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Sunday, June 30, 2013

2013 AHEPA Scholarship Recipients


PHOTO CAPTION: From l-r: William Penn No. 61 Scholarship Chairman Athan Dialectos, recipient Olivia Damore, recipient Bern Donahue, and Chapter President George Giovanis.

READING, PA - William Penn Chapter No. 61 Order of AHEPA hosted its annual scholarship awards banquet at the Crowne Plaza Reading Hotel on May 30, 2013. During the evening dinner celebration, the AHEPA Chapter recognized two outstanding scholarship award winners from the community: Olivia Damore and Bern Donahue. Both of these scholarship award recipients have very promising futures exhibited by outstanding academic achievement performance, leadership qualities, and active involvement in school, church and community activities. Olivia Damore, daughter of Anthony and Maria Damore,  recently graduated from Exeter High School. She will continue her education at West Chester University, studying musical theater and early  childhood education.  Bern Donahue, son of Bernie and Tula Donahue, recently graduated from Wyomissing Area High School.  He will attend James Madison University this fall pursuing business as his major in college. During the banquet, entertainment was provided by the Twin Valley High School A Cappella Choir under the direction of Mr. Greg Hill.

The event, including an ad book, raised $5,000 for the chapter Scholarship Fund.

Highlights from 2013 AHEPA Scholarship Dinner


Friday, June 28, 2013

Chapter of the Year

Ahepa Chapter 61 President George Giovanis receives District 4  "Ahepa Chapter of The Year" Award from outgoing District Governor Photi Skolikas at The 2013 District Convention at Seven Springs Resorts June 2013.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

In Memoriam: George J. Tripolitis

George J. Tripolitis, 78, passed away June 25, 2013, in his Spring Township residence. He was the husband of Shirley E. (Staggers) Tripolitis, whom he wed 52 years ago on June 25, 1961.

Born in Kos, Greece, he was a son of the late John and Conto (Zervanos) Tripolitis.

He was a graduate of Hippocrates Gymnasium, Kos, Greece, and attended The University of Salonica, Greece, before emigrating to the United States.

George was a maƮtre d' and restaurant manager for over 35 years at Stokesay Castle, Reading. He worked part time at The Riveredge Restaurant, Reading, following his retirement.

He was a member of SS Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, Reading, where he was a former church council member and remained an active volunteer. Recently, he was awarded the lifetime service award for his dedicated years of service to his church. He was also a member of the Order of AHEPA.

George was an avid walker and enjoyed watching soccer, football and hockey. His pride and joy was his family and he loved spending time with them.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his three children: John G., husband of Karen Tripolitis, Douglassville; Linda M. Tripolitis-Baker, King of Prussia; and Georgia T., wife of Jeffrey Ruser, Wayne. There is one sister, Demetria "Metsa" Manuel, Lancaster; and four grandchildren: Lauren T. Tripolitis, Kristen T. Tripolitis, Annina Baker and Marlena Ruser.

George was predeceased by four siblings, Damianos Tripolitis, Thalia Andreadis, Eleni Georgopoulos and Maria Gambrellis.

Services will be Friday at 11 a.m. in SS Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 1001 E. Wyomissing Blvd., Reading, PA 19611. A viewing will be held 10 to 11 a.m. in the church. Burial will be in Charles Evans Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to: SS Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church at the address above.

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is in charge of arrangements Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.

Monday, June 17, 2013

William Penn No. 61 named Pennsylvania AHEPA Chapter of the Year

Brothers,

 As a reminder, I am forwarding to you two attachments announcing our AHEPA Weekend Celebration including Saturday, August 17th and Sunday, August 18th.

* On Saturday, August 17th, Brother Gus Kotsakis is hosting the 1st Annual Greek Poker Cup  featuring an AHEPA Texas Hold 'em Tournament at his home.  This event will be for men only.  Details need to be worked out…..so an update on this exciting event will be forthcoming.  Tentatively, we are looking at an entrance fee of $25 to play poker with a "buy in" of chips.  If you do not play poker, you are welcome to come out for an evening of socialization with your fellow brothers and enjoy great food and drink by Gus’ pool.  Beverages and food will be provided so everyone will chip in approximately $10.  As indicated earlier, more updated information is forthcoming.

* On Sunday, August 18th, we are having our Annual Ernie Orphanos Memorial Golf Classic.  Location, time, and cost for both the golf and family pig roast are the same as in the previous three years.  Check out the attached flyer for all the details.  I am the contact person for the golf tournament and pig roast.  Brother Chris Wagner, AHEPA Athletic Director, will be chairman and director of this year’s golf classic.

By the way, Joan and I just got back from attending the Power District No. 4 AHEPA Convention at Seven Springs Resort near Pittsburgh this weekend.  For the second year in a row, our William Penn Chapter No. 61 was honored in being selected as Pennsylvania’s AHEPA Chapter of the Year for 2012-2013.  We currently have 93 active members of our Chapter and we plan to have at least 100 members before the end of this calendar year.

Here is another update…our AHEPA trophy case has been installed in the hallway entrance outside our Church Hall.  B & G Glass will be installing a custom glass door and shelves to complete the project within the next week.  A big thank you to Adelphi Kitchens for donating our custom trophy case which will showcase our accomplishments (golf trophy/plaques) and AHEPA memorabilia highlighting our storied history and heritage for almost 90 years!

Fraternally,
George Giovanis, President
Order of AHEPA, William Penn Chapter No. 61

Friday, June 14, 2013

AHEPAN George Zeppos expands restaurant holdings

George and Eleny Zeppos, owners of The Hitching Post, Bern Township, purchased the former T.G.I. Friday's restaurant, 305 Park Road, Wyomissing. They plan to convert the site into Willoughby's Bar and Grill. Read more about the couple's plans at the link below:

T.G.I. Friday's site sold in Wyomissing

Thursday, June 6, 2013

AHEPAN Christ Kraras honored by Berks Encore

William Penn Chapter No. 61 member Christ Kraras and his wife, Ann, were honored Wednesday with the Berks Encore Leadership by Example Award at Berks Encore's 13th Annual Community Breakfast in Crowne Plaza Reading, Wyomissing. It's the latest honor for Chris Kraras, who is active in many community organizations and projects.
 
Berks couple named shining stars of community service