Federation’s of Dodecanese Societies USA, New Board of Directors Sworn in

ASTORIA, NY:.- The Federation of Dodecanese Societies USA held the swearing in of the new Board on June 13 with Fr. George Kazoulis presiding over the ceremony at the Nisyrian Society of New York headquarters in Astoria. The new Board is comprised of President Nikos Kartalis, Rhodes; 1st Vice President Adamantia Mari, Leros; 2nd Vice President Demetris Kontos, Symi; General Secretary Zoe Pilios, Symi; Second Secretary for Greek Maria Marangos, Kalymnos; Treasurer Evdokia Kampouris, Kalymnos; and Assistant Treasurer Sotiria Zouroudis, Symi.

The meeting began with a prayer and the singing of the hymn of Pentecost led by Fr. Kazoulis who is a native of Rhodes and the spiritual advisor of the Pan-Rhodian Society of New York.

The meeting also included the reading of the program the Board hopes to implement, as much as possible, during their tenure. Copies of the 16-page program were available for all those present to follow along and after the reading of each section, the Board answered questions that were posed and further explained their ideas and goals for the Dodecanese Federation.

The program included ideas for expanding communication between the Federation and the members societies not only amongst themselves but also for more communication and connection with the homeland and the administration of each of the islands in Greece to strengthen the ties and make identifying needs there and ways the community can help more effectively and efficiently. Reaching out to the mayors of the islands, regional and government officials in Greece, the Hellenic-American elected officials, and media outlets in the islands and sharing information to foster further connection were also discussed.

Utilizing modern technology in various ways is also part of the program as is strengthening cooperation with the Dodecanese Youth and upgrading the Dodecanese Dance group to have their own dedicated teacher who will be in charge of the annual Dodecanese Unification event dance program and giving the youth from member societies that do not have their own separate dance group an opportunity to participate.

The program also included ideas for better aiding Greece during times of crisis with further details to be announced soon.

Dodecanese Federation President Nikos Kartalis thanked all those present for attending and for their questions, comments, insights, and suggestions on the efforts discussed during the meeting. Everyone looked forward to working together and all shared their best wishes for a happy summer.

Source: The National Herald

Central photo: The new Board of Directors of the Federation of Dodecanese Societies USA was sworn in on June 13, left to right: Treasurer Evdokia Kampouris, President Nikos Kartalis, Fr. George Kazoulis, 1st Vice President Adamantia Mari, 2nd Vice President Demetris Kontos, General Secretary Zoe Pilios, Assistant Treasurer Sotiria Zouroudis, and Second Secretary Maria Marangos. Photo by Eleni Sakellis