2008 St. Nicholas Festival Well Attended

Photos Catherine Tsounis Congressmember Gary Ackerman joined in Greek folk dances with (l. to r.) Father Anastasios Diakovasilis, Father Theofanis Papantonis, Parish Council President Christine Siroky and Mr. Poulos. The 2008 festival of St. Nicholas Church of Flushing was held on Thursday, October 9 from 6 to 10 p.m.; Friday, October 10 from 6 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, October 11 from noon to midnight, and Sunday, October 12 from noon to 10 p.m. Admission was free. Youth was the main feature of the festival. Attractions included a flea market, games, youth-oriented vendors, souvlaki, pastries and loucoumades prepared with secret family recipes. The children of the William Spyropoulos School, which is located on the church grounds, had unique dance performances. Young families of all ethnic backgrounds attended. Minore Entertainment provided outstanding singing and bouzouki playing.

Politicians of all parties came, including Congressmember Gary Ackerman, state Senator Frank Padavan, Assemblymember Mark Weprin and City Councilmember David Weprin, who donated $5,000 to the Youth fund. The Church Festival chairperson was Sotirios Georgiou for the third year. Parish council president is Christine Siroky. Very Rev. Paul Palesty is the protopresbyter.

Father Paul Palesty with ladies preparing the loucoumades (honey balls) at the Festival. "The 111th Precinct provides security at the St. Nicholas Bazaar every year," said Lieutenant Daniel J. Heffernan of the 111th Police Precinct. "Officers are assigned to traffic and crowd control assignment. Police barriers are used to close the street and to help those participating in the Festival. The crowd was very well behaved. A good time was had by all." 111th Police Precinct Commanding Officer Inspector Scott Hanover and Heffernan personally patrolled the Festival, providing an excellent feeling of small town living in an urban setting.

Festival Chairperson Georgiou is of a secondgeneration family that has attended St. Nicholas church from the beginning. Quiet and unassuming, he has worked behind the scenes to create the fabulous success. "It is a thrill to serve the community and church in such a way," Georgiou said. "I got to know so many persons personally. Persons I knew by face, I now know their names."

Mary Sfiroudis of the Ladies Philoptohos explained, "We notify parishioners in the summer time to save their goodies. Fliers are sent out for three months. Our church members hold the items in their home until one week before the festival. Persons are very generous. Our Philoptohos ladies wash and polish every item. Every year the

community keeps coming back." Renos Georgiou

sent five children to William Spyropoulos School. "I was in the PTA from the beginning. Now my grandchildren attend." Ten years ago in 1991, the businessman introduced the mortgage reduction program that paid off all mortgages of previous years. Stephen Cherpelis, who is an original founder of St. Nicholas Church, explained, "Chris Stratakis and I were fundraisers for the church expansion. We collected $8 million and finished the building completely."

Ackerman enjoyed his visit, even while his daughter was about to give birth in the hospital. "We welcome his support year after year," said Chairperson Georgiou. The congressmember has helped the church and education system since the 1990s. Bill Tsagdilas of the Pan Macedonian Studies Center asked the congressmember on his views over Skopia (FYROM) adopting the name Macedonia from Greece. "I am from an established Macedonian family in Kastoria," said Tsagdilas. "If FYROM says they are Macedonia, then where am I from? I am living in the United States for 53 years and am Macedonian." Ackerman replied, "I will fight for Greek Macedonia. Congresswoman Maloney is continuing the fight." Georgiou added, "We welcome Congressman Ackerman's support."

The musical atmosphere created by Minore Entertainment was the best this writer has heard all year at festivals. The singers were astounding, with deep voices and unique showmanship. The bouzouki players had unique dexterity, playing traditional music with feeling. One does not have to go to Greece to see the culture. It is here in our own neighborhoods.