By Nathan Duke
The association, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, awarded 12 scholarships – 11 to St. John's University and one to New York University – to area college or graduate students who speak Greek to help them continue their study of the language. Each student was given $500, of which $250 was donated by the association and the other $250 was donated by George Fakiris, an association member.The association will award two more scholarships in June for one girl and one boy high school student who speak Greek.George Alexiou, president of the association for 12 years, said the group wants to promote Greek cultural traditions and fluency in the Greek language for U.S.-born Greek Americans. He pointed out that the association works hard to keep its 2,000 members aware of what is going on in their communities. “We touch the community spirit,” he said. “We help our members with their real problems and keep them informed about their community.”Although many of its members are from Astoria, where the group's office is located on 31st Street, a number of people travel from Whitestone, Woodside and sections of Long Island to attend monthly meetings, said Irene Stathatos, an association member.Stathatos said the association has a long history of charitable giving in Astoria. In November, the group held its 17th annual Thanksgiving dinner for hungry Queens residents. She said association members served more than 2,000 dinners this year and needy families from Astoria, Flushing, Bayside, Middle Village and Rego Park were given whole turkeys. She said younger association members came out in larger numbers this year to help.”It was impressive-this year we had a lot more young people volunteering,” she said. “It was a good cause and people wanted to help the community. The poverty level has increased in Queens in recent years and there are a lot of hungry people out there.”Alexiou said about 85 percent of the association's members were born in Greece and immigrated to the United States, Alexiou included, who moved from Trikala to the United States about 30 years ago. He said the association gains about 40 to 50 members each year.Stathatos said the association also becomes involved in assisting people with specific needs. Recently, the group bought a wheelchair for a 45-year-old woman who had no money or insurance. She said as the association continues to grow, so will its outreach to people in need.”If we see that a person needs something, such as money for a wheelchair or a transplant for a child, we'll give,” she said. “We're expanding. We like to help our own community, but if there are (more widespread) needs, we will go out and help.”Reach reporter Nathan Duke by email at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 156.
