[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1822]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING THE SOCIETY OF KASTORIANS ``OMONOIA'' OF NEW YORK ON 
                        THEIR 100TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GARY L. ACKERMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 29, 2010

  Mr. ACKERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 100th 
anniversary of the Society of the Kastorians ``OMONOIA'' of New York, 
located in Whitestone.
  The first Kastorian immigrants, hailing from Kastoria, a North-
Western Province in Greece, have deep roots in New York City. After 
their arrival in 1887, the community quickly grew. These new Americans 
organized a philanthropic group that has done charitable work and 
donated resources both in Greece and here in the United States.
  Founded on August 7, 1910, the Society first began sending aid back 
to its members' homeland, Kastoria. The first donations supported a 
girls' school, a pharmacy, and earthquake-recovery efforts. During both 
World Wars, the Society was active in providing assistance to Greece's 
infrastructure and its defenses. During those turbulent times, the 
Society's efforts helped Greece construct a warship, a power plant and 
a water supply distribution system, as well as providing shipments of 
flour to Greek refugees.
  Through the years, the Society's generosity has not been limited to 
Greece; it has supported many initiatives in New York and throughout 
the United States. In 1941, the Kastorians purchased $16,000 in U.S. 
Savings Bonds, and an aircraft was named The Kastorian Spirit in their 
honor. They have donated to the American Red Cross and have annually 
given over $50,000 for scholarships. The Kastorians donated to the 
World Trade Center Fund after the 9/11 attacks, and to Columbia 
University for its Hellenic Studies and Ancient History program. They 
also purchased a two-building complex in Whitestone that the Society 
uses as its headquarters, where cultural lectures and celebrations are 
hosted.
  Madam Speaker, for the last hundred years, the Society's members have 
been able to maintain their heritage and devotion to Greece, while at 
the same time dedicating themselves to their home in the United States. 
I look forward to seeing the Society of Kastorians ``OMONOIA'' of New 
York's future efforts in improving the lives of not only Greek-
Americans, but also all Americans, for many more years to come.
  I ask that my colleagues in the House of Representatives join me, and 
rise in recognition of the Society of Kastorians, its President, Dr. 
Elias Panides, its Vice President, Vasili E. Zisis, and all its 
members, on their centennial anniversary.

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