Save the date - Thursday, May 28 @ the Peninsula Hotel
We're going outside to the rooftop patio at the storied Peninsula Hotel, 200 East Superior St., Chicago. . Take elevator up to the Shanghai Terrace. Stunning skyline view. Pristine facility. Fallback indoor reception area (and hotel bar) in the event of inclement weather. (312) 337-2888 for front desk.
On tap: Usual assortment of creative, eclectic communicative types (and their guests), plus our lovely and talented "cousins" Kim Vatis and Anna Davlantes at NBC5 Chicago, in addition to a visit from NBC Universal's Patricia Kara of "Deal or No Deal," a Chi-town native who's now in LA. Patricia is here to emcee Angeliki Garris'Moda Fashion Gazette event on May 30. Add our now standard mystery guest to the list of offerings (the first two were Batmobile inventor George Barris and former/longtime Chicago NBC5 political commentator Dick Kay; we strive to hit on ALL the hot issues of the day).
Full details will arrive next Thursday. With finest regards, your GMC co-directors...
George Bliss (312) 217-0510
'Terry Poulos (708) 975-0571
Ming in the Spring
(CHICAGO, IL) Breaking news!!! Open invite event. The Greek Media Club returns on THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2009 from 7-11 pm (next Thursday). Our latest episode is titled “Ming in the Spring” (mingle, that is)…
…sample the oft rapt repertoire of rapid repartee that can only be generated via an eclectic mix of creative communication professionals. Destination: Historic Greektown at the Parthenon‘s “Bizouki Lounge.” On tap..
* The amazingly Sinatra-`thentic’ Jimmy Damon performs * Mystery surprise celebrity appearance * Spacious, private venue with stage, multi-media * Stimulating discourse; eat, drink, and merriment * Usual assortment of print/electronic journalists, new media, filmmakers, marketing/PR/advertising personnel, music/dance practitioners, new media designers and artisans, those on the peripheral of media, and everyone’s kind guests * No admission fee; cash bar/open invite so RSVP not necessary * Scroll down for our Spring, 2009 newsletter * The Parthenon Restaurant, 314 South Halsted Street; half block south of Jackson. (312) 726-2407 www.TheParthenon.com. Valet or self-park. Enter Parthenon’s front door, turn right, pass the bar and you’re on your way
Best wishes and safest travels from your GMC directors…
George Bliss (312) 217-0510 Terry Poulos (708) 975-0571
* Give a big, fat Greek hug to our new web guy, “Frankie Boy” Mahony, producer of the “Geoff Pinkus Show” on WIND (see newsletter for more) --------------------------------------------------------
GABBY’S LAUNCHED IN CHICAGO & NY: Without doubt, Chicago is THE hottest place to be for Summer 2009 if you‘re Greek American! The inaugural GABBY Awards (Greek America’s Best & Brightest) will be held in Chicago Friday, June 19 at DePaul’s Reskin Theatre in the South Loop. Nominees were officially announced in February/March at two posh events in Chicago and New York. Vote at www.GabbyAwards.com. You don’t want to miss this first-ever Greek American “Emmy” award ceremony, which to our knowledge is the first ever such endeavor by any ethnic community in America. The emcee is our very own Anna Davlantes, GMC co-founder and Emmy Award winning reporter at Chicago NBC5. A “who’s who” of celebrities and mover-shakers in the national Greek community will descend upon Chicago that weekend. Greek America magazine publisher Gregory C. Pappas, the creator/founder of the GABBY’s, reports that the awards ceremony has confirmed the attendance of actresses Melina Kanakaredes and Olympia Dukakis, and celebrity “Iron Chef” Kat Cora will also be on hand. Many more celebs to be confirmed. Advance tickets sales and sponsorship have been strong. Nominees, which were voted on by a panel of 100 members which form the GABBY Academy, are from categories recognizing excellence in business, philanthropy, entertainment, education, sports, politics, and journalism. Honorary co-chairs are Melina Kanakaredes and fashion icon John Varvatos, with Dukakis receiving the first GABBY Lifetime Achievement Award. The award itself was created by international designer Kostandino. VIP and general admission after parties will be held late into the night at the Hilton & Towers, directly across from the theatre. Proceeds benefit the 501(c)(3) charity Greek America Foundation, also founded by Pappas, and funds will be directed to “study abroad” programs mostly for Greek American students visiting Greece. Suzanne Velonis of the 2 x 4 ad agency is chairing the PR/media committee. Contact . Many GMCers are involved with the project.
GA CELEBRATES 15 YEARS: The year 2009 marks the 15th year that Greek America magazine has been in existence, so it‘s a huge year for Gregory Pappas, one way or various others. This year, GA eclipsed a quarter million in circulation! A University of Pittsburg graduate who now resides in Chicago, Gregory also owns Cosmos Communications, a full-service marketing agency which reps various blue-chip clients in the Greek and mainstream communities. Gregory was also recently tapped to serve on the Advisory Board to the X Prize Foundation, a not-for-profit founded by world renowned space exploration pioneer Dr. Peter H. Diamandis. Most recently, Gregory was appointed as an advisor to the American College of Greece, the oldest American-sponsored institution of higher education in all of Europe. His role will be to establish ties with the school and the Greek American community on a number of levels, including educational collaborations with educators and institutions, the creation of a study abroad program for Greek Americans (and non), as well as other partnerships including advising on candidates for honorary degrees and guest lecturers. In Greece, the school is considered the top private institution of higher education, and proudly calls 'alumnus' people like Prime Minister Constantine Karamanlis and philanthropist Mariyanna Vardinoyianni, reports Gregory, who also serves on the board of the national Hellenic Museum & Cultural Centre in Chicago.
DAMON LIVE THIS FRIDAY: Before he sings Sinatra for the GMC, “cousin” Jimmy Damon will perform the music of Frank Sinatra live Friday, March 27 from 7-11 pm at Chicago Prime Steakhouse in Schaumburg. Jimmy is the ONLY singer who was personally authorized by Sinatra himself to perform the music of Sinatra during Sinatra’s lifetime. Phone (847) 969-9900. Jimmy has another collaboration at hand. He’s working with “Mr. Cub” Ernie Banks on a “make the band” project which aims to put together a reality contest of sorts to create the first-ever “Cubbies Blues Band.” Check out www.CubbieBluesBand.com and also log on to www.JimmyDamon.com.
GMCers FLOCK TO WIND: Just look as far left of your radio dial as possible (although it’s a conservative talk station). There you’ll locate WIND radio AM-560. It‘s also a good bet you’ll hear one of a number of GMCers associated with the station, including Marina Lambropoulos, a PR/marketing associate with www.FireStarCom.com. Marina moonlights (literally, 12:30 am Fridays) on “The Geoff Pinkus Show” www.GeoffPinkus.com, which airs midnight to 4 am weekdays. Also contributing to “the Pinker” on occasion is GMC co-founder George Bliss. And there’s also…Side note: Major kudos to hosts Geoff Pinkus and Amy Jacobson for getting that drek Drew Peterson to let up his guard and fess up to visiting a storage locker in the wake of his wife Stacey's disappearance. Drew's slip made the Chicago Sun-Times, which credited the hosts for their investigative interview.
KIKI KUKLA: Radio host Kiki Vale (Kukla Productions), who has been hosting an entertainment show for years on WJJG 1530-AM Fridays 10:30-Noon, has now added WIND to her slate on Sundays 1-2 pm. There, she moderates for co-hosts George Kleanthis and Mike Fachinni on “Defending the Homeowner,” a forum discussing strategies to deal with the current economic conditions. The co-hosts both work in the mortgage industry and they focus on loan modifications and personal finance restructuring. And check out the newly `renovated’ www.KikiVale.com for a vastly expanded offering of online entertainment services.
KARA MC’S MODA’S 1st ANNIV: NBC Universal “Deal or No Deal” model Patricia Kara, a Chicago native and our close California “cousin,“ will visit Chicago in late May to emcee the 1st anniversary extravaganza for the high-end Moda Fashion Gazette www.ModaFG.com. The event is a invite-only and will bring together 400 of our town’s fashion mover-shakers and assorted media and industry professionals. The founder and editor of the magazine is Angeliki Garris, yet another GMC “cousin,” and the event will be held at Resolution Digital Studios in Chicago, a past GMC host/sponsor which is co-owned by brothers Jeff and Lee Facklis. Visit www.RDSChicago.com and www.PatriciaKara.com.
IGOR ON DVD: The hilarious animated hybrid `horror‘-comedy “Igor,” released just prior to Halloween 2008 with celebrity voiceovers lead by John Cusak, Jay Leno and a host of stars, is now available on DVD, reports filmmaker John Eraklis, a Chicago native now residing in LA. John founded www.ExodusFilmGroup.com, focusing exclusively on animated projects. We’ll be catching up with him very soon for a feature article in The Greek Star…Speaking of which, the March 26 edition features a lengthy interview with Dorie Klissas, former producer for the “CBS Evening News” with Katie Couric, written by Terry Poulos. Visit www.TheGreekStar.com. Dorie also co-founded New York’s GAME, the East Coast GMC. Terry, incidentally, also authors a national general interest column in www.TheHellenicVoice.com of Boston, among other endeavors.
DYNAMIC “MARCH MADNESS“ DUO: GMC “Cousin” Lou Canellis (Bears broadcasts on FOX/Comcast SportsNet) and Phil-Hellene David Kaplan (WGN radio and Comcast SportsNet) were both on the road for NCAA “March Madness,” performing play-by-play for post-season basketball tournaments. After March, Lou returns to host the Sunday evening CLTV sports “Roundtable.”
CLEVELAND “COUSIN” TO HEAD FOOTBALL HALL: Renowned producer George Veras, a Cleveland resident who has produced for HBO Sports and PBS among others and also helmed Yanni’s famous live shows, was recently appointed President/CEO of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enterprise in Canton, OH. He also has a documentary coming out on PBS concerning the divided island of Cyprus and he’s been promoting another musical whiz, guitarist Pavlo. Visit www.VerasTV.com.
CHICAGO FILMMAKER HONORED IN NY: Windy City-based filmmaker Mark Mamalakis was honored by the Museum of Modern Art in New York with the inclusion of his award-winning film short "Portrait of a Filmmaker" in the Museum's Circulating Film & Video Library. Another of Mark's films, "The Art Of Haiti," had previously been included in the prestigious collection.
FILM TO BUSINESS TO REAL ESTATE: Our “cousin” Tammy Karabis Brody, featured in one of those front-page marathon Reader features five years ago for producing and starring in the film “Vanilla City,” is now `dwelling’ at Dwell One Realty. She’s excited about the latest challenge in her career, which has ranged at times from film to business ownership (the former “One Yellow Shoe”) and more. She’s also a veteran of numerous John Hughes flicks, working as a production exec on “Uncle Buck,” “Curly Sue,” “Dutch,” and “Home Alone.” The creative bug was passed through her genes as Tammy reports her 15-year old daughter Shelby Brody recently completed her first book, titled “Jennifer Sharp,” and is in the process of getting it published. And son Jake Brody, 13, is an “amazing guitarist and songwriter,” says Tammy. Now add book-ist and rock-ist to the list of Brody-ists.
GETS CELEBS' ATTENTION: Have to hand it to our “cousin” Nick Mantis, who’s been at our side since we began the GMC five years back. When President Barack Obama was still a U.S. Senator three years back, Nick caught him on camera for a quick co-pose and smile. Recently Nick has been able to land celeb interviews with actors Mathew Modine, Esai Morales, and Tara Reid for his www.youtube.com/aroundtheregion offering for NW Indiana. He’s also producing a tribute to Jean Shepard (“A Christmas Story”) for the City of Hammond, and is getting close on a pilot home improvement show possibly for airing on either Telemundo or Azteca America.
PR PRO AT HEART: GMC “cousin” Maren Karras calls her field “daunting,” albeit she enjoys the challenge. She began in 1977 and worked for a period with such shops as the famous Margie Korshack PR/media agency. Years back, she was able to parlay her contacts to convince Chicago ABC7 to cover the annual Greek parade. She wrote commentary and was on the parade production committee for several years. Maren today has her own shop, Maren Karras Images Etc. PR and promotions/media.
BATMOBILE INVENTOR AT GMC: As our surprise guest, we were pleased to welcome at our last event (late January at our 5th anniversary party at Trump Tower) the world-renowned “King of Customizers,“ George Barriswww.GeorgeBarris.com. Not only did he design the original Batmobile, he’s also the brain behind the Green Hornet car, the Munsters mobile, the “Dukes of Hazzard” General Lee, and many more. He also tricked out cars for major stars like Elvis Pressely, Frank Sinatra, and Farah Fawcett, to name but a few. While in town, George, a Chicago native, was interviewed by Geoff Pinkus and Amy Jacobson on WIND, and GMCer Demetra Markopoulos interviewed George standing next to the Batmobile at the World of Wheels at McCormick Place, where Barris was exhibiting. A feature in The Greek Star is upcoming. Check out Demetra’s offerings at her unique www.CarsDiva.com. And welcome also to Stephanie DeMeester of Kurman Communications, George’s Chicago-based publicists. Stephanie accompanied George at the Trump event.
MCA FEATURES “RARE“ PERFORMANCE: Chicago’s renowned Museum of Contemporary Art hosts a performance the evening of June 4 featuring the works of the great Greek composer Iannis Xenakis. He’s known as one of the most “important, innovative composers of the 20th century” and is “beloved by philosophy scholars, architects, contemporary music aficionados, and Indie rockers alike,” reads the museum’s press release. Live performances of these performances are “rare,” say museum officials. Visit www.MCAChicago.org or phone (312) 397-4010. Thanks to Antonia Callas (yet another GMCer!) for bringing this to our attention. Toni is currently interning (“and loving it”) at the MCA.
LATEST GMC “PRODUCTIONS“: Got babies? We do! It’s a newborn girl for Maria Karamitsos, associate editor of The Greek Star, and hubby Peter Karamitsos. Perhaps in a cosmic coincidence of timing, Diane Adam, editor of The Greek Star, and her own husband George Adam are expecting their second child any day now. And speaking of tikes, GMCers Greg Alexopoulos, a former WCBR radio sports host, and wife Kimberly Alexopoulos welcomed their first child six months back. It doesn’t end. Congrats to Sun-Times sports writer Tina Akouris and husband Matt Corrandino on the birth of their twin sons. For editorial balance, former Chicago Tribune writer Kelly Haramis and her husband welcomed their first child together, creating a bookend for their adopted Baby Athina from China. Lastly, John Karantonis, co-founder and EVP of Marketing at Akoo International Inc., and his wife welcomed their second child in late March. Akoo, proprietor of the high-tech multimedia marketing tool m-Venue, is another past GMC host/sponsor.
EVEN MORE MEDIA: Author Michael Davros released his book “Greeks of Chicago“ in early March and conducted a book signing and Q&A at the Hellenic Museum to kick off sales. Arcadia Publishing is behind the book, now available in book stores and at the Museum in Greektown…WGN radio’s reporter Andrea Darlas filled in as host (admirably!) for an entire week during the holiday/New Year period…GMCer Amy Jacobson, WIND contributor on the Geoff Pinkus Show, was rumored to be in line for a full-time news slot at WLS-AM, according to a recent news report…Greektown Music Presents “Michalis Hatzigiannis Live in Chicago” March 31 at the House Of Blues Phone (312) 263.6342 or visit www.GreekTownMusic.com or www.MichalisHatzigiannisLive.com …We had the occasion of recent to welcome veteran newsman Charles Mouratides to the fold. Charles was the longtime editorial director for the Southtown and Lerner newspaper chains and he also published Inside Chicago Magazine and the in-flight Interludes periodical. Charles is now with the philanthropic SAE World Council of Hellenes Abroad…GMCer Theresa Carter had her unique website www.TheLocalTourist.com featured on FOX News and in TimeOut Chicago magazine…Author Joe Flynn, brother of GMC regular Deborah Flynn, recently released his hardcover novel The President's Henchman. It’s at bookstores and online…Producer Pavan Bapu, who has frequented GMC events, recently graduated from UIC and is now interning at Harpo Studios. GMC “cousin” Andrea Dres is a full-time researcher for Oprah’s signature studio…As always, we encourage our readers to catch our GMC “cousins,“ reporters Anna Davlantes (weekday and weekend nights) and Kim Vatis (weekday mornings), on Chicago NBC5...Condolences to writer and “cousin” Dana Demas on the recent passing of her father, William Demas.
* Location: A chic downtown Loop venue (to be announced shortly). Cousin George tried to secure the Illinois guv’s mansion since it’s notoriously vacant but they were infected with a terminal case of “feditis,” as John Kass calls it. Is that a Greek word, John?
PLEASE DO SEND NEWS ITEMS BIG OR SMALL, THANKS!
GOOD HEALTH AND CHEER TO ALL!!!
George Bliss (312) 217-0510 Terry Poulos (708) 975-0571
RDS EVENT SEPT. 25: You haven't been missing our emails or parties, we‘ve been taking a bit of a hiatus over the holidays is all. Our last “official” GMC event was Sept. 25 and it was a great one. We converged on Resolution Digital Studios in the West Loop (www.RDSChicago.com), a virtually brand-new, multistory facility accommodating a wide range of audio/visual needs. One hundred or more attended and the rooftop party deck went over extremely well on a majestic and clear early autumn 70-degree evening. Thanks to our hosts, RDS owners Jeff and Lee Facklis, for sponsoring the beverages and providing the venue and overall spectacular accommodations. And thanks to RDS’ Nancy “Soula” Keres for helping coordinate logistics and RDS' Fred Booras for his hospitality as well. Special thanks also to our main food sponsor, Andrew Kandelepas of GeoVax Labs Inc. (www.Geovax.com), a publicly traded bio-tech concern on the cutting edge of HIV vaccine development. Partial food sponsor was Chris Novak of Novak Construction, recently lauded by Chicago Mayor Richard Daley for being on the cutting edge of `green’ housing development. Thanks to all who attended!
GROUNDBREAKING DAVLANTES FILM A SMASH HIT! On November 20, about 60 GMCers - mainly journalism professionals - gathered at a semi-`unofficial’ GMC special gathering. There were nearly 200 in all who showed to support our very own Anna Davlantes, NBC5 anchor/reporter and GMC co-founder, as she held a private screening at the world-renowned John G. Shedd Aquarium showcasing her first-ever film production "Get Into the Shark Tank." Anna was simultaneously honored for her new public affairs talk show "Rewind with Anna Davlantes" on WTTW Channel 11, the local PBS affiliate. Sponsoring the event were the Shedd and Channel 11, and we were merely along for the ride. At Anna’s request, the GMC was extended a limited number of invites for the screening. After airing a series of NBC5 reports on the sharks and the Shedd’s “Wild Reef” exhibit, Anna was awarded an Emmy award for her efforts. This inspired her first foray into film and the result was a rivetting half-hour documentary in which Anna actually did get into the shark tank - with the sharks! Portions of her report were conducted while completely submersed underwater with sharks ranging up to six feet long swimming right alongside her (they’re all well fed and these sharks are much more docile than those overly-aggressive "Hollywood sharks"). After film viewing, Anna and Shedd marine experts conducted a Q&A with the audience, which couldn't get enough info about the sharks and the documentary. It all spurred much thought about conservation and endangerment of some shark species, which are threatened by overfishing and other man-made factors, not to mention natural phenomena. Prior to the screening, guests were treated to a cocktail reception (the shark drink of choice is H2O - on the rocks). We were also treated to a rare, behind-the-scenes tour of the "Wild Reef" exhibit, an awe-inspiring experience. Other notables in attendance were Anna’s NBC5 colleagues Warner Saunders and Allison Rosatti, lead weeknight anchors; WGN radio host Steve Cochran; WLUP radio host Pete McMurray; WIND radio host Geoff Pinkus; WIND and WLS radio newscaster Amy Jacobson; Metropolitan Bank Group co-founder and PAWS animal shelter founder Paula Fasseas; WGN radio newscaster Andrea Darlas; prominent attorney and chair of the Hellenic American Leadership Council Endy Zemenides; Louis Apostol, Executive Director of the Illinois Property Tax Appeals Board; former Mega TV Greece and downstate NBC correspondent Alexis Stamatakis; Greek radio/TV host emeritus Antigone Lambros; “My Big Fat Greek Radio” host Art Andros; Harpo Studios researcher Andrea Dres; Nick Mantis of New Millenium Productions; singer Jimmy Damon; Elaine Thomopoulos, editor of “Greek Pioneer Women of Illinois”; Child’s Play Touring Theatre co-founder June Podagrossi; Athens 2004 Olympics torchbearer Kostas Zografopoulos, and Maria Davlantes, Anna's sister who's a BP marketing exec-turned-entrepreneur. Maria's husband, attorney William Loesch, joined in as well. Check out event pics, courtesy of photographer Nick Scoutaris, at http://www.flickr.com/photos/nickknowschicago/sets/72157609646502552/detail/. If you wish to obtain high resolution images, email . You can also search out Anna’s NBC5 shark reports on YouTube, and look for Anna's weekly talk show to return to WTTW airwaves in January. And certainly don't forget to visit www.SheddAquarium.org. "Wild Reef" is a must-"SEA" on the new year to-do list!
THE PASSING OF OUR "COUSIN" GLORIA: From good news to bad. It is with tremendous sorrow we report this sad, sad news. We've just lost one of our closest "cousins," Gloria Besbekis. After battling a lengthy illness, Gloria ascended to the Lord this December 26 at 66 years young, far too soon for our liking. A full-time marketing consultant, Glo - as her closest friends so affectionately called her - is famous in local Greek circles as an on-air reporter for the popular weekly TV show "Grecian Spotlight," a division of Panos Productions. Gloria also wrote a column for Dr. Earnest Panos' monthly The Greek Press newspaper in Chicago and she was one of the most erudite observers of art and culture and the Greek way that we know. Above all else, Glo was an amazing friend and confidant to many of us in the Greek Media Club and the Greek community in general, and trust us when we say that we are literally weeping as we put together this newsletter item. She was a beautiful person both inside and out, with her long, flowing golden locks and her bright smile, upbeat demeanor even in the face of looming tragedy (she was strong of mind!!!), and of course her keen intellect and witty charm. Things will never be the same for us here at the GMC as we have indeed lost a very sizable piece of who we are and what we represent. As we write this passage, we've yet to confirm details on the when/where of the wake and funeral arrangements. What we do know is that the wake will occur Monday and she will be interned Tuesday morning at Elmwood Cemetary. Please check the Chicago Tribune obituaries for further details. Glo, may you rest in eternal peace. We love you so much and you were a true babe in every way a human being can possibly be!
KASS ON BLAGO: Pulitzer Prize nominated columnist John Kass is the chief political columnist and `in-the-know’ observer at the Chicago Tribune and he’s been forefront in offering analysis of the latest revelations and scandal emanating from embattled Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. The governor's alleged scheme to sell President-elect Barack Obama’s former senate seat (imagine that?), in addition to other serious charges, became global news in the click of a mouse and John was subsequently interviewed by numerous national TV/radio outlets seeking his one-of-a-kind insight. Nobody in Chicago journalism knows the ins and outs of Chicago politics like John, who we were honored to have drop by one of our events at the Renaissance Hotel last Spring. Yet another Trib reporter at the forefront of Blago-gate coverage is Dan Mihalopoulos.
PULITZER EFFORT AIDS KIDS: Being that it's that gift giving time of year, it's with added emphasis that we note the Tribune's Ted Gregory recently won a Pulitzer Prize for his part in investigating hidden child toy safety hazards. This December, Governor Blagojevich signed into law the latest measures designed to strengthen oversight of the industry. The legislation was drafted by the state attorney general and passed by the General Assembly, but it was undoubtedly expedited by the publicity generated through Ted's hard work.
METAXAS INTROS SPACE PIONEER: New York and national network business/law correspondent John Metaxas (www.JohnMetaxas.com) emceed Chicago’s November gala event hosted by the Pan Hellenic Scholarship Foundation in which a quarter of a million dollars in scholarships were given out in increments of $10,000 to 25 worthy students. Metaxas had the pleasure of introducing world renowned space exploration pioneer Dr. Peter H. Diamandis, founder of the seminal X Prize Foundation and president/founder of Space Adventures Inc. Diamandis is known globally for his efforts to privatize space exploration and spur advancements for all humanity with his X Prizes for space, automobiles, genetics, and education, among more than $300 million in total competitive philanthropy slated for the next decade. The Pan Hellenic Foundation was founded by philanthropist Chris Tomaras. For more, visit www.PanHellenic.org and visit www.Xprize.org. GMCer Gregory Pappas, publisher of Greek America magazine, was a factor in securing the appearance of Dr. Diamandis. . NY’S GOT G-A-M-E: Our New York counterparts, G.A.M.E. (Greek Americans in Media & Entertainment) are being hosted by the Greek Council General of New York on Jan. 14. GAME was co-founded by Penny Manis, senior producer of CNN‘s “Anderson Cooper 360,” Chris Kokenis, a Turner Broadcast producer, and Dorie Klissas, who recently departed the CBS “Evening News,” where she served as health producer for anchor Katie Couric, to assume the position of PR director at the prestigious NYU medical school. Klissas served under Couric since the anchor‘s NBC “Today Show“ hosting days.
GMC EVENT HOST ON “TODAY SHOW”: Speaking of the "Today Show," one of our past event hosts, the increasingly popular celebrity chef Jimmy Bannos from Heaven on Seven in Chicago, made an appearance on the NBC morning show Nov. 18, sharing cooking tips with hosts Kathy Lee Gifford and Hoda Kopie. Five years back, in our first year of existence, Jimmy was so kind as to host one of our events at his critically aclaimed eatery.
#9 UNVEILS 2009 CALENDAR: The day before Thanksgiving we were paid a visit by our West Coast "cousin," Chicago native and NBC “Deal or No Deal” model #9 Patricia Kara (Karamouzis). An intimate group of us joined "Trish the Dish" at 9 Muses in Greektown (where else?) for some parea and good tidings! Patricia, who is also now one of only two models on the daytime version of “Deal,” recently released her 2009 pinup calendar with images of her in various forms of swimwear. Go to www.PatriciaKara.com to order your calendar. Purchases benefit in part the not-for-profit "Woman to Woman" foundation. On a side note: WIND radio personalities Geoff Pinkus and Amy Jacobson, fast becoming regulars at our events, recently interviewed Patricia on-air about her new calendar in addition to behind-the-scenes “Deal” scuttlebutt.
PETRELIS CONCERT IN CHI-AREA: Fans of singer/musician Thanos Petrelis will be glad to know he’s appearing Jan. 31 at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond. Tickets at Ticketmaster or visit www.PetrelisAmericanTour.com. The concert is being promoted in part by GMCer Steven Livaditis, who’s also co-founder along with Peter Quintas of www.Portokalada.com, a popular online Greek community.
FORMER TRIB EDITOR HAS 2ND CHILD, WRITING BOOK: Editor and writer Kelly Haramis, formerly of the Tribune’s Q section, chronicled her adoption of baby Athena from China for more than two years before finally receiving the child. She‘s now left the Trib and is writing a book and looking into grad school. She and her husband recently had a child the old fashion way and now have their hands full with two!
CRAINS BLOGS A MUST: We here at the GMC thoroughly enjoy Shia Kapos’ daily blog “Taking Names” at www.ChicagoBusiness.com, a property of Crains Communications. We get it via email alert every single day and highly recommend it to anyone wanting to be in the loop about Chicago’s movers and shakers and how they conduct their private lives and philanthropy. Shia’s columns also appear in the print version of Crains Chicago Business. Also at Crains, health beat reporter Mike Colias and Business of Life section editor Andrea Hanis.
KIKI'S CREW RAISES $10k+ FOR CHARITY: WJJG radio host Kiki Vale raised more than $10 thousand for diabetes research at her recent annual charity fun run, with help from celeb appearances by former Chicago Bulls player Tony Kukoc and Christina Loukas, 2008 U.S. Olympic diver. See www.KikiVale.com. Kiki hosts Friday mornings on 1530-AM.
“MERGING” MEDIA: Nuptial and stork news about GMCers…Susanna Homan is now known officially as Susanna Negovan after her November marriage to WGN TV anchor Tom Negovan. Susanna is the editor of the swanky new magazine Michigan Avenue. Visit www.MichiganAvenue.com… Greek Circle magazine (www.GreekCircle.com) publisher Alexa Ganakas and her longtime partner and business associate Chris Ganos were also married in November. Opaa! GC‘s latest cover features “Red & Wine,” about Greek wine and food. GC is a Midwest-focused mag that's HQ'd in Chicago…Maria Karamitos, associate editor of The Greek Star newspaper (www.TheGreekStar.com) in Chicago, will soon be visited by the stork as she and hubby Peter Karamitsos are expecting their second child in the new year. Yasou!
PHILANTHROPIST ON GA COVER: Publisher Gregory Pappas at Greek America mag, per his usual, was spending much time in Greece this Fall/early Winter, ostensibly we suspect to rest up in anticipation of a big fat GABBY push in the new year (more on that entertainment/philanthropic endeavor later). Meantime, go to www.GreekAmerica.net to subscribe. The latest cover has Chicago-based businessman/philanthropist Chris Tomaras on the cover.
GMCer 2ND IN LIFETIME NETWORK COMPETITION: We’re proud to announce that our Melissa Kosar, an advanced film student who already has one full-length feature to her credit, took 2nd place in the recent Lifetime Movie Network “Every Woman’s Film Competition.” Melissa’s film short “The Doll Hospital” got her some great recognition and resulted in her being flown out to the Hamptons International Film Festival in New York, where the film was also presented. Melissa came in 2nd in the fan voting as well on Lifetime. Check out Melissa’s website www.KosForThreeProductions.com.
`PLAY-ING' DEMOCRACY: Our June Podagrossi, co-founder of Child's Play Touring Theatre in Chicago, created an innovative and fun teaching tool for kids to learn about our democratic electoral process in which she calls “Kids for President.” They kicked off at Ravinia before the election and will be performing in New Orleans and New York, among others. Check out www.CPTT.org
DARLAS MC'S WOMEN'S FUNCTION: WGN radio newscaster Andrea Darlas emceed the Greek Women’s University Club annual Christmas party Dec. 14 at the Renaissance Hotel in Oak Brook, IL. Andrea is an award-winning journalist who's also begun to branch off into some TV work for WGN and CLTV.
BOOK PARTY: The GMC’s Anastasia Athans-Stothoff hosted a book launching reception Nov. 20 at her newly opened downtown Chicago office, honoring author Jacquee T’s “Roses for Mozart,” the story of a pet cat. The event benefited the Tree House Humane Society. Visit www.InsightDesignSolutions.com, Anastasia’s dynamic publication/design firm. The reception was mentioned by Tribune writer and WLS host Rick Kogan on his radio talk show.
PUBLISHER LECTURES ON INTERNSHIPS: This November, GMCer Peter Gallanis conducted the seminar “How to Create and Implement a Successful Internship Program” at the American Society of Business Publication Professionals Fall workshop at Columbia College, Chicago. Gallanis is editor of Preston Publications’ two marine industry trade magazines “Boat & Motor Dealer” and “Marina Dock Age”
ART'S GREECE ODYSSEY: Odyssey magazine (NY) publisher Art Dimopoulos, who follows our group from the Big Apple, sends his best new year's wishes from Greece this festive season. He recently visited the Holy Monastery of Koutloumousio and witnessed the relics of St. Anna (Panaghia’s mother). Art was ecstatic in his correspondence. Visit www.Odyssey.gr.
MORE MEDIA: Singer and celebrity vocal impressionist John Truncali rings in New Year’s eve at Johnny’s Kitchen & Tap in Glenview. Visit www.JohnTruncali.com …The famous Andreas Kapsalis Trio released their second album. Visit www.AndreasKapsalis.com …Mary Tina Vrehas’ film short “Gradebook” was featured at the prestigious Cannes International Film Festival in France this past May…LA-based Daphne Valentina had her short documentary “August 27, 2007” screened in October at La Femme Film Festival in Beverly Hills. The film is about the raging fires in Greece…Standup comic Angelo Tsarouchas, who recently had guest roles on TV’s “Mad Men” and “Comics Without Borders,” performed at the Hellenic American Academy in Deerfield, IL Oct. 10. The HAA attracts bookings like this often - often enough to take the occasional gander at www.HellenicAmericanAcademy.org.
SEEKS OLD MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS: Want to help an underprivileged child by putting your old, rusty and dusty musical instruments to good use? Contact GMCer Tony Kidonakis at . The Federales musician knows how to fix the windpipes, string instruments and assorted other music makers sitting idly in your attic. Doesn’t matter what condition, he’ll find a way to make it work. Tony, by the by, once appeared on NBC's “Tonight Show” with Jay Leno. He’s fixing the instruments as a pro-bono service to community school districts. He can even have the instrument appraised by a reputable dealer in order to obtain tax deductible certification.
COPY EDITOR OPENING: The international telecom firm Artisan is seeking an online copy editor/managing editor fluent in Greek and English. Position entitles editing websites. Must be familiar with interactive writing, editing and publishing with a content management system. Work includes migration, editing, and some new copy. Candidates must also have B2C and consumer products experience. Onsite and offsite. Location: Chicago. For more, go to www.Sologig.com. Thanks to GMCer Gary Crawford for forwarding the post. And for that, we give a plug to his own venture www.NegroLeagueLegends.org, a not-for-profit he heads that helps players who toiled in the all-black baseball league more than a half-century ago.
SEND US YOUR WEBSITE: We're finally getting around to revamping www.GreekMediaClub.com so please forward links to your website(s). Before we're through, we promise to have the most comprehensive listing of links to not only Greeks working in the mainstream media and Greek American-related media-related sites, but also to many of our non-Greek, Phil Hellene cousins' endeavors. Email your info to . Our definition of media is very broad (print, radio, TV, authors and publishers, web, design, PR, marketing, film, actors, producers, behind-the-scenes media-related sales/etc., music, dance, journalism and other `media' students, and more (paper boy?).
SPECIAL EVENT EXPLANATION: As we mourn our good friend Gloria Besbekis and try to gain some perspective on life in general, we also reflect on our own doings in regard to this fun and casual little social circle of friends we like to call the Greek Media Club. It’s not an exact science, cousins. We're doing our best with these exclusive events but can never accomodate everyone, every time. The standard GMC gathering is a cash bar, open-invite event. For the most part all are welcome. However, when we are fortunate to host a sponsored event (it's happened six times now), things are vastly different. Special events are usually held at exclusive venues, offer marquee attractions, and complimentary food/drink too. As a byproduct, demand is usually high and capacity of course is limited. Please note that we have never collected dues or event fees so there are very few entitlements to our special events. Much of this is at our discretion, as is the prerogative of anyone who works dilligently for their own organization. Our default policy for anything requiring an RSVP is “don’t tell, do ask.” Meaning, don't TELL us you're coming and don't assume anything else either. Rather, ASK if we have space. As well, never presume you’ve made the guest list solely because you RSVP’d. We’ll always send a reply email to let you know of availability. Some events fill up fast, even before RSVP cutoff. While we're still tweaking the way we handle these things, the following is our current special event prioritization: (1) Those working for traditional and new-media journalism outlets, (2) Past GMC sponsors/in-kind contributors, (3) Extended ‘media’, including authors, filmmakers/actors, PR, marketing, design, photography, music, dance, and general arts practitioners, (4) regulars at open gatherings, (5) Early RSVPs, and (6) The occasional VIP or friend of our founders. We're open to suggestions but regardless, situations will forever recur where we'll be forced to turn back some RSVPs. With this in mind, try to frequent our open events as often as possible, RSVP early to special events, and thank you in advance for your empathy and understanding should we not be able to accomodate a request. Peace, joy, and good health be with you! These are the most treasured gifts of all.
