AHEPA FIFTH DISTRICT CELEBRATES IT'S 78TH ANNUAL CONVENTION

The Fifth District NJ/DE convention was held on June 5-7, 2009 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Monroe Township, New Jersey. The convention was hosted by the AHEPA Trenton Chapter #72. The convention provided a great forum for the "Fighting Fifth". The local chapter had worked hard all throughout the year to host the annual convention.

On Friday of the convention, registration began promptly under the supervision of PDG Lee Millas who served as Chairman of the organizing committee. Opening the Friday meeting was President Asteris Fanikos. The delegates approved PDG Chris Diamantoukos to chair the convention. The evening concluded with an opening night reception in the hotel where the delegates were treated by the local chapter.

Saturday started the convention in earnest with close to 60 delegates participating from throughout the 18 chapters in our domain. The morning session was highlighted by an appearance and presentation from AHEPA National Vice President Nick Karacostas. The Governor's report of outgoing District Governor Ted Fanikos summarized the District's accomplishments throughout the year. This included the Governor's visit to Greece last summer to oversee how fire relief monies raised by the district was used. Accomplisments include the refurbishing of a church, acquiring computers for a school, and sponsor the expenses of a senior and a child. Other accomplishments include a successful district workshop, visitation to and fundraising for Saint Basil's Academy, a regional benefit for the Cooley's Anemia Foundation and the Journey to Greece, participation in both the Philadelphia and New York Greek Independence parades, a fundraiser for our Metropolis of New Jersey headquarters, among other things. The convention also addressed other issues including the induction of the Sons of Pericles new District Lodge, a review and emphasis on Hellenic cultural events and fundraising, a presentation on the application of a Greek Regional charter school in Hackensack, New Jersey, a Hellenic and Cyprus Affairs report, a report on the Odyssey school in Wilmington, a district scholarship reportand AHEPA Fifth District Cancer Foundation Report.

The Trenton chapter kept the hard working delegates energized with door prizes, a presentation to all chapter presidents of special AHEPA medals as well as a terrific luncheon hosted by the local Daughters Chapter where the district scholarship recipients were recognized. The convention concluded with the elevation of Phil Vogis (Ramapo Chapter #453) to the office of District Governor. The incoming District Governor gave an impassioned speech regarding his aspirations for the District and thanked the delegates for their support. District Governor Phil Vogis will be joined on the Lodge by Lieutenant Governor George G. Horiates, Esq., District Secretary Savas Tsivicos, District Treasurer Bill Harrison, District Marshall Sammy Thomas, District Warden Dimitrios Rozanitis, District Athletic Advisor Nick Mariolis and Sons Advisor PDG Ted Vittas. The evening concluded with a Grand Banquet with many in attendance. His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos presided over the Banquet. AHEPA Supreme Secretary Dr. John Grossmanides Jr. gave remarks as well. The banquet was a perfect end to the "Ahepan of the Year" as District Governor Ted Fanikos and Supreme Governor Louis Arvanitis gave eloquent responses.

The highlight of the gala came with presentation of year end awards. The Chapter of the Year Award was presented to Camden #69. The Chapter President of the Year was Trenton #72 own Asteris Fanikos. The Chapter Secretary of the Year was from the Monroe Chapter #75 John Millas. Special Achievement awards were given to Eagle Rock #375 Peter Kokidis and Trenton #72 Spiro Spereas. A special award was presented by the district lodge officers honoring the achievements and tenure of Supreme Governor PDG Louis Arvanitis. Finally, the awards concluded by the naming of District "Ahepan of the Year", Camden #69 member Brother Stelios Theodoris, whom received a rousing ovation from the crowd. Trenton Chapter #72 is to be commended for being gracious hosts and facilitating a productive and enjoyable convention. All Ahepans left renewed and re-committed to our Order.

We look forward to next year's convention, to be hosted by Alexander Hamilton Chapter #54 at the Park Ridge Marriot. SEE YOU NEXT YEAR !!