At the Gala, Aris recalled with humor his time on the island and urged everybody to cherish the Cephalonian and Greek heritage in order to become even better Americans.

A restless mind and innovator himself, Aris Melissaratos is about to publish his new book titled Innovation: The Key To Prosperity Technology & America's Role In The 21st Century Global Economy, co-authored with N.J. Slabbert. In it, the authors call for a renewal of America’s commitment to technological innovation, believing that this will enable the United States to transform the present economic climate into a new age of plenty which will include effective responses to problems of environmental challenge and energy resources. America’s greatest wealth, the authors contend, lies in its intellectual capital, which, wisely used, can make the 21st century a golden age of prosperity for the world.

According to Melissaratos, “this book is dedicated to the Hellenic spirit of freedom and discovery that formed the foundation of democracy and Western political and scientific thought, passed down to me and my sister, Stella, by our parents, Panagiotis and Anthippi.” (For signed copies or the book or more information visit www.TheArisInstitute.com )

The Cephalonian Brotherhood of New York was founded 13 years ago by a group of visionary individuals led by entrepreneur Jerarimos Stefanitsis, with the aim to preserve and promote to new generations the distinct character of their native island within a warm environment, devoid of local and sometimes-personal differences that have led similar type organizations to inertia and finally extinction. They organize a number of events on a yearly basis in order to bring closer the youth and also the Cephalonians scattered in the tri-state area and try to reenact customs and, most importantly, recreate the particular spirit prevalent in Cephalonian gatherings.

The organization is credited with establishing in New York the Robola Celebration every December, honoring (in generous doses) the unique wine variety produced exclusively in Cephalonia.

According to Mr. Stefanitsis, “as Cephalonians, we recognize that in order to preserve our heritage, history and our identity in the diaspora, we must communicate, collaborate and unite.”

About a year ago, another breakthrough came with the establishment of the Cephanolian Brotherhood Youth that came to add to the dynamism of the original organization. A prolific dance troupe was formed, while excursions and other events brought teenagers and their friends together to forge bonds of friendship that will accompany them for life. Voula Kavallieratos is the president, with Elian Stefanitsis vice president and Petros Stellatos treasurer. Public Relations liaisons are Elias Georgatos and Denise Grouzis.

“The youth is our future and we understand that we have the ability to guarantee the promotion of Hellenism and specifically the culture of our beautiful island,” said Louis Lourentzatos, the Brotherhood’s current president, pointing out the importance placed to the newly-formed group.

For more information on the organization and its activities the telephone number is (914) 472-7828 and the email brotherhood@cephalonia.com. For the Youth group, the telephone number is (917) 335-4193 and the email kefalonianbrotherhoodyouth@gmail.com

DEMETRIOS RHOMPOTIS