanthropist and founder of the Kostas Z Foundation (www.KostasZ.org), recently was given one of the highest honors by the Greek Orthodox Church of America when he was presented as a newly-installed Archon of the Church at a ceremony held in New York City. Kostas was in good company, being inducted alongside such notables as Supreme Ahepa president Nicholas A. Karacostas and Congressman Gus M. Bilirakis of Florida. Z-man, you’re the best buddy!
MODA SEEKS ARTISTS: Moda Fashion Gazette, a quarterly high-end glossy based in Chicago, is seeking artists who want to be featured in her publication. The mag’s publisher is our own Angeliki Garris. Check out www.ModaFG.com for more.
MITRAKOS IN D.C. FOR PAN HELLENISM WEEKEND: GMCer Anthe Mitrakos, a Loyola U. senior journalism student who’s currently interning at CBS2 and formerly interned at FOX32, just got back from Washington where she attended the 1st annual Pan Hellenism Weekend for youth, sponsored by www.DCGreeks.com. Anthe reports to us that the crowd was entertained by nationally-known comedian Angelo Tsarouchas, who’s act has aired on Showtime, among others. Anthe has prepared a feature article on the event for The Greek Star newspaper. Meanwhile, Anthe’s sister, Northwestern U. freshman Vasiliki Mitrakos, recently was hired by ‘The Mash,” a Tribune company publication, as a paid intern. Vasiliki won numerous journalism awards in high school. This is one dynamic sister combo!
PORTOKALADA.COM NEWS: Our ‘cousins’ at the Greek social networking site www.Portokalada.com, founders Peter Quintas and Steven Livaditis, were profiled in late November in a full-page feature article written by our own Maria Karamitsos of The Greek Starwww.TheGreekStar.com. Also, Portokalada’s Maria Kiagias, a rep for the site, took a full-time position in PR, and is also the new marketing director, for the law offices of Charles Therman & Associates, LTD. She’ll continue to work with Portokalada on special projects.
DEMAS FILM WINS NJ HONORS: Filmmaker Peter Demas has an intriguing new film release called “War Against the Weak” which delves into issues of euthanasia and health among vulnerable populations. The film recently took top honors in the “Best Documentary” category at the New Jersey Film Festival. Peter is a new ‘cousin’ who follows us from afar and we’re interested to learn more about his projects going forward.
ATLANTA ‘COUSINS’ NEW VENTURE: Just in time for Christmas! Video guru Mike Andreola and his sister, San Francisco-based Vickie Constantinides, recently launched www.MoriAndMore.com, a Greek-themed website offering humorous t-shirt designs based on sayings we all heard growing up in Greek households. The site also markets hoodies, hats, and children’s wear. Also check out Mike’s production business at www.Graffects.com …Another Atlanta ‘cousin,” TV producer/director Peter Siaggas (aka Coca-Cola boy in TV commercials back in the day), returns as director for “Free Radio,” a unique partial-improv, partially-scripted comedy recently picked up for its second season on the music video cable channel VH1. Check out Peter’s work at www.SpotsFilms.com ...Our Chicago-native-turned Atlanta 'cousin' "Sweet Baby" Jane Monzures is here and will attend our Dec. 3 party! Jane is formerly of WLUP radio and CLTV Chicago.
CRAINS REPORTER ON PCC PANEL: Our own Shia Kapos, who covers the business social scene on her Crains Chicago Business blog at www.ChicagoBusiness.com, took part in a panel discussion Nov. 11 for the Publicity Club of Chicago. Shia writes a fascinating blog called “Taking Names” that is a must-read for anyone serious about the Chicago business scene! Shia recently reported on the National Hellenic Museum reception hosted by the principals behind the development of a brand new facility being built on the south end of Greektown.
ARTIST ON WGN TV: Professional artist and film costume/makeup designer J. Anthony Kosar, another of our close ‘cousins,’ was interviewed by WGN TV Channel 9 on Oct. 28 about his new line of Halloween masks. A recent graduate of the Chicago Academy of the Arts, where he was valedictorian, Anthony has been on a role of late, having his very first comic book cover published as part of the “Buckaroon Bonzai” series of periodicals. J.A.‘s website: www.KosartEffects.com.
GABBY CHEF NEW BOOK: This brought to us by our ‘cousin’ Gregory Pappas at Greek America magazine www.GreekAmerica.net. Celebrity chef Michael Psilakis, who appeared at the 2009 inaugural Gabby Awards in Chicago (chaired by Pappas), has a new book out called “How to Roast a Lamb: New Greek Classic Cooking.” You can get a discount at the GA website or by emailing .
NEW FITNESS BOOK: Our close ‘cousin’ “Big” Lee Roupas, State of Illinois official at the Liquor Control Commission, Michigan State U. cheerleading alum, personal fitness trainer and motivational speaker recently released his first tome “Living Proof: A Fitness Journey.” Lee competes solely in all-natural fitness and bodybuilding competitions and he has a great story that transcends mere fitness and gets at the mind and body experience. We urge a visit to www.LeeRoupas.com.
2010 GREEK PARADE CO-CHAIR: Our very own Art Andros (aka the outrageous Greek comedian Joe Matsokapetros) has just been named co-chairman of the 2010 Greek Independence Day Parade on Halsted Street in Chicago’s historic Greektown! Art is a longtime architect with the City of Chicago and is actively involved with community events and charities. More info as we approach the day.
‘COUSIN’ GEORGE WITH BEARS QB ON WJJG: `Cousin’ George Bliss, GMC co-founder and co-director, scored an interview with former Bears QB Bobby Douglas in November on WJJG AM-1530 AM. Douglas addressed his recent bout with throat cancer and judging by the interview, sounds like Bobbie is doing quite well following his treatment! Click here to listen http://67.162.73.47:8130/listen.m3u.
A WORD FROM ONE OF OUR SPONSORS: www.NotForGreekGirlsOnly.com "With the catch phrase "Stop The Crazy Talk" (STCT), the main focus of Not For Greek Girls Only (NFGGO) is to share (anonymously) stories, one liners and comments on the "Crazy Talk" all around and inspirational stories in order to help transform, renew and promote understanding. Men and women alike are encouraged to explore the "Crazy Talk" in their lives. "Crazy Talk" can come from anyone: parents, siblings, friends, neighbors, community members, the media and even ourselves and includes such statements as, "You'll never find a husband because you're too smart"; "Men can't multitask"; or "I'm only attracted to jerks". The ultimate goal is to identify the craziness in our lives and our minds so we can Stop The Crazy Talk and hopefully grow in truth and love. When checking out the site, go to the "Diary" page for past postings and the "Shop" for NFGGO and STCT items. Please help spread the word and support Not For Greek Girls Only!"
That’s all we had time for this time around ‘cousins.’ Please keep sending us stuff. We’ll get around to it, promise!
ROSATI MC’S OCT. 18 MUSEUM GALA: NBC5 Chicago lead anchor Allison Rosati, a prominent Philhellene, will emcee this weekend’s (Sunday, October 18) annual fundraiser gala for the National Hellenic Museum at an event held at Chicago’s Ritz Carlton Hotel, 180 E. Pearson. “Building a Legacy” is the event title and a who’s who of the local Greek American community will be on hand as the museum gears up for the historic groundbreaking of a brand new facility located at Halsted and Van Buren Streets in Greektown Chicago! Reception 5:30 pm, dinner and dancing 6:30, silent auction/raffle. Black tie preferred. Honored guests Andrew A. Athens and Frank S. Kamberos. Solo singing performance by Robin Simone. For tickets phone (312) 655-1234 or visit www.NationalHellenicMuseum.org.
OCT. 17 GARY SINISE USO EVENT: Our GMC “cousin” Sharon Tyke (newly installed director of programs for the Illinois USO!) is working closely with CSI:NY actor Gary Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band for their Oct. 17 benefit concert for the organization, which assists U.S. military servicemen. The event takes place at Navy Pier’s Grand Ballroom. Visit www.USO.org/Illinois.
REEVE FOUNDATION: In town…The 2nd annual gala event for the Christopher ("Superman" films) and Dane Reeve Foundation is Oct. 15 at the House of Blues in Chicago and features headliner Caroline Rhea, a popular talk show host and comedian who is married to Costaki Economopoulos.
D.C. GATHERING OF NATIONWIDE YOUTH NOV. 5-9: Our Washington-area “cousins” at www.DCGreeks.com have put together an impressive program for November 5-9 that is not one to miss. Their “Pan-Hellenism Weekend” is a “four-day destination Greek social weekend across the country…(an) event that will appeal to Greek American young adults and Philhellenes over 18 years of age both locally and across the country.” For direct registration www.DCGreeks.com/PanHellenismWeekend.
OUR LAST EVENT: We were honored to receive so many media luminaries at our last event, held two months back at the Park Hyatt Hotel. “Cousins” George and Terry welcomed first-time GMC attendees: Reporter Ted Gregory of the Chicago Tribune (recent winner of the prestigious Pulitzer Prize!); Brenda Sexton, the former and longtime chief of the Illinois Film Office; businesswoman/social blogger Irene Michaels (www.IonTheScene.com); CBS College Sports analyst and Prep Football Report publisher Tom Lemming; former Chicago Bears player Chris Martin, now a Big 10 Network analyst; sportscaster Dyrol Joiner; longtime Tribune photographer John Kontantaras; and A. Steven Betzelos, past Supreme Order of Ahepa president and former columnist for The Greek Star and contributor to Hellenic Review TV in Chicago. As well, we were entertained by our close GMC “cousins” Kim Vatis of Chicago NBC5 and Amy Jacobson of WLS AM-890, and Andrea Dres came beaming after news of her promotion at Harpo Studios! We were also paid a visit by Dan Proft, a conservative activist and radio commentator who’s running in the GOP primary (www.Proft2010.com) for Illinois governor.
VARIETY SHOW OCT. 23: The zany comedic ensemble "More Stuffed Tomatoes," directed by Tom Akouris, is back for the second year and runs Friday, October 23, 8:00 pm, at the St. John’s church stage/gymnasium in Des Plaines, IL.
CBS NETWORK VET HERE: Veteran CBS network reporter John Metaxas was also in town the weekend of our last event. We connected with him via telephone but he was unavailable the night of our event. John’s blog is a must-read for anyone interested in issues relevant to Greeks in general www.JohnMetaxas.com. His network, WCBS-TV Channel 2 in New York, has taken to online niche programming and the Greek news blog is one of their latest efforts. He also anchors the flagship station on Sundays.
KASS TAKES ON TRAFFIC SIGNAL: From our “cousin” John Kass, page 2 columnist at the Chicago Tribune. This is a hilarious tongue-in-cheek mini-video about a term familiar to Greeks called the “Moutza.” This is when you hold your hand out as if to say “halt,“ but in the Greek context it has a vulgar connotation meaning something to the effect of “go to xxxx.“ John hosts this funny video and interviews famous Billy Goat owner Sam Sianis and crew about what should be done about this ubiquitous traffic signal that is offensive to multitudes of Greeks worldwide (haha). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atAzmrrl-B8
KARA MOVING IN CHICAGO: Thought that would get your attention. Chicago native-turned-LA actress/TV host Patricia Kara, also briefcase spokes model on NBC’s hit game show “Deal or No Deal,” has been in Chicago so much this summer that let’s just say we’re her second home. First, she emceed Moda Fashion Gazette’s 1-year anniversary gala at Resolution Digital Studios and simultaneously graced our event at the Peninsula Hotel. She also visited during the Greektown Fest on Halsted and just this last weekend hosted the 1st ever Greek Folk Dance & Choral Competition, held at the Westin Hotel in Rosemont in conjunction with the Elli Koukinou concert. DJ John Grammatis performed at the dance competition. On November 20, Trish is back again at Chicago’s Union League Club for the annual Pan Hellenic Scholarship Foundation awards gala. Check out www.PanHellenicScholarships.org. That’s only the Greek stuff. Patricia was recently featured in country music star Trace Adkins’ new music video “Marry for Money,” and she and her “Deal” model colleagues took first place in the Game Show Network’s awards show for “favorite TV show models” at a ceremony hosted by “Deal” host Howie Mandel. At the after-party, Patricia and Howie bumped into Tony Orlando, famous recording artist (“Tie a Yellow Ribbon”) who also happens to be both part Greek and Puerto Rican. As always, check out “Trish the Dish” at www.PatriciaKara.com . CONTESTANT #9: Add “game show contestant“ to Patricia (model #9) Kara‘s growing list of credits! She played a special celebrity round of the new game show “Catch 21” and won $2500 for her designated charity www.TrinityChildrensFoundation.org. Patricia beat out two other "Deal" models on the show hosted by Alfonso Ribiero (Carlton from "Fresh Prince of Bel Air"). Patricia's episode will air this November on the Game Show Network.
NEGOVAN ADDRESSES WOMEN BIZ OWNERS: Michigan Avenue magazine editor-in-chief Susanna Negovan is slated to headline the annual holiday gala for the National Association of Women Business Owners. The Dec. 3 fundraiser is at the Allerton Hotel in Chicago. Negovan will address this group of accomplished women on her efforts at running a major magazine and her own incorporation of her personal brand. BTW, Susanna reports that her hubby, WGN TV anchor Tom Negovan, is doing quite well following a recentaccident. Visit www.NAWBOChicago.org. Our GMC “cousin” Anastasia Athans-Stothoff, owner at www.InsightDesignSolutions.com, serves on the board of NAWBO’s Chicago chapter. Also check out www.MichiganAveMag.com.
DAVLANTES ON-AIR THIS NOVEMBER?: Broadcast journalist Anna Davlantes, our GMC co-founder who this summer opted to not re-sign with NBC5 Chicago after serving 9 years as a reporter and anchor, is rumored to be making a career announcement in November. So wrote Davlantes herself on a recent facebook post. Meanwhile, she’s in Athens and Santorini this month for primetime downtime. Some daily print scribes speculated she's headed to either FOX or CBS2, but she can’t negotiate with any competitors until her current contract expires. Hence, a November announcement may be forthcoming. In early October, Anna and her former “bookend” reporter at NBC5, Amy Jacobson, participated in the annual Newsapallooza charity benefit hosted by WLS radio host Roe Conn and comedian Richard Marx. Check out the photos here www.wlsam.com/Article.asp?id=1453788&spid=18042.
DRES PROMOTED AT HARPO: Harpo Studios, the signature studio of Oprah Winfrey that‘s located just west of Greektown Chicago (Opa Oprah!), recently promoted researcher Andrea Dres, yet another GMC “cousin,” to the position of production assistant! Andrea, one of our young, bright “future stars,“ as we like to say, began her new responsibilities late this summer…Another “future star” is Anthe Mitrakos, who recently completed an internship at CBS2 Chicago. Anthe, who’s demeanor and writing skills are well beyond her years, has previously contributed to Greek America magazine, among others, and is an erudite observer of both news and haute culture. Mainstream media outlets would be wise to snap her off the job market as we firmly believe she will before long join the likes of our Andrea and a few of our other bright young GMCers as a media mover-shaker!
“BIRDS” FOUNDER AT ST. D’S EVENT: The Byrds (“Mr. Tamberine Man,“ “Eight Miles High,“ etc.) pop rock band founder Chris Hillman, a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame who is also married to our California “cousin” Connie Pappas Hillman, is a proud Philhellene and often partakes in events that celebrate Eastern Christianity and Orthodoxy. His Byrds were one of the hottest bands in America during the 60’s and early 70’s and recorded chart-toppers at a dizzying pace. In late August, he was a presenter at the Metropolis of San Francisco program “Christian Themes in Pop Media,” a spiritual renewal retreat that explored Christian themes in both popular music and movies from American culture. The event was hosted by St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Camarillo, CA. A few of us met up with Connie this summer in Chicago as she was here doing advance work for another Rock & Roll hall of famer, the famous Elton John. Connie is Elton’s North American Touring Coordinator and has been with him for the greater part of the past three decades.
GEORGIE PORGIE’S NEW VID: Chicago singer George Andros (AKA the recording artist known as Georgie Porgie) has a new video out for his single “New Day” that is both a catchy tune and contains an inspirational message. Check it out www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHogpYKazMs. We think you’ll like it. On the Musicplant Records label. Andros’ brother is City of Chicago architect Art Andros (AKA outlandish online radio comedian Joe Matsokapetros, a GMC “cousin“ and regular at our events (BTW, don't either one of these guys use their regular names anymore?).
TELIA LAUNCHED: The timing couldn’t be more “perfect” for our “cousin” Peter Quintas to launch Telia Solutions. His new firm offers custom software engineering, website design/development, social networking aps, e-Commerce aps, internet marketing, print design, video production, and more. The word “telia” in Greek means “perfect.” Visit www.TeliaSolutions.com. Peter and Steve Livaditis (“cousin Livo”) are co-founders of www.Portokalada.com, the online social community for Greeks.
MUST-ATTEND LOYOLA CLASS: City News Bureau legend Paul Zimbrakos is now teaching a class on the now shuttered journalist training ground at Loyola University Chicago. Highly-recommended course for any would-be journalist. Zimbrakos has helped train many of the finest reporters and top names in Chicago journalism both past and present.
PUBLISHER WELCOMES PRIME MINISTER: Washington Monthly magazine publisher Markos Kounalakis moderated a Sept. 30 event in San Francisco that featured the former Norwegian Prime Minister as the guest of honor. Visit www.WashingtonMonthly.com. The mag also recently published their annual college ranking guide.
DEAN’S LIST: WGN radio/TV film and stage critic Dean Richards emceed the recent annual gala fundraiser “Dance for Life,“ benefiting various AIDS charities. On-air, recent Richards interviews include actors Vince Vaughn and Peter Billingsley. View “The Dean’s List” at http://www.wgntv.com/news/deanslist/.
WAR AGAINST THE WEEK: This hot-titled film, produced by cross-country “cousin” Peter Demas, premieres in Manhatten Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Anthology Film Archives. It won “Best Documentary” at the Delray Beach Film Fest in California. www.WarAgainstTheWeakMovie.com. “War’ is about a pre-Nazi “racial purification plan in the United States,” and probes the “sinister history of eugenics.” Explosive commentary, you can be sure.
BIG NEWS COMING AT WOODFIELD? Our “cousins” at Schaumburg, IL based www.WoodfieldMedia.com, George Vroustouris and Alex Vroustouris, are soon to put the finishing touches on the website of an innovative new Chicago-area startup. Look for news soon! Woodfield Media was listed by Crain’s Chicago Business as one of the area’s top up-and-coming web programmers and online marketing firms. Another of our “cousins,” Anastasia Athans-Stothoff of www.InsightDesignSolutions.com (profiled by the Chicago Tribune two years back), designed the logo for this exciting new education, sports, and financial services firm, which was founded by one of our really, really close GMC “cousins.” Some of you have already guessed his name, we’re sure.
HOLLYWOOD GREEKS: Recently visiting the National Hellenic Museum in Chicago was Mary Laina, one of the principals behind the popular www.HollywoodGreeks.com. We’re working with Mary on a possible joint holiday event with the GMC in early December. Another LA group has some cool pics up of Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson dancing up a storm at the annual LA Greekfest. www.hollywood.greekreporter.com.
DUKAKIS NARRATES DOC: Award-winning actor Olympia Dukakis narrates the new film “The Promise of Tomorrow - The First Generation.” The documentary on Greek immigration will be screened Nov. 12 at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences in Beverly Hills, CA at an event emceed by actor John Aniston. For tickets, go to www.ItsMySeat.com, keyword: Promise of Tomorrow. Or contact Shelly Papadopoulos (310) 528-8214 or email . Our LA-based “cousin” Daphne Valentina is on the event committee and brought this to our attention.
FRAPPE PROFILED IN ATHENS PLUS: The Chicago-based news/community website www.DailyFrappe.com was recently featured in an interview with the widely-distributed English weekly Athens Plus. Frappe is run by Spiro Papadopoulos, Kyriakos Mellos, and Kostas Vasilopoulos. It’s designed for Greeks of the Diaspora to connect with the news, events and happenings in Greece. Click here to read the interview.
DO YOU WANNA READ? The producer/director behind “Do You Wanna Dance,” Robert Kranz, is back with another project, this time a book “Falling in Love with Sophia” that is all goes well he plans to turn into a movie. “Dance,” many of you may recall, was a depiction of the life and career of Fr. Chris Kerhules of Chicago, a film about redemption and finding joy. Kranz’s production company, Ellinas Multimedia, is about to release “Sophia” any week now. He’s gotten tremendous feedback thus far! Visit www.EllinasMultimedia.com.
FITNESS BOOK RELEASED: Our very own “Big” Lee Roupas recently held two launch parties for the release of his first book, “Living Proof: A Fitness Journey.” Roupas, a competitive bodybuilder who is a staunch advocate of natural fitness, also has an inspirational and spiritual angle in his tome. He’s a very interesting character who wears many hats. He’s a personal trainer, works full-time for the State of Illinois in the Liquor Control Commission devising public service campaigns to discourage underage drinking and drinking and driving, and he was also on the cheer squad at his alma mater, Michigan State University. Check out www.LeeRoupas.com.
LOUKAS CHICAGO-DENVER-SALT LAKE CONNECT: Our various Loukas family “cousins” from Chicago are spread far and wide across this great land. Their family has a ranch outside the Denver metropolitan area (condolences on the recent passing of family matriarch Georgia Loukas, BTW). In Chicago, GMCer Alexandra Loukas, who works in real estate, has been a frequent contributor to various Greek publications as a writer. Her brother, Dino Loukas, is a former pro rodeo cowboy who’s in the midst of writing a book about his experiences, which include defying death (and doctors’ prognosis) after a horrific fall from his horse. He’s back on track these days, although retired from competition. The Loukas‘ have a real-life cousin, Aristea Brady, who‘s a reporter and morning host at the ABC affiliate KTVX Salt Lake City, UT. That‘s the media side of the family. In Meeker, CO, the family has a close business association with the Theos family, who work with the Loukas/Kourlis families to deliver locally-grown products to area Whole Foods stores. Whole Foods recently produced a video depicting the Theos patriarch’s testimony about Whole Foods products and the value of locally-grown food. Here‘s the video www.youtube.com/watch?v=-y3TvMvW-hA.
JOINS BOARD OF CHILD’S PLAY: GMC co-founder Terry Poulos in October joined the Advisory Board of the unique Child’s Play Touring Theater in Chicago www.CPTT.org, a not-for-profit co-founded by our “cousin” June Podagrossi that brings kids’ scripts to life when pro actors perform them live at educational institutions. Terry, an 11-year veteran of the NFL’s “Instant Replay” program (and you thought he only worked “Greek stuff“), has been involved in education issues for the past five years with the not-for-profit www.SportsIsEducation.com, a foundation he started with another of our “cousins,” attorney/author Eldon Ham, SIE‘s chairman. As for Child’s Play, check out their W.O.W. (Writing Our World) program, a promising new multi-cultural initiative linking domestic and foreign students via online exchange. The group also offers acting and theater classes to teens age 13-18 at their west Armitage studios.
ODE TO ANTIGONE: GMC co-founderGeorge Bliss put together a moving tribute to our recently-deceased “cousin” Antigone Lambros, one of the matriarchs of Greek journalism nationwide with her staple "HellenicInterlude" radio programs. Check out George’s slide presentation at www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvoD1_HNp48. Also, Antigone’s obit, which appeared in The Greek Star in Chicago and The National Herald in New York, can be found at this link www.ahepa.org/uploads/pdf/national_herald.pdf. It was written by our “cousin” Maria Karamitsos, associate editor at www.TheGreekStar.com.
2010 OLYMPIC HOPEFUL TAKES MIC: Recent Libertyville High School grad Maria Papasotiriou, yes folks yet one more of our many, many “cousins,” is Greece’s best hope for medaling in figure skating at the 2010 Winter Games in Canada. She recently hosted her annual skating exhibition with celebrity skaters on the national circuit to help raise funds for Pancreatic cancer research. Watch Maria on air as she interviews the other skaters involved with the show. The gal has presence and pinache! www.skatingcircle.com/channels/23/series/15/videos/1637.
TREASURER PAPPAS: Correction from last newsletter: We kindly restore Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas to her proper title. We wrote “commissioner“ in our last missive, which of course was her former elected office but not present. George, Terry and a few others caught up with Treasurer Pappas this summer at Christie Hefner‘s book discussion for Barb Bonfigli‘s “Café Tempest.“
THE ART OF THE TREASURER: On the subject of the Cook treasurer, recently on display at Pappas’ downtown office were the paintings of Ellen Lustig, a “cousin” who lives in Greektown but has yet to make one of our events (even though she keeps promising ;) Ellen also does fantastic digital caricatures, party caricatures, murals, and other commercial work. Check out her cool stuff at www.Artips.com.
KIKI’S KREW: WJJG AM-1530 radio personality Kiki Vale was recently profiled in The National Herald. She was excited as well that her annual “Kiki’s Krew” walk/run was able to raise more than $15,000 for diabetes research! For pics and other fun stuff, visit www.KikiVale.com.
TRUNCALI DOES BULLS PRE-GAME: He’s a GMC favorite and has performed for us numerous times. Celebrity vocal impressionist/singer John Truncali, who is half-Greek and half-Italiano, is back again this season performing pre-game entertainment at the United Center prior to Chicago Bulls home games. John is most notable for his Tom Jones impersonation, although we love his Tony Bennett equally. Check out his regular slate at www.JohnTruncali.com.
DAMON, DANOS DO SINATRA: We’ve got the gamut covered here at the GMC. Our very own Jimmy Damon, who’s also performed live for us numerous times, is the only singer who was authorized by Frank Sinatra himself to perform Sinatra live during Sinatra‘s illustrious life and career. Catch Jimmy’s stuff at www.JimmyDamon.com(Footnote: Who was the REAL inspiration for Bill Murrary's famous nightclub singing act on SNL? Hmmm, could it be our Jimmy?). In Nashville, TN, we’ve got a “cousin,” Perry Danos, who’s another Sinatra whiz and also has his own jazz bent that’s wowing audiences across the nation. Danos has a new album out and he tours Las Vegas Oct. 19-20. He also played Chicago this summer and sang the National Anthem at a Chicago White Sox game during “Greek Night” at U.S. Cellular Field. Visit www.PerryDanos.com.
ROCKERS FLYING HIGH: Our “cousin,” Tinley Park’s Dimitri Kontos, bass guitarist and leader of the progressive rock band the Flying Hamsters of Doom, tells us the band changed their name to F.H.O.D. (brevity, we believe). They recently shot a music video for their song “Unashamed,” just released, and their working on another album. Check out www.FHODband.com.
ANISTON-NARRATED BOOK RELEASED: Actor Jennifer Aniston narrates the latest edition of the popular Loukoumi children’s book line titled “Loukoumi’s Gift,” being released in time for National Make a Difference Day. The author is Nicholas Katsoris, who’s first book “Loukoumi’s Good Deeds” was a hit across the nation with its morality lessons for youth. Nick informs us that he and his publisher aim to get over 300 schools and 10,000 kids to do a good deed to celebrate the day! Visit www.Loukoumi.com.
CAL AUTHOR’S YOUTUBE VIDEO: Rising author Patricia Volonakis Davis, a California “cousin“ and author of “Harlot’s Sauce: A Memoir of Food, Family, Love, Loss, and Greece,” has her book’s first podcast and you tube video up and running. Go to www.PatriciaDavis.com for more info.
LOCAL TOURISTS: Reporter Kathy Catrambone covers the Greektown area for the Emmy-winning website www.TheLocalTourist.com, founded by our “cousin” Theresa Carter. Kathy is seeking info for local events. Andy Angelos is another writer for the website.
DAILY DOSE OF DALEY: University of Illinois at Chicago grad journalism student Bill Vassilakis is now contributing to the website www.DailyDaley.com, a spoof about Chicago’s Mayor Richard M. Daley.
COMIC BOOK COVER: Artist J. Anthony Kosar (a GMCer, of course) announced his variant cover for the comic book “Buckaroo Bonzai: Hardest of the Hard (1 of 2) is now out on store shelves. Check your local comic book store. Anthony graduated at the top of his class at the American Academy of Art in Chicago and he‘s a real whiz-kid! Visit www.KosartEffects.com.
BOSTON SPORTS: Out in Boston, our “cousin” Teddy Panos directs and hosts sports talk on WCAP 980-AM, reports for the Lowell Sun newspaper, and is also general manager at his family’s Athenian Corner Restaurant. A busy guy…Another of our Boston “cousins,” Nick Tsiotis, was interviewed by the major Greek publication TA NEA for an article on the late, great two-sport pro athlete Harry Agganis. The article appeared Oct. 3. Tsiotis is co-author of the book “The Golden Greek,” a biography of a man who is perhaps the greatest-ever Greek American pro sports star (Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians player!). Tsiotis is also the sports columnist at www.TheHellenicVoice.com, a Boston weekly that is one of the most widely-read Greek newspapers in America.
AHEPA “GREEK OF THE WEEK”: The Supreme Ahepa recently honored journalist Steve Chiotakis as their “Greek of the Week.” He recently departed WBHM in Birmingham, AL to take a position with American Public Media’s “Marketplace Morning Report,” a nationally-syndicated radio show providing hourly economic updates to 350 stations nationwide. Visit www.Ahepa.org.
NEW MAGAZINE ISSUES OUT: The fall editions of the various Greek magazines just hit news stands! Check 'em out...Greek America magazine's "Gabby Awards Special Issue." Visit www.GreekAmerica.net...Greek Circle magazine's "An Ode to Women." Visit www.GreekCircle.com...Odyssey magazine's "Screening Green" and "Women in Power." Visit www.Odyssey.gr.
THIS THURSDAY OCTOBER 15, 2009…The Greek Media Club returns for Halloween scarefest…No costume required but they sure do spice things up…We'll have a special guest as always (a “Hollywood” angle, or the snake-haired Medusa).
DETAILS:The Parthenon Restaurant (314 S. Halsted, ½ block south of Jackson) in Greektown. 7:30-11:00 pm in the Parthenon’s private banquet room `Bouzouki Lounge‘ (enter Parthenon, turn right, pass the bar, enter first doorway; don't scare the ghosts). www.TheParthenon.com. (312) 726-2407. No entry fee, cash bar, RSVP not necessary. On-premises valet with self-park very close to restaurant.
* 6:00 pm pre-event at the National Hellenic Museum (4th floor of Greek Islands building at the corner of Halsted & Adams). The Parthenon is approximately 1 block south of the museum. Many of us will attend to watch our GMC “cousin” Andrea Darlas, WGN radio/TV reporter, moderate a book discussion for author Barbara Bonfigli’s hot new tome “Café Tempest,” which recently garnered a great review by the major Greek publication Athens Plus! Must RSVP for museum event. Modest entry fee. Phone (312) 655-1234 or visit www.NationalHellenicMuseum.org.
See you Thursday “cousins”!!!
GMC CO-DIRECTORS
George Bliss (312) 217-0510 Terry Poulos (708) 975-0571
ROSATI MC’S OCT. 18 MUSEUM GALA: NBC5 Chicago lead anchor Allison Rosati, a prominent Philhellene, will emcee this weekend’s (Sunday, October 18) annual fundraiser gala for the National Hellenic Museum at an event held at Chicago’s Ritz Carlton Hotel, 180 E. Pearson. “Building a Legacy” is the event title and a who’s who of the local Greek American community will be on hand as the museum gears up for the historic groundbreaking of a brand new facility located at Halsted and Van Buren Streets in Greektown Chicago! Reception 5:30 pm, dinner and dancing 6:30, silent auction/raffle. Black tie preferred. Honored guests Andrew A. Athens and Frank S. Kamberos. Solo singing performance by Robin Simone. For tickets phone (312) 655-1234 or visit www.NationalHellenicMuseum.org.
OCT. 17 GARY SINISE USO EVENT: Our GMC “cousin” Sharon Tyke (newly installed director of programs for the Illinois USO!) is working closely with CSI:NY actor Gary Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band for their Oct. 17 benefit concert for the organization, which assists U.S. military servicemen. The event takes place at Navy Pier’s Grand Ballroom. Visit www.USO.org/Illinois.
REEVE FOUNDATION: In town…The 2nd annual gala event for the Christopher ("Superman" films) and Dane Reeve Foundation is Oct. 15 at the House of Blues in Chicago and features headliner Caroline Rhea, a popular talk show host and comedian who is married to Costaki Economopoulos.
D.C. GATHERING OF NATIONWIDE YOUTH NOV. 5-9: Our Washington-area “cousins” at www.DCGreeks.com have put together an impressive program for November 5-9 that is not one to miss. Their “Pan-Hellenism Weekend” is a “four-day destination Greek social weekend across the country…(an) event that will appeal to Greek American young adults and Philhellenes over 18 years of age both locally and across the country.” For direct registration www.DCGreeks.com/PanHellenismWeekend.
OUR LAST EVENT: We were honored to receive so many media luminaries at our last event, held two months back at the Park Hyatt Hotel. “Cousins” George and Terry welcomed first-time GMC attendees: Reporter Ted Gregory of the Chicago Tribune (recent winner of the prestigious Pulitzer Prize!); Brenda Sexton, the former and longtime chief of the Illinois Film Office; businesswoman/social blogger Irene Michaels (www.IonTheScene.com); CBS College Sports analyst and Prep Football Report publisher Tom Lemming; former Chicago Bears player Chris Martin, now a Big 10 Network analyst; sportscaster Dyrol Joiner; longtime Tribune photographer John Kontantaras; and A. Steven Betzelos, past Supreme Order of Ahepa president and former columnist for The Greek Star and contributor to Hellenic Review TV in Chicago. As well, we were entertained by our close GMC “cousins” Kim Vatis of Chicago NBC5 and Amy Jacobson of WLS AM-890, and Andrea Dres came beaming after news of her promotion at Harpo Studios! We were also paid a visit by Dan Proft, a conservative activist and radio commentator who’s running in the GOP primary (www.Proft2010.com) for Illinois governor.
VARIETY SHOW OCT. 23: The zany comedic ensemble "More Stuffed Tomatoes," directed by Tom Akouris, is back for the second year and runs Friday, October 23, 8:00 pm, at the St. John’s church stage/gymnasium in Des Plaines, IL.
CBS NETWORK VET HERE: Veteran CBS network reporter John Metaxas was also in town the weekend of our last event. We connected with him via telephone but he was unavailable the night of our event. John’s blog is a must-read for anyone interested in issues relevant to Greeks in general www.JohnMetaxas.com. His network, WCBS-TV Channel 2 in New York, has taken to online niche programming and the Greek news blog is one of their latest efforts. He also anchors the flagship station on Sundays.
KASS TAKES ON TRAFFIC SIGNAL: From our “cousin” John Kass, page 2 columnist at the Chicago Tribune. This is a hilarious tongue-in-cheek mini-video about a term familiar to Greeks called the “Moutza.” This is when you hold your hand out as if to say “halt,“ but in the Greek context it has a vulgar connotation meaning something to the effect of “go to xxxx.“ John hosts this funny video and interviews famous Billy Goat owner Sam Sianis and crew about what should be done about this ubiquitous traffic signal that is offensive to multitudes of Greeks worldwide (haha). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atAzmrrl-B8
KARA MOVING IN CHICAGO: Thought that would get your attention. Chicago native-turned-LA actress/TV host Patricia Kara, also briefcase spokes model on NBC’s hit game show “Deal or No Deal,” has been in Chicago so much this summer that let’s just say we’re her second home. First, she emceed Moda Fashion Gazette’s 1-year anniversary gala at Resolution Digital Studios and simultaneously graced our event at the Peninsula Hotel. She also visited during the Greektown Fest on Halsted and just this last weekend hosted the 1st ever Greek Folk Dance & Choral Competition, held at the Westin Hotel in Rosemont in conjunction with the Elli Koukinou concert. DJ John Grammatis performed at the dance competition. On November 20, Trish is back again at Chicago’s Union League Club for the annual Pan Hellenic Scholarship Foundation awards gala. Check out www.PanHellenicScholarships.org. That’s only the Greek stuff. Patricia was recently featured in country music star Trace Adkins’ new music video “Marry for Money,” and she and her “Deal” model colleagues took first place in the Game Show Network’s awards show for “favorite TV show models” at a ceremony hosted by “Deal” host Howie Mandel. At the after-party, Patricia and Howie bumped into Tony Orlando, famous recording artist (“Tie a Yellow Ribbon”) who also happens to be both part Greek and Puerto Rican. As always, check out “Trish the Dish” at www.PatriciaKara.com . CONTESTANT #9: Add “game show contestant“ to Patricia (model #9) Kara‘s growing list of credits! She played a special celebrity round of the new game show “Catch 21” and won $2500 for her designated charity www.TrinityChildrensFoundation.org. Patricia beat out two other "Deal" models on the show hosted by Alfonso Ribiero (Carlton from "Fresh Prince of Bel Air"). Patricia's episode will air this November on the Game Show Network.
NEGOVAN ADDRESSES WOMEN BIZ OWNERS: Michigan Avenue magazine editor-in-chief Susanna Negovan is slated to headline the annual holiday gala for the National Association of Women Business Owners. The Dec. 3 fundraiser is at the Allerton Hotel in Chicago. Negovan will address this group of accomplished women on her efforts at running a major magazine and her own incorporation of her personal brand. BTW, Susanna reports that her hubby, WGN TV anchor Tom Negovan, is doing quite well following a recent accident. Visit www.NAWBOChicago.org. Our GMC “cousin” Anastasia Athans-Stothoff, owner at www.InsightDesignSolutions.com, serves on the board of NAWBO’s Chicago chapter.
DAVLANTES ON-AIR THIS NOVEMBER?: Broadcast journalist Anna Davlantes, our GMC co-founder who this summer opted to not re-sign with NBC5 Chicago after serving 9 years as a reporter and anchor, is rumored to be making a career announcement in November. So wrote Davlantes herself on a recent facebook post. Meanwhile, she’s in Athens and Santorini this month for primetime downtime. Some daily print scribes speculated she's headed to either FOX or CBS2, but she can’t negotiate with any competitors until her current contract expires. Hence, a November announcement may be forthcoming. In early October, Anna and her former “bookend” reporter at NBC5, Amy Jacobson, participated in the annual Newsapallooza charity benefit hosted by WLS radio host Roe Conn and comedian Richard Marx. Check out the photos here www.wlsam.com/Article.asp?id=1453788&spid=18042.
DRES PROMOTED AT HARPO: Harpo Studios, the signature studio of Oprah Winfrey that‘s located just west of Greektown Chicago (Opa Oprah!), recently promoted researcher Andrea Dres, yet another GMC “cousin,” to the position of production assistant! Andrea, one of our young, bright “future stars,“ as we like to say, began her new responsibilities late this summer…Another “future star” is Anthe Mitrakos, who recently completed an internship at CBS2 Chicago. Anthe, who’s demeanor and writing skills are well beyond her years, has previously contributed to Greek America magazine, among others, and is an erudite observer of both news and haute culture. Mainstream media outlets would be wise to snap her off the job market as we firmly believe she will before long join the likes of our Andrea and a few of our other bright young GMCers as a media mover-shaker!
“BIRDS” FOUNDER AT ST. D’S EVENT: The Byrds (“Mr. Tamberine Man,“ “Eight Miles High,“ etc.) pop rock band founder Chris Hillman, a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame who is also married to our California “cousin” Connie Pappas Hillman, is a proud Philhellene and often partakes in events that celebrate Eastern Christianity and Orthodoxy. His Byrds were one of the hottest bands in America during the 60’s and early 70’s and recorded chart-toppers at a dizzying pace. In late August, he was a presenter at the Metropolis of San Francisco program “Christian Themes in Pop Media,” a spiritual renewal retreat that explored Christian themes in both popular music and movies from American culture. The event was hosted by St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Camarillo, CA. A few of us met up with Connie this summer in Chicago as she was here doing advance work for another Rock & Roll hall of famer, the famous Elton John. Connie is Elton’s North American Touring Coordinator and has been with him for the greater part of the past three decades.
GEORGIE PORGIE’S NEW VID: Chicago singer George Andros (AKA the recording artist known as Georgie Porgie) has a new video out for his single “New Day” that is both a catchy tune and contains an inspirational message. Check it out www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHogpYKazMs. We think you’ll like it. On the Musicplant Records label. Andros’ brother is City of Chicago architect Art Andros (AKA outlandish online radio comedian Joe Matsokapetros, a GMC “cousin“ and regular at our events (BTW, don't either one of these guys use their regular names anymore?).
TELIA LAUNCHED: The timing couldn’t be more “perfect” for our “cousin” Peter Quintas to launch Telia Solutions. His new firm offers custom software engineering, website design/development, social networking aps, e-Commerce aps, internet marketing, print design, video production, and more. The word “telia” in Greek means “perfect.” Visit www.TeliaSolutions.com. Peter and Steve Livaditis (“cousin Livo”) are co-founders of www.Portokalada.com, the online social community for Greeks.
MUST-ATTEND LOYOLA CLASS: City News Bureau legend Paul Zimbrakos is now teaching a class on the now shuttered journalist training ground at Loyola University Chicago. Highly-recommended course for any would-be journalist. Zimbrakos has helped train many of the finest reporters and top names in Chicago journalism both past and present.
PUBLISHER WELCOMES PRIME MINISTER: Washington Monthly magazine publisher Markos Kounalakis moderated a Sept. 30 event in San Francisco that featured the former Norwegian Prime Minister as the guest of honor. Visit www.WashingtonMonthly.com. The mag also recently published their annual college ranking guide.
DEAN’S LIST: WGN radio/TV film and stage critic Dean Richards emceed the recent annual gala fundraiser “Dance for Life,“ benefiting various AIDS charities. On-air, recent Richards interviews include actors Vince Vaughn and Peter Billingsley. View “The Dean’s List” at http://www.wgntv.com/news/deanslist/.
WAR AGAINST THE WEEK: This hot-titled film, produced by cross-country “cousin” Peter Demas, premieres in Manhatten Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Anthology Film Archives. It won “Best Documentary” at the Delray Beach Film Fest in California. www.WarAgainstTheWeakMovie.com. “War’ is about a pre-Nazi “racial purification plan in the United States,” and probes the “sinister history of eugenics.” Explosive commentary, you can be sure.
BIG NEWS COMING AT WOODFIELD? Our “cousins” at Schaumburg, IL based www.WoodfieldMedia.com, George Vroustouris and Alex Vroustouris, are soon to put the finishing touches on the website of an innovative new Chicago-area startup. Look for news soon! Woodfield Media was listed by Crain’s Chicago Business as one of the area’s top up-and-coming web programmers and online marketing firms. Another of our “cousins,” Anastasia Athans-Stothoff of www.InsightDesignSolutions.com (profiled by the Chicago Tribune two years back), designed the logo for this exciting new education, sports, and financial services firm, which was founded by one of our really, really close GMC “cousins.” Some of you have already guessed his name, we’re sure.
HOLLYWOOD GREEKS: Recently visiting the National Hellenic Museum in Chicago was Mary Laina, one of the principals behind the popular www.HollywoodGreeks.com. We’re working with Mary on a possible joint holiday event with the GMC in early December. Another LA group has some cool pics up of Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson dancing up a storm at the annual LA Greekfest. www.hollywood.greekreporter.com.
DUKAKIS NARRATES DOC: Award-winning actor Olympia Dukakis narrates the new film “The Promise of Tomorrow - The First Generation.” The documentary on Greek immigration will be screened Nov. 12 at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences in Beverly Hills, CA at an event emceed by actor John Aniston. For tickets, go to www.ItsMySeat.com, keyword: Promise of Tomorrow. Or contact Shelly Papadopoulos (310) 528-8214 or email . Our LA-based “cousin” Daphne Valentina is on the event committee and brought this to our attention.
FRAPPE PROFILED IN ATHENS PLUS: The Chicago-based news/community website www.DailyFrappe.com was recently featured in an interview with the widely-distributed English weekly Athens Plus. Frappe is run by Spiro Papadopoulos, Kyriakos Mellos, and Kostas Vasilopoulos. It’s designed for Greeks of the Diaspora to connect with the news, events and happenings in Greece. Click here to read the interview.
DO YOU WANNA READ? The producer/director behind “Do You Wanna Dance,” Robert Kranz, is back with another project, this time a book “Falling in Love with Sophia” that is all goes well he plans to turn into a movie. “Dance,” many of you may recall, was a depiction of the life and career of Fr. Chris Kerhules of Chicago, a film about redemption and finding joy. Kranz’s production company, Ellinas Multimedia, is about to release “Sophia” any week now. He’s gotten tremendous feedback thus far! Visit www.EllinasMultimedia.com.
FITNESS BOOK RELEASED: Our very own “Big” Lee Roupas recently held two launch parties for the release of his first book, “Living Proof: A Fitness Journey.” Roupas, a competitive bodybuilder who is a staunch advocate of natural fitness, also has an inspirational and spiritual angle in his tome. He’s a very interesting character who wears many hats. He’s a personal trainer, works full-time for the State of Illinois in the Liquor Control Commission devising public service campaigns to discourage underage drinking and drinking and driving, and he was also on the cheer squad at his alma mater, Michigan State University. Check out www.LeeRoupas.com.
LOUKAS CHICAGO-DENVER-SALT LAKE CONNECT: Our various Loukas family “cousins” from Chicago are spread far and wide across this great land. Their family has a ranch outside the Denver metropolitan area (condolences on the recent passing of family matriarch Georgia Loukas, BTW). In Chicago, GMCer Alexandra Loukas, who works in real estate, has been a frequent contributor to various Greek publications as a writer. Her brother, Dino Loukas, is a former pro rodeo cowboy who’s in the midst of writing a book about his experiences, which include defying death (and doctors’ prognosis) after a horrific fall from his horse. He’s back on track these days, although retired from competition. The Loukas‘ have a real-life cousin, Aristea Brady, who‘s a reporter and morning host at the ABC affiliate KTVX Salt Lake City, UT. That‘s the media side of the family. In Meeker, CO, the family has a close business association with the Theos family, who work with the Loukas/Kourlis families to deliver locally-grown products to area Whole Foods stores. Whole Foods recently produced a video depicting the Theos patriarch’s testimony about Whole Foods products and the value of locally-grown food. Here‘s the video www.youtube.com/watch?v=-y3TvMvW-hA.
JOINS BOARD OF CHILD’S PLAY: GMC co-founder Terry Poulos in October joined the Advisory Board of the unique Child’s Play Touring Theater in Chicago www.CPTT.org, a not-for-profit co-founded by our “cousin” June Podagrossi that brings kids’ scripts to life when pro actors perform them live at educational institutions. Terry, an 11-year veteran of the NFL’s “Instant Replay” program (and you thought he only worked “Greek stuff“), has been involved in education issues for the past five years with the not-for-profit www.SportsIsEducation.com, a foundation he started with another of our “cousins,” attorney/author Eldon Ham, SIE‘s chairman. As for Child’s Play, check out their W.O.W. (Writing Our World) program, a promising new multi-cultural initiative linking domestic and foreign students via online exchange. The group also offers acting and theater classes to teens age 13-18 at their west Armitage studios.
ODE TO ANTIGONE: GMC co-founder George Bliss put together a moving tribute to our recently-deceased “cousin” Antigone Lambros, one of the matriarchs of Greek journalism nationwide with her staple radio programs. Check out George’s slide presentation at www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvoD1_HNp48. Also, Antigone’s obit, which appeared in The Greek Star in Chicago and The National Herald in New York, can be found at this link www.ahepa.org/uploads/pdf/national_herald.pdf. It was written by our “cousin” Maria Karamitsos, associate editor at www.TheGreekStar.com.
2010 OLYMPIC HOPEFUL TAKES MIC: Recent Libertyville High School grad Maria Papasotiriou, yes folks yet one more of our many, many “cousins,” is Greece’s best hope for medaling in figure skating at the 2010 Winter Games in Canada. She recently hosted her annual skating exhibition with celebrity skaters on the national circuit to help raise funds for Pancreatic cancer research. Watch Maria on air as she interviews the other skaters involved with the show. The gal has presence and pinache! www.skatingcircle.com/channels/23/series/15/videos/1637.
TREASURER PAPPAS: Correction from last newsletter: We kindly restore Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas to her proper title. We wrote “commissioner“ in our last missive, which of course was her former elected office but not present. George, Terry and a few others caught up with Treasurer Pappas this summer at Christie Hefner‘s book discussion for Barb Bonfigli‘s “Café Tempest.“
THE ART OF THE TREASURER: On the subject of the Cook treasurer, recently on display at Pappas’ downtown office were the paintings of Ellen Lustig, a “cousin” who lives in Greektown but has yet to make one of our events (even though she keeps promising ;) Ellen also does fantastic digital caricatures, party caricatures, murals, and other commercial work. Check out her cool stuff at www.Artips.com.
KIKI’S KREW: WJJG AM-1530 radio personality Kiki Vale was recently profiled in The National Herald. She was excited as well that her annual “Kiki’s Krew” walk/run was able to raise more than $15,000 for diabetes research! For pics and other fun stuff, visit www.KikiVale.com.
TRUNCALI DOES BULLS PRE-GAME: He’s a GMC favorite and has performed for us numerous times. Celebrity vocal impressionist/singer John Truncali, who is half-Greek and half-Italiano, is back again this season performing pre-game entertainment at the United Center prior to Chicago Bulls home games. John is most notable for his Tom Jones impersonation, although we love his Tony Bennett equally. Check out his regular slate at www.JohnTruncali.com.
DAMON, DANOS DO SINATRA: We’ve got the gamut covered here at the GMC. Our very own Jimmy Damon, who’s also performed live for us numerous times, is the only singer who was authorized by Frank Sinatra himself to perform Sinatra live during Sinatra‘s illustrious life and career. Catch Jimmy’s stuff at www.JimmyDamon.com (Footnote: Who was the REAL inspiration for Bill Murrary's famous nightclub singing act on SNL? Hmmm, could it be our Jimmy?). In Nashville, TN, we’ve got a “cousin,” Perry Danos, who’s another Sinatra whiz and also has his own jazz bent that’s wowing audiences across the nation. Danos has a new album out and he tours Las Vegas Oct. 19-20. He also played Chicago this summer and sang the National Anthem at a Chicago White Sox game during “Greek Night” at U.S. Cellular Field. Visit www.PerryDanos.com.
ROCKERS FLYING HIGH: Our “cousin,” Tinley Park’s Dimitri Kontos, bass guitarist and leader of the progressive rock band the Flying Hamsters of Doom, tells us the band changed their name to F.H.O.D. (brevity, we believe). They recently shot a music video for their song “Unashamed,” just released, and their working on another album. Check out www.FHODband.com.
ANISTON-NARRATED BOOK RELEASED: Actor Jennifer Aniston narrates the latest edition of the popular Loukoumi children’s book line titled “Loukoumi’s Gift,” being released in time for National Make a Difference Day. The author is Nicholas Katsoris, who’s first book “Loukoumi’s Good Deeds” was a hit across the nation with its morality lessons for youth. Nick informs us that he and his publisher aim to get over 300 schools and 10,000 kids to do a good deed to celebrate the day! Visit www.Loukoumi.com.
CAL AUTHOR’S YOUTUBE VIDEO: Rising author Patricia Volonakis Davis, a California “cousin“ and author of “Harlot’s Sauce: A Memoir of Food, Family, Love, Loss, and Greece,” has her book’s first podcast and you tube video up and running. Go to www.PatriciaDavis.com for more info.
LOCAL TOURISTS: Reporter Kathy Catrambone covers the Greektown area for the Emmy-winning website www.TheLocalTourist.com, founded by our “cousin” Theresa Carter. Kathy is seeking info for local events. Andy Angelos is another writer for the website.
DAILY DOSE OF DALEY: University of Illinois at Chicago grad journalism student Bill Vassilakis is now contributing to the website www.DailyDaley.com, a spoof about Chicago’s Mayor Richard M. Daley.
COMIC BOOK COVER: Artist J. Anthony Kosar (a GMCer, of course) announced his variant cover for the comic book “Buckaroo Bonzai: Hardest of the Hard (1 of 2) is now out on store shelves. Check your local comic book store. Anthony graduated at the top of his class at the American Academy of Art in Chicago and he‘s a real whiz-kid!
BOSTON SPORTS: Out in Boston, our “cousin” Teddy Panos directs and hosts sports talk on WCAP 980-AM, reports for the Lowell Sun newspaper, and is also general manager at his family’s Athenian Corner Restaurant. A busy guy…Another of our Boston “cousins,” Nick Tsiotis, was interviewed by the major Greek publication TA NEA for an article on the late, great two-sport pro athlete Harry Agganis. The article appeared Oct. 3. Tsiotis is co-author of the book “The Golden Greek,” a biography of a man who is perhaps the greatest-ever Greek American pro sports star (Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians player!). Tsiotis is also the sports columnist at www.TheHellenicVoice.com, a Boston weekly that is one of the most widely-read Greek newspapers in America.
AHEPA “GREEK OF THE WEEK”: The Supreme Ahepa recently honored journalist Steve Chiotakis as their “Greek of the Week.” He recently departed WBHM in Birmingham, AL to take a position with American Public Media’s “Marketplace Morning Report,” a nationally-syndicated radio show providing hourly economic updates to 350 stations nationwide. Visit www.Ahepa.org.
NEW MAGAZINE ISSUES OUT: The fall editions of the various Greek magazines just hit news stands! Check 'em out...Greek America magazine's "Gabby Awards Special Issue." Visit www.GreekAmerica.net ...Greek Circle magazine's "An Ode to Women." Visit www.GreekCircle.com ...Odyssey magazine's "Screening Green" and "Women in Power." Visit www.Odyssey.gr.
