1998 News

December 1998 - January 1999 News from OINOE CHAPTER #14 Oinoe chapter was saddened by the sudden loss of long time member Leona (Lemonia) Katsaros in December. She was a well loved supporter of the chapter and is remembered for her never ending good spirits and optimism. On January 17, Leona's son Tom Katsaros passed away unexpectedly while on vacation in Palm Springs. Tom was as kind an individual as anyone could ever know. He never said "no" to anyone seeking his assistance. He was a dedicated Oinoe member who always volunteered to help, especially kitchen duty. Leona and Tom will be sorely missed by all those who were fortunate enough to have known them.

Leona Katsaros is survived by her younger son Peter (Des) Katsaros her brother Louis P. Tripodes and many grand children, nieces and nephews. Tom is survived by his younger brother Peter (Des) Katsaros as well as children Paul (Elena) Katsaros, Emmanuel (Wendy) Katsaros, Betina Katsaros, and Tom Jr. Katsaros. May their memories be eternal.

Tom Katsaros last helped Oinoe chapter when he prepared a magnificent filet mignon banquet for the annual Icarian & AHEPA Christmas party on December 12 at St. Anthony's church hall in Pasadena. Tom was assisted by fellow master chefs Tony Horaites and James Horaites.
The 70 in attendance not only enjoyed a fine meal but Christmas carols and a raffle as well. Since so many of the local Ahepans are also members of the Oinoe chapter the two groups began combining their Christmas parties two years ago rather than holding separate events. Pasadena Ahepa president and Oinoe finance committee chairman Steve Tripodes noted that it was the same people doing all the work for both groups anyway.

Icarians played key roles in the effort to get the first ever Hellenic float in the 1999 Rose Parade. Among the behind the scenes organizers were Oinoe members John Buzas (husband of former Rose Parade princess Pam Pastis), webmaster Dean Tripodes, Anthony Horaites, James Dimitriou, Constantino Z. Frangos, and Sitheris Chebithes. Many Icarians also helped in decorating the float and providing meals for the float volunteers. Constantine and Argyro Yiakas and family were generous financial supporters with their $3,000 donation.

Three young Icarians (all relatives of Oinoe members), wearing traditional Greek costumes were seen by almost a half billion people around the world as they rode with the float. The privileged trio were Siestine Calliope Horaites of Alhambra, CA - daughter of Steve & Jean Horaites and grand daughter of Gust and Calliope Horaites; Alexandra Vlahiotes, daughter of Dr. Tony and Zoe Vlahiotes, and grand daughter of Pantele & Angela (Tripodes) Xanthos; and Evan Hutchinson of Maple Glen, Pennsylvania, daughter of Efstratia (Tracie) Hutchinson, niece of Sitheris Chebithes, and grand daughter of V. I. Chebithes.

Donations to help with expenses for this past Rose Parade float (and next year's float) can be made to:

AHEPA Hellenic Heritage Foundation
Post Office Box 50581
Pasadena, California 91115-0581
Direct: (818) 504-2502
Toll Free (866) 88-GREEK
http://www.ahepafloat.org


Chapter Oinoe's annual Past President's dinner was held on Saturday, May 9, 1998 at the Monrovian Restaurant. Almost 70 attended to honor our immediate past president, James Bornino. Jim was president of the Oinoe chapter for the 1996-97 term and has held many chapter offices since moving to Los Angeles from Cleveland with wife Bessie in 1961. Jim and Bessie have always been unrivaled supporters of the Brotherhood. Their beautiful home has been the site of innumerable chapter meetings and they can always be counted on for any chapter project. Jim's idea of having an annual "Icarian Day at the Races" has been a top chapter fund raiser and great social occasion as well.

Among the group were many members of Jim's American Legion chapter (the all Greek Leonidas post), and a strong showing from our Cretan friends. National President John Sakoutis and National Governor Athena Kouloulias both attended and spoke to the group. Chris Daly gave us an update on his efforts to send musical instruments to Icaria for the "Icarian Philharmonic" orchestra in Ayios Kyrikos.

Congratulations to the daughter of Elias Raptis on her recent marriage.

We were saddened by the loss of sister Alicia Koutsouflakis. Alicia had been an active part of the Icarian community since she moved to southern California in 1946. Only last year the chapter helped her celebrate her 90th birthday at a surprise party/meeting attended by over 80 friends and family. She is survived by her daughter Vivian Kalafatis, sister Lemonia Katsaros, brother Louis Tripodes, and numerous nieces and nephews.

May sister Alicia's memory be eternal.

Icarians through out the world celebrate July 17 or Saint Marina Day as Icarian Independence Day. On this date in 1912 the Icarians freed themselves of Turkish rule in a brief revolution with only one fatality. The island was technically an independent nation (with its own flag and national anthem) until union with Greece in November of that year. July 17 is commemorated by the Icarian diaspora of North America with picnics and parties.

Over 80 Icarians and their friends attended the annual Ayia Marina's - Icarian Independence Day Picnic at beautiful Eddie park in South Pasadena. The crowd spent hours in the balmy weather munching exotic barbequed foods and visiting. A brief ceremony commemorated the 1912 revolution on Icaria with the crowd singing the Icarian National Anthem. We were pleasantly surprised to see so many out of state guests: Bill & Vange Malachias from New Orleans; Gary Charnas from Cleveland; and Katina Glaros from Boca Raton, Florida. A new member Andrea Binikos Coghill joined the chapter. Andrea is the daughter of John and Sandy Binikos.