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My Fellow Parishioners,
Our summer has come to an end and as the cool weather comes upon us and the days get shorter, it reminds us that we continue to have a lot of work ahead of us to prepare for the year's closing and the holidays. Much has been happening at our Cathedral while we were at our "Äéáêïðås". The construction of our Family Center is underway with Stage 1; the West Wing, existing classrooms, foyer and bathrooms is almost complete. The Family Center Committee is offering tours and updates of the construction each Sunday after Liturgy, or private tours by appointment. I find it amazing that the transformation has made such a change, especially of our Church Hall beneath the Cathedral. Jim Bazoukas volunteered his services to the Building Committee to oversee the renovation of the Church Hall that includes the two new classrooms and upgrade of the foyer and rest rooms. I am pleased to announce that the occupancy permits were given and the previously underused space is now the new home of our Preschool, Greek School, Sunday School, GOYA, Choir and more. Please stop down there and check it out for yourself. Also know that there are naming opportunities for the Church Hall, classrooms and other structures in that space based on pledges you can make in your family name or in memory of a loved one. Christina Andrianopoulos and Nick Paleologos are available to discuss these opportunities at your convenience.
The Economic climate has affected all of us, but it worked in our favor with the construction bids for the Family Center. Aberthaw Construction is the General Contractor chosen for the Family Center project and the bids came through at 40% less than the original estimates. Based on this outcome, the good news is we can also construct Stage 2 for just about the price of the original estimate of Stage 1. It's almost as if it is (2) stages for the price of one. Stage 2 now is the construction and renovation of the Cotsidas Auditorium space. It also includes the demolition of the existing performance stage, complete upgrade of the auditorium with new lighting, floors and convertible athletic court, HVAC, sprucing up of the kitchen and entrance from the parking lot, as well as the new construction of the Food Pantry and Academic Tower, which will house the Nicholson Family Academic Resource Center that was the generous donation of Mrs. Irene Nicholson and her son Charles in memory of late husband and father, Nick Nicholson. I want to also thank all those who have pledged to date. This project would not have started without your belief in us as well as your financial contribution. If you have not made your donation, please do so at this time. Each donation from everyone large or small is needed to ensure we continue building all stages of the Family Center in a timely manner.
Shortly, we should have a full accounting of the Grecian Festival. At this time results indicate that we have had the most successful festival to date. It looks like we will have made more than $135,000. Again, I would like to thank everyone who worked hard to help make it successful. I would also like to give credit to Don Theoharides, in blessed memory, who revived the festival to the level it has become today, when he became Chairman years ago.
Congratulations goes to Jen Ward our Preschool Director for building the student body of our school to 20 children enrolled for the 2010-2011 year. This is the level the school operated at its peak. Based on her experience and direction we have applied for a 40-student certification in preparation for the school to continue growing. It is up to each and every one of us to promote our wonderful Preschool to everyone who has young children. Jen is available to give you a tour and review her extensive Early Education curriculum that competes with any nursery school in our area. It's our job to get the word out about it.
As I come to the end of my Parish Council term and serving as President for the last 4 years I reflect back at the years I served and hope that I served our community well. I also want to thank my fellow Parish Council members that I served with, this year as well as the years prior. I also want to thank the Executive Committee for helping me realize the goals and initiatives to keep our Cathedral operating to its highest potential as we support our ministries, religious, educational and youth programs. I promise that even off the Parish Council I will offer my services to help in whatever way I'm needed.
I want to give heartfelt thanks to our spiritual leaders, Father Dean and Father Greg for the guidance they have given me as I served and for being there for all of us, day or night, to offer strength and faith during the most joyous times or during struggles and pain. As they constantly pray for us, please also remember them and their families in your prayers.
As we look ahead to our holidays and celebration with our family, I wish you the joyous of holiday spirit. I also ask that you remember those who are less fortunate then we are and to give something to those who are not as blessed… this is the best gift you can give at Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Happy Fall, Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas.
Gus Giannakis |
