March 20, 2005 Meeting Minutes

APRIL 15th, 2005

Dear Brothers and Sisters: A BLESSED EASTER, TO ONE AND ALL.
A regular meeting of our chapter will be held on Palm Sunday April 24th, at 3:00 p.m. We will have an egg hunt for the children, but please bring your own baskets.

BEFORE THE MEETING: last month, many of our members participated in or viewed our annual Greek Independence Day Parade in Tarpon Springs, which began at 1:00 P.M. Then they returned to the clubhouse to enjoy a sumptuous spaghetti luncheon, sponsored by Perry and Mary Kratsas and Andy and Popi Kalathas, and prepared by Nick & Dessi Plutis and John & Gus Lewis. It was my understanding that the food was delicious and more than most could eat. Thanks to all who helped in any way. Where would we be without our sponsors and our volunteers? They also had a birthday cake and sang Happy Birthday to Martha Glaros and also to Louis Liozos. May they both be blessed with many more healthy years. The April dinner has no sponsors, so the club will undertake the cost of the food, with members paying the same as usual. Any donations will help. Please call Pres. Argie if you can help. She’s at 739-0735 or 727-709-1892. Thanks

THE MARCH MEETING: was called to order at 4:30 P.M. by Pres. Argie Glaros, with members reciting the Lord’s Prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. The roll call of officers present, included Pres. Argie, Vice Pres. Desi Plutis and Acting Recording Secretary Stan Tripodis. Treasurer, Ann Andreson dropped of the report, but couldn’t stay for the meeting, due to prior commitments. Pres. Argie welcome several guests and some members, we don’t see very often, including John & Kay Lewis and son Gus and his wife Carol of Pittsburgh, Chris Moraitis, from Detroit, Vassilia Logan and sister Alice Bouzevas, as well as Frank & Connie Barlamas and Nick & Panna Arkis.

MINUTES: were approved after one correction, the spelling of Frank Barlamas’s name.

TREASURE’S REPORT: was read and approved, with the following balances, checking $8,741.09, CD’S $33,967.28 and $8,672,17. Total funds on deposit $51, 380.54

SUNSHINE COMMITTEE: Clara Tripodis-Kaster reported that Nick Kavourias will be having knee surgery very soon. She also reported on the death of several members and
their family members, including our long time member Kallie Mastrogeorge who was a founding member, as well as our long time Treasurer of Helios #19. Alexandra Safos, Mother of Anthony Safos and Helen Stefanadis, sister of Gus Stefanadis, and Mrs. Katsaros, sister of Nick Kavourias. MAY THEIR MEMORIES BE ETERNAL
As is customary, Helios will send a donation of $50.00 each to the Foundation in memory of our departed members.

NO HOUSE REPORT AND NO CORRESPONDENCE

MEMBERSHIP: Stan Tripodis stated 100 members have paid so far for 2005 and he was accepting dues for 2005, while acting as Secretary for wife Anna and Treas. Ann Andreson. Thanks Stan. REMEMBER, DUES ARE NOW DUE AND PAYABLE

SPEAKING ON MEMBERSHIP: Pres. Argie is asking for someone to step forward and accept the chair of YOUTH DIRECTOR for our chapter. Surely, one of our Mother’s or Father’s who are interested in the future of Helios, and it’s continuation could come forward and accept this important job. OUR YOUTH ARE THE FURURE OF THIS ORGANIZATION, AND WE SHOULD WORK WITH THEM AND FOR THEM.

PRES. ARGIE INQUIRED: about the monthly get-together, which is scheduled for the second Friday of each month, and the turnout was not good for March, so please mark your calendars for the second Friday, as the news-letter doesn’t go out until ten days before the next monthly meeting. For more information, please call Chairperson, Mary Tsambis @ 447-4287. WE HOPE TO SEE LOTS OF MEMBERS IN ATTENDENCE.

OLD BUSINESS: Dance Chairman Stan Tripodis presented a report on 2005 Dinner Dance, which totaled an income of $19,424.00, with expenses of $14,404.00. The total profit plus liquor surplus was, $5197.10, which was an increase of $1,054 over 2004
The venue for next year’s Dance is still under discussion. Harry Batuyios went to St Nicholas Hall in Tarpon Springs to obtain information on their Hall. The committee will make a decision in the near future.
Mary Ann Marshall gave a report on the FAMILY TREE PROJECT she has been working on, and she demonstrated what her own family tree looks like (she is a Moraitis) and her family tree includes over 46 names!) She again encouraged members to gather family information and she would assist in constructing a family tree for others. THANKS, MARY ANN. She said her e-mail is mary_ann_marshall@yahoo.com. She also stated a valuable web site for more genealogy information is http://www.tribalpages.com/ and the Family Tree Project site is:
http://www.tribalpages.com/tribe/browse?userid=ikaria&rand=48492

NEW BUSINESS: Charlotte presented an idea on chartering a bus and going to the Vinoy Hotel, for a luncheon and doing a tour of the hotel, and possibly conducting a chapter meting there. She checked out bus prices and found the cost is $65.00 an hour with a 5 hour minimum, for 55 persons. This expenditure of $325 will be brought up on the agenda at the next meeting for approval.

GOOD OF THE ORDER: Stella Thomas stated that we should review the chapter bylaws, specifically regarding, if we are overlooking required tasks, such as an annual auditing of the Treasurer’s books, and making donations to the Foundation for our departed members. Stella also congratulated IKARIA magazine editor Niki Plutis for another fine issue, which was just mailed out. I (Fran Glaros) might also mention that Niki Plutis is a wonderful example of what our young people can do for our chapter, once they make up their mind to serve when and where they are needed. THANKS AGAIN, NIKI, FOR MAKING A SUCCESS OF OUR IMPORTANT IKARA PUBLICATION.

Vice Pres., Desi Plutis suggested we should consider conducting one of our monthly meetings at a nice outdoor setting, such as a local park.
Pres. Argie, thanked the dinner sponsors, as well as those who helped cook, serve and clean up after the dinner. Everyone’s help is needed and appreciated.

NEXT MEETING AGENDA: will include voting for a bus to take us to the Vinoy Hotel for a luncheon, tour, and possibly conduct a monthly meeting there.
Meeting was adjourned at 5:10 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted, Corresponding Secretary, Fran Glaros