Community
Q & A with Dr. Mike Vasilomanolakis: executive producer of Grammy nominated musician Omar Akram
Written by Diane AdamChicago native Dr. Mike Vasilomanolakis is making a name for himself in the music industry. The Lane Tech graduate, who grew up in Chicago’s Assumption parish, is the executive producer of artist Omar Akram, the son of an Afghani diplomat. Vasilomanolakis recently talked to The Greek Star’s editor Diane Adam on his collaboration on the Grammy nominated album and what his day job is.
Hellenic Birthright - Creating a Lasting Impact
Written by Maria A. KaramitsosNews from the Panhellenic Scholarship Foundation
Hellenic Birthright, the Panhellenic Scholarship Foundation's newest educational and cultural enrichment program, was met with glowing success in the summer of 2012. Selected participants visited Greece and gained the experience of a lifetime during the 5-week program, offered in collaboration with Anatolia College and their School of Higher Studies, the American College of Thessaloniki. The overwhelming feedback from the inaugural participants has been tremendous, and the chance to visit their ancestral homeland for the first time has left a lasting impact on all of their lives.
Solon Students Bring Christmas to Less Fortunate Kids
Written by Maria A. KaramitsosStudents at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church Solon Greek School-"Solon Bilingual Prep" learned the true meaning of Christmas this season, by giving to those less fortunate. The students received letters written to Santa by preschoolers in a low-income area in the south suburbs, then shopped with their parents. The gifts were delivered just in time to brighten the Christmas of kids who may not have received any presents this year. Solon offers Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten classes. It's the only school of its kind in the city of Chicago. For more information, contact Director Peggy Kontos, at 773.561.5992.
Parent Orientation and Registration at Aristotle Preschool and Kindergarten in Niles, IL
Written by Maria A. KaramitsosNILES, ILL---Aristotle Preschool and Kindergarten of St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church in Niles, Ill. will host a parent orientation, plus school tours and registration, this January 31.
Q&A with Yasmin Paraskevas of Tango Acropolis
Written by Maria A. KaramitsosThis week we caught up with Yasmin Paraskevas,
representing an exciting global gathering known as “Tango Acropolis”
What is Tango Acropolis?
Tango Acropolis is a festival of Tango held annually in Athens, Greece. It brings together the top dancers of Tango from all over Greece to compete in a dance competition.
WINS ROUND 1 IN FACE OFF: Naperville, IL native J. Anthony Kosar is competing in season four of the SyFy channel reality series “Face Off” and swept the competition in round one of the season premiere on January 15. The series pits special effects and illustration artists against one another to see who can come up with the best masks, monsters, superheroes, and more. Visit Anthony’s business site at KosartEffects.com.
MOVING UP…MIKE DEMETRIOU is the chief operating officer of the Baum Realty Group and will focus on supporting BRG’s national real estate services division.
GWUC Welcomes Lyric Opera Tenor Dimitri Pittas
Written by Harriette Condes-ZervakisWorld class Greek American tenor Dimitri Pittas who is starring in the role of Rodolfo at the Lyric Opera’s La Boheme on January 21, 24, 27, and February 2 and 7, will be welcomed to the Chicago area at a complimentary reception sponsored by the Greek Women’s University Club (GWUC) and the Choir of Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church on Tuesday, Feb. 5, from 6-8:00 pm at The Clubhouse, 298 Oak Brook Center.
CHICAGO---Recent studies have shown that students who learn a second language have improved overall school performance, increased creativity and are better at solving complex problems. St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church Solon Greek School-“Solon Bilingual Prep” offers a well-rounded Greek and English bilingual education along with a celebration of culture and a focus on Christian values, for preschool, pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten.
Both half and full day programs are available as well before and after school enrichment programs. No prior Greek knowledge is required. Applications are now being accepted for the 2013-2014 school year.
Meet the teachers and director, and learn more about Solon, this Wednesday, January 23 from 3:00-5:00 pm, at St. Demetrios Church, 2727 W. Winona Street in Chicago. Please use the school entrance on the south side of the building. Solon is the only school of its kind in the city of Chicago. For more information, please contact Director This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at 773.561.5992.
CHICAGO—J. Anthony Kosar, an award-winning artist specializing in fine art, illustration, sculpture, creature design, make-up FX and more, will compete in season four of SyFy channel’s “FACEOFF,” which began on January 15.











