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The Cousins' Letter
We welcome news and links about "media" people, organizations and events (as defined in our "About" link) that have a "media" spin. We request a brief one paragraph summary along with any attachments. Send to Terry1email@aol.com or Geobliss@aol.com
The brand new National Hellenic Museum (artist rendering of final look)
MUSEUM ON WGN TV: The Chicago WGN TV Channel 9 morning news featured the new National Hellenic Museum during the station's "Around Town" segment on January 6, 2012. If you missed it, view this link WGNTV.com. Highlighted are the Museum's current exhibit "Gods, Myths and Mortals," including the Cyclops Cave, Trojan Horse, and Odysseus' Palace. Our "cousin" Andy Gavrilos is supervising producer of the show. The Museum's Toula Georgakopoulos is interviewed by WGN reporter Anna Balaval.
The Cousins' Letter...
Valentines 2012 edition
ABC20 SPRINGFIELD NEWS: Our "cousin" Elitsa Bizios recently landed an anchor role at ABC20 TV news in Springfield, Illinois, the state capitol. She joined WICS, ABC's Springfield affiliate, in September 2011 as a reporter/anchor. An Illinois native, Elitsa is the eldest of four
sisters from parents who emigrated to America from Greece. She got her TV start in 2005 at Naperville Community Television as a reporter, producer and documentarian. In 2009 she ventured east to WCTI NewsChannel
12. Elitsa previously wrote and produced a documentary about the artist/illustrator behind the world famous cartoon crime
fighting hero Dick Tracy. She continues to work as a website producer for RichardRoeper.com, the famous movie critic and WLS 890-AM radio host. And we love that she named her puppy Leonidas (a "cousin" to our Pete; see the GMC's photo link all the way at the bottom for a profile of Pete).
#1 PODCAST IN THE USA: Our "cousin" John "Shaky" Siuntres
(pronounced SUN-TRESS), a veteran of Chicago's vast radio dial, is fast
making a name across the land. This week, the national daily newspaper USA Today ran a feature on podcasts devoted to comic book characters and graphic novels, and John's Word Balloon
is ranked #1 in its genre, on the top of the charts. John reports more
than 2.5 million downloads since he began podcasting in 2005 (see media
critic Robert Feder's expanded profile in TimeOut Chicago
magazine). John was with us at our very first GMC gathering in 2003 and
we're elated to hear of his latest success. Currently serving as
production director at WILV-FM (known as Rewind 100.3 FM), previous to
that he was an on-air sidekick at WSCR "The Score" sports radio and
production assistant at Sporting News Radio.
RUNNER-UP ON ABC-BUD REALITY SHOW: Our "cousin" Brittney Refakes was selected among thousands of contestants to compete on a new Budweiser-sponsored social reality show that aired on network ABC on February 11 and she fared well, finishing second to the winner, who landed a national Bud commercial spot. But Brittney learned some great lessons and got valuable experience (and exposure!) in the process. The show was called "The Big Time." The 25-year old actress/model graduated with both a Bachelors and Masters at the University of Illinois and has acted in a few indie films and participated in stage theater and commercial acting, in addition to improv classes at Second City Chicago and instruction at Acting Studio Chicago. We look for BIG things from Brittney in the future!
THE GREEK PUBLISHER: GMC members should have more than a passing interest in the new book "The Greek Publisher," authored by Kim Gregory (Gregorios). He's put together an entertaining behind-the-scenes fictional novel billed as "a rough-and-tumble jaunt through the hard-scrabbling, hard-drinking media publishing life. This excursion with Nick Stamos touches the relationships of the Greek American community in California's Bay area and suggests how ethnicity shapes personal, business, and romantic dealings in a professional environment, where the book's characters strategize, jostle and scratch their way toward the top of the heap."
BOOK DETAILS STRUGGLES OF WWII: The Chicago area father-son duo of Sam Stamatis and Pete Stamatis are set for a February 23 book signing at the National Hellenic Museum. The two co-wrote the new novel Dandelions for Dinner, "a story of a family's struggle to survive World War II and the subsequent civil war in southwest Greece," reads the authors' description. "The book shows how determined people can survive life's gravest challenges by living one day at a time, taking their hits, and going with the flow. It demonstrates that faith and the American Dream are neither hackneyed nor trite but provide hope to anonymous people in dark cracks and corners around the world." Peter is a Chicago trial attorney and the 2012 VP of the Chicago Hellenic Bar Association. He's also a featured opinion writer for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. Sam was born in Greece and came here in 1946, where he spent his career working as an electrical engineer.
KASS DISHES ON `SOUPER' BOWL, CITY STICKER: Chicago Tribune page 2 columnist John Kass
is a man for all occasions. Usually it's politics but on two occasions
in February, he found ways to incorporate Greek themes into his work.
First it was the "Souper Bowl." John is quite the foodie and
periodically offers up recipes, including this video
on how to properly prepare goat soup, which he's pushing as the new
Super Bowl go-to entree. But funniest of all was his take on the Chicago
city sticker controversy over the winning design and an alleged gang
sign interwoven into the sticker. John suggested the Greek Moutza,
an open hand which is offensive if you know the meaning, but not overly
crass like a gang sign or the hand's middle digit. It was John's way of
giving back to the politicians what they've given us for years. Food
for thought ;)
GOLDEN GLOBES: The annual Golden Globe awards were recently held and our "cousin" Anastasios Papapostolou, publisher of GreekReporter.com, was front and center on the red carpet getting interviews with such A-list stars as Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, George Clooney, Steven Spielberg, Gerarrd Butler (Mr. "300" himself), Sofia Vergara, and Christopher Plummer, as well as Greek American celebrities Maria Menounos and Alexander Payne (won best picture for "The Descendents"). Watch Anastasios get their take on Greece here. All had glowing things to say about Greece, a few interesting asides about the current economic situation, and told of their many visits to the "motherland."
CHICAGO FILM CRITICS AWARDS: The annual Chicago Film Critics Association awards were held January 7 at the Broadway in Chicago Theater at Water Tower Place. The event also introduced the all-new Chicago Comedy Awards. Co-producers were Sherry Pemberton andDaily Herald film critic Dan Gire, and emcees were WLS radio hosts Roe Conn and Richard Roeper. Receiving special recognition or honors were Hollywood legend James Earl Jones, comedic actor Jason Segel, and actor and Chicago native Dennis Farina. The audience was treated to a surprise visit by actors Cuba Gooding Jr. and Terrance Howard, in town to promote the new film "Red Tails." Second City Chicago improv founderAndrew Alexander was yet another special guest. Two of our "cousins" are voting members of the Chicago Film Critics Association, WGN radio/TV reporter Dean Richards and Journal & Topics film critic Michael Poulos, and Christian Century Broadcasting's John Petrakis is another Greek American voting member of the Association. Winner of the inaugural prize for "Best Director/Comedy" was Greek American Alexander Payne for "The Descendants." The GMC thanks our "cousin" Sharon Tyk for special considerations.
MODELS OF SCALE: Our "cousin" Panos Fiorentinos is one talented craftsman. He builds replica scale models of various architectural wonders, including past commissions of gorgeous Greek churches, in addition to a myriad of mainstream projects. He's uploaded may more projects of recent and we think it's worth a peak at Panos' version of "media." Additionally, his Kantyli.com site offers unique personalized Greek gifts and his "Greek Church Book," a coffee table book of stunning photos of Greek churches across the land, is a must-see!
BUZZKILL A SECOND CITY ORIGINAL: Our New York "cousin," filmmaker and attorney George Stephanopoulos,
collaborated as co-producer on this first-ever film to be officially
authorized by Chicago's world-famous Second City to take on the name of
the legendary improv and stage troop. Now available on DVD, the film "Second City Presents Buzzkill" is a farcical black comedy that's been gaining traction and buzz (had to write that once but see this February 2012 Chicago Sun-Times preview all the same). Hollywood talent emanating from Second City is legendary and unprecedented. From John Belushi to Chris Farley and Tina Fey,
no other single training venue for comedic actors has produced anywhere
near the wealth of talent as Second City. So one would be safe to
presume Buzzkill is a must-see.
ROARING 20'S GALA JAN. 28: Roaring 20's marks 20th anniversary! The nationally-recognized and critically-acclaimed Thodos Dance Chicago, founded by our Chicago "cousin" Melissa Thodos, is celebrating its 20th anniversary season in 2012 and kicks it off with a gala benefit Saturday, January 28 at the Chicago Cultural Center, beginning 6:30 pm. The event's Honorary Chair is legendary choreographer, Tony Award winner, and frequent Thodos collaborator Ann Reinking, who will be on hand to meet and greet well-wishers. On tap is a dance sampling, video montage titled "20 years in 20 minutes" of dance, and more! Another of our many "cousins," NBC5 anchor/reporter Kim Vatis, is a member of Thodos' Board of Directors. Melissa is a former award-winning dancer, a world-renowned choreographer, and dance educator. The gala includes cocktails, sit-down dinner, silent auction, and wine roulette. Tickets are $250 individually. Purchase tickets at ThodosDanceChicago.org or phone (312) 266-6255.
WITHOUT BORDERS BEATS CRUISE, SCARLET: We're told the new Greek American film "Without Borders," which debuted locally the weekend of January 14 at Pickwick Theater, grossed more at the Pickwick box office that weekend than blockbuster mega-budget flicks "Mission Impossible" (starring Tom Cruise) and "We Bought a Zoo" (Matt Damon, Scarlet Johansen). Without Borders stars Seymour Cassell, Peter Nikkos, Yorgo Voyagis, and George Corraface. Check it out at IMDB. Our "cousin" Paul Lillios has a role in the film.
PHOTO EXHIBIT JAN. 27: Our "cousin" John Vlahakis - entrepreneur, author, publisher, ecological blogger - is also gaining notoriety for his esthetic photography. On Friday, January 27, his images will be exhibited at ZIA Gallery (548 Chestnut St., Winnetka, IL) from 5-7 pm. This opening night reception is a public event. Visit Zia Gallery and JohnVlahakis.com. At left is a photo taken by John of the Acropolis in Athens
KARA’S FITNESS DVD
: LA “cousin”
Patricia Kara (#9 on “Deal or No Deal”) and two other “Deal” briefcase
spokes models just released a brand new fitness
DVD called “Get Ready Get Fit and Deal With Your Body.” Alike
Boggan (#20) and Pilar Lastra (#14) join Patricia
on-camera in this 30-minute motivational presentation and workout routine. The
gals were named among People magazine’s “100 most beautiful people.”
Patricia is a film/TV actress and host, including serving as a correspondent for
“Extra,“ E! Entertainment’s “Wild On,“ and the TV Guide Channel. She’s also one
of the foremost up-and-coming fitness product spokespersons even outside this
new DVD. Alike studied and performed Shakespearean stage acting, speaks Chinese
and Italian, and has a background in fashion. Pilar is an accomplished author,
actress, model and radio host, and she’s now pitching her second book to
publishing houses, titled Treat Me Like Your Car…A Man’s Guide to Treating a
Lady.” Okay, so we need to bone up on that a bit, haha. Don’t forget to peruse
PatriciaKara.com as well. Lastly, PK 009
(our Secret Santa code word for Patricia) served as the actress/model for the trailer for the brand
new Depak Chopra video game “Leela,” which speaks of energy
points. That’s our new-age digital chakra girl !!
Photo at right: Bravo TV star Jenni Pulos and Dr. Jonathan Nassos at Trump Tower Chicago
BRAVO STAR FLIPS FOR CHI DOCTOR: We may soon be paid a visit by Bravo network TV host Jenni Pulos, star of the increasingly popular home show “Flipping Out.” She’s engaged to be married to Chicago physician Dr. Jonathan Nassos, son of Dr. Tassos and Mary Ann Nassos of Northbrook, IL. George Nassos, environmental writer for The Greek Press newspaper and a relative of Jonathan, brought us the news. Pulos is also billed as a “world-class rapper.” Next Summer she’ll wed Jonathon, who completed his undergrad studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and attended Loyola University’s Stritch School of Medicine. He recently completed a fellowship in surgical and non-surgical procedures involving musculoskeletal disorders, including work at the world-famous Kerlan-Jobe Clinic in Los Angeles, co-founded by famous sports practitioner Dr. Frank Jobe, who invented the then cutting-edge procedure now popularly known as “Tommy John Surgery.” Dr. Jonathan Nassos spent time in LA as an assistant team physician for the LA Lakers, Dodgers, Kings, Sparks, and Anaheim Ducks, and it was precisely these entertainment venues which provided the intro to Pulos. He’s current on staff at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital and Alexian Brothers Medical Center, but word is the couple plan to make their permanent home in the LA area after their scheduled 2012 nuptials in Chicago.
20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THODOS DANCE : The famous Chicago-based dance troop founded by Greek American Melissa Thodos, which has gained national recognition, will be celebrating its 20th anniversary in early 2012. First, a “Roaring 20’s” gala event is planned for Jan. 28, followed by a shared program with the popular Luna Negra dance troop on Feb. 11, 12, and 20. More as we get closer. Visit ThodosDanceChicago.org. Our close “cousin” Kim Vatis is a Thodos board member.
“COUSINS“ MARRY IN AUGUST : TV on-air personality Bessie Tsionis (yet another GMCer) recently joined the team at FOX32 Chicago, where she now serves as a weekly entertainment contributor to the “Good Day Chicago” morning show co-hosted by Anna Davlantes and Corey McFerrin. Tsionis, who’s segment is titled “Bessie’s Hot Spots,” was formerly with Comcast 100 as well as LXTV. On a personal note, in August Tsionis was wed to Bobbie Kourelis, another of our many “cousins” and the drummer for the rising Chicago rock band The Lovehammers.
MAG EDITOR EXPLORES TOPIC OF WINE: Our close “cousin”
Cathy Demetropoulos, executive editor of Chicago
Bride magazine, during her spare time has been blogging
on the topic of wine for a separate entity. In the adjacent photo is Cathy (at right) with her little sister at our Hilligoss Galleries event in February 2011. Cathy is well-versed in `the spirits,' not to mention her husband, Joseph Nebolsky de Ochoa, owner of Potosi Imports, is a premium wine importer. Joe sponsored the wine at the Hilligoss event.
FALL GREEK CIRCLE MAG: The Fall issue of Greek Circle magazine focuses on sports and athletics. GMC co-director Terry Poulos was a contributing writer. Publisher is Alexa Ganakos Gannos and editor is Amalia Deligiannis.
GMC EVENT HEADLINED BY NFL HALL OF FAME COACH MARV LEVY
[Oct. 14, 2011 - Chicago] Thanks to the more than 200 who braved the rain October 13 to attend our "Sports & Education Night" at Play18 Chicago!! NFL Hall of Fame football coach Marv Levy gave us a primer on his hot new novel Between the Lies, we were clued in on the efforts of the PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation by Chairman Chris Tomaras, our "cousin" Anna Davlantes of FOX32 and her hubby David Gamperl stopped in (w/ their expectant baby GMCer!!), Chicago Public Schools Executive Director Staci Strategakes made a surprise announcement (more on that soon), and DJ John Grammatis took us home until the wee hours. As well, we entertained our usual assortment of creative communicative artisans. Lastly, the GMC extends its sincere gratitude to the larger EuroCircle, Hellenic Professional Society, and Daily Frappe social communities (Maria Dollas, Demetra Markopoulos, Kyriakos Mellos, respectively), Vivian Haritos (PHSFoundation), Yiannis Valsamais (PHSFoundation executive director), and John Sotos (Play18 Chicago). For a full event photo album, go to PanHellenicScholarships.org. Other photos at our "PHOTOS" link. Play18 photo above: Coach Marvy Levy (right) and Yiannis Valsamis, executive director of the PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation
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!
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.
The brand new National Hellenic Museum (artist rendering of final look)MUSEUM ON WTTW TV: The National Hellenic Museum was featured on WTTW Channel 11 (Chicago PBS) in December of 2011. Watch this interview with Stephanie Anton Vlahakis,
executive director of the Museum.
MUSEUM ON WGN TV: The Chicago WGN TV Channel 9 morning news featured the new National Hellenic Museum during the station's "Around Town" segment on January 6, 2012. If you missed it, view this link WGNTV.com. Highlighted are the Museum's current exhibit "Gods, Myths and Mortals," including the Cyclops Cave, Trojan Horse, and Odysseus' Palace. Our "cousin" Andy Gavrilos is supervising producer of the show. The Museum's Toula Georgakopoulos is interviewed by WGN reporter Anna Balaval.
The Cousins' Letter...
Valentines 2012 edition
ABC20 SPRINGFIELD NEWS: Our "cousin" Elitsa Bizios recently landed an anchor role at ABC20 TV news in Springfield, Illinois, the state capitol. She joined WICS, ABC's Springfield affiliate, in September 2011 as a reporter/anchor. An Illinois native, Elitsa is the eldest of four
sisters from parents who emigrated to America from Greece. She got her TV start in 2005 at Naperville Community Television as a reporter, producer and documentarian. In 2009 she ventured east to WCTI NewsChannel
12. Elitsa previously wrote and produced a documentary about the artist/illustrator behind the world famous cartoon crime
fighting hero Dick Tracy. She continues to work as a website producer for RichardRoeper.com, the famous movie critic and WLS 890-AM radio host. And we love that she named her puppy Leonidas (a "cousin" to our Pete; see the GMC's photo link all the way at the bottom for a profile of Pete).#1 PODCAST IN THE USA: Our "cousin" John "Shaky" Siuntres
(pronounced SUN-TRESS), a veteran of Chicago's vast radio dial, is fast
making a name across the land. This week, the national daily newspaper USA Today ran a feature on podcasts devoted to comic book characters and graphic novels, and John's Word Balloon
is ranked #1 in its genre, on the top of the charts. John reports more
than 2.5 million downloads since he began podcasting in 2005 (see media
critic Robert Feder's expanded profile in TimeOut Chicago
magazine). John was with us at our very first GMC gathering in 2003 and
we're elated to hear of his latest success. Currently serving as
production director at WILV-FM (known as Rewind 100.3 FM), previous to
that he was an on-air sidekick at WSCR "The Score" sports radio and
production assistant at Sporting News Radio.RUNNER-UP ON ABC-BUD REALITY SHOW: Our "cousin" Brittney Refakes was selected among thousands of contestants to compete on a new Budweiser-sponsored social reality show that aired on network ABC on February 11 and she fared well, finishing second to the winner, who landed a national Bud commercial spot. But Brittney learned some great lessons and got valuable experience (and exposure!) in the process. The show was called "The Big Time." The 25-year old actress/model graduated with both a Bachelors and Masters at the University of Illinois and has acted in a few indie films and participated in stage theater and commercial acting, in addition to improv classes at Second City Chicago and instruction at Acting Studio Chicago. We look for BIG things from Brittney in the future!THE GREEK PUBLISHER: GMC members should have more than a passing interest in the new book "The Greek Publisher," authored by Kim Gregory (Gregorios). He's put together an entertaining behind-the-scenes fictional novel billed as "a rough-and-tumble jaunt through the hard-scrabbling, hard-drinking media publishing life. This excursion with Nick Stamos touches the relationships of the Greek American community in California's Bay area and suggests how ethnicity shapes personal, business, and romantic dealings in a professional environment, where the book's characters strategize, jostle and scratch their way toward the top of the heap."BOOK DETAILS STRUGGLES OF WWII: The Chicago area father-son duo of Sam Stamatis and Pete Stamatis are set for a February 23 book signing at the National Hellenic Museum. The two co-wrote the new novel Dandelions for Dinner, "a story of a family's struggle to survive World War II and the subsequent civil war in southwest Greece," reads the authors' description. "The book shows how determined people can survive life's gravest challenges by living one day at a time, taking their hits, and going with the flow. It demonstrates that faith and the American Dream are neither hackneyed nor trite but provide hope to anonymous people in dark cracks and corners around the world." Peter is a Chicago trial attorney and the 2012 VP of the Chicago Hellenic Bar Association. He's also a featured opinion writer for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. Sam was born in Greece and came here in 1946, where he spent his career working as an electrical engineer.KASS DISHES ON `SOUPER' BOWL, CITY STICKER: Chicago Tribune page 2 columnist John Kass
is a man for all occasions. Usually it's politics but on two occasions
in February, he found ways to incorporate Greek themes into his work.
First it was the "Souper Bowl." John is quite the foodie and
periodically offers up recipes, including this video
on how to properly prepare goat soup, which he's pushing as the new
Super Bowl go-to entree. But funniest of all was his take on the Chicago
city sticker controversy over the winning design and an alleged gang
sign interwoven into the sticker. John suggested the Greek Moutza,
an open hand which is offensive if you know the meaning, but not overly
crass like a gang sign or the hand's middle digit. It was John's way of
giving back to the politicians what they've given us for years. Food
for thought ;)GOLDEN GLOBES: The annual Golden Globe awards were recently held and our "cousin" Anastasios Papapostolou, publisher of GreekReporter.com, was front and center on the red carpet getting interviews with such A-list stars as Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, George Clooney, Steven Spielberg, Gerarrd Butler (Mr. "300" himself), Sofia Vergara, and Christopher Plummer, as well as Greek American celebrities Maria Menounos and Alexander Payne (won best picture for "The Descendents"). Watch Anastasios get their take on Greece here. All had glowing things to say about Greece, a few interesting asides about the current economic situation, and told of their many visits to the "motherland."CHICAGO FILM CRITICS AWARDS: The annual Chicago Film Critics Association awards were held January 7 at the Broadway in Chicago Theater at Water Tower Place. The event also introduced the all-new Chicago Comedy Awards. Co-producers were Sherry Pemberton andDaily Herald film critic Dan Gire, and emcees were WLS radio hosts Roe Conn and Richard Roeper. Receiving special recognition or honors were Hollywood legend James Earl Jones, comedic actor Jason Segel, and actor and Chicago native Dennis Farina. The audience was treated to a surprise visit by actors Cuba Gooding Jr. and Terrance Howard, in town to promote the new film "Red Tails." Second City Chicago improv founderAndrew Alexander was yet another special guest. Two of our "cousins" are voting members of the Chicago Film Critics Association, WGN radio/TV reporter Dean Richards and Journal & Topics film critic Michael Poulos, and Christian Century Broadcasting's John Petrakis is another Greek American voting member of the Association. Winner of the inaugural prize for "Best Director/Comedy" was Greek American Alexander Payne for "The Descendants." The GMC thanks our "cousin" Sharon Tyk for special considerations.MODELS OF SCALE: Our "cousin" Panos Fiorentinos is one talented craftsman. He builds replica scale models of various architectural wonders, including past commissions of gorgeous Greek churches, in addition to a myriad of mainstream projects. He's uploaded may more projects of recent and we think it's worth a peak at Panos' version of "media." Additionally, his Kantyli.com site offers unique personalized Greek gifts and his "Greek Church Book," a coffee table book of stunning photos of Greek churches across the land, is a must-see!BUZZKILL A SECOND CITY ORIGINAL: Our New York "cousin," filmmaker and attorney George Stephanopoulos,
collaborated as co-producer on this first-ever film to be officially
authorized by Chicago's world-famous Second City to take on the name of
the legendary improv and stage troop. Now available on DVD, the film "Second City Presents Buzzkill" is a farcical black comedy that's been gaining traction and buzz (had to write that once but see this February 2012 Chicago Sun-Times preview all the same). Hollywood talent emanating from Second City is legendary and unprecedented. From John Belushi to Chris Farley and Tina Fey,
no other single training venue for comedic actors has produced anywhere
near the wealth of talent as Second City. So one would be safe to
presume Buzzkill is a must-see.ROARING 20'S GALA JAN. 28: Roaring 20's marks 20th anniversary! The nationally-recognized and critically-acclaimed Thodos Dance Chicago, founded by our Chicago "cousin" Melissa Thodos, is celebrating its 20th anniversary season in 2012 and kicks it off with a gala benefit Saturday, January 28 at the Chicago Cultural Center, beginning 6:30 pm. The event's Honorary Chair is legendary choreographer, Tony Award winner, and frequent Thodos collaborator Ann Reinking, who will be on hand to meet and greet well-wishers. On tap is a dance sampling, video montage titled "20 years in 20 minutes" of dance, and more! Another of our many "cousins," NBC5 anchor/reporter Kim Vatis, is a member of Thodos' Board of Directors. Melissa is a former award-winning dancer, a world-renowned choreographer, and dance educator. The gala includes cocktails, sit-down dinner, silent auction, and wine roulette. Tickets are $250 individually. Purchase tickets at ThodosDanceChicago.org or phone (312) 266-6255.
WITHOUT BORDERS BEATS CRUISE, SCARLET: We're told the new Greek American film "Without Borders," which debuted locally the weekend of January 14 at Pickwick Theater, grossed more at the Pickwick box office that weekend than blockbuster mega-budget flicks "Mission Impossible" (starring Tom Cruise) and "We Bought a Zoo" (Matt Damon, Scarlet Johansen). Without Borders stars Seymour Cassell, Peter Nikkos, Yorgo Voyagis, and George Corraface. Check it out at IMDB. Our "cousin" Paul Lillios has a role in the film.
PHOTO EXHIBIT JAN. 27: Our "cousin" John Vlahakis - entrepreneur, author, publisher, ecological blogger - is also gaining notoriety for his esthetic photography. On Friday, January 27, his images will be exhibited at ZIA Gallery (548 Chestnut St., Winnetka, IL) from 5-7 pm. This opening night reception is a public event. Visit Zia Gallery and JohnVlahakis.com. At left is a photo taken by John of the Acropolis in Athens
The Cousins’
Letter…
Christmas 2011 edition
Editor's note (12/14/2011): The correct full name of Anna Davlantes' newborn child is "Gabriella Britton Gamperl." On 12/13/2011, we erred in including the Davlantes last name in Gabriella's full name
Christmas 2011 edition
Editor's note (12/14/2011): The correct full name of Anna Davlantes' newborn child is "Gabriella Britton Gamperl." On 12/13/2011, we erred in including the Davlantes last name in Gabriella's full name
ANNA WELCOMES BABY GABRIELLA! November 26, 2011 will
always be remembered as a good day indeed for our “cousin” Anna
Davlantes, co-host of FOX32 TV’s “Good Day Chicago." That's the day she
and her husband David Gamperl welcomed 9-pound bundle of
joy Gabriella Britton Gamperl, their first child!
Gabriella’s ETA was 6:40 pm at Prentice Northwestern Hospital. “She was anxious
to come into this world,” Anna told us. “We feel very blessed. She’s healthy and
happy as can be, and she’s been gaining a lot of weight, a half pound in less
than two weeks since she was born.” Gabriella has black hair (“thick Greek black
hair,” joked Anna, who's our GMC co-founder). While the baby has kept the couple
up at night (“she never sleeps for more than four hours,” reports Anna), David
and Anna are both walking on air and have little time for anything else. “Due to
my job, I’m usually one of the most informed people around, but I can’t really
tell you much of anything happening right now,“ Anna almost happily volunteered,
adding “right now it’s ALL about her.” Anna is taking maternity leave from FOX
until February, when she’ll return to the airwaves. “It felt like, for the first
ten hours of her life I kept staring at her and might have scarcely taken my
eyes off of her,” Anna related. “I now empathize entirely with the notion that
life truly is a miracle. The whole process was wonderful. David (an entrepreneur
and business owner) and I used an app (digital mobile device application) to
determine contractions. It got to the point where the app told us the
contractions were too close together and we should be at the hospital right
then. Funny but we were already on the way when we got that notice. When we got
there, they took us out of triage and directly into the delivery room.” The
couple plan a post-holidays baptism for Gabriella, whose name is derived from
the biblical Gabriel. “It’s a big name to live up to,” kidded Anna. With that,
we asked her about Gabriella’s parents (broadcast journalist and entrepreneur,
respectively), and if that might portend Gabriella perhaps one day even owning a
TV station. “With me being a journalist, and David - as a businessman - quite
the conversationalist, there’s always that chance.”
(Photo at right): Just in time for Christmas!! New "baby cousin" Gabriella with her doting mother Anna Davlantes. We like to call Gabriella the "First Baby of the GMC," although...
...while Anna and David met elsewhere, longtime GMCers Kimberly Kozlowski and Greg Alexopoulos did indeed first lay eyes on one another at a GMC function and they were later married. The two now have their own child. Kim is an attorney/real estate associate who also has some media projects in the works. Greg is an IT professional with Documentum who previously hosted a weekly sports radio talk show on the former WCBR FM with Panos Topalis, a past Hellenic Bar Association president, and John Stamatis. The sports yacking trio are huge hockey nuts.
(Photo at right): Just in time for Christmas!! New "baby cousin" Gabriella with her doting mother Anna Davlantes. We like to call Gabriella the "First Baby of the GMC," although...
...while Anna and David met elsewhere, longtime GMCers Kimberly Kozlowski and Greg Alexopoulos did indeed first lay eyes on one another at a GMC function and they were later married. The two now have their own child. Kim is an attorney/real estate associate who also has some media projects in the works. Greg is an IT professional with Documentum who previously hosted a weekly sports radio talk show on the former WCBR FM with Panos Topalis, a past Hellenic Bar Association president, and John Stamatis. The sports yacking trio are huge hockey nuts.
NHM GALA AUDIO TRACK: “Roving Recorder” George
Bliss brings us this audio clip from the Nov. 5 Grand Opening Gala for
the brand new National Hellenic Museum, held at Millennium Park before a crowd
of close to 1000. The emcee is our own Lou Canellis of FOX32,
along with NHM Executive Director Stephanie Anton Vlahakis,
speakers and supporters, and concluding with a standup bit by our New York
“cousin” Ellen Karis (frequent contributor to FOX News
Channel). Listen here Ustream.tv/recorded/18349097.
MUSEUM IN TRIB, SUN-TIMES: Check out the great coverage of
the new National Hellenic Museum in these two links to articles in the Chicago
Tribune and Sun-Times.
KARIS/MEDRINOS LIVE RADIO: Speaking of Ellen
Karis, she and fellow comedian Jimmy Medrinos co-host
Greek radio programs live every Thursday 6 pm CST and replayed Fridays 7 pm CST
at FTRadio.com.
KARA’S FITNESS DVD
: LA “cousin”
Patricia Kara (#9 on “Deal or No Deal”) and two other “Deal” briefcase
spokes models just released a brand new fitness
DVD called “Get Ready Get Fit and Deal With Your Body.” Alike
Boggan (#20) and Pilar Lastra (#14) join Patricia
on-camera in this 30-minute motivational presentation and workout routine. The
gals were named among People magazine’s “100 most beautiful people.”
Patricia is a film/TV actress and host, including serving as a correspondent for
“Extra,“ E! Entertainment’s “Wild On,“ and the TV Guide Channel. She’s also one
of the foremost up-and-coming fitness product spokespersons even outside this
new DVD. Alike studied and performed Shakespearean stage acting, speaks Chinese
and Italian, and has a background in fashion. Pilar is an accomplished author,
actress, model and radio host, and she’s now pitching her second book to
publishing houses, titled Treat Me Like Your Car…A Man’s Guide to Treating a
Lady.” Okay, so we need to bone up on that a bit, haha. Don’t forget to peruse
PatriciaKara.com as well. Lastly, PK 009
(our Secret Santa code word for Patricia) served as the actress/model for the trailer for the brand
new Depak Chopra video game “Leela,” which speaks of energy
points. That’s our new-age digital chakra girl !!Photo at right: Bravo TV star Jenni Pulos and Dr. Jonathan Nassos at Trump Tower Chicago BRAVO STAR FLIPS FOR CHI DOCTOR: We may soon be paid a visit by Bravo network TV host Jenni Pulos, star of the increasingly popular home show “Flipping Out.” She’s engaged to be married to Chicago physician Dr. Jonathan Nassos, son of Dr. Tassos and Mary Ann Nassos of Northbrook, IL. George Nassos, environmental writer for The Greek Press newspaper and a relative of Jonathan, brought us the news. Pulos is also billed as a “world-class rapper.” Next Summer she’ll wed Jonathon, who completed his undergrad studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and attended Loyola University’s Stritch School of Medicine. He recently completed a fellowship in surgical and non-surgical procedures involving musculoskeletal disorders, including work at the world-famous Kerlan-Jobe Clinic in Los Angeles, co-founded by famous sports practitioner Dr. Frank Jobe, who invented the then cutting-edge procedure now popularly known as “Tommy John Surgery.” Dr. Jonathan Nassos spent time in LA as an assistant team physician for the LA Lakers, Dodgers, Kings, Sparks, and Anaheim Ducks, and it was precisely these entertainment venues which provided the intro to Pulos. He’s current on staff at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital and Alexian Brothers Medical Center, but word is the couple plan to make their permanent home in the LA area after their scheduled 2012 nuptials in Chicago.
MANIS WINS 2 EMMY AWARDS: Our New York counterparts that
formed GAME (Greek Americans in Media & Entertainment) experienced some
great news recently. Their co-founder Penny Manis, who serves as a producer and
chief scheduler for cable Network CNN‘s “Anderson Cooper 360,” recently won a TV
team Emmy award for “Outstanding Live Coverage of a Current News Story” (“Crisis
in Haiti”), and a second Emmy for “Outstanding Coverage of a Breaking News Story
in a Regularly Scheduled Newscast” (“Haiti in Ruins’) following the devastating
hurricane which ravaged the already economically-depressed nation, virtually
wiping out its capital Port au Prince. CNN’s Chris Kokenis and
NYU’s Dorie Klissas, a longtime “Today” show producer, are the
other two GAME co-founders.
20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THODOS DANCE : The famous Chicago-based dance troop founded by Greek American Melissa Thodos, which has gained national recognition, will be celebrating its 20th anniversary in early 2012. First, a “Roaring 20’s” gala event is planned for Jan. 28, followed by a shared program with the popular Luna Negra dance troop on Feb. 11, 12, and 20. More as we get closer. Visit ThodosDanceChicago.org. Our close “cousin” Kim Vatis is a Thodos board member.
JIMMY IN THE TRIB: Singer Jimmy
Damon, Sinatra crooner extraordinaire, was highlighted in a Oct. 14
Tribune
article on Windy City cabaret jazz. The spotlight featured a photo of our
Jimmy, a frequent GMC performer who's set to perform live for us again on Dec.
15.
DARLAS TEACHES MOUSAKA ON WGN: Funny video snippet of our
witty "cousin" Andrea Darlas, WGN radio news anchor and host,
being interviewed by WGN personality Nick Digilio, and Andrea
winds up setting him straight on mousaka. Good stuff!!
JANE GONE GREEK ON WGN: Veteran TV/radio personality
Jane Monzures, our longtime “cousin” and morning radio sidekick
on WLUP 97.9 FM and host of the Sunday morning show “Living Healthy Chicago” on WGN
TV, taped an all-Greek episode that aired on WGN in late October. Not normally a
“Greek” show, coincidentally this day almost all the guests happened to be
Greek, and the themes were Greek as well. Including, “Fitness After Cancer” with
Pam Paziotopoulos, a two-time cancer survivor, and “Reversing a
Rare Brain Disease” with El Gianesis, a 76-year old former
Merchant Marine who lost his home after Hurricane Katrina and moved to Chicago.
Also featured that episode was chef Jimmy Bannos Jr. of the
Purple Pig eatery. LHC airs each Sunday at 11:30 am on WGN-TV and replays are
shown on CLTV at various times during the week. Jane also co-hosts mornings on
the Loop with Pete McMurray from 5:30-9:30 am.
“COUSINS“ MARRY IN AUGUST : TV on-air personality Bessie Tsionis (yet another GMCer) recently joined the team at FOX32 Chicago, where she now serves as a weekly entertainment contributor to the “Good Day Chicago” morning show co-hosted by Anna Davlantes and Corey McFerrin. Tsionis, who’s segment is titled “Bessie’s Hot Spots,” was formerly with Comcast 100 as well as LXTV. On a personal note, in August Tsionis was wed to Bobbie Kourelis, another of our many “cousins” and the drummer for the rising Chicago rock band The Lovehammers.
UIC DEPT HEAD NOW US CITIZEN: GMCer and social media
expert Zizi Papacharisi, chair of the Communications Department
at the University of Illinois at Chicago, is now officially a US citizen after
completing the exam and taking the oath this Fall. Zizi, a Ph.D professor, was
also an honored guest at the sociology speaker series hosted in November at City
University London. Her topic: The rhythms of news storytelling on Twitter and
coverage of the January 25 Egyptian uprising.
INDUSTRY LEADER NOW AT BAND DIGITAL INC: American
Marketing Association president-elect Ann Kostopanagiotou
(“cousin,“ surprise) in October was appointed account director at Chicago-based
Band Digital Inc. (formerly Whittman Hart Interactive), an independent,
industry-leading Digital Connection Agency focused on crafting interactions that
inject meaning, interest and emotion into an audience’s experience with a brand.
The company has serviced such clients as Harley-Davidson, AT&T, Meijer,
Lucas Arts, Budweiser, Sears, and Kellogg’s, among others. The agency also has
offices in Atlanta, LA, and Philadelphia.
“KASSO” PREMIERES: A loyal reader of Chicago
Tribune page 2 columnist John Kass in November released a
hilarious online video parody of Kass as
“Kasso,“ set to the “Ringo” Western movie theme and depicting Kass as a
wild-west lawman in a land of Chicago bandits (with his “ink lasso“). John
attended one of our events a few years back and we’re hoping to see him Dec.
15.
FT REPORTER “COUSINS” CONNECTION: Financial Times
(of London) reporter Tellis Demos is fast rising in the vast
world of the money-maven TV talking heads. He’s the real-life cousin of our own
GMC “cousin” George Demos, a former pro basketball player in
Greece and NCAA basketball referee, Tellis is now a regular contributor to MSNBC
and CNN. While Tellis follows the bulls of Wall Street, George, alongside former
NBA referee Ron Olesiak, is currently helping to usher in the
Chicago Bulls’ lockout-shortened basketball season by serving as a team
scrimmage official and helping players learn to operate within the latest NBA
rules.
MAG EDITOR EXPLORES TOPIC OF WINE: Our close “cousin”
Cathy Demetropoulos, executive editor of Chicago
Bride magazine, during her spare time has been blogging
on the topic of wine for a separate entity. In the adjacent photo is Cathy (at right) with her little sister at our Hilligoss Galleries event in February 2011. Cathy is well-versed in `the spirits,' not to mention her husband, Joseph Nebolsky de Ochoa, owner of Potosi Imports, is a premium wine importer. Joe sponsored the wine at the Hilligoss event.FALL GREEK CIRCLE MAG: The Fall issue of Greek Circle magazine focuses on sports and athletics. GMC co-director Terry Poulos was a contributing writer. Publisher is Alexa Ganakos Gannos and editor is Amalia Deligiannis.
BANNOS SR. "CHEF OF YEAR": Celeb chef and past GMC venue
host Jimmy Bannos Sr. (Heaven on Seven restaurant) in November
received the “Chef of the Year” award at the annual March of Dimes “Chicago
Signature Chefs Auction.”
MORE NY RADIO: More Big Apple radio waves.
Anthoula Katsimatides, an actress/host and Master of Arts in
Teaching, is on the air at 91.5 FM at 7pm Thursdays for the "Color Your Life"
show. Check out her site Anthoula.com.
MAYOR AT YOLK: In August, Chicago Mayor Rahm
Emanuel had breakfast at the South Loop Yolk Restaurant owned by
Taki Kastanis, a past GMC venue host. Taki reports many celeb
and sports sightings almost on a weekly basis.
MORE FILM, BILLY ZANE: "Cousin" Valerie
Gobos, a filmmaker ("Brides,", etc.), has been meeting with the people
at CineSpace studios in Chicago to talk about potential film projects. Her and
Billy Zane ("Titanic") are discussing a few projects and we'll
keep you up-to-date. Valerie has collaborated with famous director
Martin Scorcese in the past, and last year she met with
Hollywood legend Olympia Dukakis on other film matters. Valerie
is one mover-shaker...Former actress Tammy Karabas Brody just
completed an assignment for Walk On Films in Chicago and has other projects in
the works.
TRAFFIC MAVEN: Veteran traffic reporter Julie
Chrones, a resident of Chicago’s western suburbs, has been filling in
reporting on roadway congestion at both WBBM and WGN radio, while simultaneously
managing her pub in Blue Island.
BOOKS: GMCer Alex Karras, owner at Motiv8
Creativ marketing/PR, recently authored a novel, and she’s written some
child-themed materials as well as a women’s guide to sports. Check out her
offerings at DemetraAKarras.com...Acclaimed author
Alexander Pattakos has come out with a Greek version of his
popular, introspective book Prisoners of Our
Thoughts. Also visit his website TheOpaWay.com.
MS. AMERICA: On Sept. 7, the Tribune covered the 90th
anniversary of the Miss America Pageant featuring past area winners, one of
which is our “cousin,” University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign grad
Erika Harold, who later earned a law degree
at Harvard University and is now practicing in Chicago.
BLISS IN SUN-TIMES: GMC co-founder George
Bliss was mentioned by Bill Zwecker in his Oct. 27
Sun-Times column
in an item about Theo Epstein, the Cubs’ new baseball
operations guru.
FRANKENSTEIN MOVIE: Chicago film veteran John
Marinopoulos, who visited us for the first time at Play18Chicago in August,
recently wrapped up work helping to produce the new film “Frankenstein:
Day of the Beast”
CRETAN CONQUISTIDOR DVD: You won't find this combo often.
Teacher and filmmaker Emanuel Betinis completed his DVD “Son of
Thunder (Hijo Del Trueno),” the true story of Pedro de Candia, the Cretan
conquistador with the Pizarro expeditions to Peru. Available on Amazon.com
and at Barnes & Noble (Oak Brook Shopping Center).
GOD COMPLEX “INSPIRED BY TRUE EVENTS”: Boston-based author
Chris Titus has written an intellectual novel “inspired by true
events,” reads the copy on Chris’ website. “The God Complex takes readers on a
thrill ride through Chinese medicine. Desperate for a cure and spurned by his
Western physicians, Steve Benson was left with no other choice but to take a
leap of faith … a leap that landed him in Boston’s Chinatown. After years of
drinking foul smelling herbal concoctions and getting stuck with needles, he
emerged healed and well-trained in their secret arts. However, he never forgot
the dismissive attitudes of his Western physicians. Follow along as a dynamic
conspiracy ensues, pitting Eastern medicine against its critics in the West.
Discover the secrets of Chinese medicine and its connection to martial arts as
the mystery unfolds.” www.godcomplexnovel.com.
“WITHOUT BORDERS” DEBUTS: A couple of our local “cousins,”
including actor Paul Lillios (by day an administrative law
judge with the State of Illinois Social Security Administration), collaborated
on the promising new film “Without Borders,” an
extraordinary journey across numerous continents directed by Nick
Gaitatjis. It premiered in November at the Pickwick Theatre in Park
Ridge, IL. Paul’s official website.
SEEKS STILL PHOTOGRAPHY FOR CHI-TOWN DOC: Our
Despina Damianides informs us the production company she
formed, Damianides Productions, is seeking recent still photography for a
documentary to be launched about the City of Chicago. If you’ve captured a great
moment in a eatery, night club or bar, or simply a beautiful scene from anywhere
in Chicago, she’s looking for you. Email her at Ddamianides@gmail.com.
HOLLYWOOD PARTY DEC. 15: Traveling to LA? The Greek
Americans in Hollywood Ministry of St. Sophia Cathedral in Los Angeles is
hosting their annual Christmas party Thursday Dec. 15 at Lola’s in West
Hollywood from 7-9 pm. $5 donation at door. RSVP to Gailrsvp1215party@yahoo.com.
Alexa Pagonas sends word.
SKALLAS TO THOMPSON: While an attorney at Holland &
Knight, our own Tom Skallas and fellow Holland partner (and GMC
“cousin”) Elias Matasakis hosted a grand GMC event at their
posh 35th story office. This December, Tom officially became a partner at
Thompson Coburn LLP. He also serves as a VP and Board member of the National
Hellenic Museum, in addition to being First VP of the Hellenic Bar Association.
He’s also a Director of Republic Bank of Chicago. Skallas joins Thompson’s
Corporate and Securities practice group.
WRITER CALLS IN-PERSON SOCIALIZING “MANDATORY“:
Interesting article
from Fast Company magazine we thought you might benefit by reading. The
more things change, the more they stay the same.
PRESIDENTIAL "BULLY PULPIT" DEBATED: An intriguing political
commentary by our Detroit “cousin” Tom Athans which
appeared in the Huffington Post.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MORE THAN 900
ATTEND MUSEUM GRAND OPENING GALA 
[Nov. 8, 2011 - Chicago] Many of our GMC "cousins" in attendance November 5 are still buzzing about the grand opening gala benefit commemorating the brand new, state-of-the-art 40 thousand-plus square foot National Hellenic Museum, located in Greektown, Chicago!! The gala event was held at the extravagant Millenium Park facility on Chicago's world-class downtown lakefront. FOX32 lead sports anchor Lou Canellis emceed, nationally-recognized comedian/political satirist Ellen Karis (pictured at left on the mic) performed standup, and phenom operatic sister tandem Lexy and Stephany Prodromos serenaded 800-plus in attendance. Honorary Chair was Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. GMC co-director George Bliss was there to capture the moment and he forwarded this audio clip of Lou's remarks along with observations and reflections from Museum Executive Director Stephanie Anton Vlahakis, Museum President Aristotle Halikias, Calamos Investments founder John Calamos, and a host of Museum supporters and well-wishers. GMCers Anna Davlantes, host of the weekday morning "Good Day Chicago" on FOX32, and Jane Monzures, host of WGN's "Living Healthy Chicago," were also in attendance. We at the GMC are ecstatic about not only this new crown jewel of Greektown, but for what clearly holds the unique potential to become THE central hub of Greek America itself!! We extend our finest congratulations and most sincere gratitude to the Museum board of directors, who worked so diligently and sacrificed (some for 30 years) and persevered to see their dream to fruition. Thank you all for this tremendous gift !!
[Nov. 8, 2011 - Chicago] Many of our GMC "cousins" in attendance November 5 are still buzzing about the grand opening gala benefit commemorating the brand new, state-of-the-art 40 thousand-plus square foot National Hellenic Museum, located in Greektown, Chicago!! The gala event was held at the extravagant Millenium Park facility on Chicago's world-class downtown lakefront. FOX32 lead sports anchor Lou Canellis emceed, nationally-recognized comedian/political satirist Ellen Karis (pictured at left on the mic) performed standup, and phenom operatic sister tandem Lexy and Stephany Prodromos serenaded 800-plus in attendance. Honorary Chair was Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. GMC co-director George Bliss was there to capture the moment and he forwarded this audio clip of Lou's remarks along with observations and reflections from Museum Executive Director Stephanie Anton Vlahakis, Museum President Aristotle Halikias, Calamos Investments founder John Calamos, and a host of Museum supporters and well-wishers. GMCers Anna Davlantes, host of the weekday morning "Good Day Chicago" on FOX32, and Jane Monzures, host of WGN's "Living Healthy Chicago," were also in attendance. We at the GMC are ecstatic about not only this new crown jewel of Greektown, but for what clearly holds the unique potential to become THE central hub of Greek America itself!! We extend our finest congratulations and most sincere gratitude to the Museum board of directors, who worked so diligently and sacrificed (some for 30 years) and persevered to see their dream to fruition. Thank you all for this tremendous gift !!
GMC EVENT HEADLINED BY NFL HALL OF FAME COACH MARV LEVY
[Oct. 14, 2011 - Chicago] Thanks to the more than 200 who braved the rain October 13 to attend our "Sports & Education Night" at Play18 Chicago!! NFL Hall of Fame football coach Marv Levy gave us a primer on his hot new novel Between the Lies, we were clued in on the efforts of the PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation by Chairman Chris Tomaras, our "cousin" Anna Davlantes of FOX32 and her hubby David Gamperl stopped in (w/ their expectant baby GMCer!!), Chicago Public Schools Executive Director Staci Strategakes made a surprise announcement (more on that soon), and DJ John Grammatis took us home until the wee hours. As well, we entertained our usual assortment of creative communicative artisans. Lastly, the GMC extends its sincere gratitude to the larger EuroCircle, Hellenic Professional Society, and Daily Frappe social communities (Maria Dollas, Demetra Markopoulos, Kyriakos Mellos, respectively), Vivian Haritos (PHSFoundation), Yiannis Valsamais (PHSFoundation executive director), and John Sotos (Play18 Chicago). For a full event photo album, go to PanHellenicScholarships.org. Other photos at our "PHOTOS" link. Play18 photo above: Coach Marvy Levy (right) and Yiannis Valsamis, executive director of the PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE COUSINS’
LETTER…
August 2011 Edition
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.
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.
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.
EXTRA CREDITS: Next time you see Comcast
100's Bessie Tsionis and Lovehammers drummer Bobbie Kourelis, call
them Mr. and Mrs. These two GMC "cousins" are set for August
nuptials!!!...Another LA "cousin," actress/jazz singer
Lisa Zane, performs August
15 at the Supper Club in Studio City, CA...FOX32 sports
anchor Lou Canellis and his lovely wife, Monica
Canellis (Stimsoc Social Club) recently returned from a storybook
vacation in Greece this July...Check out "cousin" Andrea Dres
of Harpo Studios getting a big hug from Oprah Winfrey in a
behind-the-scenes video here...GMCer
John Truncali sends his
regards as he can't join us August 11. He'll be singing at the Taylor Street
Italian Fest that night...Recent U. of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana grad, and
journalism award winner, Peter Nicholas (long distance "cousin"
known to his close friends as Peter Zervakis), is now reporting
for WXOW-TV in LaCrosse, WI, an ABC affiliate...Michael Sladek,
son of our own Kathy Kaporis, is entering his senior year at
San Diego State, majoring in Communications/TV/Film/New Media. A Niles North
grad, he was a 2011 intern at WGN TV Chicago for our own Dean
Richards, and served another internship at LITE FM radio in 2010. He's
also had internships at the National Hellenic Museum and worked for the AMC
Movie company...Congrats to our Philhelene "cousin" David Kaplan of WGN radio
and Comcast SportsNet TV on his stepson, Garret LaFlamme, landing a
football athletic scholarship at Illinois Westleyan U. Garret is the son of
Kap's 2nd wife, the former Mindy Semetis, a marketing exec with the Lou
Malnati's pizzeria franchise...Condolences also to the
family of Alexandra and Louis G.
Apostol, another longtime GMC "cousin" and also Executive Director of
the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board, on the recent death of the
couple's daughter, Jiorgiana Apostol. May her memory be
eternal...
PATIO THEATER REOPENS: Chicago's historic Patio Theater, owned by the
Kouvalis family and operated by Demetri Kouvalis, was recently
refurbished and will be reopened after 10 years of inactivity. It's a longtime
staple of Chicago's vast entertainment landscape.
NIKKI PERFORMS LIVE FOR GMC: Jazz singer Nikki George, our featured live act in April at Yolk in the South Loop, was born into an artistic and show business family of vocalists, artists, writers and Jefferson Award winning performers. Like her mother, two time Jefferson Award winner Gerry Langedon, Nikki began her acting and singing career in Chicago area theaters at an early age. While earning a Bachelor degree in Biology, a Master of Public Affairs and honors at Indiana University; Nikki continued her love of theater and music. While Nikki has performed in Europe, New York and Florida; Chicago and the Calumet Region are places she calls home. At "home," she has written lyrics for electronic music composer, Keenan Baxter, and their work has been distributed worldwide. Nikki has, also, produced national public service announcements and recorded voice-overs. Her music has aired on Chicago radio stations such as WRRG and WNUA, she has appeared on WGN and WYIN TV and has been featured on the front page of the Chicago Tribune. Nikki enjoys the freedom of jazz and cultivates her gifts on stages for corporations, private parties, fund raisers, clubs, and restaurants. She is an electrifying presence! “Sensational.... jazzy....high wattage....generates a noisy ovation from a crowded room....polish....an obviously accomplished singer..." wrote Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune jazz critic. Said WRRG radio host Nicholas Calabrese, Nikki has ".....a lush voice...comfortable performing from the Great American Songbook as she is interpreting contemporary rock/pop songs...skill and style...unique singer...will take you on a musical rollercoaster..." For more, visit ChicagoJazz.com/NikkiGeorge.
MARCH 31 La Maria: If you’re a Maria Callas fan, this one’s a must-see. On Thursday, March 31, the National Hellenic Museum is hosting the program “La Maria: The Life and Loves of Maria Callas.” Venue is Maxim at the Nancy Goldberg International Center, showtime 8 pm. Program written and performed by Dr. Maria Boundas Bakalis. Tickets $75 per person, includes performance, champagne and desert. Benefits the Museum. Phone (312) 655-1234.
"Who loves ya baby?" At right, late, great actor Telly "Kojak" Savalas, who also appeared in the epic film "The Greatest Story Ever Told"
SAVALAS, SEVASTOS, DAMON WOW NURSING HOME GALA: Singers Ariana Savalas, Christos Sevastos, and Jimmy Damon sang and veteran TV newsman John Davis emceed the annual dinner dance gala benefiting the Greek American Rehabilitation & Care Centre in Wheeling, IL. The event was held in late February at the Westin O’Hare before a crowd of perhaps 500 who came to support the charitable endeavor. In town was Julie Savalas, widow of the late, great actor Telly Savalas, and mother of Ariana, who is now putting the finishing touches on her debut pop album. Coincidentally, Julie happened to be at Chicago Housewears convention that same weekend and is an inventor whose products sell on the QVC cable channel. QVC host Lisa Brady was with Julie at the gala. President of the philanthropy is Eleni Bousis. Visit GreekAmericanCare.org.
The Cousins'
Letter...
June 2011 edition
ANNA DAV MARRIED! FOX32 TV's "Good Day
Chicago" morning co-host Anna Davlantes (pictured)
in early May was wed to David Gamberl, a
successful businessman and entrepreneur. The newlyweds eloped in Paris at a
romantic 16th century church. Anna is one of the original three GMC
co-founders. For details on her new hubby and wedding, read the station's
account at FOX32 Chicago. And join us June 2 for a toast to
the co-host!
LAST EVENT: Many thanks to the 100 "cousins"
who showed up on only 10 days notice in early April for our event at
John Sotos' Play18 Chicago. And special
thanks to NBC5's Kim Vatis, Kronos Gyros founder Chris
Tomaras, and NFL Hall-of-Fame coach Marv Levy for
adding their star power to the evening's highlights, which included a primer on
the exciting new mobile interactive marketing technology from our main sponsor,
Velti.com.
Special thanks to Velti's Chicago rep Jim Bloom. You can find
Velti and Jim on facebook.
JUNE 2 SPECIAL GUEST: Environmental
entrepreneur John Vlahakis is founder and president of Earth
Friendly Products, an $80 million "green" home products firm based in Illinois
which was listed by the Wall Street Journal as one of the top 5 in its
industry sector. Also an environmental blogger at EarthyReport.com, John recently
authored the book "Green Bites: Ecological Musings from the Front," an
easy-to-follow guide to all-things-environmental. John, who earned
a masters degree at Northwestern University's prestigious Kellogg
Graduate School of Management, is a dynamic businessman, a keen observer of
science and health, and an aspiring artistic photographer as well.
OPA OPRAH! In May, the world bid a fond TV
farewell to America's undisputed talk show queen Oprah Winfrey,
and our "cousin," Harpo Studios production assistant Andrea
Dres, was there every step of the way for the fantastic finish! It's
been a whirlwind ride for Andrea over the past four years as she's risen within
the ranks from researcher to getting promoted to her current position at
arguably the most revered operation in television history. Andrea in the past
year even got some face time on the new OWN Network (Oprah's brand new cable
behemoth). In a show about the behind-the-scenes Harpo productions, Andrea was
seen on-air discussing show logistics with fellow staffers, among other items.
Andrea will continue at Harpo after Oprah's departure as the studio plans to
maintain a strong Chicago presence. The last year (and final two weeks) were a
roller-coaster for Andrea and the rest of the Harpo crew. A parade of A-list
stars, including actor Tom Hanks, descended upon the Windy City
to celebrate Oprah in grand style. There was the blowout show at the United
Center before a full house of 24,000 Oprah-ciples, among a myriad of special
events and final salutes. For a behind-the-scenes look at the final big UC
to-do, click here
for a tribute video posted by Andrea on her facebook page. "Opa Oprah," whose
iconic studio was a mere few short blocks from Greektown Chicago, will always
have a special place in the hearts of us here at the GMC.
MORE OPRAH COVERAGE: For more Oprah
behind-the-scenes at the UC, visit I on the Scene, the society blog
written by our "cousin" Irene Michaels, one of our town's most
ubiquitous society bloggers and philanthropic mover-shakers. On May 5, Irene was
front and center among 1000 attendees at the grand opening soiree for Navy
Pier's brand new and extravagant Private Collection Art Museum, which features
the works of Salvador Dali and Matt Lamb.
Irene, who owned a 50-employee modeling agency for 20 years, coordinated the
models and fashion show during the Navy Pier event and was a key player in the
overall gala.
THEATER GALA JUNE 16: The 31st annual Child's Play
Touring Theatre gala is proving to be a hot ticket. With the venue being the
cutting-edge Microsoft Chicago office at 200 E. Randolph St., with its
state-of-the-art electronic game room, and former Illinois Treasurer
Alexi Giannoulias (now a professor at Northwestern University)
slated to speak and Chicago broadcast journalism legend Walter
Jacobson receiving an award, this is one you won't want to miss. Turtle
Wax Corporation President Sondra Healy is CPTT's Honorary Gala
Chair, and former Chicago first lady Maggie Daley is the CPTT
overall Honorary Chair. Our "cousin" June Podagrossi co-founded
the organization along with her late husband Victor Podagrossi,
and GMCer Diana Mendoza is president. Immediate past Chicago
Corporation Counsel Mara Georges is among the full Board
members, and serving on the Advisory Board are GMC regulars Suzy
Campbell, Anna Davlantes, and Terry
Poulos. Child's Play is a 501c3 not-for-profit. It's a unique,
first-of-its kind concept where students write scripts which are then tweaked
and performed live by professional actors, giving the students an interactive
feel to the performances, which are both educational and
entertaining.
SAVALAS ALBUM DEBUTS: Our singing California
"cousin" Ariana Savalas, who serenaded the GMC in February 2010
at the Hancock 95th, released her debut album "Kingdom" in May! She wrote
the scores and lyrics and coordinated most of the arranging as well. Only 24
years old, Ariana was previously performing live on the jazz club circuit but
her first album is a compilation of pop with a rock-jazz-R&B bent. This
vastly talented singer and dancer has also acted in independent films, along
with a guest role on TV's "Criminal Minds." Ariana will debut her cuts live in
New York on June 1. The daughter of the late, great acting legend Telly
Savalas has a bright future ahead! Visit ArianaSavalas.com.
MOST POWERFUL LIST: Crain's Chicago
Business columnist Shia Kapos, another GMC "cousin,"
in April received high praise from Timeout Chicago magazine writer
Robert Feder, perhaps the area's foremost media critic. He
mentioned Shia in his version of a would-be "Most
Powerful Women in Chicago Journalism" list. Shia is a veteran reporter who
covers business from a unique social angle. On June 8, Shia and reporters from
the Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Tribune, will be a panelist
for the Publicity Club of Chicago's "Connecting with Chicago Columnists"
luncheon, held at Maggiano's Little Italy, 516 N. Clark, Chicago. Register here.
HIRES FORMER DISCOVERY NETWORKS PREZ: Past
GMC sponsor/host Akoo International, Inc. recently scored
a coup in bringing in William M. Campbell III to serve as
company president. Campbell is a 20-year broadcast and cable TV exec who began
his media career at ABC Entertainment and recently served as president of the
Discovery Channel Network. Akoo, whose chairman is Niko
Drakoulis, is a rising mobile
interactive entertainment and marketing platform reaching tens of millions of
unique visitors per year. For news of the appointment, click here.
KARIS PENS COLUMN FOR NATIONAL HERALD: Our
New York "cousin," comedian and frequent FOX Cable News political commentator
Ellen Karis, recently began penning a column for The National
Herald. One of her first targets: The socialism mess in Greece. Visit
Ellen Karris.com.
STARS IN COORS LIGHT TV COMMERCIAL: In
addition to hosting red carpet Hollywood shows, acting in independent films,
and serving as a "Deal or No Deal" and fitness product spokesmodel, among other
activities, Chicago-to-LA "cousin" Patricia Kara recently was
selected to star in one of the zaniest Coors Light "Beerman" TV commercials
we've ever seen. Check out this football instant replay. Way too
funny! And also visit PatriciaKara.com.
GLYKERIA LIVE JUNE 3: Popular Greek singer
Glykeria, along with Melina Aslanidou and
Giorgos, perform live Friday, June 3 at the Marriott O'Hare
Chicago. Concert promoters are Greek Promotions Live. For
tickets and info, phone Nikos 630.234.2183 or Fani 630.205.1403.
LIVE LOVE LIFE SHOW JUNE 25: Multimedia
personality Jane Monzures, host of WGN TV's Sunday morning show
"Living Healthy Chicago" and a longtime GMC "cousin," is hosting what looks to
be a unique and fun event Saturday, June 25 from 8 pm to Midnight. Details to
come. It's a fundraiser for The Greater Chicago Food Depository. Check out Jane Monzures.com.
KATERINA BIZIOS LAUNCHES IMPULSE: U. of
Illinois junior journalism student Katerina Bizios, a
Naperville North H.S. grad, on April 25 held a launch party for the inaugural
issue of her startup publication Impulse, a college campus lifestyle magazine.
The first cover was of 2011 1st round NFL draft pick Corey
Liuget, a star for Illini football. This summer, Katerina will be
serving an internship at Cosmopolitan magazine. Her sister
Elitsa Bizios, another GMC "cousin," is a broadcast journalist,
currently in Chicago, who previously anchored the news for a network affiliate
in North Carolina. You can find Impulse on facebook here,
and get the full scoop on the mag launch at HerCampus.com.
MENOUNOS GIRLS BOOK: Our "cousin"
Maria Karamitsos, associated editor of The
Greek Star newspaper in Chicago and a writer for GreekReporter.com, in early May
attended a downtown book signing by NBC "Access Hollywood" co-host Maria
Menounos, who wrote "The
Everygirl's Guide to Life." Menounos is proud of her heritage and speaks
often of her Greek American upbringing.
MORE MARIA K GEMS: Mom, wife, friend,
"cousin," book writer (she's 60-percent finished with the first draft!). That's
our Maria Karamitsos in a nutshell. The DePaul MBA recently was
a guest columnist for publisher/author Patricia Volonakis
Davis' "Harlot's Sauce" website and wrote a highly useful passage on
basically "What Not to Say to Someone Who's Experienced a Miscarriage." Check it
out here! Meanwhile, Davis' latest book The Diva Doctrine: 16 Universal
Principles Every Woman Needs to Know," is now available. Visit PatriciaDavis.com.
ST. ANDREWS BOXING NIGHT SEPT. 23: The parish
at St. Andrews Church will host their 3rd annual Boxing Night Friday, Sept. 23
beginning at 6 pm at the North Side church right off Lake Shore Drive and
Hollywood in Chicago. GMC co-director Terry Poulos will again
serve as ring announcer, and "cousin" Britney Refakes, an
actress/model, returns as one of the ring girls. Sponsors include First
Associates Ltd., Centaur, the Al Gianaras family, Laudizio & Assoc., Peter
A. Mikuzis & Assoc., and Mellos Snacks. For reservations phone
773.334.4515.
THE OPA WAY: Author Alexander N.
Pattakos, Ph.D sent us this `man-on-the-street' interview video which is a
commentary on the lack of knowledge of Greek contributions to humanity. Pattakos
also hosts the website The Opa Way, but his day job is writing mainstream works
of non-fiction, including his intriguing "Prisoners
of Our Thoughts: Viktor Frankl's Principles for Discovering Meaning in Life
and Work."
GREEK FILM FEST CHICAGO SEPT 29-OCT 2: Mark
your calendar! A few of our "cousins" are reprising the Chicago
Greek Film Fest. To be held at Pickwick Theatre in Park
Ridge, IL. Serving on the board are: Kostas Daskalopoulos (Vice
Consul for Greece in Chicago), Alex Papadopoulos (Associate
Professor of Geography at DePaul University), Kyriakos
Mellos (DailyFrappe.com), Dino Vlahakis (owner
of Pickwick Theatre in Park Ridge, IL), Niko Franghias (Emberframes Films), Terry
Jacobs (Emberframes), Valerie
Gobos (filmmaker/producer), Dr. Zizi Papacharissi
(Professor and Head of the Communications Department at the University of
Illinois at Chicago), Toula Georgakopoulos (National Hellenic
Museum), Anastasios Papapostolou (Hollywood Greek
Reporter), and Dimitri Kostopoulos (US Bank and a Greek
language teacher at Hellenic American Academy in Deerfield, IL). Click on the
GFFC logo below for their facebook page...
PATIO THEATER REOPENS: Chicago's historic Patio Theater, owned by the
Kouvalis family and operated by Demetri Kouvalis, was recently
refurbished and will be reopened after 10 years of inactivity. It's a longtime
staple of Chicago's vast entertainment landscape.EXTRA CREDITS: Special thanks to GreekReporter.com for coverage
of GMC events...GMC "cousin" Anastasia Athans Stothoff, who
designed our GMC logo and owns Insight Design
Solutions, recently accepted a position with the Art Institute of Chicago as
an Assistant Admissions Director...Serving as director of
marketing at Chicago's ESPN 1000-AM sports talk radio is our "cousin"
Elena Angelos...Cleveland "cousin" Valerie
Varlamas recently began hosting Greek-focused shows Sunday afternoons
on News Talk Cleveland 1490 AM. Three of
her recent interviews were Patricia Kara, Arianna Savalas, and famous director
George Veras. Listen on the web...Check out
Jennifer Aniston's "sex
tape." Funny viral campaign for Smart Water...Former
Chicago Tribune reporter Dan Mihalopoulos is
contributing to the political discussion at Chicago News Scoop...Meeting
planner Maria Dollas hosts Chicago Eurocircle events. Follow on
facebook or visit Eurocircle.com and click on
Chicago...GMCer J. Anthony Kosar, a rising artist and sculptor
who's done pieces for film and is an expert mask maker, is now teaching the art
of mask making. See KosartEffects.com...Former ABC Radio account exec Roger Keys is now writing
a regular marketing newsletter that can be accessed on his company's home site
at MarketingKeys.net...Two great articles on Greek Easter courtesy of the Chicago
Tribune's John Kass CLICK
HERE and author Harry Mark Petrakis, whose essay appeared
in the Chicago Sun-Times CLICK
HERE...Condolences to the family of radio
host Andy Karzas, who passed away in April right after marking
his 35th year with WMFT FM's classical station.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Cousins’
Letter…
Spring, 2011 edition
Spring, 2011 edition
HELLENIC FOUNDATION: A 57-year social services
institution providing case management, psychotherapy and counseling, and
educational programs to individuals, couples, and families in the Greek
community and beyond. This is the Hellenic Foundation. Thursday's event benefits
the 501c3 charity. Their mission reads "We are guided by the principles of
Ancient Greek wisdom, which are the foundation of their services and programs
which educate and empower individuals and families of all cultures to lead
emotionally healthy lives. In the early 1950s, a Greek Orthodox priest named
Father George Mastrantonis began to see in his ministry the
need for an organization that would care for members of the Hellenic-American
community. He dreamed of such an organization to care for the needs of elderly,
youth and families. By 1953, he founded the Hellenic Foundation with a group of
civic-minded and caring community leaders. Their first mission was to
concentrate on the housing needs of the elderly. Because of his foresight,
perseverance, and inspiration, the Foundation has become a multifaceted and
dynamic social service organization. It is the only not-for-profit,
professionally staffed philanthropic organization serving the social service
needs of Hellenic Americans living in the Chicago metropolitan area. Guided by a
volunteer Board of Directors and staffed by professionals experienced in mental
health and human services, Hellenic Foundation strives to identify the needs of
individuals and families and to implement Hellenic ideals to help the community
at large. For nearly 60 years, the Hellenic Foundation has actualized Father
Mastrantonis’ dream into a reality. We’re proud to declare that because of his
concern for others and devotion to his spiritual mission, his work lives on in
the programs of the Hellenic Foundation." GMC "cousins" involved with the
Foundation include Mia magazine founder Christina
Sofiakis (HF exec director), attorney and community
leader Louis G. Apostol (HF president), and PepsiCo marketing
exec Athina Xirogiannis (HF board member).
NIKKI PERFORMS LIVE FOR GMC: Jazz singer Nikki George, our featured live act in April at Yolk in the South Loop, was born into an artistic and show business family of vocalists, artists, writers and Jefferson Award winning performers. Like her mother, two time Jefferson Award winner Gerry Langedon, Nikki began her acting and singing career in Chicago area theaters at an early age. While earning a Bachelor degree in Biology, a Master of Public Affairs and honors at Indiana University; Nikki continued her love of theater and music. While Nikki has performed in Europe, New York and Florida; Chicago and the Calumet Region are places she calls home. At "home," she has written lyrics for electronic music composer, Keenan Baxter, and their work has been distributed worldwide. Nikki has, also, produced national public service announcements and recorded voice-overs. Her music has aired on Chicago radio stations such as WRRG and WNUA, she has appeared on WGN and WYIN TV and has been featured on the front page of the Chicago Tribune. Nikki enjoys the freedom of jazz and cultivates her gifts on stages for corporations, private parties, fund raisers, clubs, and restaurants. She is an electrifying presence! “Sensational.... jazzy....high wattage....generates a noisy ovation from a crowded room....polish....an obviously accomplished singer..." wrote Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune jazz critic. Said WRRG radio host Nicholas Calabrese, Nikki has ".....a lush voice...comfortable performing from the Great American Songbook as she is interpreting contemporary rock/pop songs...skill and style...unique singer...will take you on a musical rollercoaster..." For more, visit ChicagoJazz.com/NikkiGeorge.
MARCH 31 La Maria: If you’re a Maria Callas fan, this one’s a must-see. On Thursday, March 31, the National Hellenic Museum is hosting the program “La Maria: The Life and Loves of Maria Callas.” Venue is Maxim at the Nancy Goldberg International Center, showtime 8 pm. Program written and performed by Dr. Maria Boundas Bakalis. Tickets $75 per person, includes performance, champagne and desert. Benefits the Museum. Phone (312) 655-1234.
MARCH 31-APRIL 3 BIZ EXPO: Publisher Paul
Kotrotsios, founder of the Pennsylvania-based Hellenic
News of America, has again assembled a stout lineup of business experts
to appear at the annual Hermes Expo
International, March 31 through April 3 in NY and NJ.
APRIL 3 MILESTONE CHORALE: The tradition-rich Oak
Park Concert Chorale, featuring our crooning “cousin” Angie
Poulos, among others, is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a
Baroque Festival Sunday, April 3 at Grace Lutheran Church in River Forest,
followed by light supper. General admission $35 which includes three concerts
and supper. Seniors and student packages $25. Advance registration required.
Phone (708) 383-4742.
APRIL 9 LA AWARDS: Actor John Aniston
emcees the annual American Hellenic Council Awards Dinner Saturday, April 9 at
the Omni Hotel in LA. Music by Margarita and the Takis
Kokotas. For more, visit AmericanHellenic.org.
APRIL 12 SILVER LINING: Two of our “cousins” are involved
with A Silver Lining Foundation, a charity devoted providing over 450,000 people
with information concerning cancer resource information, treatment options and
support services. On April 12, they will host “Cabaret for a Cause” at the Red
Head Piano Bar from 5:30 to 8:30 pm featuring jazz vocalist Arlene
Bardelle accompanied by Tom Muellner. Hor d’oevres and
open bar for $45. Tickets may be purchased at ASilverLiningFoundation.org.
Kathy Kalersperies Smith is Programs Outreach and Development
Coordinator, and Dr. Sandy Goldberg, an NBC5 medical
contributor, is on the board of ASLF.
APRIL 16 PRODROMOS CONCERT: GMC regular performers
Lexy and Stephany Prodromos, soprano phenom
sisters, will again reprise their talents for charity on April 16 at their 3rd
annual concert benefiting Miseracordia. Tenor Christian Ketter
will again join the girls on stage. Location is the new Ryan Center (6300 N.
Ridge Ave., Chicago). Play-list includes “Opera and Show-Tunes Greatest Hits.”
Free parking. $25 per person, fully tax deductible. Reception follows concert
with complimentary refreshments and deserts. Reserve seats at LexyandStephany.com or phone (224)
567-1704 for more info. April 11 deadline…Lexy and Stephany also made a recent
appearance on WGN radio and were interviewed by our own Andrea
Darlas, on-air host and reporter. The sisters spoke about their new
recording of the famous “Rocky” film soundtrack “Eye of the Tiger,“ a hit song
originally scored by rocker Jim Peterik, a personal friend of
George Bliss…Lastly, Lexy just won the Midwest Regional
competition for high school singers sponsored by Classical Singer
magazine. She’ll travel to LA on May 21 for the finals and chance to win the
national title!
APRIL 17 BRIDAL EXPO: Chicago Bride magazine, whose
executive editor is GMC “cousin” Cathy Demetropoulos, is
producing the mag’s first bridal expo of 2011 on April 17 at Navy Pier’s
Lakeview Terrace. Included will be a fashion show party on the Anita Dee II
yacht with drinks and hors d’oeuvres. The event is for brides and
pre-registration is preferred at ChicagoMagazine.com. Business owners
wishing to exhibit at the event should contact Cathy direct at (773)
866-9900.
LOU ON CAT-CALL: Longtime GMC “cousin” Lou
Canellis, weeknight sports anchor at FOX32 Chicago, was on the call for
ESPN doing play-by-play during the Northwestern Wildcats/Boston College game in
the NIT tournament, among other contests. His wife and GMC
"cousin" Monica Canellis is co-director of the popular Stimulus
Social Club.
SAVALAS, SEVASTOS, DAMON WOW NURSING HOME GALA: Singers Ariana Savalas, Christos Sevastos, and Jimmy Damon sang and veteran TV newsman John Davis emceed the annual dinner dance gala benefiting the Greek American Rehabilitation & Care Centre in Wheeling, IL. The event was held in late February at the Westin O’Hare before a crowd of perhaps 500 who came to support the charitable endeavor. In town was Julie Savalas, widow of the late, great actor Telly Savalas, and mother of Ariana, who is now putting the finishing touches on her debut pop album. Coincidentally, Julie happened to be at Chicago Housewears convention that same weekend and is an inventor whose products sell on the QVC cable channel. QVC host Lisa Brady was with Julie at the gala. President of the philanthropy is Eleni Bousis. Visit GreekAmericanCare.org.
ANNA DIVES INTO BAR SCENE: It’s just like she was 21 all
over again ;) Seriously, seeing that FOX32’s Anna Davlantes,
GMC co-founder and host of “Good Day Chicago,” grew up on the North Side of
Chicago at her late father’s Rogers Park neighborhood tavern, Anna was the
perfect person to run a feature on Chicago “dive bars.” It’s a classic for
longtime Chicago neighborhood folk, and includes a retrospective on her dad’s
establishment at Clark and Devon...Anna also recently emceed for one of her
`pet’ causes, the PAWS Animal Magnetism Party at Galleria Marchetti, which “drew
over 350 animal lovers and their furry friends,” reads the event PR. Nearly
$100,000 was raised for PAWS
(Pets are Worth Saving), a charity founded by Chicago bank director
Paula Fasseas. Lastly, Anna was recently included in
Chicago magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful Chicagoans” issue, as was
Pantelis Vasilakis, chair of the Audio Arts & Accoustics
Department at the School of Media Arts at Columbia College.
KARA IN CHICAGO, SWIMSUIT VIDEO TOO: Our close “cousin,”
Chicago native-turned-LA actress/TV host Patricia
Kara (as seen on E!, TV Guide Channel, and NBC's “Deal or No Deal), was in
Chicago the weekend of March 26 as one of the attractions at the Hollywood
Celebrities & Collectables Show held at the Hilton Rosemont. 2011 Academy
Award “Lifetime Achievement Award” winner Ernest Borgnine was
the featured celebrity. Additionally, Patricia’s soon-to-be husband, NFL player
agent Noel LaFontaine, moved to LA and the couple purchased a
home together. Lastly, Patricia recently participated in a swimsuit photo shoot
and you can view the behind-the-scenes action here. Patricia and
Noel are planning a wedding on one of the Greek islands in
Summer 2012! Patricia's sister, Chicago-based Joanna
Karamouzis, is also a close GMC "cousin."
KIM'S GREEK YOGURT RECIPE: Our close "cousin," NBC5
Chicago reporter and weekend morning news anchor Kim Vatis,
during a recent newscast, shared her favorite homemade recipe for Greek
yogurt. Analyzing yogurt nutrient differentials during the live segment
was Dr. Sandy Goldberg, a regular medical contributor
to NBC5. Dr. Sandy has visited the GMC prior and she's slated to be with
us again Thursday.
GMC HOSTS UPHOLD CHICAGO `CODE': Past GMC event
host/sponsor Resolution
Digital Studios is keeping with the Chicago 'code.' Translated:
They're providing post-production audio ADR services for the premiere season of
the new police drama “The Chicago Code,” a FOX TV series starring
Jennifer Beals and Jason Clarke. RDS, located
near the United Center, is a magnificent and spacious facility with
state-of-the-art audio/video/film/you name media it accoutrements. It also
boasts a single large all-purpose staging space and out-of-this-world west view
of the city atop its 3-story rooftop semi-`club.' It's owned
by brothers Lee and Jeff Facklis. Another GMC
"cousin,” Soula Keres, is a mover-shaker at RDS as well. The
Facklis brothers were also the executive producers for a recent award-winning
film short, “Everything Tastes Better”, an entry in Chicago’s 2010 48-Hour Film
Festival. Soula produced the project, which earned 10 awards at the ceremony
last August. The short is now scheduled to be screened at the festival’s finale,
Filmapalooza 2011 which takes place at the Miami International Film Festival in
March. Soula was also the Producer for another project at RDS involving HDR
video. She says this “High dynamic range” production is "an emerging motion
video technique that achieves a variety of different looks. From very realistic
or stylized, to impressionistic like a painting, Soula indicated that RDS is
primed to apply this technology to commercials, music videos, and longform
projects."
STARS COME OUT FOR NY SCHOLARSHIPS: Actors Olympia
Dukakis, John Aniston, Marina
Stirtis, Frank Dicopoulos, and Gilles
Marini, along with singers Sister Sledge,
Thanos Petrelis, and Kalomira, as well as news
veterans Ernie Enastos (FOX5 NY), Alexis
Christophoros (network CBS), and Nick Gregory (FOX5) -
among others - will headline the 20th annual Hellenic Times
Scholarship Foundation gala held May 14 at the Marriott Marquee in NY. The
Foundation was established by the Hellenic Times newspaper and its
principals, businessman John Catsimatides and his wife
Margo.
GREEN BITES COMES ON HEELS OF JAPAN TRAGEDY: It’s no
stretch to say there’s a new paradigm in environmental awareness in the wake of
the devastating earthquakes and tsunami in Japan, and subsequent nuclear reactor
meltdown fears which have yet to be resolved. So the newly-released book written
by our “cousin“ John Vlahakis, titled “Green Bites - Ecological
Musings From The Front,” is not only a good read on all-things-eco, it’s release
is timely and a much-needed refresher on this clearly new era in environmental
concern. John is founder/president of Earth Friendly Products and has helped
grow the business into a $80 million entity. The Wall Street Journal
listed EFP as one of the top 5 in the industry sector of “green” home cleaning
products. John and his wife Stephanie, who’s Executive Director
of the National Hellenic Museum, previously hosted the GMC for two exclusive
Christmas events held at the Museum, and yet another is on the horizon for 2011.
John will be appearing at the Bookstall at Chestnut Court in Winnetka for an
upcoming book signing, and in addition to bookstores and Amazon.com, the tome
will soon also be available through Kindle, Nook, and ibook. New Leaf Publishing
is the distributor. Learn more about “Green Bites” by following John’s blog at
EarthyReport.com and by visiting Ecos.com,
EFP’s website. More to follow.
FILM FEST ON FACEBOOK: Greek Film Fest Chicago looks to be
making its return to our town. Filmmaker and “cousin” Niko Franghias, along with Kostas
Daskalopoulos, Vice Counsel at the Consulate General for Greece in Chicago, and still
others have joined forces to create FilmHellenes, an alliance dedicated to
identifying, promoting, and celebrating Greek filmmaking excellence worldwide.
The Fest has been a huge hit in LA and NY, and the 3rd largest media market and
central locale bodes well for Chicago. Greek Film Fest Chicago is now on
facebook.
FASHION SHOW CHAIRS: Two local Greek Americans served as
co-chairs of the recent Fashion Show Benefit for Little
City. Philanthropist Eleni Bousis and GMC “cousin”
Susanna Negovan, executive editor of Michigan
Avenue magazine, were co-chairs. Hundreds attended at the Chicago
Hilton.
ATLANTA PRODUCER PROFILED: GMC “cousin-from-afar” Peter
Siaggas, the one-time commercial child face of Coca-Cola who's now a
successful Atlanta TV producer, is about to release his first major film.
He was profiled in early March by Hollywood.GreekReporter.
GOBOS FILM TRAILER: GMC “cousin” Valerie
Gobos sent us an advance preview of the trailer for her documentary film on the life and times of
Marilyn Chambers, the former Ivory Soap cover girl who shocked
the world by transitioning into adult film. Chambers is most famous for her
first-ever porn film, titled “Behind the Green Door,” which was a groundbreaking
production in many aspects. View the trailer here.
4 MORE RETSINA SHOWS: The Barbara
Georgans-written farcical comedy stage play titled “Nobody Likes
Retsina” has four more local appearances (March 28 and 29, and April 4 and 5).
Shows performed at the Parthenon Restaurant’s “Bouzouki Lounge” private banquet
facility in Greektown. It’s dinner and a play date, fun times, great music,
laughs, and a great time. $55 per ticket includes appetizer, salad, entrée,
desert, glass of wine, a sip of retsina, and free valet parking. Showtimes are
6:45 pm. Phone (312) 932-1230 or visit StockyardTheatreProject.org.
For group rates, (312) 423-6612 or visit GroupTheaterTix.com.
PAPPAS TANGOS WAY TO TRIB FEATURE: Our “cousin,” tango
dance instructor Agape Pappas, teaches every Wednesday and
Sunday at Barba Yanni in Lincoln Square. In February, the Chicago
Tribune visited her class and published a large photo of Agape dancing
with visiting expert Raul Cabral from Buenos Aires. Agape was
also privileged to attend the inaugural ball held at the White House for
incoming President Barack Obama. Visit DanceTangoChicago.com.
SHEEN SHOCKS MILLER’S: Not `Crazy Chuck’ but rather the
real talent in the family, legendary actor Martin Sheen, and Miller’s
Pub played host. The near `legacy' Chicago institution (and dare
say arguably future Loop landmark designee) in March was visited by the
patriarch of the famous Sheen acting family. Miller's
proprietors Andrew and Aris Gallios,
Pete Orfanos, and Chris Brandenburg, who
hosted a GMC function a few years back, shared a few moments with the Hollywood
heavyweight, and we're pretty positive Sheen's photo will soon find its way
to those hallowed Miller's walls, a virtual museum of authentic Chicago
lore.
BOOK OUT IN GREEK: Prisoners of Our Thoughts, written by
Alexander N. Pattakos, Ph.D, will be published in a Greek
edition, marking its 20th language. It’s being published by P. Kyriakides
Publishing Co., one of the largest media groups in Greece. Alex will be
appearing on SKAI TV in Athens to promote the launch. Visit PrisonersofOurThoughts.com.
U OF I `CELEB‘: University of Illinois-Champaign
journalism student Peter Zervakis (known on-air as Peter
Nichols) on March 15 was profiled by the school website as a “Campus Celebrity.” Peter, who’s in his senior year, has
been a regular contributor and editor at the Daily Illini, does announcing for
various Illini Big 10 games, and he also worked an internship at Network CBS in
NY, among others.
NETWORKING & MEDIA: In this imminently digital world,
apparently one still can't discount face-to-face relationship-building. This link from the March 27 Chicago Sun-Times
addresses how the human element is most likely relevant as ever. Also, our
“cousin” Andrea Hanis at Crain’s
Chicago Business helped contribute toward another must-read resource
for Chicagoans to keep tabs on the who’s who and what’s what of area
appointments in all business sectors. People on the Move is highly-recommended reading. A
separate entity, the independent Chicagoland
Radio and Media, is a good resource for media happenings.
EXTRA CREDITS: KRON TV reporter Vicki
Liviakis was recently nominated for Bay area `best news anchor’ by San Francisco Baylist…GMC “cousin” Mariyana
Spyropoulos, recently elected Commissioner of Chicagoland’s
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, was invited to the White House for the
President’s official ceremony honoring Greek Independence Day…Special thanks to
Diane Adam, editor of The Greek
Star in Chicago, for pictorial spreads on the past two GMC
functions...Condolences to two of our close “cousins”, George
Andrews and Tom Skallas, who recently experienced the
deaths of their fathers. Be sure to give Tom and George a warm embrace when next
your paths intersect…The official Greek Independence Day parade is slated for
Sunday, May 1, kickoff off around 2 pm on Halsted Street in Greektown...Sorry if
we missed anybody’s events, news, etc. Send again and we'll get to it promise.
Reminder: Please send us a brief one paragraph summary of your news/events along
with all attachments, etc. Thanks for your continued support and we hope to see
you soon!
MEDIA COME OUT FOR SCHOLARSHIPS: The PanHellenic
Scholarship Foundation 7th annual gala in late November, held at the downtown
Chicago Hilton & Towers, drew a few GMC “cousins” who came to help
congratulate the 40 winners of a combined $250,000-plus in tuition grants.
Philanthropist/businessman Chris Tomaras founded the
organization and his associate Yiannis Valsamas, another
“cousin,” were able to attract CNN geopolitical analyst Frances Fragos
Townsend as they keynote speaker. Townsend is the former chief homeland
security advisor to President George W. Bush. Emceeing the
event was our “cousin” Lou Canellis (accompanied by his wife,
Monica Canellis), Chicago FOX32 TV’s top sportscaster on the 9
pm news. Other GMCers on hand included Jane Monzures (WGN and
WCIU TV host/personality), Susanna Negovan (exec editor of Michigan Avenue
magazine, accompanied by her hubby WGN TV news anchor Tom
Negovan), and the GMC’s Terry Poulos. The official
photographer for the evening was Margo Kuchuris Wiseman (ByMargo.com). Entertaining the crowd of
400 were regular GMC performers, the dynamic sister operatic duo of Lexy
Prodromos and Stephany Prodromos (LexyandStephany.com). Visit PanHellenicScholarships.org.
PHOTO ABOVE: FOX News Channel geopolitical and national security analyst Francis Fragos Townsend, a former top Homeland Security adviser to President George W. Bush, was the star attraction at the 2011 PanHellenic Scholarship Awards banquet at the Chicago Hilton & Towers
VATIS NAMED ANCHOR, JAN. 9
APPEARANCE: Chicago NBC5’s Kim Vatis was recently
named the permanent morning co-anchor of the station’s weekend morning newscast!
She continues as a general assignment reporter during weekdays. On Sunday,
January 9, Kim will be the guest speaker at a scholarship luncheon hosted by the
Greek Women’s University Club, titled “Celebrating 80 Years of Promoting the
Arts, Culture, and Education.” Venue is Ditka’s Restaurant, Oakbrook Terrace, at
Noon. Phone Maria Kallis (630) 455-1688 or email MariaAKallis@aol.com.
$300K IN SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED!
CNN network political analyst Francis Fragos Townsend and
Chicago FOX32 sportscaster Lou Canellis headlined this year’s
annual Pan Hellenic Scholarship Foundation gala banquet, attended by more than
600 on Oct. 30 at the Chicago Hilton & Towers. Francis served as chief
homeland security and counterterrorism advisor to President George W.
Bush, and Lou is the top sports anchor at the local FOX affiliate. The
Foundation, established by businessman/philanthropist Chris
Tomaras, annually awards $250,000 to high-achieving college and
college-bound scholars in $10,000 and $2,500 increments. This year, the Stavros
Niarchos Foundation entered the picture at the 11th hour with an additional
grant that awarded $40,000 each to the top two recipients over a four-year
period. The grants make a real difference in the educational pursuits of the
students. One of the 2010 recipients was our very own “cousin” Vasiliki
Mitrakos, a double major in political science and legal studies at
Northwestern University. Vasiliki writes for The Daily Northwestern,
and also interned for the Tribune publication The Mash. More “cousins” present: Lexy and
Stephany Prodromos, who sang their operatic numbers for the
crowd with accompaniment from the Chris Sarlas Orchestra.
Jane Monzures, host of WGN TV’s “Living Healthy Chicago,”
added to the night’s luminescence, as did “cousins” Monica
Canellis, wife of our Lou, and Christina Kanatas,
guests of Dr. Chadwick Prodromos and his wife
Marylin. Terry Poulos and George Bliss
Jr. were also on hand. Capturing festivities on camera was photographer
Margo Kuchuris Weissman. Visit PanHellenicScholarships.org.
ENGAGEMENT! Chicago native and
GMC “cousin” Patricia Kara is getting married! The LA-based
actress/TV host and “Deal or No Deal” spokes model and Noel
Lafontaine, a former NFL player-turned-player agent, are planning a
Greek isle wedding, with exact date and location TBD. Patricia was recently
interviewed about her plans by Hollywood.GreekReporter.com. View it here youtube.com/watch?v=AdnoirvTSXI. And as always, take a gander at
OUR DEC. 2 CO-HOSTS: Read all
about them! Come prepared for the party by taking a closer look at a few museum
board members (scroll to bottom) who have “media” backgrounds in addition to
their full-time careers. It’ll give you something to talk about when you meet
them in person. Speaking of which, our Dec. 2 sponsors are John
and Stephanie Vlahakis, longtime benefactors of
various Hellenic causes. John is a principal with Earth Friendly Products Ecos.com, one of the
nation’s top 5 “green” home cleaning product manufacturers, a company that has
been profiled in the Wall Street Journal, among other numerous other
publications. John also offers up his unique take on environmental issues
through his blog EarthyReport.com.
Stephanie is the Executive Director of the National Hellenic
Museum.
CROONING COUSINS! Our list of
“crooning cousins” is growing by the day. Locally, we have rising pop vocalist
Maria Lidas Myspace.com/SingMariaLidas, who oft frequents are events. Her top hits recently debuted on
iTunes, she performed live Oct. 8 at Wrigleyville Wild Wings, and has her full
first album coming soon. On the West Coast, actress/jazz singer Ariana
Savalas ArianaSavalas.com is
burning up the LA club circuit and her fans are highly anticipating her own
debut album, which Ariana has been working on this Summer. Now comes LA pop
musician/singers and twins Helena & Maria Mehalis HelenaMaria.com. The duo
are the latest in a growing list of “cousins” who are beautiful, talented, and
ambitious, and coming to an iTunes or radio station near you soon!
ELECTION FOLLOWUP: Okay, anyone
who really knows us well knows well that we don’t normally “wear it on our
sleeve,” in fact we usually don’t trump up our ethnicity at all as we do attempt
to maintain only a semi-ethnic bent to our fun circle of “cousins,” casting a
wider net to snare the creative community at large. But…this one time, we just
had to share this tongue-in-cheek humorous video with y’all (see link at bottom
of this paragraph) in that it was made by some very high profile people, and it
indeed does tell the truth: Ancient Greeks invented democracy, or so says the
history books. So here it is “Heck Yeah! We Invented Democracy”. Cameos by ABC
network chief political correspondent George Stephanopoulos,
NBC sportscaster Bob Costas, Nick
Galifianakis, NBC “Access Hollywood” co-host Maria
Menounos, Chris Sarandon (with help from actress
Tina Fey, political commentator Arianna
Huffington, and actress Betty White).
VOTE FOR THE ARTS! Are you
cognizant of the fact that you can support the “arts” simply by voting for
ART Andros? That’s right, our longtime “cousin,” a City of
Chicago architect who’s also an Internet radio personality, successfully
collected enough signatures and filed petitions for placement on the February
ballot for Chicago City Clerk. Art will be at the Museum on Dec. 2 (always a
good place to find art ;)
ANOTHER JENNA WINNER!
Chicago-based filmmaker Jenna Maria Constantine keeps producing
winner after winner. Her third production, “A Sicilian Odyssey,” recently
captured first place at the New York International Film Festival in the category
of “Best Biographical Documentary.” It was also screened at the prestigious
Cannes International Film Festival, where Jenna took first a few years back with
her debut film “Spirit of the Chicago Greeks.” Catch up on Jenna’s efforts at Kaplanikid.com, and find
out more about her latest film at ASicilianOdyssey.com.
HARRY MARK PETRAKIS: The names
says it all. One of the all-time legend authors tells a classic story that any
Greek restaurant owner can relate to thoroughly, as printed in the Chicago
Sun-Times. Read it here…
FALL IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK: Filmmaker
Robert Kranz, famous for directing “Do you Wanna Dance,” based
in part upon the real-life story of our very own Fr. Chris
Kerhules of Chicago’s St. Basil’s Church, turned his sights to books
with the recent release of a novel he authored called “Falling in Love With
Sophia.” The book delves into the subject of whether certain couples are
destined to fall in love. Are you? Read the book and possibly glean some
insight!
CREST COMMERCIAL AND ABC PILOT: Chicago native
Ashley Ilenfeld, daughter of our own close “cousin” Georgine
Arvanites, has been living in New York and working as an Elite model. She also
recently taped a commercial for Crest toothpaste, and filmed a pilot for an ABC
network show. Details soon! Meantime, we posted a photo of Ashley (at right).
The Cousins' Letter...
Blizzard of February 2011 edition
DONNY GRECO PERFORMS LIVE FOR GMC: Singer Donny
Greco performed live at the February 10 exclusive GMC event at Hilligoss Galleries. Donny has performed for us before. He has the range to cover anything from Sinatra to Tony Bennett and
other classic artists.
NO BIZ LIKE SNOW BIZ: Yes it was one of the worst winter
storms on record that hit us in February 2011, but at least we had some warm
“cousins” around the TV to help keep us informed. Such as FOX32 weekday morning
anchor Anna Davlantes and NBC5 morning
reporter/anchor Kim Vatis who were called into extra duty as
weather was ALL the rage and about the only thing any of us were interested in
the entire week. And just back in Chicago, after a multi-year stint as a TV
reporter in Grand Rapids, MI, was Chicago native Lambrini
Lukidis. She barely had time to get her feet wet (ha) as the new CTA
media rep when she was forced to work overtime helping all the news agencies
figure out what was what with all the mass transit hiccups.
BEARS `FEEDING’ FRENZY: While our “cousin” Lou
Canellis, FOX32 lead sports anchor at 9 pm, was front and center
locally for Chicago Bears coverage through the NFC championship game, on the
national level our Ohio “cousin,” filmmaker George Veras, was
off to Dallas for official Super Bowl duties. George is also the exec director
of the NFL Hall of Fame Enterprise in Canton, OH. During SB week, he was
interviewed by 4-time SB QB Jim Kelly, now a member of the national media. . Two
more GMCers were on the peripheral of the pandemonium as well. PR/marketing
associate Suzanne Velonis of the agency Two by
Four in Chicago, recently worked on a nifty promo spot that featured Chicago
Bears players bagging groceries click here at a
Libertyville, IL Jewel store. Funny stuff! Over at WCIU “The U” TV, on-air host
Mellissa Forman took a camera to the Parthenon Restaurant in
Greektown Chicago to film a segment on the “burning of the cheese,” a ceremonial
flaming saganaki `roast’ of the Green Bay Packers. Parthenon owner Chris
Liakouris (3-time GMC venue host) is the inventor of flaming saganaki.
Lastly, GMC co-director Terry Poulos, a 12-year veteran of the
NFL’s “Instant Replay” officiating program, drew the AFC title game between the
Steelers and Jets, played in Pittsburgh.
MCCLENDON BROTHERS BLANKET AIRWAVES: Our “cousins,”
brothers Theo McClendon and Garrard McClendon,
cover radio and TV with equal aplomb. Garrard, who formerly hosted a general
interest show on CLTV, is now hosting “Off 63rd…with Garrard McClendon” on the
local PBS affiliate WYCC Channel 20. He recently earned his Ph.D in Education,
which is a consulting and talk specialty of his. Other on-air topics he covers
include public affairs, politics, and pop culture. As well, Garrard is a popular
author/speaker. Visit McClendonReport.com for more. His
brother Theo hosts a radio show on WLTH 1370-AM. He recently had his brother on
for a discussion of education. Check it out here.
Lastly, congratulations to Theo's daughter, Miranda McClendon,
who was voted Valedictorian of her high school at Bowman Academy in Gary, IN.
She was also awarded a scholarship to attend any university in Indiana. She’s
mulling over Notre Dame, Indiana, and Ohio State. Miranda is one to admire for
her perseverance, achieving such high honors in the face of severe tragedy as
her grandparents, Milton and Ruby McClendon
(Theo and Garrard’s parents), were brutally murdered while she was a sophomore
in high school. This is one smart family, with unique perspective that we all
can learn from and hopefully grow stronger from their experiences.
WGN DUO: Philhellene David Kaplan, host
of “Chicago Tribune Live” on Comcast SportsNet TV, is back on the radio at WGN
720-AM as regular weeknight sports host from 7-10 pm, continuing his TV duties
as well. The new radio show will not be 100-percent sports, but will also
feature other topics. Our “cousin,” WGN’s Andrea Darlas, will
anchor news during Kap’s timeslot. She’s a versatile multi-media radio-TV
personality who anchors during days and nights, and hosts entire shifts on
occasion.
MEDIA COME OUT FOR SCHOLARSHIPS: The PanHellenic
Scholarship Foundation 7th annual gala in late November, held at the downtown
Chicago Hilton & Towers, drew a few GMC “cousins” who came to help
congratulate the 40 winners of a combined $250,000-plus in tuition grants.
Philanthropist/businessman Chris Tomaras founded the
organization and his associate Yiannis Valsamas, another
“cousin,” were able to attract CNN geopolitical analyst Frances Fragos
Townsend as they keynote speaker. Townsend is the former chief homeland
security advisor to President George W. Bush. Emceeing the
event was our “cousin” Lou Canellis (accompanied by his wife,
Monica Canellis), Chicago FOX32 TV’s top sportscaster on the 9
pm news. Other GMCers on hand included Jane Monzures (WGN and
WCIU TV host/personality), Susanna Negovan (exec editor of Michigan Avenue
magazine, accompanied by her hubby WGN TV news anchor Tom
Negovan), and the GMC’s Terry Poulos. The official
photographer for the evening was Margo Kuchuris Wiseman (ByMargo.com). Entertaining the crowd of
400 were regular GMC performers, the dynamic sister operatic duo of Lexy
Prodromos and Stephany Prodromos (LexyandStephany.com). Visit PanHellenicScholarships.org.PHOTO ABOVE: FOX News Channel geopolitical and national security analyst Francis Fragos Townsend, a former top Homeland Security adviser to President George W. Bush, was the star attraction at the 2011 PanHellenic Scholarship Awards banquet at the Chicago Hilton & Towers
JANE IN DC: Multi-media personality Jane
Monzures was selected to emcee the ahiworld.com 36th anniversary Hellenic
Heritage Achievement and National Service Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 21 at
the Capital Hilton, Washington DC. The event is sponsored by the American
Hellenic Institute and it honors the American College of Greece-DEREE, US Rep.
Shelley Berkley (D-Nev), actor Michael
Constantine (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding“), Dr. Takey
Crist (leader in women's healthcare and a community activist), and
Washington Redskins announcer Larry Michael. You can also check
up on Jane at JaneMonzures.com.
WIND “COUSINS”: 560-AM on the radio dial boasts a few with
close ties to the GMC. Such as our longtime “cousin” Amy
Jacobson, 5-9 am weekday host along with Big John
Howell. The two recently added Mike North, who’s visited us twice, for
a regular sports segment. There’s also host Geoff Pinkus 7-9 pm
on Sunday nights, accompanied by our GMC web guru and on-air and
behind-the-scenes Pinker go-to guy Frank Mahony. Lastly, it’s
“the voice,” “Dapper” Dan Levy, radio voice for sports and more
on WIND. Dan also has his own new offering. WhenTheLevyBreaks.com. We also
recommend BigJohnandAmy.com and GeoffPinkus.com.
DRES FOR OPRAH: One of our very own Andrea Dres, a Harpo Studios associate producer, this January
was spotted on-air on the new cable behemoth OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network). Andrea’s
production team was featured in Episode #2 in a rare, behind-the-scenes look at
what goes into putting together an Oprah show. The show in general airs
regularly Friday nights at 7pm CST.
SHIA ON SARA LEE TAKEOVER: GMCer Shia
Kappos, “Taking Names” columnist for Crain’s Chicago Business
and business social blogger at ChicagoBusiness.com, in early
February had a great angle on C. Dean Metropoulos, the east
coast billionaire whose investment company was in the running for a takeover of
food industry giant Sara Lee. Metropoulos’ company bought out Pabst Blue Ribbon
over a year ago.
FEB. 11 PROGRAM DEADLINE…to get listed in the 2011 edition
of “It’s “IT'S EËËHNIKA TO ME CHICAGO.” This is the increasingly popular print
offering from our “cousins” at DailyFrappe.com, the online community
and news portal. Over 250 organizations and businesses are slated for inclusion
in this year's directory/guide. For information, pricing inquiries and/or
general questions, email Kyriakos@DailyFrappe.com or phone
847.302 2659. The three “amigos/cousins” who run the operation are Spiro
Papadopoulos, Kyriakos Mellos, and Kostas
Vasilopoulos.
FEB. 11 CELEBRATION: The famous Oak Park Concert Chorale
celebrates its 30th anniversary with a fundraising reception “Going for Baroque”
held Friday, Feb. 11 at 6:30 pm at The Carleton of Oak Park. Tickets available
online at www.OakParkConcertChorale.org
or phone 708.383.4742. Our “cousin” Angie Poulos is a longtime
member of the chorale.
FEB. 20 TEXAS HOLD ‘EM TOURNEY: Our “cousin” Elias
Matsakis, a past GMC event sponsor with international law firm Holland
& Knight, informs us of a fun Texas Hold ‘Em fundraising tournament Sunday,
Feb. 20 to benefit the Peter Economos Memorial Scholarship Fund. Hosted by Ahepa
Chapter 260. Food served at 3 pm and tourney begins 4 pm sharp. Space limited so
reserve your seat in advance. RSVP to Bobisnp@sbcglobal.net or leave it to the
winds of chance by risking a walk-up. Held at the United AHEPA Home, Palos
Hills, IL. Visit PeterEconomosScholarship.com.
MARCH 5 BOOK SIGNING: Author Jeffrey
Siger visits Chi-town for a conversation and book signing at Centuries
& Sleuths in Forest Park. He’s penned three mystery tomes with a Greek
slant, the latest being “Murder in Mykonos,” which is on the agenda for March.
Jeff also wrote “Prey on Patmos” and “Assassins of Athens.” Call the bookstore
708.771.7243 or visit JeffreySiger.com.
VISSI MAY 7: Our “cousin” Maria Kiagias
has been selected as a representative contractor for major singing sensation
Anna Vissi and the artist’s upcoming May 7 live performance at
The Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, IN. She’s available to assist our members in
answering any questions and/or making special table reservations for the show.
Maria always gets the best seating available for her customers! It’s selling
quite nicely don’t wait too long to email M.Kiagias@gmail.com. More details at AnnaVissitour.com.
NEW BIZ EXPO A SMASH! A hardy pat on the back to
Penny Anadiotis, event director of the inaugural New Biz
Expo held the weekend of January 30 at the Hilton Indian Lakes Resort in
Bloomingdale, IL. Keynoter Bill Rancic, winner of Season 1
of Donald Trump's "The Apprentice," gave a motivational and
insightful speech to about 200 business owners and prospective business owners,
and also signed copies of his new book "You're Hired." Emcee Jane
Monzures kept the program upbeat and zippy. Two other GMC "cousins"
played a key role in the event, which has already booked exhibitors for next
year. Our Sofia Spentzas (owner of SpiralArtDesign.com), Kostas
Zografopoulos (KostasZ.org), and realtor Jim
Ascot (Ascotrealty.com) were all part of the "expert
speaker" series, and Sofia worked behind the scenes to help promote the event,
while she and Kostas were exhibitors as well.
HELLENIC TIMES HONORS NY MEDIA: The Hellenic Times
Scholarship Fund annual gala is Saturday, May 14 at the New York Marriott
Marquis. Being honored this night will be FOX New York top news anchor
Ernie Enastos, CNBC business correspondent Alexis
Christoforous, FOX NY meteorologist Nick Gregory,
singer and Euro “Fame” story winner Kalomira, and actors
John Aniston, Frank Dicopoulos, and
Olympia Dukakis, among others in the areas of business, public
policy, medicine, and more! Visit htsfund.org, or contact Margo
Catsimatidis and Nick Kastoris at 212.977.3662.
NEW PUBLISHING FIRM: Saucy and sassy author
Patricia Volonakis Davis, recently featured in The Greek Star in a
profile written by our “cousin” Maria Karamitsos, has opened
her own publishing firm. Patricia wrote “Harlots Sauce” and has been writing for
years in various forms. Check out her offerings at PatriciaVdavis.com and PatriciasOpinion.com.
TIME RIPE TO REVIVE GREEK FILM FEST? That’s what filmmaker
Niko Franghias (Emberframes.com) aims to do, and he
wants your help. Niko has been in discussions with Kostas
Daskalopoulos (Vice Counsel of Greece in Chicago) and Alex
Papadopoulos (Ph.D and DePaul University Associate Professor) to bring
back to Chicago what is commonplace and thriving in New York and LA. The three
are exploring whether there’s interest in forming a strategic and creative
alliance here - named FilmHellenic Network - with the express mission of
promoting Greek films. They seek an outlet and distribution deal to show current
Greek films in the Chicago region on a weekly basis. It’s a dynamic period for
Greek films internationally, thanks to rising Greek talent and films like
Strella, Plato’s Academy, Attenberg (Venice, Sundance, among others), Wasted
Youth (just opened Rotterdam) and Dogtooth, which has been nominated for an
Academy Award. Plenty more coming! The Greek film landscape is rapidly
re-defining itself, in spite of the country’s challenges. A new wave of films of
outstanding quality (both art-house and mainstream) are emerging, which, the
three men strongly sense, will have an appeal not only to the Greek community
but also to a wider audience. Email Filmhellenes@mail.com to be added to the
group.
HELLENIC RADIO CLOSES: In 2010 the Greek American
community bid adieu to a 40-year institution, HellenicRadio.com, run by our
“cousins” the Drakoulis/Koutsopanagos family. Family spokesman Niko
Drakoulis, Founder/Chairman and CEO of Akoo International Inc., a past
GMC exclusive event sponsor, left a heartfelt message for HR’s legions of
followers on the site’s homepage on behalf of his entire family, including
family matriarch and his mother, Soula Koutsopanagos Drakoulis.
HR may some day resurface in another form so stayed tuned. Our “cousin”
Peter Drakoulis of Akoo was formerly marketing manager at HR.
If anyone would like to share thoughts or ideas, email Niko@Akoo.com.
HELLENIC HEARTBEAT NEW OUTLET: The longtime
Chicago go-to network for all-things-Greek added KBC-TV Chicago as another
outlet. It will now be seen from 3 pm until 6 pm Sundays. Fronted by longtime
on-air personality, newswoman, and business mind Vicky
Kournetas (another GMC “cousin”), the operation is the leading provider
of news and quality Greek entertainment in the Midwestern U.S.A. Visit HellenicHeartbeat.com.
THESPIAN GEORGINE: Our longtime close “cousin”
Georgine Arvanites gave us the green light to tell of her new
gig in the Steven Soderberg movie “Contagion.” Look for her onscreen this
November when it opens in theaters nationwide. She has a speaking role!!! She’s
also doing a voice-over for a commercial for a bariatric physician, and has an
offer on the table for an indie film. Georgine’s daughter, Ashley Ilenfeld, is
an Elite runway model who dabbles in commercial acting and has also appeared on
the pages of some mainstream magazines.
`CHICAGO COWBOY’ PENS TOME: Visiting us Feb. 10 will be
former pro rodeo “artist” Dino Loukas, who’s currently writing
the book “Chicago Cowboy, a Cowboy’s Ride Through Brain Injury.” A graduate of
Colorado State University, Dino was well on his way to becoming a top
Midwest-area steer roper when a tragic competition accident very nearly claimed
his life. Doctors gave a grim prognosis, but that’s all this cowboy needed. He’s
been proving them wrong time and again ever since!
SOCIAL SERVICES: Former Mia magazine publisher
Christina Sofiakis will be with us Feb. 10 and we’ll get a
chance to learn more about her latest undertaking, serving as exec director of
the Hellenic Foundation in
Chicago, a social services agency for family and individual counseling. The
agency is asking the community for input on their educational program that is
run by Athanasia Katris, exec director of Education &
Programs. Email Akatris@HellenicFoundation.org.
She’s looking for (a) good topics for lectures that in your opinion would be
interesting to the community and yourself (they can be on anything in the field
of health, wellness, mental heath, etc) and (b) referrals for any professionals
or anyone in general that can speak about a certain topic. It can be a
professional with expertise in a specific area that would like to do some public
speaking. It can also be someone who has been through an experience and is
comfortable speaking and enlightening and offering support to thers about it.
Above all, if you are interested in doing something like this, please let her
know ASAP! She’d love to have you speak! You can also call 773.631.5222, ext 104
during the day.
WEDDING NEAR: PR maven and GMCer Kristina
Vasilakis of Kayvee Publicity LLC and Garnier
Public Relations is engaged and plans are full speed ahead for a wedding. View
her cool video details behind-the-scenes nuptial planning here. Tedd Markos is her
fiance. Kristina also writes for the local social zine WassupLocal.com.
TWO INVENT NEW FOOTBALL GAME: Two Greek Americans, GMC
“cousin” Nick Thomopoulos and Wayne Bancroft,
recently introduced “Gridiron Football,” a realistic card game they invented.
Nick is a dynamic technical consultant who counts Navistar among his clients,
and he’s also an IIT professor. While his wife, Elaine
Thomopoulos PhD, is another “cousin” of ours and an author/journalist
and editor, Nick too is media in that he wrote the non-technical book “My
Relatives in Greece.“ Visit. StatoGame.com to learn more about
Gridiron Football.
EXTRA CREDITS: That was our “cousin” and man-about-town,
singer Jimmy Damon, among celebs attending
the 10th anniversary of Petterino’s in January. Jimmy is a regular performer at
GMC exclusive functions…ABC7’s Cathy Vlahogiannis was one of
the two main producers behind the new year’s eve celebration aired on Channel 7
and shot at Navy Pier…Our colleagues at The Hellenic Voice newspaper in
the Boston area recently re-designed their website. Check out the snazzy new
offering at TheHellenicVoice.com ...Noted
local musician Bill Demis scored some of the music for
filmmaker Jenna Constantine’s latest movie, "A Sicilian
Odyssey,” and he played bouzouki for the opening theme and other parts of the
film….Jenna Lee Demitropoulos has a role in the movie short
"Disconnected," produced and directed by Peter Vass. She plays
Cassie Hartley…Spiro Frentzas is one of the three principals
behind the startup social and event hot website AroundChicagoNow.com
...Columbia College, Chicago broadcast journalism grad and former NBC5 intern
Michael Kalopedis, now based in Cyprus, has been producing Kipros.tv
...Correction on the official website of artist/sculpture/film prop/makeup
all-around talent J. Anthony Kosar. The correct URL is KosartEffects.com ...Our “cousin”
Aliki Marinos, a writer and travel consultant, clued us in to
her brother Frank Marinos’ music, which her performs live at
various area venues in his spare time but apparently is quite good at it and is
on iTunes and has a facebook page “Music by Marinos.”
WHAT IS THE GMC? An 8-year old not-for-profit group of
individuals who gather bi-monthly for fun, food and drink, and to share ideas
and dreams while simultaneously exchanging pleasantries. As a bonus, we are
a `soft-edge' social/business club which encourages `incidental' networking. In
addition to traditional journalists in print and broadcast, the GMC has opened
up its umbrella to an assortment of eclectic and creative communicative
“cousins” (an affectionate GMC term for `members'), mostly involved in the
industries of film/video, stage/production, publishing/book writing, new-age
digital media, marketing/advertising, PR/public policy and spokespersons,
music/dance practitioners, traditional artists/sculptors, and still others
situated on the peripheral of creative endeavors who employ unique `media’ to
express a message.
The Cousins’
Letter…
Christmas 2010 Edition
Christmas 2010 Edition
2010 EMMY NOMS: A few of our
“cousins” who were nominated for 2010 local TV Emmy Awards (category in
parenthesis): NBC5 reporter Kim Vatis for “Smart Money”
(Specialty Report/Series); WGN TV reporter Dean Richards
(“Specialty Report/Series, also nominated for a team effort); ABC7 producer
Cathy Vlahogiannis (Informational Program, “190 North,” team
effort); Comcast host Bessie Tsionis (Arts/Entertainment
Program, team effort, aired on NBC5); FOX32 co-host Lou
Canellis (Sports Programs/Series, team effort); Co-producer
Susanna Negovan (Announcements/Campaigns, aired on Comcast
Spotlight Chicago); Comcast host David Kaplan (Sports
Program/Series).
SHE’S TAKING NAMES: GMCer
Shia Kapos, a reporter at
ChicagoBusiness.com and Crains Chicago Business, keeps tabs on the Windy City’s mover-shakers in the biz/politico community, with a social bent. Recently, she covered public affairs strategist Thom Serafin’s now annual holiday soirée `kickoff party of parties’ for our town’s political elite. Mingling among attendees was GMC co-founder Anna Davlantes, co-anchor of FOX32 TV’s “Good Day Chicago” weekday morning showcase.
ChicagoBusiness.com and Crains Chicago Business, keeps tabs on the Windy City’s mover-shakers in the biz/politico community, with a social bent. Recently, she covered public affairs strategist Thom Serafin’s now annual holiday soirée `kickoff party of parties’ for our town’s political elite. Mingling among attendees was GMC co-founder Anna Davlantes, co-anchor of FOX32 TV’s “Good Day Chicago” weekday morning showcase.
FINA THAN CAROLINA: Chicago
native Elitsa Bizios will join us Dec. 2. She most recently was
a weekend morning anchor/producer and general assignment reporter for WCTI and
WFXI/WYDO in New Bern, North Carolina. This Summer, she’s been doing some work
with OnAirr Productions in Chicago, and also appeared as an on-air personality
for the Windy City Poker Championships. A photo of Elitsa appeared this week in
the sports section of the Chicago Sun-Times in a mention of WCPC. As
well, Elitsa was a production assistant who helped launch RichardRoeper.com,
the website of the longtime Sun-Times columnist who’s also a personality on
WLS-AM radio. View Elitsa’s offerings at EBizios.com.
1st CHICAGO GUITAR FEST: This
October, the Andreas Kapsalis and Goran
Ivanovic duo initiated the first-ever Chicago Guitar Festival. With
support from the City’s Department of Cultural Affairs, as well as sponsorships
and contributions, this dynamic duo was successful in luring global guitar
phenoms from Israel and Brazil, as well as local artists such as Buddy
Guy and jazz master John McLean. Nearly two dozen
concerts were held at cultural centers and music clubs throughout Chicago. After
a 10-day invitational tour of Poland, Andreas and Goran were to return to begin
planning for next year’s event. Learn more at Akgiduo.com.
TRIBUNE FASHION BLOG: Writer
Suzanne Kopulos blogs on fashion at Chicagonow.com/blogs/suzannes-style-confessions-and-obsessions, a Tribune property. She and some friends also started Garmental.com.
Recently, Suzanne was a finalist in a fashion video blog contest to host a
national show for Sunglass Hut. She’ll be visiting us for the first time Dec.
2.
“CAUSE CELEBS”: More “cousins!”
PR maven and Comcast Spotlight host Bessie Tsionis was featured
in the November issue of Michigan Avenue magazine as one of 12 “Cause
Celebs,” women who are using their public profiles to further charitable
efforts. Bessie’s charity of choice is Autism Speaks, which she says is “close
to (her) heart.” Bessie’s profile can be viewed at BessieTsionis.com.
Susanna Negovan, exec editor of Michigan Avenue mag, is yet
another of our “cousins.”
NO DAY!!! We Greeks call it “Oxi
Day.” It happened at the outset of World War II and it was a major victory for
the entire free world (Greece was the very first nation to be openly defiant of Hitler), though more than 90-percent of the world scarcely cares to know.
Our “cousin” John Kass of the Chicago Tribune
articulates well in the following link why this moment was of paramount
importance, and furthers why many of us think this day should arguably be up for
consideration as a national holiday in all the Allied nations. Thank you for
indulging us a few fleeting moments of ethnic pride.
articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-10-29/news/ct-met-kass-1029-20101029_1_oxi-day-greek-british-pilot.
articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-10-29/news/ct-met-kass-1029-20101029_1_oxi-day-greek-british-pilot.
FEDERAL RESERVE NOTES: Longtime
GMCer Nick Mantis, TV/video producer in NW Indiana who founded AroundtheRegion.TV, has a
growing and impressive corporate client list as well, including Chase Bank,
among others. Recently, he captured an interview with an official of the Chicago
Federal Reserve Bank, which was then posted on the Fed’s site ChicagoFed.org/webpages/education/msw/in/index.cfm. Show us the money, Nick!!! Nice coup. Speaking of the Fed,
another longtime GMC “cousin,” Harvey Daniels, a former
American Medical Association recruiter who hired many journalists for the AMA’s
JAMA publication, is now a human resource recruiter for the Federal
Reserve Bank of Austin, Texas. He continues to live in Chicago and will again be
joining us Dec. 2.
DEC. 1 HOLIDAY PARTY: “Cousin”
Monica Canellis, the “better half” of our Lou (we kid you big
guy), is co-exec host of the chic Stimulus Social Club, which throws
parties for a different charitable cause each time out. This group of dynamic,
talented, and gorgeous ladies has been getting regular crowds in excess of 500.
Their next event is Wednesday, Dec. 1, 5:30 to 9:30 pm at Crimson Lounge, 333 N.
Dearborn, Chicago. Comp appetizers and 1st round of drinks. $10 donation at
door, cash only. Look for their group page on facebook.
DEC. 2 GREEKS OF SO-CAL:
“Cousin” Athena Bakris was kind to let us know about the
Chicagoland debut screening of the award-winning film “The Greeks of Southern
California Through the Century,” produced by the Greek Heritage Society of
Southern California. Venue is the Pickwick Theatre in Park Ridge on Thursday,
Dec. 2. Parts I and II to be screened this particular afternoon and night. The
continuation is titled “The Promise of Tomorrow.” For more info, phone the
theater (847) 825-5800, the Greek Heritage Society (310) 528-8214, or visit GreekHeritageSociety.org.
DEC. 3 AT WILLIS TOWER: Our
“cousins” at the Hellenic Professional Society of Illinois are hosting their
annual holiday party Friday, Dec. 3 at Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), 7
pm-Midnight. Come dance atop all of Chicago! Must RSVP and come with valid
government-issued photo ID to enter building. Visit HPSI.org. The 2010 HPSI
president is GMC “cousin” Demetra Markopoulos, auto industry
consultant and proprietor of the unique blog CarsDiva.com.
DEC. 5 & 19 PERFORMANCES:
For traditional American family holiday fare, our “cousin” Angie
Poulos recommends the Oak Park Concert Chorale live Dec. 5 in Oak Park,
benefiting the Good Shephard Lutheran Church, and Dec. 19 at Our Lady of Sorrows
Basilica in Chicago. Angie is a performer with the chorale. For more, visit
OakParkConcertChorale.org.
OakParkConcertChorale.org.
TRUNCALI/DAMON NEW YEARS EVE:
Two of our “cousins” will be performing together New Years Eve Day! John
Truncali and Jimmy Damon sing at
TheSabreRoom.com. John is “most unusual” doing celebrity vocal impressions, including an uncanny Tom Jones, and Jimmy is the only singer officially authorized by Frank Sinatra himself to sing Sinatra’s music during the late, legendary singer’s lifetime. Check out their other offerings at JohnTruncali.com and JimmyDamon.com.
TheSabreRoom.com. John is “most unusual” doing celebrity vocal impressions, including an uncanny Tom Jones, and Jimmy is the only singer officially authorized by Frank Sinatra himself to sing Sinatra’s music during the late, legendary singer’s lifetime. Check out their other offerings at JohnTruncali.com and JimmyDamon.com.
JAN. 22 CONCERT: Greek
Promotions Live presents Nikos Kourkoulis and Kelly
Kelekidou live Saturday, Jan. 22 at Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace. For
tickets, call Nikos (630) 234-2183 or Fani (630)
205-1403.
MEETS DUKAKIS: Our “cousin”
Valerie Gobos, filmmaker extraordinaire, was in New York this
October and had the chance to meet with famous actress Olympia
Dukakis. The two discussed potential projects that might be
collaborating on in Greece. Val reports “We all have moments in our life that
stand out, and for me, this is one of them, both personally and professionally.
(Olympia) is lovely!” Check out ValGobos.com.
FUNNY GUY: Former Sporting News
& CBS radio producer John “Shaky” Siuntres appeared at our
very first GMC party back in late 2003 at Roditys Restaurant on Halsted Street,
so we’ve got a soft spot for him here in our “Cousins’ Letter” and thought to
update on his career. He has a new weekly podcast at WordBalloon.com,
and it’s also available on iTunes and with an iPhone/iPad app. John’s always
been somewhat of a cut-up, and now he turns from sports to comedy. Additionally,
he toils at Rewind 100.3, where he won a Silver Dome Award for Best Humor
Commercial for a spot featuring The Billy Goat Tavern, besting even the more
well-known `major’ radio digits on the dial. John’s podcast features audio
interviews with pop culture stars in comic books, science fiction, horror, and
action adventure stories featured in TV and film. He commands a monthly audience
of 75,000 unique listeners, with a total of over 2 million downloads! He’s also
in the process of writing a book using the interviews to chronicle how comic
books have been the basis for many of today's top grossing action films and TV
shows. True fact, as evidenced by the top grossing box office blockbusters of
the past half decade.
TALENTED FAMILY: Our “cousin”
Kathy Kalesperis Smith, who recently departed the National
Hellenic Museum to take the position of Programs Outreach and Development
Director at ASilverLiningFoundation.org, recently had an article published in Home & Garden magazine.
She also proudly informs us her son, Austin Smith, will be
dancing in the Joffrey Ballet’s Nutcracker starting Dec. 11. He plays the part
of Party Boy #3. Creative talent runs in the family. Kathy’s nephew, Chicago
born and raised Adam Kalesperis, is an LA-based actor who’s bio
also reads “theater educator, pianist/composer, writer/philosopher.” A 2005 UCLA
grad, Adam played an honor guard in the blockbuster film “The Dark Knight,” and
he’s had roles in TV series such as “ER” and “Women’s Murder Club.” Look him up
on IMDB and Facebook.
NY GAMERS: Our contemporary
“cousins” in the Big Apple, whose organization is called G.A.M.E. (Greek
Americans in Media & Entertainment), are hosting a special holiday party
Dec. 1 at the NY Greek Consulate, featuring acclaimed author and investigative
journalist Nicholas Gage. GAME is run by former CBS/NBC producer Dorie
Klissas, CNN producer Penny Manis, and Turner
Broadcasting producer Chris Kokenis. They now have a facebook
page (yes, we’re STILL working out the logistics on that one for the
GMC).
SOFIA ROLLS ON: Our “cousin”
Sofia Spentzas has had some blessings - and one setback - of
late. Just prior to Thanksgiving, she suffered the loss of her mother. But this
young and bright gal has some great things going for her, including a fantastic
Lombard-based photography business SpiralArtDesign.com, and a
recent cover shot for Greek America magazine. Lastly, Sofia is creative director
for the New Biz Expo for small business owners, being held Jan. 28-29 at the
Hilton Indian Lakes Conference Center in Bloomingdale, IL. The keynoter is
Apprentice season 1 winner Bill Rancic. Check it out at NewBizExpo.com. As anyone
who knows Sofia knows well, she’s always got a wide smile on her face, and
welcoming hugs and kisses for all of her many parea!
BOOK ON CHICAGO MOB: Our
longtime “cousin” Eldon Ham, an attorney and law professor
who’s authored three previous books, in November helped unveil a book on the
Chicago mob that he penned for James “Jimmy” Jack, a 90-year
old retired Chicago homicide detective. “The Last Dance: My Life and Times with
the Chicago Mob” recounts a lifetime of Jimmy’s experiences on the streets and
his encounters with “wiseguys, thugs, gamblers, mobsters and murderers, as well
as judges, police officers and a governor,” according to the review. Check out
the full review at dailyherald.com/article/20101117/news/711189946/.
SEEKS LITERARY AGENT: Author
Alex Pattakos, Ph.D, who wrote “Prisoners of Our Thought:
Viktor Frankl’s Principles for Discovering Meaning in Life and Work,” is looking
for both a literary agent and publicist, preferably of Greek heritage, for a new
initiative, The OPA Way!® TheOpaWay.com. Phone (505)
988.5235 or email Alex@prisonersofourthoughts.com. The book’s site is Prisonersofourthoughts.com.
CREATED BLAGO MASK: Blame GMCer
Anthony Kosar! He created that scary-authentic Blago mask of
our ex-Illinois guv that was oft-profiled in numerous media accounts, and
available exclusively at Fantasy Costumes in Chicago. Anthony is a regular at
our events, and a brilliant artist and illustrator, not to mention budding film
special effects artist. It runs in the family as his sister Mellisa
Kosar, a film student in Southern Cal, already produced and directed a
feature-length drama before she even began film school. As for Anthony, view his
work at KosarEffects.com.
MUSEUM `MEDIA’: Did you know
that many of the current National Hellenic Museum board members have `media’
backgrounds? James Mezilson is a retired journalist who joined
the Chicago Sun in 1942, working his way up from copy boy to street
reporter. He stayed with the Sun until just before the 1947 merger with the
Chicago Times, now the Sun-Times. His career began in 1939
with a column in the Thessaloniki (later Greek Press). He also wrote a
regular column for The Greek Star in Chicago, The National
Herald, Hellenic Chronicle, Athene Magazine and the
AHEPAN until at least 2000. Between 1948 and 1954, he served on the
staff of U.S. Senator Paul Douglas. Board member Themi
Vasils was once a published translator of short stories, and she also
co-translated two books by renowned Greek author Nikos
Kazantzakis. She currently writes for and is Advisor to the Editor for
The Greek Star. Board member John P. Calamos, Sr.,
founder of the nation’s foremost convertible bond fund, writes on the securities
industry for various publications. Board members John Marks and
Frank Kamberos are currently principal directors of The
Greek Star. Board member Ted Diamantis is a noted patron
of the arts, contributing to galleries around the Chicagoland area. Board member
Georgia Mitchell is Founder and Director of the Hellenic Choral
Society, former Music Director of Sts. Peter & Paul Greek Orthodox Church,
and a substitute music teacher in District #225. Board member Angela
Parry Paterakis is Professor Emeritus, Art Education, School of the Art
Institute of Chicago. Board member Nick Vern Verveniotis has
written four screenplays (one of which is in the process of being produced), and
he’s also songwriter (music & lyrics). The Museum today holds a vast
collection of Greek American newspapers, most notably The Greek Star
dating back 105 years! It also contains magazines, record albums, and archival
records, among other printed materials. Know your Museum, and those behind it,
and you’ll get a head start on chit-chat Dec. 2!
TELL YOUR FAMILY HISTORY: Does
your family have a unique or compelling background? Check with the Museum’s
Tom Tzouras, manager of the Frank S. Kamberos
“Oral History & Education Project.” Send him a note to see about
video taping your story for their archives. His email is Ttzouras@HellenicMuseum.org.
EXTRA CREDITS: WGN radio/TV
culture/film critic Dean Richards added an hour to his Sunday
radio show, which airs 9 am to 1 pm on 720-AM…Veteran political reporter
Dan Mihalopoulos, formerly of the Chicago Tribune, is
now reporting for ChicagoNewscoop.org, a
respected online political blog…Chicago native Lambrini
Lukidis, a “cousin” who most recently worked as a TV reporter in Grand
Rapids, MI, recently returned to Chicago to take the position of media
representative with the CTA…“Cousin” Maria Karamitsos,
associate editor of The Greek Star, recently profiled the latest book
by famous author Harry Mark Petrakis for GreekReporter.com
…Famous comedian Basile performed Nov. 7 at a benefit for
Assumption G.O. Church of Homer Glen, with the NEOLEA dance troupe
accompanying…GMC “cousin” Joanna Vlahos, an account exec at The
Loop FM, was recently wed to Bill Apostolou! …San
Francisco-based KRON reporter Vickie Liviakis recently hosted a
segment on GreekTV.com …The 2nd
edition of It’s Greek To Me, a local ad book produced by our “cousins” at DailyFrappe.com, recently hit the street. Email chicago@dailyfrappe.com
for a free copy…“Cousin”
Menia Poulios is now an account manager at TimeOut
Chicago magazine…Popular Greek musician Vasilios Gaitanos
performs live at Katerina’s in Chicago Saturday, Nov 27 from 10 pm to 2 am…ABC
news chief political correspondent George Stephanopoulos this
Fall moderated debates for both the US Senate in Illinois (candidate
Alexi Giannoulias) and US Senate in Florida (Charlie
Crist)…2008 Columbia College grad Dimitrios S. Latsis
recently earned his M.A. and is now in a Ph.D film program at the U. of
Iowa…Arlington Heights, IL native Matt Vasilogambros, a senior
politics and journalism major at Drake U., interned this Summer for Iowa
Congressman Leonard Boswell…Playwrite Barbara
Georgans, who’ll be joining us for the first time Dec. 2, is currently
producing the play “Nobody Likes Retsina,” a Greek-themed stage offering which
features many local Greek American actors. Visit barbarageorgans.com …
“Cousin” and financial marketing guru Kathy Kaporis reports
that her son Michael is working an internship at ABC TV San
Diego…Your eyeballs focused here are much appreciated. Keep sending “stuff” to
George and Terry, thanks!
SAD NEWS: As we observe
Thanksgiving, time to reflect on a few of our “cousins” who recently experienced
deaths in their families…WGN radio’s Andrea Darlas (father),
photographer Sofia Spentzas (mother), EuroCircle Chicago’s
Maria Dollas (father), and human resource consultant (and
actress) Bettina Rousos (father). We extend our sincere
condolences to the families of the deceased.
The Cousins‘
Letter…
September 2010 edition
September 2010 edition
LOU NAMED #1 AT FOX: The GMC’s own Lou
Canellis in September was officially named permanent lead sports anchor
on FOX32 TV’s 9 pm newscast! Lou was previously serving as morning sports
anchor, and he also handles Bears game-day duties, including sideline reporting
during pre-season contests. He was in the middle of the Bulls’ championship runs
as host of “Life in the Locker Room” as well. A graduate of Loyola U. and a
native of Oak Lawn, IL, Lou is “living the dream,” covering the teams he grew up
with and loves passionately, and doing it with style and panache. We’re proud to
know him not only because he’s solid at his profession and a class individual,
but also because, as WGN radio/TV sports director Dave Eanet
once said, “he’s one of the nicest guys in the business.” Yasou, Opaa! and all
those good things, “Sweet Lou!”
ANNA TOSSES NO-HITTER: GMC co-founder Anna
Davlantes, morning news anchor at FOX32 Chicago, threw out the
ceremonial 1st pitch at US Cellular Field on Aug. 26 as part of Hellenic
Heritage Night 2010 prior to the Sox game. We’re told her control was a bit
shaky, but she gave up zero hits. To that, we urge the Sox to sign her for the
playoff stretch!
KIM BROADCASTS & WRITES THE NEWS: Our close “cousin”
Kim Vatis, NBC5 Chicago morning news reporter, has been writing
stories for the NBC website as well, including this recent piece on ROW
(Recovery on Water), a philanthropic organization devoted to breast cancer
survivors (Kim also emceed their recent event). Check it out nbcchicago.com/news/health/row-cancer-recovery-100056869.html.
It’s been a big year for Kim, who won two major broadcast journalism
awards!
ANDREA, ALLY JUST DUCKY! Reprising her role as
play-by-play announcer (or is it quack by quack?) for the annual Windy City
Rubber Ducky Derby, benefiting Special Olympics Illinois, was WGN radio 720-AM
newscaster Andrea Darlas, our close “cousin.” Andrea is also
splitting her time on-air between morning and afternoons on WGN radio. Emceeing
the “duck adoptions” was “cousin” Ally Gerakaris, an Apple
Vacations marketing exec. The race course was the Chicago River in the Loop
area. A total of 30,000 ducks were dropped this year. We sure hope Ally took
home a couple of those ducks because her newborn daughter Zoe Renee
Kraslen may wish to play with one in the tub very soon! A big congrats
to Ally please, next time your paths cross. We’re told Renee, a “future GMCer,”
says Ally, is now 6-months old, has already been “working the Chicago Greek Fest
circuit.” The girl’s a natural! Proud papa is Joe Kraslen,
formerly of the Danny Bonaduce and Steve Dahl
shows.
FIND JANE: Where’s “cousin” Jane Monzures
this week? She’s here, there, and everywhere. First, you can see her on TV
Sundays at 11:30 am on WGN Channel 9, and later re-broadcast during the week on
CLTV, hosting the show “Living Healthy Chicago.” She also hosts a cooking
segment on WCIU TV (“The U”) as part of the show "For the Love of
Cooking," including a recent profile of flaming Saganaki inventor Chris
Liakouris and his Parthenon Restaurant in Greektown (see it here videolife.tk/jane%20monzures/).
Lastly, Jane can be found mornings on The Loop 97.9 FM delivering her unique
(and hot, might we add!) traffic reports, and occasionally filling in as host
during the entire shift. This Summer, Jane brought on board our “cousin”
Vickie Kozonis, who’s doing some producing on various Jane
projects. Vickie holds a masters in digital cinematography, has experience in
video production, works closely with Mayor Daley’s Chicago/Athens Sister Cities
Committee, and is also taking 2nd City Improv classes. A good “find” for
Jane!
NY TIMES BESTSELLER IN CHICAGO THIS WEEK:
Author/philosopher Eric Metaxas has written a NY Times
bestseller in his new “Bonhoeffer” tome about one of the most courageous German
figures during WWII who defied Hitler and the Nazis in the face of grave danger,
eventually costing him his life. Metaxas is in Chicago this week and is
appearing at the Union League Club Thursday, Sept. 16 in a presentation before
the group he founded, Socrates in the City. Check out Eric’s offerings at
EricMetaxas.com, and also visit SocratesintheCity.com.
EricMetaxas.com, and also visit SocratesintheCity.com.
NATIONAL HELLENIC MUSEUM RISES, UPCOMING EVENTS! The
girders are up folks, it’s now a reality manifested in a physical structure! The
new National Hellenic Museum & Cultural Center held a press gathering August
27 at the site of the new structure, which now sports three stories of support
beams and girders. Check it out at Halsted & Van Buren in the heart of
Greektown Chicago! The interim location is in the Greek Islands Building, 4th
floor. Mayor Richard M. Daley addressed the Museum event, which
included a who’s who of Windy City mover-shakers, museum officials, and local
media. WGN Channel 9, ABC7, and the Chicago Tribune covered the event. Lots
happening at the museum and exciting times ahead! Our “cousins” there are
hosting a cocktail reception Tuesday, Sept. 28, 5:30 - 6:30 pm at the Purple
Pig. Get a preview of the delicious food and fun you'll be getting at the annual
Fall Gala, which is Saturday, October 23 at 6:30 pm at the Chicago Hilton. This
year’s theme is “The newest thing in ancient history,” based upon the new
building project. “Cousin” Jimmy Bannos Jr., chef/owner of the
Purple Pig Restaurant, is the consulting chef behind the food for the gala.
Also, the creator of the hit Lookingglass theatre production Hephaestus is
planning a surprise that celebrates the ancient Greek past, and two bands will
entertain. Gala co-chairs are the husband and wife team of Nick
and Vicky Kouretas (Vicky of Hellenic Heartbeat TV HellenicHeartbeat.com). For
more, visit NationalHellenicMuseum.org
or call 312.655.1234. Antonia Callas is Marketing and Media
Relations Manager for the Museum. We caught her was on NBC5 Chicago touting the
“Heritage Ride for Hellenic Pride,” held in conjunction with the Hellenic
American Motorcycle Association (yes they have one of those too). NBC5
weathercaster Andy Avalos chimed in that “We’ve never had this
many motorcylces on the Plaza.” We’re told one guy even made Greek coffee on the
briki in the plaza. Fun stuff!
ACQUIRES RIGHTS TO MAJOR CELEB STORY: “Cousin”
Valerie Gobos, a longtime producer (“Brides) who’s worked with
such major directors as Martin Scorsese, among others, has been
producing TV commercials and webisodes of late. She also informs us of her
latest coup. Val acquired the rights to the life story of Marilyn
Chambers (“Behind the Green Door”), a former adult actress who made
major headlines by going from the cover of the Ivory Soap box to being unCOVERed
in a major porn film that was groundbreaking for the industry and helped bring
porn into the mainstream. Val will be producing the film, based upon a book
written by Chicago author Richard Lindberg, and she’ll then
shop it to Hollywood studios.
USO EVENTS, CELEBS: The annual USO of Illinois “Clark
After Dark” fundraiser for the families of US troops was a big hit Sept. 9 at
Boss Bar in River North. It was coordinated by USO of Illinois President
Tony Enrietto and our own “cousin” Sharon Tyk,
USO of Illinois Director of Programs. More than a few GMC "cousins" showed to
participate, including Amy Jacobson and Geoff
Pinkus of WIND 560-AM radio, on hand to emcee. Former J.A.G. TV star
Kerry Turner made the rounds, and Ms. Illinois was in
attendance. As well, FOX32’s Lou Cannelis stepped in with FOX
weathercaster Amy Freeze before departing to . Co-chief
“cousin” Terry was also there to witness the Stanley Cup’s arrival to a throng
of captivated onlookers. Next up for the USO is their annual gala, Saturday Oct.
16 at Navy Pier’s Grand Ballroom. TV personality Bonnie Hunt
will emcee the “Star Spangled Salute.” CSI:NY actor Gary Sinise
and his Lt. Dan Band will perform. ABC7's Stacey Baca will be a
special presenter. She’s a news anchor Navy wife. Actor DB Sweeney
will receive the Angel Harvey “Heart of a Patriot
Award.” And Sharon is at the center of it all folks! Incidentally, Sharon went
to Washington D.C. this Summer and took a sidetrack to NY to sit in on the
“Regis & Kelly” morning talk show. She gave Regis a photo of him with
Dean Martin, and Regis held it up during the show while
recognizing Sharon, who by the way helped raise $1 million with Sinise while she
was an AT&T exec, money that went to building the Pentagon Memorial for
9/11. What a gal, our Sharon! Check out USO gala event details at USO.org
and click on Chicago.
and click on Chicago.
BOSTON VISIT BY OLYMPIC LEGEND: The offices of our
“cousins” at The Hellenic Voice in Boston were abuzz recently after
being paid a visit by multiple Gold medal Olympic Champion Pyrros
Dimas of Greece, considered by many the greatest weightlifter ever.
Dimas met with Executive Editor John Baglaneas, News Editor
Stephen Crowe, and Sports Editor Nick Tsiotis,
also author of several books and a man who appeared on NBC'S 2004 Olympic
Closing Ceremonies Documentary, “Journey of a Warrior,” hosted by Bob
Costas. Visit TheHellenicVoice.com for more.
Incidentally, Dimas is married to former ERT sports reporter Anastasia
Sdougkou.
FASHION MAG GOES GREEK: Our very own Angeliki
Garris, publisher of the popular and rising Moda Fashion Gazette glossy
magazine, tells us her September edition is Greek-themed. She traveled to the
‘motherland’ and taped a fantastic photo shoot with models that is sure to be a
hit! Check out Moda’s offerings at www.Modafg.com.
LOU EMCEES SCHOLARSHIP BANQUET: FOX32’s Lou
Canellis emcees the Nov. 13 annual Pan Hellenic Scholarship banquet.
This is a major gala folks, with past emcees such as actress/TV host
Patricia Kara and honorees such as the likes of international
space pioneer Dr. Peter H. Diamandis. The 2010 honorees
are World Council of Hellenes founder Andy Athens, and CNN
correspondent Francis M. Fragos Townsend, former Homeland
Security Advisor to US President George W. Bush. Co-chief
"cousin" George has been in contact with Fran and she indicated she's excited we
have such a group here in Chicago! Visit PanHellenicScholarships.com.
The committee, chaired by businessman/philanthropist Chris
Tomaras, provides 25 scholarships of $10,000 each to high-achieving
students.
LAST GMC EVENT: At the Park Hyatt, we were pleased to
welcome a few special guests. Former Chicago Bulls player Dave
Corzine, also a media guy as the one-time radio voice of DePaul Blue
Demon basketball, graced our event on the outdoor terrace. Another sports guy,
former NFL player Angelo Loukas, stopped in. We also welcomed
first-time visitor Lillou Mace, who hosts a fun, inspiring
online TV show and she interviewed participants about our club. Watch Lillou’s
take here Youtube.com/Watch?v=wDH5Nr-TiW0.
Catching up late night were GMC co-founders Anna Davlantes,
George Bliss, and Terry Poulos, among friends
and “cousins“!
BO KNOWS CHARITY: That would be Bo
Jackson, former Heisman Trophy Winner, top NFL running back with the
Oakland Raiders, and Major League Baseball All-Star with the KC Royals (also
played with the White Sox AFTER hip replacement surgery)! Bo was an amazing
once-in-a-generation athlete, and he’s now a successful bank director and
entrepreneur who’s using his celebrity to help young kids in the area of sports
and education. Co-chief GMCer Terry, along with Harpo Studios production
assistant Andrea Dres and others stopped by Bo’s “Give Me a
Chance Foundation” benefit on Sept. 7, and we caught FOX32’s Lou
Canellis interviewing Bo on the same day that Lou was officially
announced as the #1 sportscaster at FOX32. He had a smile plastered ear-to-ear,
suffice to say. Also on hand were former Bulls player and current CBS2
sportscaster Steven Bardo, sportscaster Ryan
Baker of CBS2, WCIU program director Sean Long,
Andrew Givens of ESPN, Art "Chat Daddy" Sims from WCIU &
WVON, actor/comedian Tim “Church” Lockett (“Helldate”), and the
hostess with the mostess was former radio "Super Producer" Lisa
E (who is also on the Board for Bo's foundation), who coordinated media
coverage. Log on to GiveMeAChanceFoundation.org
for more.
JIMMY D ON PBS MEMPHIS: Returning to his musical roots,
GMCer Jimmy Damon , one of Chi-towns hottest nightclub singers
and THE premiere Sinatra tribute artist, this Summer was profiled on WKNO TV in
Memphis, TN in a documentary about his life and career. Jimmy was once a child
prodigy, signed at the age of 14 to a record contract with Sun Records, who had
among their stable of performers Elvis Presley, Jerry
Lee, and others. Visit JimmyDamon.com.
ST. ANDREWS BOXING NIGHT: It was mayhem Sept. 10 as St.
Andrews Church in Chicago hosted a record crowd of 150 for their now annual
charity boxing night. Serving as ring announcer was GMC co-director
Terry Poulos and the ring girl was our very own
Brittney Refakes, a recent U. of Illinois double major grad
who’s also an actress. Chairing the event was Helena Chrones, with an assist
from Regan Coin. Also on hand to take in the action were GMCers Roger
Keys (formerly of ABC radio Chicago and now president of Marketingkeys.com), ABC Family
associate Cathy Demos Kappos, developer John Marks
(also a principal with The Greek Star newspaper), and public
policy guru Endy Zemenides (chief political advisor to US
Senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias).
WRITING CRIME NOVEL: Former Mia magazine editor
John Economopoulos, who lives in Michigan, is an attorney who’s
written a few film screenplays with a crime thriller bent. He’s penned one in
particular he believes is a real winner and seeks help in marketing to agents
and producers. He’s also on the lookout for potential actors and other talent,
as well as writers, to assist with the project. Email John at 1821greek@gmail.com.
MORE MEDIA: The new morning weathercaster at CBS2 Chicago
is Megan Glaros, a fellow Greek American. We’ve been in contact
and, pending mommy duties, we may very well get a visit from Megan on
Thursday!…Co-founder of Portokalada.com Steve
Livaditis returned from Greece in early September after shooting a
remote in exotic Greek locales for a promising TV pilot. More on that soon…Next
time you see “cousin” Markella Kaloudis, be sure to address her as Mrs.
Markella Kaloudis Constantine as she was married in Chios this
Summer!…More congrats, this time to our “cousin,” public relations guru
Christina Vasilakis, recently engaged to Ted
Markos!…Special thanks to Maria Dollas of Eurocircle.com (click on the Chicago
link) for connecting us with the people at Vertigo, where she’s hosted events
for some time. And we were also reminded post-scheduling that GMCer
Christina Kanatas recommended Vertigo a while back and
apparently it didn’t sink in our thick skulls, so thanks to both gals!…NY-based
Jimmy “Super Greek” Santis, comedian and musician
extraordinaire, has a new production company. Check him out at SuperGreekMusic.com … Congrats to
Pavan Patel, who visits us on occasion, for his recent
promotion at Draft FCB Chicago, a major international marketing and brand
management firm. Pavan also produced a documentary on subway musicians that won
an award and received airplay on WTTW Channel 11...Our longtime “cousins”
Voula and husband Damon Popovich moved to
Arizona (boo-hoo) but said they’ll be visiting Chi-town often. Voula has taught
journalism at National Louis U. for some years, and Damon, an IT guy, had
previously been active in publishing an online sports media property…Greek
Promotions Live presents Angela Dimitriou & Zig
Zag Live Friday, Oct. 8 at the Chateau Ritz in Niles, IL. Phone (630)
234-2183 or (630) 205-1403 for info…Our close "cousin" and The Greek
Star associate editor Maria Karamitsos now writes a
mainstream parenting blog at FromTheMommyFiles.wordpress.com.
We also urge a peak at TheGreekStar.com... Celeb Chi-town
chef Jimmy Bannos (Heaven on Seven restaurant) was recently on
NBC’s “Today Show” displaying his yummy recipes. Jimmy, who has hosted a cooking
show on the radio, is yet another "cousin”…Thanks for your support
and we continue to welcome your input for items in this newsletter. Send stuff
to geobliss@aol.com and/or terry1email@aol.com. Best
wishes!
THIS FRIDAY JUNE 18 WITH SEN. SNOWE: Get your tickets now,
ladies! Plato Academy of Morton Grove hosts an evening with U.S. Senator
Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) on Friday, June 18 to raise awareness
about breast cancer. Dinner and presentation. Emcee is our GMC “cousin”
Jane Monzures, host of WGN TV‘s “Living Healthy Chicago.” Event
takes place at Rosewood Banquets in Rosemont. The theme: “It’s Not Just a
Color.” There will also be a presentation by Dr. Virginia
Kaklamani, the Lynn Sage Research Fellow at Northwestern Memorial
Hospital. Proceeds benefit the Lynn Sage Foundation, the
Maggie Daley Cancer Center, and the educational programs of
Plato Academy, whose community has been touched recently by breast cancer. This
is an important issue and an important event for the women and men of our
community. For more information, email Marianthi Koritsaris,
Plato Academy Director, at msk54@sbcglobal.net.
JUNE 23 JAZZ PERFORMANCE: Soon-to-be GMC “cousin”
Nikki George (she promised to visit us this Thursday!) is a
local jazz virtuoso. She sings Tuesday, June 23 at M Lounge, 1520 S. Wabash St.,
Chicago from 7-10 pm. Come on out and check out Nikki and the Nikki George Trio.
Visit ChicagoJazz.com/NikkiGeorge.
MITROPANOS CONCERT JULY 10: The all-time Greek singing
legend is performing live at the Horseshoe Casino July 10. Dimitris
Mitropanos is the reknowned Laiko singer that generations have enjoyed.
Tickets starting at $85. Phone (630) 234-2183 or (630) 205-1403. Local promoters GreekPromotionsLive.com.
GMC “COUSINS” FINALISTS FOR TECH AWARD: Akoo International
Inc. of Elmwood Park, IL, helmed by Chairman Niko Drakoulis, this April was named a
finalist for the Illinois Technology Association’s 2010 “Rising Star” award,
recognizing companies which through innovation in products and services have
emerged to become a solid presence in the marketplace. Akoo is "the world's
largest social music TV network, reaching 64.5 million monthly engaged viewers
in out-of-home environments across the U.S.,” according to promotional
materials. We especially like that international singing sensation
Shakira gives a testimonial for Akoo on their website Akoo.com.
Recently joining Akoo full-time in marketing is our “cousin” Peter
Drakoulis. Akoo is
a past GMC exclusive event sponsor.
AWARDS NOMINEE: One of the key producers behind the scenes
at ABC7 Chicago, Cathy Vlahogiannis, saw four of the shows she
produces nominated for 2010 Illinois Broadcasters Association “Silver Dome
Awards.” The shows include “190 North,” “Countdown Chicago,” “Let’s Dish,” and
“The Magnificant Mile Lights Fest.”
ABC FAMILY PRODUCER STARTS OWN FAMILY: Another
ABC stalwart, our “cousin“ producer Cathy Demos, has been a
fixture at Disney’s ABC Family TV networks, working behind the scenes for years.
Recently, she started her own family, that is she was married to Chris
Kappos in August 2009. Demos works for ABC TV’s cable division in
national sales and continues to support the Greek American Rehabilitation and
Care Center, where she served on the spring gala committee. They held their
annual benefit May 15 at the Horseshoe Casino. Visit GreekAmericanCare.org.
STARS COME OUT FOR NHS IN ARIZONA: In late April, the
National Hellenic Society, an exclusive group organized to assist other
philanthropies and establish programs that perpetuate Hellenism in America, held
their annual social weekend at the opulent Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ.
We “dispatched” GMC co-director Terry Poulos to report back
(he’s been affiliated with the NHS for the past five years). Headlining the
event was Tony Orlando, multi-platinum recording artist, who
performed a private concert. Our GMC “cousin” Ariana Savalas,
who was the special guest at our February GMC event, sang her signature jazz
staples at the NHS’ Thursday night opening reception, and veteran TV soap opera
actor John Aniston continued to make the ladies swoon during
NHS weekend. Perhaps most enticing, the man a growing chorus continues to refer
to as “the most powerful man in Hollywood,“ FOX Filmed Entertainment chief
Jim Gianopulos, gave a memorable and profound presentation on
Greeks in Hollywood. Introducing Gianopulos was his longtime friend and
associate, former ABC Network News chief Tony Thomopoulos.
Further gracing the event was our “cousin” Stephanie Vlahakis,
executive director of the National Hellenic Museum in Chicago, who attended with
her husband John Vlahakis, principal of Earth Friendly Products
and author of the environmental blog EarthyReport.com. Newspaper
publishers John Saltas (Salt Lake City) and Frosene
Phillips (San Francisco; HellenicJournal.com), and former
NBC and CBS network producer Dorie Klissas were also on hand.
For more, visit HellenicSociety.org, ArianaSavalas.com, and TonyOrlando.com. Milwaukee-based
Dr. George Korkos is chairman of the NHS, and our own Chicago
“cousin“ Endy Zemenides, chief political aide to US Senate
nominee Alexi Giannoulias, sits on the executive board along
with Naperville, IL-based mutual fund manager John Calamos, a
man who's also on the board of the National Hellenic Museum in
Chicago. Art Dimopoulos, publisher of Odyssey.org
magazine, coordinated the weekend’s informational programming. He‘s also on the
executive board.
HELLENIC MUSEUM SHOWTIMES! Save the dates! Our Chicago and
national treasure, the National Hellenic Museum in Greektown, hosts the
following this Summer and Fall…Tuesday, June 29 (DVD release party for the film
“Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” with a chance to win merchandise and DVDs;
refreshments and cakes served; games, crafts, and fun for the whole family;
dress as favorite character for 10-percent discount; entrance fee $5 with
children under 12 admitted free)…Current exhibit through Oct. 31 is the
political satire cartoons of Bill Papas (longtime chief
political cartoonist for The Guardian newspaper of London)…Saturday,
July 31 “Heritage Ride for Hellenic Pride” (motorcycle fundraiser benefiting the
Museum)…Annual gala Oct. 23 at the Hilton Hotel in Chicago, with the theme
“Contributors to Greek History, Culture and Art Hall of Fame.” Log on to HellenicMuseum.org or NationalHellenicMuseum.org
for more.
D.C. MEDIA: While attending the National Hellenic Society
event, Terry met some new “cousins” from around the nation. RadioOlympus.com is based in
Washington D.C. and is national in scope, hosted by Artemis Skenteris
Dimopoulos, Sophia Dimopoulos, and George
Wallace. Artemis was once an intern for the famous “George Michael
Sports Machine” nationally syndicated TV show on NBC Universal. Artemis is
married to attorney Art Dimopoulos, also publisher of the
popular Odyssey Magazine Odyssey.org. George began his broadcast
career at WMUC on the campus of the U. of Maryland, performing play-by-play for
football and basketball. He worked for Westwood One radio and covered the Summer
Olympics in Athens 2004, and the Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy.
BOSTON MEDIA: The Bean-town contingent - per usual - was
well-represented as well at the NHS in Arizona, including
businessman/philanthropist George Behrakis, publisher of TheHellenicVoice.com. As well,
that paper's executive editor, John Baglaneas, has also been a
fixture at NHS events. In between sitting poolside and sipping cocktails, Terry
was able to actually learn a few things from various panelists, and scour around
for additional Boston media “cousins”. Live from Boston Monday-Friday from 7-11
am (EST) and Sundays 7-Noon is Ted Demetriades, host of Grecian
Echoes. The show is geared toward the Greek American community of New England
and the format includes music, community events, dedications, news from Greece,
and social announcement. The show has been airing for over 60 years and features
Demetriades, son of the legendary host Orestes Demetriades,
along with Peter Cakridas, Athanasios
Vulgaropulos, and Fotios Stamos with his Kali Orexi
program. Visit GrecianEchoes.com.
PALIN ROSEMONT APPEARANCE: In May, GMC
"cousin" Amy Jacobson, WIND radio morning co-host, and
co-host "Big John" Howell both moderated a panel discussion
with former Alaska governor Sarah Palin after Palin's speech at
the Rosemont Theater before an audience of thousands. John and Amy can be
heard Monday through Friday 5-9 am, 560-AM on the dial.
KARIS IN CHICAGO, ON FOX NEWS: NY-based comedian
Ellen Karis, famous of the “Greek Gods of Comedy” tour, was
recently in Chicago to perform at a benefit for the American Hellenic Academy in
Deerfield. She’s now a mainstay on various FOX News Channel political talk
shows, including numerous appearances offering her unique and provocative
conservative viewpoints on Sean Hannity’s show. Check out her
offerings at EllenKaris.com.
GEORGIA BLOGS AT DAILYKOS.COM: In the interest of
political balance, we go from conservative to liberal as we note that GMCer
Georgia Logothetis, a DePaul University law grad, is one of the
star political bloggers (Georgia10) at DailyKos.com, the chief liberal pundit
site on the web. The site was founded by Markos Mulitsis
Zuniga, who is part Greek. Ariana Huffington , yet
another who's of Greek descent, started HuffingtonPost.com, a political
site with a cultural and news bent.
KARA AT ZETA JONES BENEFIT: Our Chicago “cousin”
Patricia Kara, “Deal or No Deal” spokes model, actress, and TV
host, again handled red carpet hosting duties for the annual charity bash hosted
by actress Catherine Zeta Jones on May 1, which brought
together Broadway and Hollywood actors who performed musical numbers. The
beneficiary was the Motion Picture and Television Fund. Actor Hugh
Jackman was the overall evening host. Among luminaries present was FOX
Filmed Entertainment CEO Jim Giannopulos, who was also in
Chicago in June for a presentation at the inaugural National Innovation
Conference. Patricia interviewed Jim on the red carpet, in addition to stars
such as Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes,
Shirley Maclaine, James Marsden, and more. As
always, visit PatriciaKara.com.
CREST COMMERCIAL AND ABC PILOT: Chicago native
Ashley Ilenfeld, daughter of our own close “cousin” Georgine
Arvanites, has been living in New York and working as an Elite model. She also
recently taped a commercial for Crest toothpaste, and filmed a pilot for an ABC
network show. Details soon! Meantime, we posted a photo of Ashley (at right).GMC SINGERS TO OPERA IDOLS: No, we don’t venture to take
any credit, but we’re beaming nonetheless. The dynamic operatic singing sister
duo of sopranos Lexy Prodromos and Stephany
Prodromos, who entertained our audience at the December, 2009 GMC
Christmas party, performed before a packed audience May 8 at Ravinia Festival in
their annual fundraiser for Miseracordia research. The Prodromos sisters, who
hail from Winnetka, IL and are 16 and 13 years of age respectively, are
multi-talented artists, honor roll students at New Trier High School, and
nationally-ranked tennis players as well. In early May, Lexy won the title of
Junior Opera Idol 2010 by the North Shore Retirement Hotel and received a $500
voice training scholarship! The sisters get much of their talent from their
father, Dr. Chadwick Prodromos, a renowned orthopedic surgeon,
who once studied classical opera and was an aspiring bass baritone performer in
his youth. The daughters perform regularly on Fridays at Monastero’s Restaurant
in Chicago. In early May, they sang the National Anthem prior to the Chicago
White Sox game at U.S. Cellular Field.
NEW FRAPPE OFFERING: Our “cousins” at Chicago-based DailyFrappe.com - Spiro
Papadopoulos, Kyriakos Mellos, and Kostas
Vassilopoulos - unveiled to us at our last function their new print
publication IT’S ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚA TO ME, the first of several planned local Greek
community guides and directories. Chicago is their first endeavor in print, with
other cities to follow. Frappe aims to connect community members with local area
organizations, institutions and service providers and provide business owners
and leaders a premium vehicle for showcasing their businesses and organizations.
The publication will be a reflection their unique brand of fun and creativity
aimed at celebrating our great culture and heritage. Visit the website or email
Advertise@dailyfrappe.com. Frappe,
an online social networking community, has been growing steadily and recently
signed on sponsors Grecian Delight and Mercedes Benz Chicagoland.
GREEK PARADE NOTES: GMC chief “cousins”
George and Terry made a day of it at the Greek
Independence Day Parade on Halsted Street in Greektown. The parade was
co-chaired by our “cousins” Art Andros and Jim
Ascot, with a marketing assist from Tom Tsipas, and
the event also made the blog of Crains Chicago Business thanks to our
“cousin” Shia Kapos at ChicagoBusiness.com. Ace
photographer Sofia Spentzas (SpiralArtDesign.com) was workin’
it at the parade, capturing photos of, among others, the governor and mayor,
with Terry riding on Jimmy Damon’s float, in addition to our “cousin”
Nicole Klotz of Morgan Stanley-Smith Barney, who has a
background in media. More than a few other GMCers were in the crowd, including
filmmaker Valerie Gobos, and we saw you too Christina
Karkavatsos, Nikki Hondropoulos, Tom
Vabakos, Endy Zemenides, Alex
Kountoures, and others. The crowd was better than expected in light of
the cold and intermittent rain, which did cause a few float participant
no-shows. The National Herald Greek newspaper put together a
nice photo and audio montage of the parade which can be viewed at TheNationalHerald.com/video/243.
Andy Diabilis, an author and veteran journalist who co-wrote
"The Golden Greek" with Nick Tsiotis on the life and times of
the late Harry Agannis, is the new editor of The National
Herald.
MANTIS DOES ENTERTAINMENT, POLITICS: Our longtime “cousin”
Nick Mantis, a corporate video producer, recently put together
a political campaign commercial for a sheriff’s candidate in Northwest Indiana.
He continues to also produce his own entertainment shows featuring area talent.
Check out his offerings at NewMillProductions.com.
GREEKREPORTER.COM: We caught up with veteran
writer/reporter Anastasios Papapostolou in mid-June while he
was in Chicago for the NIC at Resolution Digital Studios (more GMC “cousins,”
who’d a known?). Anastasios was having coffee at Athena in Greektown (where
else?) along with GMC “cousin” Steven Livaditis of Portokalada.com and a few other
friends. Anastasios is the proprietor of GreekReporter.com, and he has a
version for every major region, including Hollywood. Nice site (both of them,
that is), highly recommended. GMC “cousin” Maria Karamitsos,
who’s Associate Editor of The Greek Star newspaper here (TheGreekStar.com), contributes
Chicago commentary for Anastasios, who is always on the lookout for new writing
talent that know the scene. Send him a note if you‘re interested.
HONORED FOR 30 YEARS WITH PAPER: Recently honored at a
private dinner at Rosewood, in honor of her 30 years of service with The Greek
Star in Chicago, was Maria Bappert. She continues in her role
as the paper's administrative assistant. The dinner was hosted by the paper's
`patriarchs', Frank Kamberos, John Marks, and
Andy Athens, and was attended by editor Diane
Adam along with associates Maria Karamitsos and
Terry Poulos, among others.
MORE MEDIA: Singer Perry Danos, a
Chicago-native jazz and Sinatra artist now living in Nashville, has been at the
Orleans Casino in Vegas performing. Check out www.PerryDanos.com …Veteran radio traffic
reporter Bill Souronis was one proud father after his daughter,
Eleni, sang the National Anthem at a Spring, 2010 Boone Grove
H.S. basketball game…Northwestern University journalism alum Aristea
Brady, who has many real-life cousins here in Chicago, in early March
signed on with KUSA9 TV news in Colorado, her native state. She had been working
in Utah previous…GMCer Maria Constantinides is the new
Greektown correspondent for Facebook.com/l/849ed;Examiner.com.
It’s a group page that she administers…Our new “cousin” Bessie
Tsionis visited us at the Hancock 95th in February and we wish to
remind people to check out her site BessieTsionis.com/bio.html.
The entertainment reporter covers Hollywood for CN100’s (Comcast) “Prime Time
Chicago,” and is also a contributing reporter for NBC’s lifestyle show
“LXTV”…Kathy Smith of the National Hellenic Museum is resigning
to take a position as Programs Outreach and Development Coordinator for A Silver
Lining Foundation, beginning July 1. Wish her good luck!
LAST GMC: At the April 15 GMC gathering at the Fairmont
Hotel, we welcomed our longtime “cousin” Jane Monzures, fresh
off being named host of the WGN TV Sunday show “Living Healthy Chicago” (11:30
am Sundays, LivingHealthyTV.com). Jane also
appears on WCIU TV (“The U”). Other luminaries attending included CLTV reporter
Randi Belisomo, IonTheScene.com celebrity
blogger Irene Michaels, Chicago Tribune ace account
exec Ana Keys (recently won a prestigious sales award!), health
care exec host at InTimeTV.com Dr. Kristine
Mighion, and elder care show host Athena Verma,
Art Andros (aka radio comedy DJ Joe Matsokapetros at freewebs.com/twinbayradio),
bodybuilder-turned-author Lee Roupas, and Chicago’s own, singer
Jimmy Damon JimmyDamon.com).
The Cousins’
Letter…
April, 2010 edition
April, 2010 edition
KIM NAMED “BEST REPORTER!” She’s one of our
close GMC “cousins” so of course we’re elated to convey that Chicago NBC5's
Kim Vatis in late March was named the “best TV reporter in
Chicago and St. Louis” for 2009 by the Illinois Associated Press Broadcasters
Association! Kim came to the station in 1997 and has been serving as a general
assignment reporter ever since. She also fills in at the anchor desk and works
on special projects for the 10 p.m. newscast. You can watch her every morning on
“NBC5 Today.” She previously worked on-air in Orlando and Jacksonville, Florida;
Bangor, Maine; and Gainsville, Florida, and she‘s received numerous Emmy
nominations and led an investigation into the most severe abuses of disabled
parking placards in the Chicago Loop that helped to fuel hefty new fines for
offenders statewide. Additionally, Kim uncovered a glitch in the Illinois
Tollway's I-PASS system that showed how some users had been overcharged, and led
an investigation into "car cloning" and how the FBI fears it may be a tool for
terrorists. Most recently, Kim reported from inside the `virtual’ world to show
how gaming technology is having a real-life impact helping the city train for
emergencies and how it’s fueling local businesses. She won an Emmy nomination
for her reporting of the E2 Nightclub tragedy and the murders of the young Zion
girls. In 2007, Past honors include a nomination for an Emmy for “Best Reporter
in the Chicago/Midwest Chapter” of the National Academy of Television Arts &
Sciences. She graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in
telecommunications and currently lives in downtown Chicago with her daughter.
Kim volunteers regularly reading to students at Chicago and suburban public
schools, and she‘s a regular at our functions. Please give Kim a hardy congrats
when next your paths cross!
JANE HOSTS WGN SUNDAY SHOW: Multimedia
personality Jane Monzures is back in Chicago full time and is
now hosting “Living Healthy Chicago,” a weekly show airing at 11:30 am Sunday
mornings on WGN Channel 9 in the Chicago area. The show also runs Saturdays at 6
and 10 am and 4 pm and Mondays at 10 am and 7 pm. Jane covers all-things health
and fitness. In addition, catch her on WCIU-TV Thursday mornings hosting a
restaurant segment on the show “You & Me in the Morning.” This Monday, April
12 at 6 am, Jane interviews Jimmy Bannos Jr. at his restaurant
The Purple Pig, but the show generally airs Thursdays. Lastly, Jane will be the
in-arena host for Chicago Sky WNBA basketball at Allstate Arena in Rosemont. She
has some radio opportunities in the hopper so keep an eye out for more news from
another of our original “cousins.“ As always, saunter on over to JaneMonzures.com.
AMY J GETS 2ND WIND: Our very own “cousin”
Amy Jacobson in April began co-hosting the morning radio talk
show on WIND AM-560 alongside “Big” John Howell. The two will tackle the
political and cultural issues of the day from 5 am to 9 am Monday through
Friday. Amy, a longtime NBC5 TV reporter, most recently was with WLS radio.
She’s one of the brightest broadcasters in Chicago and offers a insight gleaned
from a unique career disposition, and addresses the conservative perspective.
Check in at 560WIND.com.
DAMON AT SKOKIE THEATER APRIL 11: GMC
"cousin" Jimmy Damon, who's performed numerous times for our
patrons, headlines the Skokie Theater this Saturday, April 11. "From Beale
Street to State Street" is the theme. Catch Jimmy's outstanding Sinatra
rendition at 2 pm. For more, visit JimmyDamon.com or phone (847)
677-7761.
MARIO IN SKOKIE APRIL 18: We’re told tickets
are nearly sold out. Sunday, April 18, 7 pm at the North Shore Center for the
Performing Arts in Skokie. That’s when and where operatic/pop crossover singer
Mario Frangoulis, called “The Light of Greece,” will conduct a
“Celebration of Greek Song & Poetry.” This is a one-time special concert for
Mario as he doesn’t normally sing Greek. In fact, this is the world premiere of
his Greek renditions. The Sony Classical recording artist performs alongside
George Perris & The Greek Music Ensemble. It’s sure to be a
night to remember. For more information, contact Protopromotions@gmail.com or phone (847)
826.0147.
BISHOP ADDRESSES SOCIAL MEDIA APRIL 24:
Bishop Savas (Zembillas) of Troas, director of the Church,
Society & Culture Office of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America,
visits Chicago for an address on “social media and the church,” discussing the
topic “Threat or Opportunity: Orthodoxy and Social Media.” Takes place 2-4 pm at
St. Andrews Church, 5649 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago. The event is free and open to
the public but reservations are encouraged. Often referred to as the “modern
Bishop,” Bishop Savas is charged with developing “programs and ministries that
promote engagement by Orthodox Christians with contemporary societal and
cultural realities,” said Archbishop Demetrios in announcing his appointment
last year. Along with his pop-culture experience, Bishop Savas writes a blog
called “Living in the LOGOsphere,” which he communicates through Facebook and
Twitter. RSVP to Lecture@Standreworthodox.org or phone (773)
334-4515.
GREEK PARADE APRIL 25: Sunday Sunday, Halsted
Street, Greektown. Be there. George, Terry and a host of GMCers will also be on
hand, along with parade co-chairs Art Andros and Jim
Ascot. Let’s all make a day of it as it looks like the weather will be
cooperating, the event marks Greek Independence Day, and well…who doesn’t love a
parade? This year’s theme is “Freedom” (what else?) and of course admission is
FREE to the public! Visit ChicagoGreekParade.org for info on
sponsorships, ad book, participation on a float, and general info. You can also
contact George Karas (773) 775-4949 or Tom
Tsipas (312) 933-1242. The parade is organized by Enosis, the
Federation of Hellenic American Organizations enosis.org/parade.
TONY ORLANDO IN LATE APRIL: Scottsdale, AZ is
the site of the 5th annual National Hellenic Society “Hellenic Classic &
Symposium,” an event attracting many of the top Greek American business,
academic, and philanthropic leaders in the nation. Culminating the weekend is a
Saturday evening concert by famous singer Tony Orlando and his
band. Jazz singer Ariana Savalas will also perform early in the
weekend. Venue is the Phoenician Luxury Resort. Planned events include panel
discussions on various policy matters, lunches and dinners, social and cocktail
receptions, private and open special attractions, and a golf tournament. Get
reservation info at
HellenicSociety.org.
HellenicSociety.org.
MEDIA HONORED MAY 1: Get your tickets now
because it’s sure to be a big one on Saturday, May 1. Chicago Tribune columnist
John Kass and legendary author Harry Mark
Petrakis are two of the local media personalities to be honored at the
annual Tri-State Ahepa banquet. Venue is the Westin O’Hare Hotel in Rosemont,
IL. 6:30 reception, 7 pm dinner. Tickets are $100/per. For more info, phone
Milwaukee-based event chair John Galanis (414) 271-5400
(GWG@Gpjlaw.com) or locally Cathy
Ferguson (708) 749-4527 (CCSF777@sbcglobal.net). Many other luminaries to
be honored. Visit Ahepa.com.
MARRIED : GMC “cousin” Cathy
Demos, who works in national sales with ABC Family, was recently wed to
Chris Kappos. She’s also working to promote the May 15 event
benefiting the Greek American Nursing Home, featuring Antonis
Remos.
REMOS CONCERT MAY 15: This one is the annual
fundraising gala for the Greek American Nursing Home in Wheeling, IL, so help
out if you can folks, and at the same time enjoy the great music of
Antonis Remos, who headlines the concert to benefit the Home.
Cathy is on the event committee and she’s trying to get the word out as we all
might one day have someone we know benefit by this worthwhile cause. Visit GreekAmericanCare.org for
details.
SUPPORT CHILD’S PLAY JUNE 10: Many of us will
be on hand for the 30th anniversary celebration for our “cousin” June
Podagrosi’s innovative Child’s Play Touring Theater. Honorary chairs
for the Thursday, June 10 benefit are Turtle Wax, Inc. chair Sondra
Healy and Chicago Corporation Counsel Mara
Georges. Emcee is Jane Monzures, host of WGN TV's
"Living Healthy Chicago.," Venue is St. Ignatius Prep in Chicago, just south of
Greektown off Halsted Street. Tickets $50/per and up, with VIP accommodations
available. Special attractions and offerings, including a sampling of the
traveling troop’s work which involves taking scripts written by children and
having them performed by professional actors. Learn more and view the troop’s
expanded website offerings at CPTT.org.
RSVP at (773) 253-8911 or CPTT@cptt.org.
TAKING KARA THE CURE: Our close “cousin”
Patricia Kara was in town to visit family over the Easter
holiday. In March, the actress, TV host and “Deal or No Deal” spokes model
participated in the annual Susan G. Komen “Race for the Cure” cancer benefit
held at Dodger Stadium in LA. On Patricia’s agenda is red carpet hosting duties
at the annual Catherine Zeta Jones benefit in late April. See PatriciaKara.com.
SAVALAS IN NY, SCOTTSDALE, ON CRIMINAL MINDS:
We like to think our little GMC launched it all but of course we know otherwise.
Ariana Savalas is doing it all by herself, and excelling! The
jazz singer extraordinaire and daughter of the late, great actor Telly
Savalas came to Chi-Town to perform at Davenport’s and she also
headlined our last event at the Hancock 95th Signature Room. Then she went to
New York to sing at the famous Metropolitan Room, and apparently Gotham loved
her as much as we as she was invited back to participate in their Greek
Independence Day parade! In between, Ariana played a role in an episode of the
hit TV drama “Criminal Minds,” and she’ll be opening for Tony
Orlando in Scottsdale at the annual National Hellenic Society social
weekend. And if that all weren’t enough, she’ll be releasing her debut album in
2010! Take a peak at MySpace.com/ArianaSavalas.
LAST GMC EVENT: We had a blast in February at
the 95th floor Signature Room in the Hancock Building. Ariana
Savalas was our guest of honor and the stars came out to sample her
performance. From FOX32 reporter/anchor Anna Davlantes and
NBC5's Kim Vatis, to CLTV on-air personalities Monica
Schneider and Garard McClendon, WLTH-AM radio host
Theodore McClendon, Comcast SportsNet's Jen
Patterson, former Lerner newspaper editor Charles
Mouradites, Greek America publisher Gregory Pappas,
Karen Demos of ABC Family, Bessie Tsionis of
CN100 and NBC's LXTV, traffic reporter Jill Urchek, filmmaker
Valerie Gobos, radio/TV personality Jane
Monzures, The Greek Star's Maria
Karamitsos, Steve Livaditis of www.Portokalada.com; the Daily Frappe
guys Spiro Papadopoulos, Kostas Vasilopoulos,
and Kyriakos Mellos; CLTV producer Jerry
Riles, 950-AM radio's John Papas, WIND radio's Dan
Levy, and Kathleen Bliss of the Auditorium
Theater. As well, we were visited by Illinois Treasurer and U.S. Senate Democrat
nominee Alexi Giannoulias and Mariyanna
Spyropoulos, candidate for Metropolitan Water Reclamation District.
Additional luminaries included Theodore G. Spyropoulos,
president of SAE World Council of Hellenes Abroad USA, and Endy
Zemenides, chairman of the Hellenic American Leadership Council and
chief political director for Alexi for Illinois. Sports wise, the GMC was
honored to receive Tommy Zbikowski, safety for the NFL's
Baltimore Ravens and a radio host in Baltimore, and one-time super-agent
George Andrews. Rising rockers Bobby and
Dino Kourelis of Lovehammers.com also stopped in to
rub elbows. Our own Jimmy Damon accompanied Ariana on a few numbers. Thanks
everybody for helping show Ariana some good old fashion Chicago
hospitality!
COMEDIAN HERE OCT. 10: He’s performed live on
Showtime and at other major venues and he’ll be visiting Chicago for a Friday,
Oct. 10 one-night-only performance to take place at the Hellenic American
Academy in Deerfield, IL beginning at 7:30 pm. Angelo
Tsarouchas is on the docket and laughs are on the horizon. Tsarouchas
is fresh off a world tour and TV appearances on “Mad Men” and “Comics Without
Borders.” For more info, visit HellenicAmericanAcademy.org.
NU GRAD ANCHORS IN DENVER: Northwestern U.
grad Aristea Brady in early March signed on as a
reporter/anchor for KUSA9 in Colorado. She was previously hosting a
magazine-style morning show in Salt Lake City. Aristea, who has family in
Chicago, is a Denver-area native so she’ll fit in nicely in her new
position.
HOT OFF THE PRESS: Our “cousins” at the
online social community and news site
DailyFrappe.com in April debuted “It’s Ellinika to Me,” a print supplement to be distributed around the region that promotes area businesses. A second printing is in the pipeline and anyone wishing to advertise - whether business, community, or individual - can get more info at dailyfrappe.com/chicago. Other city directories across the nation planned.
DailyFrappe.com in April debuted “It’s Ellinika to Me,” a print supplement to be distributed around the region that promotes area businesses. A second printing is in the pipeline and anyone wishing to advertise - whether business, community, or individual - can get more info at dailyfrappe.com/chicago. Other city directories across the nation planned.
MAROULIS TO CHICAGO? The hit, Tony-award
winning musical stage play “Rock of Ages,” starring former “American Idol”
contestant Constantine Maroulis, was reported to be headed to
Chicago. Which means, Maroulis may be pulling up stakes here for a spell as
well. We’ll keep tabs so you don’t have to. The play has received critical and
box office success, with Maroulis playing an 80’s `hair band” lead singer. It’s
full of nostalgia and is said to be loads of fun.
ABC PILOT: Chicago-area native Ashley
Ilenfield, daughter of our “cousin” Georgine
Arvanites, is an elite model in NY who’s about to tape a pilot for an
ABC show. More as it arrives. Ashley also recently shot a Crest toothpaste
commercial.
ALBUM RELEASE PARTY: Taking a break from her
continuing education is Maria Skoulidas, who goes by the stage
name Maria Lidas when singing. She’s prepping for her early May
album release party, a debut of her first-ever CD. Her genre is
pop/rock/R&B. Maria writes much of her own material. We’ll have more info on
the CD party soon. Meantime, check out her stuff at MySpace.com/SingMariaLidas.
REAL TROOPER: GMC “cousin” Sharon
Tyk, a 20-year AT&T exec who‘s now #2 at the Illinois USO, in
February hosted some friends who are military supporters and war history buffs
for an advance screening of the HBO blockbuster miniseries “The Pacific,” a WWII
feature exec produced by Steven Speilberg and Tom
Hanks. The event was sponsored by Comcast and was held at the Museum of
Contemporary Art. We learned that author George Pelecanos is involved with the
project and that one of the central characters becomes attached to a Greek
family in Australia and this somehow is interwoven in episode 3. Sharon has done
much work with veterans and GI's over the years, including coordinating concerts
with actor Gary Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band on numerous
occasions.
TRASHY BLOG: Our “cousin” Bill
Kirkos, producer of a film on America’s trash, recently started a blog
called Trashedtheblog.com where he chronicles
all-things-garbage and environmental-related issues in general. Also check out
his film offerings at
TrashedTheMovie.com and video business at OxiProductions.com.
TrashedTheMovie.com and video business at OxiProductions.com.
EARTHY BLOG: The environment sure is a big
topic going forward, regardless of political affiliation. So add another to the
list, this one by our “cousin” John Vlahakis, who also runs one
of the nation’s premiere home products businesses Earth Friendly Products. Check
out John’s take on the environment and the planet at EarthyReport.com and also visit Ecos.com.
TRAVEL BLOG: Our “cousin” in the Greek
islands, author Barbara Bonfigli, is now blogging for the tour
travel site AustinLehman.com, the #1 tour operator in the
world. Barb visited us last Summer on a tour for her debut novel “Café Tempest:
Adventures on a Small Greek Island.” Also check out BarbaraBonfigli.com.
GMC SINGERS MUSIC VIDEO: Sisters Lexy
and Stephany Prodromos wowed the crowd at our December
2009 Christmas party and they later appeared on CLTV for an interview. The two
are rising opera-style singers and recently meshed their love of the rock band
Styx with their unique brand of singing for this entertaining music video set to
the tune “Come Sail Away” youtube.com/watch?v=HMpfvNMeZjQ.
Enjoy!
ACTOR PLAYS TRUMPET, PIANO: Gotta give kudos
to our Chicago-area native-turned-LA ”cousin” Adam Kalesperis.
We dig his IMDb resume: Roles in “The Dark Knight,” “Women’s Murder Club,” and
“ER,” among others. But what really stands out is Adam is a multitalented
artist who also plays the trumpet and piano. The guy’s a wunderkind! By the way,
his proud mom is our very own GMC “cousin” Katherine Kalesperis
Smith of the National Hellenic Museum in Chicago.
THE GREEK STORK: Do storks lay Easter eggs?
Actually, the stork arrived well before Easter, on Nov. 9 to be specific. That‘s
when former Chicago Tribune writer and editor Valerie
Costsales had her first child! Valerie has visited us in the past but
she left for NY to join the NY Times travel section as a feature writer. She’s
now “hibernating” at home with young Daniel and loving every minute of
it!
“THE VOICE” TURNS 30! He’s got one of the
most recognizable and remarkable baritone vocals of any young radio announcer
we’ve heard to date. Yes, our “cousin” Dan Levy turns 30 this
Friday, April 9 and he’ll be hosted at a reception on the west side, near his
favorite venue, the United Center. Dan is an up-and-coming sports, arena, and
general radio program voice and you’ll be hearing more of his deep, bass tones
in the years to come. Check him out on WIND radio 560-AM, among others. Howz
bouts opera, Dan?
“COUSIN” GEORGE RADIO HOUR: Music is in his
and his family’s blood, and now it’s on George Bliss’ Internet
radio show. George, who’s also GMC co-director, offers his blend of Sinatra,
classical-related music, and more at ustream.tv/channel/george-bliss-radio. You might need to make some adjustments to your settings so if you like,
George would be pleased to assist you if you email him at Geobliss@aol.com.
FATHER AND SON ROCKERS: This from our
“cousin” Harvey Daniels. His son Steven
Daniels cut his first CD, titled “Blue,” and his daughter Kelly
Daniels did the cover art. Chicago Magazine picked up on it and we
posted the article here chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/Classifieds/Classifieds/index.php/cp/5/si/40/name/Elevated-Sins/listing/44823/. Harvey, a longtime American Medical Association personnel recruiter
who’s hired many of JAMA’s editorial staff, also plays in his own band, called
The Sleepless Knights. Check out Harvey’s musical chops at www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=202118120973.
MARINA ON TRAVEL CHANNEL: Everywhere we look
we see Marina Lambropoulos. She’s one of the most ubiquitous
social circuit travelers we know. So it wasn’t a huge surprise when she popped
up on the Travel Channel in March for an episode of “Food Wars” that focused on
Chicago’s famous Al’s Beef and Mr. Beef. Marina, a veteran PR associate,
contributes radio reports on the local restaurant scene on occasion, but for
this one she served as a “rep” for Al’s Beef for the cameras.
MORE MEDIA: Reporter Angie
Leventis Lourgos recently began contributing articles for the Chicago
Tribune…Connie Pappas Hillman is in town this weekend for the
NHIBT hoops tourney's 80th anniversary at Fenwick High School in Oak Park. She's
Elton John's North American Tour manager and she's also married
to Rock n' Roll Hall of Famer Chris Hillman, founder of the
famous band The Byrds...Word is Chicago native Billy Zane is
going to be a regular on the new ABC legal drama “The Deep End.” Anything to get
the Zanes closer to Chicago is all good by us. Including…Billy’s little sis
Lisa Zane, a jazz singer now residing in LA, has a revamped
website LisaZane.com. Check it out…GMC “cousin” John Papas, who once worked
for Ted Turner, is now the marketing rep at jazz radio’s Avenue950.com, found on the dial at 950-AM.
In February, the station interviewed Ariana Savalas about her gig at
Davenport’s…Interviewing Ariana for a feature article in The Greek Star
was our own Maria Karamitsos. Check out TheGreekStar.com... Mary Laina, who visited our Christmas party in December
and works closely with the Greeks of Hollywood, is seeking new sponsorships and
branding ops for her unique site NotforGreekGirlsOnly.com.
