Hellenic Societies Federation Holds Holiday Party

The Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York hosted its annual endof year holiday gathering at Stathakion Center, Astoria, on December 29 at 4 p.m.

Nearly 250 guests from near and far, including the Herman family (Brad and Miriam, with Ava-Gwen and year-old brother Jacob-Stanley, gathered in a room festooned with seasonal decorations, The program included children's favorite Kamar the Magician, the traditional visitor from the North Pole, who distributed toys to all in the younger set, and a menu of Greek main and dessert dishes. The last offerings were contributed by the Kathihtis family, owners of the nearby Neptune Diner, while the sweets were presented by Petros and Giouli Pantazis, owners of Lefkos Pirgos. Wine toasts were made at each table.

Asher J. Matathias and his wife, Anna, greeted Federation President Nikolaos Diamantidis; Public Relations Chair Dinos Rallis; First Assistant Secretary Apostolos Skotidas; Treasurer Christos Vournas; Association of Prefecture Magnisias "Argonauts" President and Editor/Publisher of Greek News Apostolos Zoupaniotis: Socrates Savelidis, and many others.

Several federation initiatives were announced, including free English literacy classes and ballroom, Latin, and Greek dance lessons, the latter made possible through a grant secured by City Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr. from the city Department of Youth and Community Development.- Asher J. Matathias