Dear Fellow Chians and Friends,

The “Chios Societies of America and Canada, Inc.” cordially invites all fellow Chians and their friends to attend the 5^th International and 53^rd National Chian Convention that will be held in Chios, from August 2-6, 2007. This year's International Convention will focus on the Chian Youth worldwide. The young Chiotes will have a chance to familiarize themselves with the cultural heritage of our island. Vrontados, the birthplace of Homer, will also host a beach party for them. In Daskalopetra (the rock of Homer), from evening to daybreak, The Iliad will be read by an international panel put together by “The Readers of Homer” featuring Professor Kathryn Hohlwein & Mr. Yiannis Simonides. At the Homeric Intellectual Centre, in Chios, there will be an art exhibit of featuring the works of Aspasia Melis, a line of invited speakers from Athens, Australia, and the USA, that will participate in seminars and discussions about Hellenic and Chian issues with a focus on the young adults of the Diaspora. The Grand Banquet will take place at the Golden Sand Hotel, in Karfas, on Saturday, August 4^th where we will recognize the recipients the Dimitrios Bouboulis Memorial Scholarships and honor guests who have had a record of contributing to the benefit of the island of Chios, the Hellenic Republic, and the Greek-American community. The Convention concludes with an excursion to the island of Psara.

The Supreme Lodge and Board of Directors are looking forward to seeing all members, their families, and friends, at the Convention, so that we may continue this tradition and see forth our ongoing efforts to achieve our goals as Chians. The Convention will be a great opportunity for all Chians from the United States and Canada to meet other Chians from Europe, Africa, and Australia. Our presence in Chios, this summer, will strengthen and support the economy of our beloved Island of Chios.

Once again, we kindly request your assistance in deferring the expenses of the convention. The record exchange rate of the US$ to Euro has put the convention budget in danger of a projected shortfall. Please review the contract for Sponsorships/Commemorative Journal, respond generously and promote it to your business associates and friends.

Anyone interested in further information must call Supreme President, Dimitrios Kontolios, at 201-960-9260, or any of the members of the organizing committee, ASAP, or e-mail at: jimik3567@aol.com or chiossocieties@aol.com.

During your stay on the island of Chios, before and during the convention,

please contact our convention coordinator:

Irene G. Zanikos, Enosis Omogenon Chios, Sgouta 1, 821 00 Chios, Greece

22710-44616 (office), 693-695-9402 (mobile)

August is the busiest month of the year for tourism in Chios and hotel rooms, autos, and airline tickets are limited and at a premium. Please do not hesitate to make your arrangements.

Subsequent letters will follow with more information and planning of events.

Regards to all,

The Organizing Committee,

John M. Kontolios, 201-767-6267

Stefanos Bouboulis, 781-589-7567

Steve Siderias, 201-262-4976

Dimitrios B. Kontolios, 201-960-9260 (after July 30^th, 694-886-4536, mobile in Greece)