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Message from the President – July 2018

Dear friends,

We have already reached the half way mark of the summer and for us Greeks, despite the recent lengthy stream of heat waves, we always find the time to celebrate life and its joys. Whether it’s gatherings with friends and family, enjoying activities, taking small and/or long trips, swimming, fishing, and feeling the sun shine on us, is a part of who we are.

For the sixth consecutive year, a group of École Socrates-Démosthène graduates participated in our school’s annual educational trip to Greece. Our students visited numerous historical and archeological sites in Monemvasia, Olympia, Epidavros and Athens. They went swimming and enjoyed savoury dishes at original Greek “tavernas.” They enjoyed every minute of this unique experience.

At this year’s South Shore festival it was raining. In Laval, the temperature went above 40 degrees. However, nothing could stop our enthusiastic, devoted volunteers from putting together two tremendously successful summer festivals for those that didn’t have the chance to escape the City. Singing, dancing, savouring classic Greek tastes and meeting friends was the theme of both four-day festivals. I would like to congratulate all the members of the HCGM South Shore and Laval Regional Councils and their teams of tireless volunteers for their incredible efforts in organizing these great events.

The party hasn’t ended…. a couple of weeks before the bell rings to signal the beginning of the new school year, HCGM Montreal’s Regional Council will present the long-awaited «Πανηγύρι Δεκαπενταύγουστου» La flamme hellénique summer festival, in Park Extension August 17th to 19th. I invite you all to join us for a weekend of fun at this unique Greek «γλέντι».

In closing, I want to bring to your attention some recent changes with the HCGM Fundraising Committee. Mr. Tassos Xipolitakis stepped down from his position as President due to personal reasons. I want to express my gratitude to this great man and caring volunteer for leading the FRC successfully towards raising funds for our schools. Mr. Stavros Tsinalis who has served as a volunteer for more than four decades has been appointed the new FRC President. I want to congratulate him and wish him the best of luck with his new duties.

Sincerely,

Nicholas T. Pagonis
HCGM President