The Cousins' Letter

PLEASE READ BEFORE SENDING ITEMS: We welcome news and links concerning "media" people in addition to organizations and events that have a media spin (as defined in our "About" link). This is not a general news website. You're welcome to send attachments, but we require a brief one paragraph summary explaining the who, what, when, where, why, and how of it all, and public contact info for our readers to respond (E.g, website, email, phone # etc.). Logos and photos are welcome too. Send to Terry1email@aol.com or Geobliss@aol.com

NEWS ALERTS: Week of May 14, 2012

FORMER TRIB EDITOR ON STAGE IN MAY: Our "cousin" Kelly Haramis, a former Chicago Tribune editor, still stays active in the publishing world, albeit after two kids she's a busy mom of recent. But not too busy to maintain her creative juices. On May 18 and 19, then again May 25 and 26, she performs her on-woman show "Double Happiness: A Tale of Love, Loss, and One Forever Family" on stage at Studio B in Chicago. The show takes audience members through Kelly's real-life experiences with trying to have a baby with her husband, then having to juggle fertility issues, going through a long, arduous and exhaustive adoption process in China, running into unexpected deaths, and finally getting her adoptive baby from China. Then, the couple were able to conceive the natural way, giving them two bundles of joy, and hence the show's title. Find out how this woman's "hands went from holding a dream to holding two miracles," writes Kelly. Studio Be is located at 3110 N. Sheffield Ave. and tickets are $15.

MCA FEATURES MUSIC OF APERGHIS MAY 26: The Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art on Saturday, May 26 will feature a number of works by classical composers, most notably works written by famed Greek composer Georges Aperghis, which the MCA is promoting as the evening's highlight. The numbers will be performed live by the International Contemporary Ensemble. Born in Athens in 1945, Aperghis studied music and piano in Greece and was almost self-taught before moving to Paris in 1963, where he continued his musical training. "He paved the way for a new type of music/musician that is political, relevant, and not confined to the conventions of music, theater, and dance," reads his bio from the MCA. "He was a pioneer in this movement and now it is a more common model for contemporary and new music composers. In 1976, Aperghis founded the music and theater company ATEM (Atelier Theatre et Musique) in France, outside Paris. In 1997, he left ATEM to work on personal projects and focus on writing." He's known as one of Europe's most influential experimental composers.

RITA'S FORAY INTO MUSIC: GMC co-director George Bliss has been tweeting back and forth with prominent Greek American Rita Wilson, who's a famous actress and the wife of actor Tom "Greeker than a Greek" Hanks (inside joke by Tom). Rita is a lovely and talented Hollywood mainstay and her and Tom's son, Chet Hanks, is a Northwestern University student in Evanston (just north of Chicago). Chet is a rising and talented rapper (stage name Chet Haze) on the side and his mother may have gotten the music bug through osmosis. In April, she released her debut album "AM-FM" and, according to George who knows a thing or three about the biz, the girl's got it!

"COUSIN," ATTORNEY & FORMER MS. AMERICA BIDS FOR CONGRESS: Our longtime "cousin," Erika Harold, was just named one of four finalists to be the Republican nominee for Congress in the downstate 13th District. A graduate of the University of Illinois and native of Urbana-Champaign, Erika, who is part Greek, won the Ms. Illinois title and subsequently the 2003 Ms. America pageant. She went on to obtain a law degree at Harvard University, concentrating on public policy issues, and she's been practicing law with blue chip Chicago firms for the past several years. She visited us last year at an event at Vertigo Sky Lounge and has been with us on a couple occasions since we first encountered her on the football field at U. of I mid-2000's, where she sang the National Anthem prior to a Chicago Bears game. She's a multi-talented singer (wowed the crowd at the Bears game) who also did some acting in high school. We wish her well and know fully she's a qualified, competent, and erudite individual with strong convictions who would make Illinois proud representing us in Washington, D.C. Click here for a full report from the Chicago Sun-Times.

HONG KONG "COUSIN" HAS MAJOR STUDY PUBLISHED IN THE LANCET: Chicago native Dr. Dino Samartzis, another longtime GMC "cousin," was part of a research team which had an important study published in The Lancet on April 19, 2012.  The Lancet is one of the most influential medical publications worldwide and only on rare occasions will publish orthopeadic, nuerosurgical or spine-related advances. Dr. Damartzis' team addressed the first report on the safety and efficacy of a new surgical treatment for children with scoliosis (spine deformity). Reports Dr. Dino, "This new technology represents a `giant leap forward' and 'new hope' in the management of children with scoliosis...one of the biggest advancements in spine surgery for kids in over 20 years.. This procedure eliminates the need for repeat surgeries under general anesthesia in children with severe scoliosis, and the traumatic experience that is associated with that process for the parent and child." Now based in Hong Kong, China, Dr. Dino attended Loyola Academy in Wilmette, IL and went on to obtain his undergraduate degree from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. He pursued graduate studies in biological sciences, evidence-based health care, clinical epidemiology, medical sciences, and international studies at Harvard University, the University of Oxford in England, and the University of Cambridge in England, in addition to Erasmus University in The Netherlands and Charles University in Prague. A renaissance man, Dr. Dino also attended the London School of Economics and Political Science, and completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Hong Kong. His professional resume continues on and on. He began his concentration in spinal therapies at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. Dr. Dino has been published approximately 200 times either via research articles, book chapters, or other educational material in peer-reviewed journals, textbooks, and more. He's also been the editor-in-chief and/or section editor for several textbooks and journal theme issues. He's actively involved on the editorial, advisory, and review boards of nearly two dozen medical journals, including the British Medical Journal, and has been the recipient of more than 30 awards and recognitions including Fulbright Scholar, commendation by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and many more. His work has been featured in more than 200 media forums worldwide, such as U.S. News & World Report, Yahoo News, MSN Health, ABC's "Good Morning America," Medical Tribune, and the New York Daily News. Dr. Dino is currently an Associate Professor at the Division of Spine Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology at the University of Hong Kong, and honorary Assistant Professor for its Department of Anesthesiology..

COACH LEVY, CANELLIS, & EANET HEADLINE AHEPA EVENT: Our longtime "cousin" and prominent Philhellene Marv Levy will be the keynote speaker at the 44th annual 13th District AHEPA Sports Awards & Scholarship Banquet, with sportscasters Lou Canellis of FOX32 and Dave Eanet of WGN TV co-emcees. The event will be held Friday, June 1 at the Fountain Blue in Des Plaines, IL beginning 6 pm. Greek American high school and college athletes will be honored at this reception, dinner, and awards presentation, followed by a youth party with DJ and more. Coach Levy led the Buffalo Bills to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances in the early 1990's and was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame after his retirement from coaching. He was noted as an offensive innovator during his illustrious career. He's also a former network TV analyst and recently authored the novel Between the Lies, a work of fiction about the Super Bowl. Books will be available for purchase ($30 each, with portions of proceeds to benefit the PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation; Marv will provide personalized signatures for each book purchased). For tickets info, (one need not be an AHEPA member, parent or student to attend), contact Chris Atsaves at Chris.Atsaves@ubs.com.

SAX RECITAL (GREEK SAX?) AT NU JUNE 5: Known popularly as "Beatle Tony," our "cousin" Tony Kidonakis (pictured at left at Vertigo Sky Lounge accompanying singer Ariana Savalas at the GMC's August 2012 event to benefit Greek Film Fest Chicago) will hold his final saxophone recital of the season at Northwestern University on Tuesday, June 5 from 6-7 pm at Garrett Seminary Chapel on campus. Parking is free. Tony is also a music professor at NU. Among the numbers he'll perform will be the Greek favorite "S'agapo" (I love you) and Zorba's Dance. Reception to follow. RSVP to Beatletony@yahoo.com. We're working with Tony to reprise his magnificent sax at our June function atop the National Hellenic Museum, and you can bet your prized Coltrane albums we'll make him perform S'agapo and Zorba. Tony rocks!

CHILD'S PLAY ON ABC7, PREPS JUNE 14 EVENT: Our "cousins" at Child's Play Touring Theatre are prepping for their annual gala event on June 14, to be held at Resolution Digital Studios (just blocks due north of the United Center). Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is Honorary Chair and Turtle Wax Corporation CEO Sondra Healy is event chair. More details to come but save the date. CPTT co-founder June Panagakis Podagrossi forwards us this video from ABC7, aired on the news last Friday, which features CPTT's latest production, "The Green Adventures of R-Man," a whimsical tale on the environment written by one of the troop's child prodigies 20 years ago (the "boy" is now 30 years old). That's the essence of CPTT, founded more than 30 years ago. Their slogan is "Kids put in on the page, we put it on the stage." CPTT's president is Diana Mendoza and Shari Schlachter is development director. Co-recipients of this year's CPTT "Victor Award" will be communications consultant Marj Halperin and actor/producer Jeff Richmond, who also composes music for the hit NBC sitcom "30 Rock," starring his wife Tina Fey, who also happens to one in a long line of CPTT alums. GMC "cousins" Anna Davlantes, Suzy Campbell, George Bliss, Kathleen Bliss, and Terry Poulos are all CPTT supporters and we'll have a sizable contingent at this great event, hosted at the opulent facilities of RDS owners Jeff and Lee Facklis.


OSCAR WINNER HEADLINES JUNE 16 SCHOLARSHIP BALL: Our "cousins" at the PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation, two time GMC event hosts, this week announced that 2012 Academy Award-winning film director Alexander Payne ("Sideways," "Descendants") will be the featured attraction at their annual awards ceremony, to be held June 16, 2012 at the Merle Reskin Theatre in Chicago's South Loop, with adjournment after to the Hilton Hotel & Towers for dinner, silent auction, and social function. WGN radio/TV performing arts critic Dean Richards will emcee. World renowned singer Petros Gaitanos will be the featured
entertainment. Forty high-achieving students in high school and college will receive grants ranging from $2000 to $10,000 each, with a grand total of $250,000 in scholarship monies distributed. The awards are distributed based upon a number of factors combined, including grades, extracurricular activity, service to the community, and need. Yiannis Valsamis is executive director of the Foundation, which was founded by Chairman Chris Tomaras.

(PHOTOS) WGN's Dean Richards (left) and director Payne (right)


PAYNE FEATURED GUEST JUNE 23: Greek Film Fest Chicago 2012 is getting a boost by an appearance Saturday, June 23 by Oscar winning filmmaker Alexander Payne. The fundraiser will be held at the National Hellenic Museum. Event runs 1-5 pm and entry is $75 individual and $125 per couple. GFFC president is our "cousin" Niko Franghias. As well, GMC "cousin" and noted filmmaker Valerie Gobos is on the Board of GFFC.









NEWS ALERTS: Week of May 7, 2012


SUN-TIMES BRINGS SUSANNA BACK INTO FOLD: Our longtime "cousin" Susanna Negovan, who helped launch Michigan Avenue magazine as executive editor and helped turn it into a must-read high-society glossy, was lured back to the media enterprise which first gave her journalism career a start. This week, she was hired by Wrapports LLC, owner of the Chicago Sun-Times, to "lead the development of several new projects," said Wrapports CEO Timothy P. Knight in a statement posted in the Sun-Times. Susanna will be responsible for a variety of print and digital new media projects. An alum of Elmwood Park, IL High School and graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, Susanna now comes full circle to her professional roots where she once penned the popular society column "Susanna's Night out," which appeared weekly in the Sun-Times for several years in the early 2000's. "Susanna is a household name in Chicago and is a well-known media personality in our city," Knight said. "She brings to Wrapports a multi-dimensional perspective and a proven expertise in developing and launching new, dynamic media products. We are thrilled to have her on our team." Susanna, who oversaw a 65,000-circulation magazine, is a business and civic-savvy woman who also serves on the Board of the Economic Club of Chicago. She's a prominent Greek American (maiden name Stergianis). In the photo above left, Susanna is pictured with Frank Kamberos, the former longtime director of The Greek Star and co-founder of Treasure Island Foods (Note: The Greek Star was taken over at the outset of 2012 by Earth Friendly Products president/founder John Vlahakis). The two were photographed at a mid-2000's event sponsored by the United Hellenic American Congress honoring Greek Americans in the media...Side note: Susanna is married to WGN9 reporter Tom Negovan. Just days ago, Tom did a feature on our "cousins" with Chicago rock group the Lovehammers, which just sold out the House of Blues (they do that every time they play there). Brothers Bobbie Kourelis (drums) and Dino Kourelis (bass guitar) are members of the band, which has a new album set for release this summer. Tom appeared live on-stage with the group and they let him riff a little guitar during one of their songs, and Tom wasn't half bad.

"COUSINS" CONCERT: Repeat GMC event singers, sisters and teenage operatic phenoms Lexy Prodromos and Stephany Prodromos (right in photo), continued their ongoing efforts to raise funds for the Misericordia Home at their 4th annual "Concert For Misericordia - Opera and Show Tunes Greatest Hits," on Saturday, May 12 at the Ryan Center at Misericordia in Chicago. The organization provides care and a network for people living with developmental disabilities. Included in the show will be a new number the girls recorded which was first popularized as a duet by Celine Dion (with Josh Groban and also Andrea Bocelli). The Prodromos girls arranged it for a soprano-soprano duet for the first time, to our knowledge. Proceeds went to Misericordia. Check out the duo's official website LexyandStephany.com. The girls, who've been profiled on NBC5 and WGN TV in the past yer, also have a new CD available that was just released on iTunes called "Stairway to Heaven," which includes five classic rock songs sung in their classically-inspired style. In the audience to support the girls were their parents, Dr. Chad and Marilyn Prodromos (with Chat handling emcee duties), GMC co-director George Bliss and his wife Kathleen Bliss of the Auditorium Theatre, and GMC co-director Terry Poulos. Ps. The sista duo will be our featured performers June 28 at the next GMC event (see: Events page for more details).

KIM GETS PERMANENT CO-ANCHOR NBC5 WEEKEND MORNINGS: Our longtime close "cousin" Kim Vatis ("The News Godess") in late April was joined permanently on the weekend morning newscast at NBC5 Chicago by Anthony Ponce. Anthony learned from the heels of his father, legendary Chicago PBS commentator and host Phil Ponce. The pairing of Kim and Anthony shores up NBC's weekend morning news desk, which previously had been handled solo for the interim by Kim. We're excited for this new duo and wish them the best in the years to come.


In photo at left above, NBC5's Kim Vatis and GMC co-director George Bliss talk news at our February 2012 event at Holland & Knight



NEWS ALERTS: Week of April 30, 2012

AMBROSIA BALL MAY 4: Our "cousins" at the National Hellenic Museum in Chicago landed some great attractions for their annual gala on May 4, titled "Ambrosia Ball," to be held at historic Union Station. Greek singer Mihalis Hatzigiannis is the headliner and celebrity TV chef Diane Kochilas will also be on hand. DJ John Grammatis performs as well, as do the Angelos Brothers String Trio. This promises to be a wonderful event and many of our "cousins" will be there to support Greektown's crown jewel, which we like to call the new "Hub of Greek America." And if you can't make the dinner, be sure to inquire about the "Ambrosia After Dark" party, chaired by our "cousin" Jason Vranas. We'll be there for both, hope you are too !




MUSEUM GETS $6000 GRANT FOR ORAL HISTORY PROJECT: The National Hellenic Museum, site of the GMC's June 2012 event, in April announced a collaborative agreement with the National Hellenic Society, which is providing a $6000 grant for the Homer Oral History project, initiated by our "cousin," Chicago philanthropist Frank Kamberos, co-founder of Treasure Island foods and former owner of The Greek Star newspaper. The Museum reports that the NHS funding will assist in taking the project to its next phase. The NHS is a foundation focused on the preservation of Hellenic heritage in America through the sponsorship of educational and charitable programs. Its mission celebrates Hellenic heritage by sponsoring and organizing programs and activities that promote and preserve the values and ideals of our Hellenic culture, thereby enriching our community and nation. "We are excited to continue our work in
collaboration with the (museum)," said NHS Chairman George Marcus. "The NHS's support of the Marathon Project and the Homer Oral History Project demonstrate the NHS' support of programs that preserve and pass on our heritage and legacy. The Greek American story warrants a permanent archive preserved for future generations to learn from and appreciate. Our forebearers overcame substantial challenges and laid the groundwork for Greek Americans to become an integral part of the American success story." Future interviews of Greek Americans would focus such categories as: "Storytellers," showcasing authors, fiction writers or journalists," among other more general categories. If you think your family has a compelling story to be shared with the world, contact the museum to get more information about including your video interview in their archives.

KASS CO-HOSTS MONDAY-WEDS 9-11 AM: Just back from his "Odyssey" to Greece and Turkey, Chicago Tribune columnist John Kass joins radio veteran Jake Hartford on WLS AM-890 this week (Monday through Wednesday) filling in for hosts Bruce Wolf and Dan Proft. Expect some talk of Greece and Turkey, with a heavy diet of Chicago, Illinois, and US politics...Related note: John was interviewed for an extensive Q&A on his Greece/Turkey Odyseey by GMC co-director Terry Poulos, also a columnist for The Greek Star newspaper. The Q&A appeared this week.

EMMY WINNER ONCE FEATURED IN TIME MAG: Belated posting of this obituary for longtime Columbia College journalism professor Rose Economou, who passed away in October of 2011. The link is to her Tribune obituary. During her career as a journalist, she won two Emmy awards for documentary producing and was once featured in Time magazine about her role as an advance person for the presidential run of Edmund Muskie. Back then, it was so uncommon for a woman to serve in that capacity that Time thought it newsworthy to run the item. Rose was also a reporter and producer at WXEX-TV news in Richmond, VA. She served for a period with ABC in Washington, D.C. before returning to Chicago to work at WTTW, the local public broadcasting TV station. Funeral services were held at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Oak Lawn, IL. Photo (at right) courtesy of Columbia College.



NEWS ALERTS: Week of April 23, 2012

KASS SIT-DOWN SOLD-OUT, STREAMED VIDEO OF EVENT: EDITOR TELLS OF COMING E-BOOK: Chicago Tribune page 2 columnist John Kass returned to Chicago in mid-April after his odyssey to Greece and Turkey. While there, he visited his ancestral homeland of Rizes, in the Greek mountains of the Peloponnese, which he called "the most beautiful village in the universe." John wrote a series of columns on his journey, and he also filmed video, including this clip of a sold-out recap of the trip and this clip showing him getting emotional on his visit to his father's village. Tribune editor Gerould Kern explained why the newspaper sent him to the Mediterranean. During the discussion, it was announced that plans are under way to compile an e-book chronicling Kass' columns from the Mediterranean.

WEIGHS IN ON ABC REALITY SHOW: Our "cousin" Sofia Spentzas, a professional photographer/designer who owns Spiral Art Design in Lombard, IL, at our last function announced she's been chosen to appear in an upcoming reality weight loss competition called "The Revolution," to be aired on network ABC. More info as it becomes available. Sofia recently hosted a dance-a-thon event to raise money for diabetes research. Although the event is now past, you can still donate at this link.

CARE CENTRE GALA THIS SATURDAY APRIL 28: The stars are coming all the way from Greece for the Greek American Rehabilitation & Care Centre's annual benefit. Helping the charity celebrate its 10th anniversary are famous performing artists Eleni Dimou and Constantinos Christoforou, headliners for the Saturday, April 28 gala. The event also features singer Christos Sevastos accompanied by the Enigma Band. The event is being held at the Westin O'Hare Hotel with cocktails at 6 pm and dinner at 7 pm. For more information, phone (847) 465-1323 or visit the web link above. The facility, located in Wheeling, IL, provides a range of services such as rehabilitation and therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, recuperative transitional care, vacation respite care, memory loss care, and hospice/end of life care. Eleni Bousis is GARCC president, and former CBS2 reporter John Davis, a prominent Philhellene and GARCC board member, is gala emcee.


10-YEAR OLD SINGS ANTHEMS AT GREEK PARADE: Our "cousin" Anna Housakos from Enosis shared this video of her daughter, 10-year old Alexia Housakos, singing both the American and Greek national anthems at the April 22 Greek Pride Parade on Halsted Street. Alexia did a fantastic job. She was poised and on-pitch and delivered a rousing rendition of both anthems. The crowd loved it. She's enrolled at the Odeion School of Music and we're keeping tabs on her going forward. The girl's got talent folks (and she's a real cutie too)!

BID ON OLYMPIC DIVER'S BRA: Knew that'd get your attention. Saturday, April 14 deadline to bid for our "cousin" Christina Loukas'  specially-made, one-of-a-kind sports bra for charity. Christina was a Team USA 3-meter springboard diver at Beijing 2008, 9-time National Champion, 11-time NCAA All-American, and Riverwoods, IL native. She was one of only 10 USA Olympic academy athletes asked to design and donate specialty sports bras to be auctioned on eBay to benefit the Keep A Breast Foundation for breast cancer research. Place your bids now as the deadline is this weekend. Most recently, Christina took home the silver medal at the Dubai World Series international meet in 3-meter synchronized diving, competing against the best the world has to offer. She's primed to qualify for her second Summer Olympics, this time in August, 2012 in London. Christina's real-life cousins here in Chicago are frequent visitors at GMC functions, including Alexandrea Loukas (Greek Circle magazine contributor), Wrigleyville Rooftops marketing exec Stacy Loukas (Christina's sister), as well as Dino and Aristhitis Loukas.

DANCING STAR GETS PERFECT SCORE, GREEK SUPPORT: Our "cousin" Maria Menounos, whom GMC co-director George Bliss had the pleasure of personally greeting in 2007 at NBC Tower, is a contestant on the hit show "Dancing With The Stars." During the week of May 1, she and her "Dancing" partner Derek Hough garnered the season's very first perfect score (watch it here). Maria's main gig is co-hosting NBC's "Extra." Perhaps the perfect dance was inspired by the previous week's visit from (L-R in photo to Maria's left) actor John Stamos, actress Rita Wilson, and actress Nia Vardalos (who has many real-life cousins in Chicago). The photo was tweeted by @Mariamenounos. Stamos, Wilson, and Vardalos are all prominent Greek Americans and they stopped by the show during a taping to sit near the front and root on their "cousin" Maria!

SAVALAS IN CHI-TOWN, WGN APPEARANCE: She's performed live for GMC audiences twice and "cousin" Ariana Savalas is back again this week for two live performances in Chicago. On Friday, April 6, Ariana will appear on WGN TV Channel 9 (click here to view the WGN appearance) for a sampling of her latest hits. That same night, she performs live at Sidetrack for a single release party. And be sure to check out Ari's updated website as well.



NEW BOND GIRL IS GREEK! Our own Ariana's father, the late and great actor Telly Savalas, played the antagonist Ernst Stavro Blofeld in the 1969 James Bond classic "On Her Majesty's Secret Service," and in 1981, Carol Bouquet was the lead heroine, playing the role of the British/Greek character Melina Havelock in "For Your Eyes Only." But there's never been a Greek actress in a lead Bond role - until now.  In early April, producers announced that Tonia Sotiropoulou (left photo), a 24-year old actress from Greece who's of recent been working in film in London, has landed the coveted "Bond Girl" role for the November 007, 2012 release of "Skyfall," starring Daniel Craig as Bond. Filming begins in April in Istanbul, Turkey. GreekReporter.com provides us a closer look at the actress and film. This latest development has us wondering if Dimitri Bond is a wanna-be Greek. It's been reported that his signature drink is being changed for Skyfall in a product placement deal. To which we'd ideally like to hear the words "Ouzo: Shaken, not stirred."

"COUSIN" TO MARRY ON MYKONOS THIS JUNE! Former Cleveland Browns pro football player Noel LaMontagne, now an NFL player agent, proposed, and his girlfriend Patricia Kara said "Deal"!! Our longtime "cousin," actress/TV host Patricia (formerly #9 on the hit game show "Deal or No Deal") and Noel are set for June 2012 nuptials in a storybook ceremony to take place on the exotic and romantic locale of the island of Mykonos in Greece. We're beyond elated for Patricia, who's a Chicago native and has visited GMC events on four or more occasions. Her and Noel make their permanent residence in Los Angeles. Patricia's sister, Chicago-based Joanna Karamouzis, is a regular at our events. There's more PK009 news (that's our secret agent code-word for Patricia). Her and two "Deal" briefcase spokesmodels recently released the DVD "Get Ready, Get Fit and DEAL With Your Body." Patricia also recently began as the face of Koress, a Greek beauty products brand by Johnson & Johnson. Patricia is well-known on the Hollywood scene, having appeared as an entertainment correspondent for NBC's "Extra!," the TV Guide Channel, E! Entertainment's "Wild On" series, FOX Movie Channel, and CelebTV. She's also the red carpet host for the annual Catherine Zeta Jones charity benefit. Patricia is without doubt a rising presence in the world of fitness product endorsement and you'll be seeing much more of her in the years to come. Yasou Patricia and Noel, here's to many, many years of good fortune, happiness, health, friends and "cousins"!

ROCK N' ROLL HALL OF FAMER CONCERT: Prominent Philhellene and California "cousin" Chris Hillman, husband of our own Connie Pappas Hillman, performs live May 8 at the Capital Hilton in Washington, DC as part of a gala celebration honoring International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC). The organization is celebrating two decades of faith-based humanitarian work. Chris is a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and converted Orthodox Christian who has volunteered many times for causes near and dear to Orthodoxy and Hellenism. His multi-faceted musical career spans five decades. He's most popularly known as the founding member of The Byrds, one of the most influential American rock bands of the 1960s. Their biggest hit song, "Turn, Turn, Turn," carries a message of peace and tolerance inspired by Biblical verses taken from the Book of Ecclesiastes. The song remains a rock classic and one of a few examples of scripture set to popular music. Music runs deep in the Hillman-Pappas families. Over the course of the past 30 years, Connie has served in various capacities working for another Rock hall of fame inductee, Elton John. Connie currently serves Elton as his North American Touring Manager. Connie's sister, our "cousin" Renee Pappas, is a liaison to the diaspora for Greece, and she was formerly married to music industry mogul Jerry Wexler. Connie and Renee are the nieces of Oak Brook, IL resident Phil Bouzeos, president of the 82-year old National Hellenic Invitational Basketball Tournament in Chicago.

BRADY AT CBS MINNESOTA: Northwestern University grad Aristea Brady recently began as a reporter on the weeknight 10 pm news at WCCO Channel 4, the CBS affiliate in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul. For the previous two years, she was an anchor/reporter on the weekend news at KUSA Denver. Aristea is the real-life cousin to a few of our own "cousins," mainly the Loukas family including Stacy, Dino, Alexandrea, and Aristithis. While at NU, Aristea ensconced herself at multiple media outlets - volunteer and paid positions - and now her hard work and dedication is paying off. She previously worked at WYCC Chicago, CAN-TV, and Evanston Community TV while cutting her teeth in the industry, later landing on-air reporting roles in Kentucky and Salt Lake City prior to Denver and now Minnesota. Can the Windy City be far off?

KASS ON GREECE, USA ECONOMIES: Chicago Tribune page 2 columnist John Kass files his latest column (April 4) from Athens, Greece. He focuses on the economic foibles of the `motherland' and wonders if it's a precursor to what's happening here in America. And this just in, John's column from Friday, April 6 on his visit to his ancestral Arcadia, which he calls "the most beautiful village in the universe."

CHICAGO BIZ EXPERTS: Three of our "cousins" are helping keep tabs on Windy City entrepreneurs and business mover-shakers at Crains. Veteran reporter Shia Kappos has been with the publication for the past few years and authors the Takes Names column and blog, a unique biz-social take on mover-shakers and their private pursuits. Aris Georgiadis recently joined Crain's as a general assignment reporter, and Anthe Mitrakos is a free-lancer who filed this health care article on April 6 and wrote this piece April 12 on billionaire Warren Buffett's recent investment in affordable housing in Chicago. Anthe is our co-host on April 19 at The Mid (see EVENTS link).

A `KOOL' PLACE TO WORK: Media & Advertising Age magazine recently named Akoo International Inc. one of the best places to work. Akoo is a past GMC venue host/sponsor and we're working with them to host yet another event in October at their opulent new state-of-the-art  headquarters and studio in Rosemont, IL. View the article here. Akoo's chairman/founder is Niko Drakoulis.



NEWS ALERTS: Week of March 26, 2012

OLDEST GREEK AMERICAN NEWSPAPER NOW LIVE ON WEB! The Greek Star weekly newspaper, ongoing for 108 years, went live with its brand new web offering on Greek Independence Day! As of the new year, the paper was taken over by entrepreneur John Vlahakis, who touts it as "not your papou's newspaper." A slew of new contributors have come on board, the paper itself is now in tabloid format, and the website is snazzy and contains a treasure trove of news on Chicago and national issues concerning Hellenism. As well, Vlahakis has brought with a new focus which brings an edge to ethnic newspaper reporting. Editor is Diane Adam and associate editor Maria Karamitsos. Additionally, the paper announced the hiring of recent Northwestern University grad Peter Skontos as office administrator. For more, visit TheGreekStar.com.

$10K GRAND PRIZE IN VIDEO CONTEST: Are you a filmmaker or aspiring filmmaker? The increasingly popular Earth Friendly Products, an industry leader in the manufacture and marketing of environmentally friendly household cleaning products, is sponsoring a contest which awards a $10,000 grand prize (plus one year's supply of their Ecos laundry detergent), and $5,000 second place prize (and six month's supply of Ecos). EFP requests entrants create a 30-second commercial for Ecos, with the message illustrating how "Ecos is good for the environment because it's made from plants in manufacturing centers that use 100-percent green energy," reports EFP. Contest details can be found at Ecos.com and the EFP facebook link . Contest ends May 12, 2012. EFP's founder and president is John Vlahakis, who recently purchased The Greek Star newspaper in Chicago. John is also a frequent GMC exclusive event sponsor, author ("Green Bites"), and ecological blogger at EarthyReport.com.

APRIL 4 STIMULUS SOCIAL CLUB: The fabulous ladies of Chicago's Stimulus Social Club are celebrating the 3rd anniversary of their rising social network on Wednesday, April 4 from 5:30 to 9 pm with a blowout party not to be missed! The group regularly attracts crowds of 500 or more and this being their 3rd anniversary, along with a number of celebrity guest hosts and the upscale venue (Nellcote, 833 W. Randolph), this one may just be their biggest yet.  A few of our GMC "cousins" are involved. Monica Canellis, wife of our Lou Canellis of FOX32 (also a guest host this particular evening), is one of the founders of the group and Monica will also serve as an executive host for this event. Other "cousins" serving as guest hosts include: WLUP radio morning co-host (with Pete McMurray) Jane Monzures (also host of "Living Healthy Chicago" on WGN TV), FOX32's Anna Davlantes (host of "Good Day Chicago" mornings), FOX32 entertainment correspondent Bessie Tsionis, and drummer Bobbie Kourelis of the popular rock band The Lovehammers. Aside from Monica, other executive hosts include: Kim Lichtenstein, Nadia Wetzel, Betsy Striltschuk, Megan Richards Martin, Katy Wilson, and Marissa Rudman. Other special event guest hosts include: WTMX radio personality Eric Ferguson, ABC7 "Windy City Live" co-host Ryan Chiviarini, the Auxiliary Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Katie Jackson-Meara, Carmeron Croft, Nick Scafiezzo, Sarah Vargo, Sarah Mulder, Brittanie S. Chin, and Christine Perkins. SSC hosts social events at Chicago venues and each event is a fundraiser for a particular charity. The ladies have been able to raise more than $150,000 in three short years! The 3rd anniversary event will benefit the Auxiliary Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital, a group of young professionals and future community leaders who raise funds to support research programs at the Hospital. Donation is $20 at the door, good for two drinks and complimentary appetizers.

APRIL 5 EURO CRISIS SEMINAR: Our "cousin" Tom Vabakos of Commerz International and Paratus Europe's Chicago office informs us of an event he's hosting Thursday, April 5 at the Sheraton Hotel Northbrook from 6-10 pm. Topics include currency markets and business development. Dr. George Anastasopoulos, chairman and CEO of Paratus Europe, will keynote the evening's agenda. A Northwestern University graduate, Anastasopoulos once served as General Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, and is also the former General Secretary for Industry of the Ministry of Development in Greece. He was also the first General Director of the Democratic Alliance Party, established by the former Minister of Foreign Affairs for Greece, Dora Bakoyiannis. The event title reads "The Euro Crisis, Genesis and Evolution of the Drama - Understanding it First Hand." There will be a social component and networking hour, as well as discussion among the group. Cost is $75 per person. For details, contact Tom Vabakos at (847) 323-1789 or email either USoffice@paratuseurope.eu or Tvabakos@paratuseurope.eu.

A NOBLE LIFE: American pop singer Nick Noble, 85 (birth name Valkan) passed away this week. The Chicago native was popular nationally in the mid-1950's, landing four hits on the Billboard charts. He again topped the charts in 1978 with the mellow country tune "Stay With Me." Nick was signed by Coral and Columbia records and during his career produced a reported 109 singles and four LP albums. Catch a video of Nick at this link. Visitation is Sunday and funeral services are slated for Monday morning beginning at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Palos Hills, IL.

MUSEUM CONTRACTOR IN VH1 SHOW: Our "cousins" at the National Hellenic Museum (NHM) aim to bring us Hellenic reality, so it makes perfect sense that the people who built the brand new "Hub of Greek America" in Greektown Chicago would appear on TV reality shows. Crain's Chicago Business columnist Shia Kapos reports that Centaur construction co-founder/CEO Spiro Tsaparas made a cameo March 21 on the Chicago version of the
H1 reality show "House of Consignment," which focuses on eDrop-Off owner Corri McFadden's local business. Tsaparas is also an auto racing enthusiast who races cars and in 2009 competed in yet another reality show, this one called Bull Run Rally, vying for a $200,000 top prize against various contestants...Also appearing on "House of Consignment" is Jenna Gambaccini, granddaughter of our own Georgia Mitchell, who's a NHM board member and noted music instructor and accomplished classical pianist. Jenna works for eDropoff and she's also a rising fashion blogger.

JOINS SUN-TIMES: The Chicago Sun-Times this week announced the hiring of veteran government and political investigative reporter Dan Mihalopoulos. Formerly with the Chicago Tribune, Dan has also been a key contributor at the online investigative forum Chicago News Cooperative. The Sun-Times hiring was reported by media critic Robert Feder of TimeOut Chicago magazine.



"COUSIN" PENZ BIZ BOOK: Our "cousin" Nick Thomopoulos, a renowned industry expert in the area of systems operation, on April 30 debuts a fourth book, "Fundamentals of Queuing Systems: Statistical Methods for Analyzing Queuing Models." The book fills a void for graduate-level students, researchers, and practitioners in the areas of management science, applied mathematics, engineering, computer science, and statistics. Nick, based in the Chicagoland region, designed software which serves as Navistar's parts inventory management system for North American operations. Nick's consulting business included Navistar as a key client. He continues as Professor Emeritus at Illinois Institute of Technology, where he's been teaching for over 30 years. Nick is a principal in the software company FIC, which develops software for supply chain applications.

MAJORING IN MAJOR MEDIA: Two of our young "cousins" are making names for themselves in broadcasting. Recent Columbia College communications grad George Cotsirilos began as an intern at ESPN1000 radio in Chicago and was recently promoted to board operator. He formerly interned and was a part-time associate producer at WGN radio. University of Nebraska senior Paige Dimakos, a Chicago area native, is currently interning at ABC's local affiliate in Lincoln, Nebraska. She's also a web producer and content editor at Corn Fed Sports, a site about all-things Cornhuskers sports. Paige formerly interned in Chicago at The Drive (97.1 FM WDRV), and this Summer will be working yet another internship in Phoenix.


Paige Dimakos (left photo) and George Cotsirilos (above photo right)





MYSTERY WRITER IN CHI-TOWN: Bestselling author Peter Larangis, a long-distance "cousin" who's made a franchise out of his "39 Clues" series of children's mystery novels, visited the Chicago area for three book discussions and signings on his latest in the series. On his stop, he was hosted by three esteemed local literary destinations in Barnes & Noble Old Orchard Mall in Skokie, the Bookstall at Chestnut Court in Winnetka, and Anderson's Bookshop in Naperville.

NEW ISSUE GREEK CIRCLE: Publisher Alexa Ganakos Ganos is out with her latest edition of Greek Circle magazine. The Spring issue is titled "Fashion Forward" and more than a few of our "cousins" collaborated. Contributing features were Cathy Demetropoulos (editor of Chicago Bride magazine), Maria Karamitsos (also associate editor of The Greek Star) and Anthe Mitrakos (freelancer at Crains Chicago Business and also a writer/illustrator for The Greek Star). Amalia Deligiannis is GC's editor and Christopher Ganos is business development and advertising director. Those being profiled include Angeliki Garris, publisher of Moda Fashion Gazette, Jane Monzures (TV/radio host at WGN and WLUP FM and fashion designer), Patricia Kara (actress/TV host and fitness spokesmodel), and our "cousins" at the National Hellenic Museum and the National Hellenic Society. For GC mag subscription information, email greekcircle@gmail.com or phone (312) 988-9696. The magazine recently celebrated its 10th anniversary!

THE COUSINS’ LETTER…
August 2011 Edition

KARA AT CHICAGO COMICON THIS WEEKEND: Our visiting Chicago native-turned-Hollywood starlet Patricia Kara (as seen guest-hosting on “Extra,“ E! Entertainment’s “Wild On,“ “TV Guide Channel, Catherine Zeta Jones charity benefit, and more) will be with us Thursday (her 3rd GMC visit), and then from Aug. 12-14 you can also find her as one of the attractions at the blazing hot Wizard World ComicCon Convention at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. With Captain America, Thor, the Green Lantern, and yes Harry Potter too dominating this Summer’s blockbuster films, superheroes and mythical figures (do we Greeks know any of them? Think 2010’s  “Percy Jackson & the Olympians“ starring Zack Effron) are BIG BIG BIG in today’s film universe (Ironman, Spiderman, Batman, so many). And games are a huge part of that equation, with more and more movies based upon such videogame titles as “Laura Croft: Tomb Raider (a plethora of Greek references in that one). Patricia (#9) was one of only 30 spokesmodels from the original “Deal or No Deal” game show with Howie Mandel to make the cut to become one of only two models on the spin-off daytime show. She also has a new fitness video out (Patricia is debatably today’s foremost fitness equipment spokesperson). This time, Patricia teams up with two of the other “Deal” girls for the “Deal with Your Body!” video (November release). In addition, Patricia recently hosted the “Five Factor Secrets to a Successful You” show, and she’s now started her own consulting business helping young entertainers navigate the intricate labyrinth of the often Byzantine world of Hollywood and beyond. For added Greek flavor, Patricia is the new host/beauty correspondent for Koress, a Greek beauty product line!

 

SAVALAS CUTS 1ST ALBUM! Our own, "cousin" Ariana Savalas, is back with the GMC. She first performed live for us at an event in February 2010 at the 95th in Hancock Tower (Ariana has reverse fear of heights and only performs for us high above sea level ;) She's back and this time, fresh off her debut album "Kingdom," just released. This pop/rock compilation has a heavy jazz influence, as is Ariana's wont and love affair with all-things-chanteuse. Ari wrote her own scores as well. On Thursday, she'll share some of her jazz/singer/standard favorites, with "Beatle Tony" Kidonakis (The Federale's) accompanying on saxophone. The multi-talented Ari will also play keyboards. Come find out what we at the GMC have known since the very moment we met Ari: She's her daddy personified! Ariana is the daughter of the late, great Hollywood acting legend Telly Savalas (TV's famous "Kojak," and feature roles in such epic films as "The Dirty Dozen" and "The Greatest Story Ever Told"). Ari firmly inherited her father's charm, talent, personality, and wit. Also an aspiring actress, Ari has landed roles in indie films and last year had a guest role on TV's "Criminal Minds." She's just getting started with her career and her musical chops are off to a promising start with "Kingdom." Watch Ariana perform live (February 2010) in the studios of ABC7 Chicago (click here).

 

BEATLE TONY DOES MCCARTNEY: Our own "Beatle Tony" Kidonakis, a versatile musician who'll bring his sax on August 11 to play with Ariana Savalas, has also long played with the Federales, one of the area's foremost Beatles tribute bands. Right before Paul McCartney's early August concerts at Wrigley Field, Tony organized a "warm-up concert to get everyone ready" on July 29 at Empress Banquets in Addison. There was also Greek music played by Andreas Georgas, American rock n' roll by The Nick Willett Band, and of course Tony's Beatles mates, which he says was the "largest Beatles tribute band ever assembled." Tony also clued us in that he has been accepted for a prestigious music fellowship at Northwestern University, and he's also a noted music instructor. For more, email Beatletony@yahoo.com and check out the Beatles tribute band here.

 

MORE MCCARTNEY: Over at Wrigley Field, our "cousin" Stacey Loukas, marketing manager for Wrigleyville Rooftops, was busy as a bee last weekend in preparation for all the folks who booked the two rooftops owned by WVR. And we're also happy to report, Stacey's sister, Christina Loukas, placed 4th in the world in 3-meter springboard diving in Shanghai at the July World Championships in China. Christina, a Riverwoods, IL native, was the top Team USA finisher. She placed 9th in the world at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Many of Christina's real-life cousins and relatives frequent GMC events!

HANIS BEGINS AT TRIBUNE: For the past seven years, our "cousin" Andrea Hanis (pictured at right) has been helping to jazz up and raise the profile at Crain's Chicago Business. This June, she was recruited by the Chicago Tribune to assume the newly-created position of planning editor for the business section. Andrea was foremost responsible for launching the Business of Life section at Crain's, which infused an element of energy and fun into the sometimes mundane chore of business reporting. One of the columns Andrea helped introduce was the popular "Taking Names" column, a social-business-philanthropic focused weekly feature written by another of our "cousins," Shia Kapos. Before Crain's, Andrea worked at the Chicago Sun-Times for 11 years as a travel and lifestyles editor. For a full report on Andrea's hire, check out Robert Feder's column for TimeOut Chicago magazine.

 

CHICAGO BRIDE SHOW OCT. 16: GMC "cousins" Cathy Demetropoulos, executive editor of Chicago Bride magazine, is producing the annual fall bridal fashion show and expo at Navy Pier on October 16. If you have a bridal-focused business and/or want to expand your business into the bridal market, email Cathy@ChicagoBrideMagazine.com for details on reserving a booth.

 

KASS ON BLAGO, DALEY: GMC "cousin" John Kass, page 2 columnist at the Chicago Tribune and the paper's foremost political commentator, was interviewed on video of recent in regard to the Guv Blago guilty verdict and former Mayor Richard Daley's last day in office.

 

COACH LEVY BOOK: Our favorite football Philhellene "cousin," 4-time NFL Super Bowl coach Marv Levy of the Buffalo Bills, just released his first novel of fiction. We'll be feting the coach at our October function, but for now get the scoop via this piece written by Rick Telander of the Chicago Sun-Times in late July. The book's storyline is about an allegedly fixed Super Bowl. Sounds intriguing and if it's coming from Marv, you know it's erudite and authentic in its presentation.

 

SMART MONEY ON VATIS: Yes, our longtime "cousin" Kim Vatis, weekend morning news anchor and weekday morning reporter at NBC5 Chicago, will be getting quite the workout in coming weeks as talk about the economy heats up. Debt ceilings, credit ratings, S&P downgrades, deficit spending, taxes, etc. Kim's all over it as host of NBC5's "Smart Money" show, aired Wednesdays. And we just LOVE the fact she includes the GMC website on her facebook fan page profile. Two thumbs up, Kim!!!

 

ANNA & SUSANNA CHAT IT UP: In July, FOX32 "Good Day Chicago" co-host Anna Davlantes (GMC "cousin" of course) held court on-air with Michigan Avenue magazine executive editor Susanna Negovan (another "cousin") and Rochelle Trotter on topics ranging from marijuana possession to birth control and more. Check out their conversation here.

 

GREEK/ISRAELI WEBSITE: Our own Charles Mauradites, a veteran newsman who formerly was editor of two local community newspaper chains, has a new project. He just launched CHI-Circle, an organization for Hellas and Israel/International Friends of Greece-Israel Alliance. He reports a very successful response to their support of the historic agreement between the two ancient countries. This is the first-ever alliance between Greece and Israel - economic, cultural, and strategic.

 

FAREWELL, SWEET GEORGIA: We here at the GMC are saddened once more at the loss of yet another of the great matriarchs of the Chicago Greek media contingent, the effervescent and ever-inspiring Georgia Photopulos. Georgia was a sweet, amazing woman who once worked for the FBI as a translator, authored "Of Tears and Triumphs" (a tome about coping with illness), wrote cancer-themed screenplays for soap operas, and was a longtime writer for The Greek Star newspaper as well. Her life partner, husband Bud Photopulos, is a retired correspondent for ABC network news. Together, they were one power couple, but most of all they had perhaps as great a friendship and marriage as anyone could possibly aspire toward. In preceding years, we at the GMC lost both Gloria Besbekis and Antigone Lambros, two other close "cousins," and frankly we're done for a long time on that front. For more on Georgia's amazing life (she survived cancer for 40 years after her doctors gave her months to live, underwent numerous operations, and was an inspiration to thousands), read the write-up on her life and career in the Chicago Sun-Times.

 

FAREWELL, SWEET GEORGIA: We here at the GMC are saddened once more at the loss of yet another of the great matriarchs of the Chicago Greek media contingent, the effervescent and ever-inspiring Georgia Photopulos (pictured at left). Georgia was a sweet, amazing woman who once worked for the FBI as a translator, authored "Of Tears and Triumphs" (a tome about coping with illness), wrote cancer-themed screenplays for soap operas, and was a longtime writer for The Greek Star newspaper as well. Her life partner, husband Bud Photopulos, is a retired correspondent for ABC network news. Together, they were one power couple, but most of all they had perhaps as great a friendship and marriage as anyone could possibly aspire toward. In preceding years, we at the GMC lost both Gloria Besbekis and Antigone Lambros, two other close "cousins," and frankly we're done for a long time on that front. For more on Georgia's amazing life (she survived cancer for 40 years after her doctors gave her months to live, underwent numerous operations, and was an inspiration to thousands), read the write-up on her life and career in the Chicago Sun-Times.

IN MEMORY OF GEORGIA LOUKAS: Our "cousin" Tony Loukas passed this video along not only in memory of his late wife, Georgia Loukas, who died of cancer a few short years back, but for "all the women we've lost in our lives." We thought you'd find it uplifting. Tony's son, former pro rodeo cowboy Dino Loukas, is currently writing a book about his experiences as "Chicago's Urban Cowboy."

 

DR. SANDY PLAYS HARDBALL AGAINST CANCER: Our "cousins," Dr. Sandy Goldberg (also NBC5 wellness contributor) and Kathy Kalesperis Smith, were seen taking in the ballgame of the Gary, IN Railcats last Sunday as part of a benefit for Dr. Sandy A Silver Lining Foundation. Dr. Sandy threw out the ceremonial first pitch and proceeds benefited the foundation established by Dr. Sandy. Kathy is a principal in the Foundation. On August 27, the Foundation partners with Macy's for "Shop For A Cause," another benefit.

 

MORE NHS: The National Hellenic Society's Dr. George Korkos will be with us on Thursday. He's continuing the tradition of the "Telly Savalas Golf Open" with his coordination of its newest incarnation, the NHS "Renaissance Weekend." Dr. Korkos was a close personal friend of Telly's and the godfather of Ariana Savalas' brother, Christian Savalas. Dr. Korkos has always been a kind of unofficial godfather to Ariana as well. Odyssey magazine publisher Art Dimopoulos, an East Coast "cousin," is also on the exec board of the NHS, which is chaired by Tim Maniatis of Baltimore. This year's weekend social takes place September 15-18 in Scottsdale, AZ. Singer Tony Orlando has performed twice for this group, which always brings in major national attractions. The organization has been able to raise sufficient funds to send kids to Greece to study abroad. They have a fully-funded educational trip for first-time students to Greece, which is hosted by DEREE - The American College of Greece. This year, 20 students participated. Check out the student reactions here. The NHS has many other functions as well which you can learn about at their website.