Welcome to Chios Societies of the Americas & Canada

<body> <blockquote> <H2 style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0"><b><font face="Monotype Corsiva"> <img border="0" src="csac.bmp" width="98" height="98" align="left"></font><font color="#800000">     </font></b><font face="Monotype Corsiva" size="7">Chios Societies of the Americas and Canada, Inc.</font></H2> </blockquote> <p class="MsoBlockText" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in; margin-left: 6.8pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt"> <span style="font-family: Verdana; font-weight: normal"> <font style="font-size: 9pt">The Chios Societies of America & Canada was organized in December 1939, with a Supreme Lodge opening in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in January of the following year. The fourteen chapters of the federation were located in Pittsburgh (“Agia Markella"), Aliquippa (“Agia Markella"), Monessen (“Omonoia"), McKeesport (“Proodos"), Bethlehem (“Agia Markella"), New York City (Panchiaki “Koraes" Society), Cleveland ("Chios"), Warren ("Agia Markella”), Steubenville (“Omeros"), Campbell (“Agios Nicolaos"), Yorkville ("Chios”), Gary Indiana ("Kanaris"), Detroit, Michigan ("Agia Markella") and Baltimore, Maryland, (“Andreas Sygros"). Andrew Potous served as First Supreme President and Gust Mesologites as First Supreme Vice-President. The first national gathering was held May 22, 1939 at the Mayfair Hotel in Pittsburgh but it was not until November of that year that a dance was offered for conventioneers in Steubenville, Ohio.</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in; margin-left: 6.8pt"> <span style="font-family: Verdana; letter-spacing: -.1pt"> <font style="font-size: 9pt">The United Chios Societies of America consists of chapters in New York (21), Baltimore (2) and Cleveland, Warren, Steubenville, Philadelphia, with representative chapters in Chicago and New Orleans coming into the federation in 1985, and California in 2005.  There are also prospective chapters in Montreal, where a major social gathering occurred in 1977, and in Toronto, Canada. Throughout their 65 years the Chian conventions have reflected social, political and cultural attitudes reflective of their times.</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in; margin-left: 6.8pt"> <span style="font-family: Verdana; letter-spacing: -.1pt"> <font style="font-size: 9pt">The first two conventions embrace a pristine period, conventioneers having survived the rigors of The Great Depression. The Second World War shrouded conventioneers in despair over news concerning battles in the European and Pacific theatres, and war rationing and homage to the War's casualties caused the suspension of conventions in 1944 and 1945. The 1946 Cleveland convention was held, like the celebrated Baltimore convention the following year, in the glowing aftermath of Allied Forces triumph. Financially leaner years forced conventions to become biennial events as of 1953, a tradition which continued until the Warren convention in 1963, when it was decided that conventions should resume an annual course. The turbulence of the middle sixties and early seventies, with tragedies following in succession from the time of President Kennedy's assassination in November of 1963, through the sad close of the Vietnam War in January 1973, also had a profound effect on Chian national gatherings.</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in; margin-left: 6.8pt"> <span style="font-family: Verdana; letter-spacing: -.1pt"> <font style="font-size: 9pt">The first UCSA convention on Chian soil was held in 1969, at the island's Xenia Hotel, with delegate meetings at the Korais Library; Attorney Christ Stratakis served as the general chairman. UCSA conventioneers returned to Chios in 1972 and 1978, the latter event held at the newly constructed Chandris Hotel.</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in; margin-left: 6.8pt"> <span style="font-family: Verdana; letter-spacing: -.1pt"> <font style="font-size: 9pt">In 1984, at the 31st National Convention, a new surge of interest and activity prompted the resumption of annual conventions.</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in; margin-left: 6.8pt"> <span style="font-family: Verdana; letter-spacing: -.1pt"> <font style="font-size: 9pt">At the same convention the UCSA name was changed into the present name of Chios Societies of America and Canada (CSA&C). Even though the name has changed we still refer to the societies as the UCSA. In 1991, with the initiative of the Chian Federation, the concept of the International Convention was born.</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in; margin-left: 6.8pt"> <font face="Verdana" style="font-size: 9pt"> <span style="letter-spacing:-.1pt">The CSA&C has had 65 years of history filled with the worthy accomplishments of its Chapters and our island.  </span>Over and above the gifts to Chios, the most significant accomplishment has been the preservation of our heritage and identity. This organization has made us proud of the fact we are Chians and will always continue to do so.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in; margin-left: 6.8pt"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-left:6.8pt;text-align:center"> <span style="font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Verdana">Accomplishment timeline of the CSA&C from the last 20 years:</span><span style="font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Verdana"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -.25in; margin-left: 42.8pt"> <span style="font-size: 8.5pt; font-family: Symbol">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">          </span></span><span style="font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Verdana">In 1985, the Supreme Lodge of the CSA&C received the request and guaranteed the cost of the repairs of the Mihalion Orphanage in Chios, to become the Main building of the University of the Aegean.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -.25in; margin-left: 42.8pt"> <span style="font-size: 8.5pt; font-family: Symbol">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">          </span></span><span style="font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Verdana">In 1986, the CSA&C assisted with the procurement of the computers for a full classroom in the University of the Aegean and named it the “DR. JAMES KELLIS ROOM” (with the assistance of our compatriot the late Dr. George Livanos).</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -.25in; margin-left: 42.8pt"> <span style="font-size: 8.5pt; font-family: Symbol">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">          </span></span><span style="font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Verdana">In 1988, the CSA&C assisted with the procurement of a Microfiche (electronic machine) for the Korais Library, which was installed the same year.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -.25in; margin-left: 42.8pt"> <span style="font-size: 8.5pt; font-family: Symbol">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">          </span></span><span style="font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Verdana">Also in 1988, with the donation of $6,000.00 from Mr. Nikolas K. Marinakis, Mr. Dimitrios M. Bouboulis, Mr. Stefanos M. Bouboulis, and Mr. Markos K. Marinakis (all who were members of the Supreme Lodge), the CSA&C procured the first computers for the offices of the Prefecture of Chios.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -.25in; margin-left: 42.8pt"> <span style="font-size: 8.5pt; font-family: Symbol">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">          </span></span><span style="font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Verdana">In 1991, at the 1<sup>st</sup> International Chian Convention in Chios, the Greek Government honored US Army General Vassilios (William) Gus Pagonis, a Persian Gulf War Veteran.  Also during that convention, the Chian Federation of New York gave the Homeric Award to the President of Greece, the late Constantine Karamanlis and to Chian Philanthropist Stamatia Michael Xylas.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -.25in; margin-left: 42.8pt"> <span style="font-size: 8.5pt; font-family: Symbol">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">          </span></span><span style="font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Verdana">In 1992, state of the art instruments (laser) were procured and installed at the ophthalmologic clinic of the Skilitsion Hospital of Chios.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -.25in; margin-left: 42.8pt"> <span style="font-size: 8.5pt; font-family: Symbol">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">          </span></span><span style="font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Verdana">In 1995, at the 2nd International Convention in Chios, all Chians around the world were called on to participate.  Chians from Australia, Egypt, the USA, Canada, Holland, England, Athens, Piraeus, Rhodes, Syros, and Thessaloniki, for the first time ever, attended and exchanged views on how to help Chios.  Two specialists were commissioned to carry out a study of the Skylitsion Hospital to address its needs and priorities.  Fundraising commenced throughout North America for Catscan, Mammogram, and Sonogram equipment.  The CSA&C organized the procurement of the equipment, which were installed at the hospital, to everyone’s satisfaction and relief for the accomplishment. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -.25in; margin-left: 42.8pt"> <span style="font-size: 8.5pt; font-family: Symbol">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">          </span></span><span style="font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Verdana">In 2003, at the 4<sup>th</sup> International Convention in Chios, a motion was carried and approved unanimously to raise $50000.00 in order to contribute for further improvement of the Cardiology Clinic of the Skylitsion Hospital.  The CSA&C also committed to annually provide financial support to maintain the office hours of the Enosis Omogenon Chios Society.  The office assists Chians abroad with information and support to help manage their Greek affairs. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -.25in; margin-left: 42.8pt"> <span style="font-size: 8.5pt; font-family: Symbol">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">          </span></span><span style="font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Verdana">In 2004, the first $10,300 for the Cardiology Clinic was donated to the CSA&C, by the Association of Kambiousion Chios of America (the net proceeds from the 50<sup>th</sup> National Chian Convention), and presented to the administrator of the hospital, in Chios, for the procurement of Esophageal cardio-diagnostic equipment.  The Panchiakon Society of Chicago, “Pelineon,” followed the example and pledged their net proceeds of the 51<sup>st</sup> National Chian Convention for the Cardiology Clinic, as well.  The CSA&C completed the remaining commitment to the hospital in the summer of 2006.</span><span style="font-size: 8.5pt; font-family: Verdana"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -.25in; margin-left: 42.8pt"> <span style="font-size: 8.5pt; font-family: Symbol">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">          </span></span><span style="font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Verdana">In 2005, during the 51<sup>st</sup> National Chian Convention, the first “Dimitrios Bouboulis Memorial Scholarship Awards” totaling $4000.00 were awarded to six recipients of Chian descent for their college education.  The CSA&C is gearing up to increase the amount of scholarship fundraising to award additional recipients during future conventions.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-after: avoid; margin-left: 6.8pt"> <span style="font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Verdana"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-after: avoid; margin-left: 6.8pt" align="justify"> <span style="font-family: Verdana"><font style="font-size: 9pt">More recent conventions have tended to have in their gatherings the enthusiasm of the pristine period, reaffirming the Chian ethos, but utilizing to the maximum the technological innovations and amenities at their disposal. The result has been some very professionally managed social functions of late. Two of the very finest conventions were those held in Philadelphia in 1965, where at least a thousand persons gathered for an opulent dinner, and the first held in Chios in 1969, over which the then Supreme President Gus Glyptis presided.  All general Chairmen have performed admirably. </font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:6.8pt" align="justify"> <span style="font-family: Verdana"><font style="font-size: 9pt">In 2006, the 52<sup>nd</sup> National Chian Convention was hosted by the newest chapter of the CSA&C, the Chian Society of California.  For the first time in their history, the Chians of North America had finally accomplished the goal of becoming organized and united from coast to coast.   </font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-after: avoid; margin-left: 6.8pt; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0" align="center"> <span style="font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Verdana"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana"><span style="font-size: 9pt">John E. Frangos</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-after: avoid; margin-left: 6.8pt; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0" align="center"> <span style="font-family: Verdana"><span style="font-size: 9pt">Past President</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 6.8pt"> <span style="font-family: Verdana"><font size="2">The current member societies of the organization are: </font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 6.8pt; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0"> <span style="font-family: Verdana"><font size="2">Chian Association of Canada - Montreal, Canada</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 6.8pt; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0"> <span style="font-family: Verdana"><font size="2">The Chian Federation of New York</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 6.8pt; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0"> <span style="font-family: Verdana"><font size="2">Chian Society of California </font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 6.8pt; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0"> <span style="font-family: Verdana"><font size="2">Chios Homer Association - Boston, Massachusetts</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 6.8pt; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0"> <span style="font-family: Verdana"><font size="2">Chios Society of Agia Markella – Florida</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 6.8pt; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0"> <span style="font-family: Verdana"><font size="2">Chios Society Agia Markella - Warren, Ohio</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 6.8pt; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0"> <span style="font-family: Verdana"><font size="2">Chios Society Chapter #7 - Cleveland, Ohio</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 6.8pt; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0"> <span style="font-family: Verdana"><font size="2">Chios Society of Dallas, Texas</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 6.8pt; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0"> <span style="font-family: Verdana"><font size="2">Chios Society of New Jersey (Pending)</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 6.8pt; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0"> <span style="font-family: Verdana"><font size="2">Chios Society of Pittsburgh </font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 6.8pt; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0"> <span style="font-family: Verdana"><font size="2">Dafnonas Chios Society - New York, New York</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 6.8pt; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0"> <span style="font-family: Verdana"><font size="2">Homer Association of Toronto - Toronto, Canada</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 6.8pt; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0"> <span style="font-family: Verdana"><font size="2">Panchiakon Society of Pelineon - Chicago, Illinois</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 6.8pt; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0"> <span style="font-family: Verdana"><font size="2">Panchiaki Korais Society Chapter #1 - New York</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 6.8pt; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0"> <span style="font-family: Verdana"><font size="2">Society Koraes Chapter #16 - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 6.8pt; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0"> <span style="font-family: Verdana"><font size="2">The Order of St. Markella of Chios - New Orleans, Louisiana</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 6.8pt; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0"> <span style="font-family: Verdana"><font size="2">Tholopotamousion Association - Montreal, Canada</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 6.8pt; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0"> <span style="font-family: Verdana"><font size="2">Thymiana Chios Society - New York, New York</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 6.8pt; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0"> <span style="font-family: Verdana"><font size="2">United Chios Society & The Ladies Panchian Society “Chios” - Baltimore, Maryland</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 6.8pt; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0"> <span style="font-family: Verdana"><font size="2">United Chios Society Homer Chapter #4 - Steubenville, Ohio and Weirton, West Virginia </font> </span></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent"> </p> <HR> <H2><B><FONT color=#800000>Contact Information</FONT></B></H2> <P><FONT color=#000080 face="Lucida Sans Unicode">We can be reached at:</FONT> </P> <DL> <DT><STRONG><FONT color=#800000 face="Lucida Sans Unicode">Telephone:</FONT></STRONG> <DD><font color="#000080" face="Lucida Sans Unicode">201-960-9260, Supreme President, Dimitrios B. Kontolios</font> <DD>  <DT><STRONG><FONT color=#800000 face="Lucida Sans Unicode">Postal address:</FONT></STRONG> <DD><font color="#000080" face="Lucida Sans Unicode">912 Linden Ave. Ridgefield, NJ 07657</font> <dt> </dt> <dt> </dt> <DT><STRONG><FONT color=#800000 face="Lucida Sans Unicode">Electronic mail:</FONT></STRONG> <DD><FONT color=#000080 face="Lucida Sans Unicode">General Information: mailto: chiossocieties @ aol.com<BR> Webmaster: mailto: jimik3567 @ aol.com</FONT></DD> <DD><FONT color=#000080 face="Lucida Sans Unicode"> </FONT></DD> <DD><FONT color=#000080 face="Lucida Sans Unicode"> <p align="center"> <a title="Chios Societies Homepage" target="_top" href="http://www.chiossocieties.org"> <img border="0" src="home_norm.gif" width="96" height="44"></a><BR> </DD></DL> </FONT> </body>