"Hoosier District"
The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) is the largest and oldest American-based, Greek heritage grassroots membership organization. Its scope is international with chapters in the United States, Canada, Greece, and Cyprus, and "sister" chapters in Australia and New Zealand under the auspices of AHEPA Australasia.
Mission 
The mission of the AHEPA Family is to promote Hellenism, Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, and Family and Individual Excellence.
The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) is the largest and oldest American-based, Greek heritage grassroots membership organization. Its scope is international with chapters in the United States, Canada, Greece, and Cyprus, and "sister" chapters in Australia and New Zealand under the auspices of AHEPA Australasia.
Mission 
CONGRATULATIONS TO NICK GIANIKOS
from Merrillville Chapter 78!!
2011 NATIONAL AHEPAN of the YEAR!!
On May 1st, 2011, AHEPA District 12 and Merrillville Chapter 78 had an initiation ceremony and reactivation of Sons of Pericles Chapter #53 (Sophocles) of Merrillville. 30 new SONS were initiated. We were honored to have National SOP Supreme Secretary, Michael Michalopulos present to lead the initiation ceremony.
Officers for the New SOP Chapter are seated. Please go to the new SOP page for more details and meet our new SONS and future AHEPANS. Sons of Pericles is the Junior Order of AHEPA.
When our forefathers came to this land seeking a better life for their families, they brought with them the foundations that have become our legacy.
Today, the Sons of Pericles come together, not only to honor that legacy, but to ensure that it is preserved for future generations. Our members are proud of the contributions that Hellenism continues to make to this country. We are dedicated to improving our communities through Philanthropy and Civic Responsibility. The pursuit of excellence in Education and Athletics helps stimulate and prepare tomorrow’s Leaders.
These ideals comprise the goals that every member of the Sons of Pericles strives to achieve.
As another year comes to an end, it’s important that all chapter officers reach out to all members who still need to pay their 2011 membership dues. The deadline is December 31st for a member to be in good standing. Please do everything you can to make sure all membership payments are sent to National HQ before December 31st. The district is doing very well with 94% of membership dues paid but we need to hit 100%.
It was a great pleasure to be able to visit all the chapters the past couple months and lay out the goals of the district for the 2011/2012 year. The lodge received a warm reception at every chapter and was very supportive of the programs and goals for the 2011/2012 year.
The goal is to reach 500 members in the district. We are less than 60 members from reaching that goal. We have six active chapters so we only need each chapter to bring in 10 new members to reach this goal. This is very attainable. I have asked the district lodge officers to bring in two new members as part of the 500 member challenge. Please reach out to your local community and spread the word of AHEPA. We do many great things for our communities and we are always looking for qualified candidates to join our ranks and expand on the good that we do. AHEPA supports and volunteers at many local charities though out the district -- everything from serving thanksgiving dinners at shelters to help stocking food pantries to delivering meals for Meals on Wheels. All the chapters and district provide thousands of dollars of scholarships to our community’s youth and also support them through athletic programs. The chapters are key donators to our churches and their programs like GOYA and church festivals with both money and man power. It is not hard to sell the AHEPA organization and our mission, for our actions and charitable work speak for themselves. We must just reach out and educate people on what we do.
Another goal is to get the district financially on solid footing. The first step to make this happen has been achieved and that is to be accepted by the Indiana State Gaming Commission to be granted a gaming license. The district lodge will now start to work at determining the best license to apply for and proceed with a plan to execute a successful event.
Finally, the two remaining goals for the district are to raise money for two important programs.
The first program is to support the National Hellenic Museum in Greek Town Chicago. The district has set a goal to raise $10,000 dollars which is a reasonable and attainable goal if all the chapters get behind and support 100%. The ten thousand dollars would also get us the naming rights to a bench in the museum. The district has already set aside $1,000 dollars so we need the six chapters to do some fund rising and meet the remaining $9,000 dollars. There is no other program that fulfills all aspects of the AHEPA mission. This program is Hellenic, it is it is Educational, it is Progressive, it is Civic Responsibility, and it is Family and Individual Excellence. And this museum is in our backyard. We are the closest district (other than the hosts – district 13) to the museum and the lodge feels it’s our duty to support this National Hellenic Museum. Every chapter was given a monetary challenge that I hope each chapter will meet and make this a successful legacy for District 12.
The second program is to support St. Baldricks. St. Baldricks is the district official charity of choice where we will raise money and support. St. Baldricks raises money for children’s cancer research. More information will be provided later and a letter is being sent by the director of District 12 philanthropy very soon. The goal is for the members of each chapter to raise $8,000 dollars per chapter. This is attainable. Last year the members of Chapter 78 raised over $7,000 dollars.
Finally, please support the District 12 raffle where we are raffling a 1st place prize of an Ipad2 (16GB with Wi-Fi) and 2nd place prize of and Itouch (4th generation with 64GB). The tickets are only 5 dollars each or 3 tickets for 10 dollars. You can reach out to me (njk33@yahoo.com) if interested in purchasing raffle tickets.
All this information was shared at the chapter visitations and will be shared again on the next visits. Expect the next official chapter visitations to take place in March and April.
Finally, the district lodge would like to wish everyone a joyous holiday season. May god continue to bless each and every one of you and your families. Please stay safe during this holiday season.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Καλά Χριστούγεννα! Ευτυχισμένο το Νέο Έτος!
Nick J. Kavadas
Governor AHEPA District 12
AHEPA Members Shave Heads for Childrens Cancer Research
AHEPA Members from Chapter 78 and friends raised money for Childrens Cancer Research via St. Baldricks organization. The team raised over $7,000 dollars (final tally still pending).
Here are some pictures from the event as AHEPA CARES 78 team members get their heads shaved at Crown Point High School on March 24th, 2011.
A special THANK YOU goes to AHEPA Chapter 78 for their generous donation of $3,000 dollars!
AHEPA Merrillville Chapter #78 Donates $100,000 dollars to National Hellenic Museum
District 12 Officers
Governor:
Nick Kavadas
Email: d12governor@ahepa-12.org
Lt. Governor:
Matt Kochevar
Email: d12LTgovernor@ahepa-12.org
Secretary:
Nick Loxas
Email: d12Secretary@ahepa-12.org
Treasurer:
Dan Skotadis
Email: d12treasurer@ahepa-12.org
Marshall:
John Petrou
Email: d12marshall@ahepa-12.org
Warden:
Nick Poteres
Email:
d12warden@ahepa-12.org
Athletic Director:
Teli Panousis
Email:
d12athletics@ahepa-12.org
SOP Advisor:
Nick Chimitris
Email: d12advisor@ahepa-12.org
AHEPA District 12 Chapters (Indiana "Hoosier" District)
Chapter 78 - Gary/Merrillville
Chapter 81 - Fort Wayne
Chapter 100 - South Bend
Chapter 123 - Hammond
Chapter 157 - Schererville
Chapter 232 - Indianapolis
Inactive Chapters:
Chapter 198 - Anderson
Chapter 210 - Muncie
Chapter 227 - Kokomo
Chapter 530 - Valparaiso
LINKS to more Information
National AHEPA Links:
MAIN AHEPA NATIONAL WEBSITE
AHEPA NEWS
AHEPA Magazine
AHEPA Supreme Lodge
SHOP AHEPA
AHEPA National Housing
AHEPA National Education and Scholarships
AHEPA Athletics
Cooley's Anemia
Bone Marrow Registry
National Daughters of Penelope Website
Local District #12 Links
Churches:
SS Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral - Merrillville
Saint George Greek Orthodox Church - Schererville
Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church - Hammond
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church - Fort Wayne
Saint Andrew Greek Orthodox Church - South Bend
Saint Iakovos Greek Orthodox Church - Valparaiso
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church - Indianapolis
Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church - Indianapolis
Local Government:
Lake County Indiana
Town of Merrillville
Town of Schererville
City of Hammond
City of South Bend
City of Fort Wayne
City of Indianapolis
City of Valparaiso
Other Links:
Hellenic Museum located in Greek Town - Chicago
United States House of Representatives
Prime Minister of Greece and ministries
Click HERE to listen to Greek radio stations from Greece
Click HERE to get Greek news from Kathimerini
Click HERE to go to Greece Ministry of Tourism
----------------------------------------------------------------------
District #12 AWARDS
|
AHEPAN OF THE YEAR
1969 Gust Saros 1970 Chris Trakas 1971 Gus Callis 1972 James Brahos 1973 Milton Kouroubetes 1974 Nick Smyrnis 1975 Mimis Antonopolous 1976 Leo Lamberson 1977 John Valses 1978 John Magrames 1979 Tom Sotos 1980 Goerge Karras 1981 Peter Sotos 1982 Dr. Harry Torney 1983 Gus Chapas/Angelo Kostarides 1984 Peter Sotos 1985 Alex Kaloyanides 1986 Elias Perdicologos 1987 Perry Pakes 1988 Gus G. Stangas 1989 Paul Presnoples 1990 Paul Saros 1991 Joe Alexander 1992 Peter Americanos 1993 Peter Sofios 1994 Spiro Cappony/Tom Doney 1995 Jim Furos/Paul McCormick 1996 George Vlahos 1997 George Stevens 1998 Sam Kyres 1999 Nick Jennetides 2000 John Melonopoulos 2001 Christy Christos 2002 Andy Manos 2003 Chris Peppas 2004 Jim Stangos 2005 George Bouzakis/Harry Psaltis 2006 Michael Kristos 2007 Sam J. Printzos 2008 Tom Gober/Jim Bovis 2009 Thad Kanavos 2010 Nick Gianikos 2011 Nick Gianikos* |
PROMETHEUS(began in 1976) 1976 Milton Kouroubetes 1977 Mimis Antonopoulos 1978 Perry Pakes 1979 Nick Smyrnis/Leo Lamberson 1980 Nick Jannetides 1981 Gust Saros 1982 George Stratigos 1983 Sophocles Pancol/Dr. Leo Sarivalas 1984 Leonard Spirrison 1985 Chris Peppas 1986 John Pasyanos 1987 Tom Doney 1988 Dr. Harry Torney 1989 Savas Joannides 1990 Eli D. Miller 1991 Peter Americanos 1992 Gus G. Stangas 1993 John Magrames 1994 Angelo Kostarides 1995 Chris Michalos 1996 Dr. Andreas Poulakidas 1997 Peter Sofios 1998 George Stevens 1999 Paul Saros/Alex Kaloyanides 2000 Emmanuel Zaphiriou 2001 George Rowlas 2002 John Kouroubetes 2003 George Karras 2004 Jim Furos/Harry Psaltis 2005 Gus Lampos/John Loxas 2006 Tom Doney 2007 John Demetrakis 2008 Sam Kyres 2009 Angelo Kostarides 2010 George Stroguiludis 2011 James Stangas/George Vlahos |
* Nick also Chapter 78, District 12, and National AHEPAN of the year for 2011!!
| Name | Years Served | ||
| †William Zilson | 1931-1934 | ||
| †Nicholas Kandis | 1934-1935 | ||
| †Leo J. Lamberson | 1935-1937 | ||
| †Steven Grammas | 1937-1938 | ||
| †Milton Kourbetis | 1938-1940 | ||
| †Nicholas Kandis | 1940-1941 | ||
| †Michael Spirtos | 1941-1942 | ||
| †Perry E. Pakes | 1942-1943 | ||
| †Peter A. Michaels | 1943-1944 | ||
| †George Geroulis | 1944-1945 | ||
| †William Lewis | 1945 | ||
| †Peter Millers | 1945-1946 | ||
| †Louis K. Tsaros | 1946-1947 | ||
| †James Brahos | 1947-1948 | ||
| †Soph N. Pancol | 1948-1949 | ||
| †George A. Speros | 1949-1950 | ||
| †Perry E. Pakes | 1950-1951 | ||
| †Emmanuel Zaphirlou | 1951-1952 | ||
| †Eli D. Miller | 1952-1954 | ||
| †Theo N. Zaphirlou | 1954-1955 | ||
| S.J. Senes | 1955-1956 | ||
| †George Stratigos | 1956-1957 | ||
| Nick Smyrnis | 1957-1958 | ||
| †Mike Zonakis | 1958-1959 | ||
| †Chris Trakas | 1959-1960 | ||
| †George Mallers | 1960-1961 | ||
| †Gus Nicholas | 1961-1962 | ||
| †Peter Pakes | 1962-1963 | ||
| †Gus Gavrilos | 1963-1964 | ||
| Pete Sofias | 1964-1965 | ||
| †William Damaskos | 1965-1966 | ||
| Nick Jannetides | 1966-1967 | ||
| Finis Coulis | 1967-1969 | ||
| †John W. Bizanes | 1969-1970 | ||
| George S. Pavlou | 1970-1971 |
| †Gust A. Saros | 1971-1973 | ||
| †Mimis Antonopoulos | 1973-1974 | ||
| †Dr. Leo F. Sarivalas | 1974-1975 | ||
| John Magrames | 1975-1976 | ||
| †George Stevens | 1976-1977 | ||
| John Demetrakis | 1977-1978 | ||
| †Hubert E. Strange | 1978-1979 | ||
| †Pete Sotos | 1979-1980 | ||
| †Nick Demetriades | 1980-1981 | ||
| T. Ted Pantazis | 1981-1982 | ||
| John Kouroubetes | 1982-1983 | ||
| †Chris Peppas | 1983-1984 | ||
| Tom Doney | 1984-1985 | ||
| Savas Joannides | 1985-1986 | ||
| Dr. Harry Torney | 1986-1987 | ||
| †George Rowlas | 1987-1989 | ||
| Peter C. Americanos | 1989-1990 | ||
| George Halkias | 1990-1991 | ||
| Jimmie Furos | 1991-1992 | ||
| George N. Bizoukas | 1992-1993 | ||
| Angelo Kostarides | 1993-1994 | ||
| Dr. Andreas Poulakidas | 1995-1996 | ||
| Tom Kouros | 1996-1997 | ||
| Jim Furos | 1997-1998 | ||
| Tom Kouros | 1998-1999 | ||
| Paul Saros | 1999 | ||
| Paul McCormick | 1999-2000 | ||
| Harry Psaltis | 2000-2001 | ||
| Nikos Hatzigeorgiou | 2001-2002 | ||
| Harry Psaltis | 2002-2003 | ||
| Sam Kyres | 2003-2004 | ||
| Tom Gober | 2004-2007 | ||
| Louis P. Gikas | 2007-2008 | ||
| Jerry White | 2008-2010 | ||
| Nick Kavadas |
2010 - Present | ||
| † Deceased - May their Memory be Eternal. |
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Something Cool, something new, something FUN! 
In this area of the website, you can look forward to something like Pic of the week, or Song of the week...always something different to spice things up....
Song of the week:
YouTube clip of the week:
Gabby Awards in Chicago
Pic of the week:
AHEPA Past Supreme Governor, Tom Gober, presents the AHEPA Public Service Award to US Congressional Representative Peter Visclosky of Indiana 1st Congressional District.
