1.
ARE YOU READY TO TAKE THE PLUNGE?
These are the best hotels in Greece with private pools.
2.
WHEN GREEKTOWN IN CHICAGO WAS A MILE LONG
“Yet Greektown’s faithful prefer thinking it akin to the phoenix: a fabled bird destined to rise from its own ashes.”
3.
AND THE WINNER IS…
We are delighted to announce that this month’s winner of the Antonios Kounalakis Award is George Lendaris! (Full transparency: George is related to two members of the Greece Is the Word crew. He was not nominated by either of them.) He is receiving a $50 gift card to use at Glyka Sweets in San Rafael, California.
George’s birth could not have taken place in a more appropriately named town: Helper, Utah. His entire life so far has been one of service. His nominator writes, “He has been a lifelong member of the Greek Orthodox Church, actively participating in every community in which he has lived, and has served each of those communities with tireless devotion. He has been a role model to so many for his service to his faith and community. He does these things because it is a calling, not because he wants the recognition. George's contributions, both spiritual and cultural, to his Greek Orthodox communities include but certainly are not limited to: choir member, choir director, festival chairman, Greek dance instructor, beautification committee member, and endowment committee founding member. George also undertook leadership of several special projects, including as fundraiser and coordinator of a complete iconography makeover, and most recently–during the COVID-19 pandemic–as general contractor of an extensive remodel for the Portland Cathedral. In recognition of his service, George received the highest honor that a layperson can receive in the Church: the title of Archon. This humbling acknowledgement embodies his lifelong commitment to spirituality and service. George accomplished all of this while raising a family and working as a graduate-level, tenured professor in the sciences; serving as mentor and advisor to many students over the span of his long career; authoring a book and numerous research papers for his scientific and academic communities; and serving on many boards and committees to the myriad scientific organizations in which he was a member.” Additionally, scientific research George did over the course of his career is still being actively utilized a decade after his retirement. CONGRATULATIONS, George, on receiving the Antonios Kounalakis Award, and THANK YOU for your many contributions to our community and to the world!
4.
MYTHOLOGICAL JUSTICE?
Have you ever thought about which Greek mythological figures deserved better and which ones got what was coming to them? We haven’t, either.
5.
FREEDOM OF THE PRESS
Is it under threat in Greece?
6.
JUST THE CLASSICS
An NYU classics professor reviews more Greek and Roman mythology scenes in films and TV.
And a professor of classics at Santa Clara University talks about the goddess that even Zeus feared.
7.
GIANNIS
He’s trying to attract free agents to Milwaukee in this short video.
8.
ELENI
The first woman in California’s history to sign a bill into law.
9.
BRAVO SOU
This edition’s Bravo Sou Award goes to our beloved Greece, στην Ελλαδάρα μας. If you didn’t celebrate Greek Independence Day on March 25th, you can still celebrate–any time is a good time to celebrate freedom! Opa!
10.
ALABAMA TO WYOMING
The best Greek restaurants in every state? We haven’t tried Greek Bistro in Laguna Hills, California, but is it really better than Kokkari?
Continue to help keep your loved ones, your community, and yourself safe. Wear a face covering when gathering indoors with others, even if you are triple-vaccinated. You do not know what you may be carrying or how susceptible someone else’s immune system may be to whatever you might possibly transmit. #maskupforothers #itsnotaboutyou #weareallinthistogether
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Take care of yourselves and one another!
Opa!
Peter and the Greece Is the Word Crew