CRETE Magazines September 2013 | Page 7

? ????? ? ? Congratulations to the Akron Chapter for a job superbly done in accepting and organizing the PAA National Convention. Wow! What an outstanding PAA national convention hosted by the Akron Chapter. Their theme of “Mikro Horio, Megali Kardia” certainly describes each and every member’s heart belonging to this chapter. Chairperson Noula Kountis, along with the exceptional committee members planned a week of philoxenia, dance and so much fun, known all too well of the Cretan heritage. Beginning with welcome night and ending with farewell night, the events were well planned and the music was awesome to say the least. I cannot thank this chapter enough in accepting this large event on such a short notice. George and I have attended many ers Dear Fellow Cretans from the U.S., I hope our email finds you all well. Having just returned to Australia, after jetting across the U.S., it gave me time to reflect on my recent visit to America. I must say, it was a trip for me and my wife that we will never forget and will remain a very memorable one for a lifetime. This is largely due to the rich warm hospitality and love we both received from ALL of you. I cannot thank you all enough for the ????????? we received from Los Angeles, to Las Vegas, to Chicago, to Akron and in New York. You are all wonderful people, and passionate Cretans. I will cherish the ?????? ??? ?????? for life. I should note that I think I drank more ‘?????????’ in 15 days in the U.S. than I have for the entire year in Australia. I invite you all to visit Australia at some stage in the future ??? ?? ????? ??? ?????????? ??? ?????????. I hope to see most of you in Crete! Our warmest regards, Tony & Christina Tsourdalakis PSK President / ????????, ?????????? ?????????? ?????? conventions throughout our married life, but had not been able to attend the convention in Springfield nor the one in Clearwater due to his illness. We have missed our dear friends throughout the PAA chapters. This convention, being held so close to home, provided us the opportunity to attend and once again see our wonderful friends throughout the PAA. With the help of my children and grandchildren, George was able to attend the various events and to see so many of his dear friends once again. Even though George is unable to walk now (and of course not able to dance) he sat at the table with many friends joining him in singing the many songs and Mantinades along with the musicians, the George Mathioudakis orchestra, straight from Crete!. Thank you Akron members for long lasting memories. Rae Elliott Twinsburg, Ohio Lett ????? ???????? ??? ?? ??? ???????? ????? ??? ????? ??? ??? ??????? ??? ????????? ?? ?????? ??? ????????, ???? ?? ??? ??????? ??? ????? ????? ??? ??????????? ??? ?????????? ?? ??? ??????? ??? ???? ???. ??? ???????? ???? ???????????? ?? ???????????? ??? ??? ?? ??? ?? ???? ??? ??????????? ??? ??????????. ?? ????????, ? ???????? ??????? ?. ???????????? To my fellow PAA members, My sincere congratulations to our newly elected PAA President John S. Sargetis! John has served the PAA in one way or another since 1978 and he is the first American-born president since Emmanuel Kariotakis in 1984. Our new president is well known and respected throughout the organization. His election is a good and hopeful sign for the future of the PAA. I am sure there are hundreds (maybe thousands) of young Cretans near John’s age who have been recipients of PAA scholarships or DIAS program benefits. I know John is capable of communicating with them, and I hope he can convince many of them to join and be active in the PAA. Recruiting these younger Cretans would be a great benefit to our organization and to our culture as well. New members would, of course, contribute to the financial support and to the continuation of our ideals. More important is the potential for scholarship or financial assistance for a new generation of Cretan Americans. This leads inevitably to the spreading of our culture and history. The future of the PAA is in our children’s hands. My hope for the progress, success and longevity of the PAA begins with the continued growth of the PYA! President-elect Sargetis and I are both longtime residents of Sacramento, California. Congratulations, once again, Mr. President. I stand ready to offer my support and collaboration to you, John. Best wishes for progress and success! Sincerely, George A. Tzitzikas KPHTH | WWW.PANCRETAN.ORG 7