So Long Aunt Katina !

 

So Long Aunt Katina !

by Justine Frangouli-Argyris

 

My aunt Katina was a girl among the many children born to the Vlachos family, in the mountainous village of Exanthia, in Lefkada. This did not bode well for the youngsters, especially for the girls, as the village and its surrounding area were located in a barren region of the island.

 In her early youth, however, she received an invitation from her siblings who had immigrated to Sydney and, thus, happily found herself in Australia. There, she began to work for her own well-being, to build her dowry, as well as for that of her family back home.

 Voyaging by ocean liner to Australia, she followed the fate of thousands of Greek immigrants who sought a better life abroad. With her brothers’ support and with her youth and desire for work, she had reached thirty by the time she was ready to wed.

 As most of her compatriots, she desired to wed a 'man from her hometown' and, thus, uncle Leonidas Frangoulis, the youngest of my respected father's brothers, came into the picture. “Uncle Leonidis,” as he was called back home in Englouvi where he was destined to a life grazing the family’s sheep, was a delicate creature who did not take to agricultural work. When a marriage proposal with Katina’s picture arrived depicting her black hair and dark, glowing look, he instantly decided to depart for Sydney, to marry her and start a family.

 I remember, there in her paternal house, in the middle of Exanthia, at the engagement party that was held, the groom dancing with the photo of the bride he had received and impatiently waiting to meet her upon his arrival in the distant world down under. The guests danced the “tsamiko” and the “kalamatiano” and they sang and played the violins while uncle Leonidis was full of emotion as he would be off to a better life in Australia but leaving his family and homeland behind.

 Aunt Katina welcomed him there. He fell in love with her warm personality and liveliness and they soon became a couple before God. They sent us the very large wedding photos that showed Katina wearing a beautiful wedding dress with a white tulle. I remember this photo that sat on the buffet in my grandmother Konstantia's house in Englouvi.

As children, we had never met aunt Katina but we learned to love her from afar because uncle Leonidis would send letters every month that my father would read aloud to us.

 Katina helped Leonidas start out and, together, they worked hard to make a good home. Soon, their only child, the beautiful Konstantina,(Kossy) was born who took the colors of her mother and the “Frangoulis” features of her father.

 After 12 years, along with 10-year old Konstantina, they finally returned to Greece for the first time. And they brought goodies from Australia, I do not remember what and how, only that a set of “formal” cutlery was given to my Mother who was always quick to mention this at our special family gatherings.

 Aunt Katina was a sweet yet dynamic woman, a quiet force, who stood strongly by her family but never failed to support her extended family in Lefkada. They visited their homeland many times over the years and my Mom was happy with her sister-in-law , for her kindness, immediacy and honesty. Although separated by continents and oceans, whenever they got together they spoke like sisters who had never been apart.

 Aunt Katina was happy to see her daughter Konstantina graduate from Univeristy, marry her love, John, and have two exceptional children, Chris and Katerina,( who took her grandma’s name). She was very active, an excellent cook and housewife and, when we visited them in 2012, she opened her big arms and welcomed us lovingly. She organized a big feast with all the Greek specialties and treated us as if we were her own. Our unforgettable moments in Australia with uncle Leonidis and aunt Katina are recorded forever in my memory and my heart.

 In her final years, Aunt Katina suffered as her beloved Leonidis was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and was unable to recognize her. As such, perhaps it's better that she left, and he will not realize it. However she departed tragically and abruptly hit by a car in the middle of the road.

 Have a good trip to heaven Aunt Katina. We will remember you with a lot of love for what you were to all of us. Warm greetings to my grandparents, your brothers-in-law and cousins. And a special hug to our “Butterfly.”  I promise you will be in the best company! Until we meet again!

Recipes and Stories from Athena's Kitchen!

 A beautiful cook book with personal narratives from battered women who have found shelter in the SHIELD OF ATHENA has recently been published with the proceeds going towards the new shelter in Laval that is currently under construction.

The book comprises recipes from women of many origins who have been the victims of domestic violence. Their journey, from being battered to attaining their freedom, is a worthy read and the recipes from their countries of origin and are truly interesting.

Buy it now to become a partof a collective memory and to help women free themselves from conjugalviolence!

 

JOIN US ON AN AMAZING JOURNEY 

AROUND THE WORLD!

"Recipes and Stories from Athena's Kitchen"

A compilation of recipes and messages of strength and courage

from survivors of intimate partner violence.

 

SOPHIE GRÉGOIRE TRUDEAU opens The Shield’s cookbook with a forward dedicated to the women of Athena’s House, in recognition of their inspirational journey towards a life free of violence.  

“Throughout history, the kitchen has been a friendly and joyful place to gather and to share our stories and our sorrows. But if our potential and talent is to continue to spread in different spheres of society over time, the work for equity and social justice must continue.” Sophie Grégoire Trudeau

Available in both English and French, the Shield of Athena’s cookbook offers readers an insight on the women who have stayed at our shelter, Athena’s House, and their journey towards a life free of violence.  

The book is comprised of 34 recipes of appetizers, main dishes and desserts. Twenty different countries are represented! Amongst these delicacies, the reader will be inspired by the women’s stories as they share their struggles and their triumphs.

These recipes were shared during our therapeutic cooking activities and helped foster a sense of normalcy and safety to the participants.

We dedicate this book to the women of Athena’s house and to the universal language of food that transcends our differences and connects us all.

Buy it here!

Recipes and Stories From Athena's Kitchen – Shield of Athena's Art Sale (myshopify.com)

The “Doveegene” Genomic Pap Test: Not a Cause but, Rather, a Destination!

 

The “Doveegene” Genomic Pap Test:

Not a Cause but, Rather, a Destination!

 

On May 12th, with the participation of more than 200 registrants, the Lyceum of Greek Women of Montreal (LGWM), in co-operation with the MUHC Foundation, organized the “Joanne and Melina Virtual Event” that focused on the clinical trials of the “Doveegene” genomic pap test under renowned oncologist/gynecologist of MUHC/McGill, Dr. Lucy Gilbert.

 Aphrodite Salas, professor of Journalism at Concordia University, graciously hosted the event which was enriched by the presence of Dr. Pierre Gfeller, President and CEO of the MUHC. Dr. Gfeller began by introducing the Canadian Minister of Health, the Honorable Patty Hajdu, who noted the government’s efforts to fund medical research projects, some of which focus on gender equality. Patty Hajdu emphasized the importance of the “Doveegene” clinical trials and an end result that will save millions of women’s lives in the future.

 This was the third year that the Lyceum of Greek Women of Montreal organized an event dedicated to fundraising for the "DOvEEgene Project" which focuses on the early detection of ovarian and endometrial cancers.

 The LGWM has already contributed $100,000.00 to the project to date. With this fundraising event, the goal is to collect an additional $50.000.00.

 The audience was captivated by the narratives of the event’s main figures, Melina Tsagaropoulos, a 31-year old mother, and Joanne Photiades, vice-president of the “Doveegene” Genomic Pap Test fundraising campaign, who related their experiences with ovarian cancer, bringing tears to people’s eyes.

 Justine Frangouli-Argyris, President of the LGWM, said that as a journalist and woman who lost her younger sister to ovarian cancer, she feels the need to help in the prevention of this silent killer. She said that “Doveegene” is not a cause but, rather, a destination.

 Dr. Lucy Gilbert, named one of Canada's "Top 25 Women of Influence for 2021" and a global expert in gynecology/oncology and genomics at the MUHC, presented the “DOvEEgene” test which aims to make a significant scientific breakthrough for the early diagnosis of ovarian and endometrial cancers. She invited all women aged 45 to 70 years to participate in the “Doveegene” clinical trials by registering with her team.

 To get this project from the research laboratory to a clinical-grade test, the MUHC Foundation is raising $2M with its “Stop the Silent Killer” campaign. The plan is to leverage public funding to triple this amount.

While many researchers are working on ovarian and endometrial cancers, Dr. Gilbert is the sole researcher developing an early detection test and she is uniquely positioned to achieve this goal.

Even though laboratories in the U.S. may have superior funding, Dr. Gilbert’s expertise as a physician and her access to a diverse group of women given our public healthcare system will enable her to finish the clinical study required to confirm her discovery.

 In her closing remarks, Julie Quenneville, CEO of the MUHC Foundation, reiterated how important it is to have the “Doveegene” Genomic pap test become a tool for every woman in order to prevent endometrial and ovarian cancers.

 Messages of praise and good wishes were delivered to Dr. Gilbert and the LGWM from the following local female politicians:

Emmanuella Lambropoulos, M.P. for Saint Laurent;

Annie Koutrakis, M.P.for Vimy; 

Sandra El-Helou, City Councillor for Souvenir-Labelle;

Mary Deros, City Councillor for Villeray, St-Michel-Park Extension;

Aglaia Revelakis, City Councillor for Chomedey

 A song by well known Greek-Canadian singer, Maro Lytras, was aired, soothing the audience.

 The LGWM would like to thank its major sponsors: 

1) the City of Laval and Municipal Councillor for Souvenir-Labelle, Sandra El-Helou; 

2) Ernst and Young; 

3) real estate agents Vicky Georgiadou and Nancy Zentefis of Les Immeubles Charisma;

4) Gestion Immobiliere Provision; 

5) Thalia Greek wines; 

6) Global Imperial;

7) radio station CFMB; 

 Many thanks to all our donors and especially to Dr. Athena Diamandis and Dr. Andre Shenouda for their very generous contribution.

Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to Mary Arvanitis and Lisa Mastroianni for co-ordinating the virtual event on behalf of the MUHC Foundation!

Click here to donate now Lyceum of Greek Women of Montreal (akaraisin.com)

·         If you want to participate in the clinical trials register here:

·         doveegene@mcgill.ca/contact

·         Or call at 1 866 716 3267

 

The Chaotic Pandemic Crisis in Canada

 

By Justine Frangouli-Argyris

 Progressive Canada, a member of the seven most developed countries in the world, is proving, after 10 months of the pandemic, that it has been unable to handle the crisis, registering thousands of deaths while continuously moving towards harsher and harsher lockdown measures.

With 708,619 cases and 18,014 deaths at the time of writing, the country is constantly teetering between an economic catastrophe and an explosive spread of the virus which remains impervious to the ever stricter measures of confinement.

The popular Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, has reached an impasse, constantly printing money to distribute to the unemployed and shuttered businesses, with seemingly no plans to revive the economy and an inability to promptly secure a vaccine for its 38 million inhabitants. The government plans to spend $322.3 billion on business and population relief of which, according to the national broadcaster, CBC, it had already dispersed $240 billion as of the end of November.

To complicate matters, in the midst of the crisis, Justin Trudeau was implicated in the infamous “WE” scandal when his government approved a $900 million contract to the aforementioned NGO whose co-presidents were personal friends of the Prime Minister and had paid large sums to his mother Margaret for public speaking engagements. 

Trudeau’s Finance Minister, Bill Morneau, was forced to resign as a result of the scandal as he partook in approving the contract while having accepted free travel from the organization, contrary to Canada’s code of conduct.

Currently, another scandal is haunting the internationally popular prime minister given that his government decided to order vaccines from China—orders that have been neither approved nor fulfilled—leaving behind potential supplies from major U.S. and European manufacturers. 

To date, the country has vaccinated only 1.55% of the population, far behind other western countries, leaving frontline doctors and hospital staff indignant and nursing homes taking court action over the delay.

Regardless, the Prime Minister continues to reassure the population that all is well and that all those who want a vaccine will get one by the end of September.

In the meantime, Canada is teetering on the limits of the absurd. Its borders have been closed since March with all non-Canadians barred from entering the country. Returning citizens are still leaving its airports without their temperature being taken nor being subjected to any rapid testing for the diagnosis of the virus. A strict 14-day quarantine continues to be imposed on those entering the country regardless of their condition while the land border with the U.S. has remained closed since last April.

Passport renewal offices as well as the issuance of diplomatic visas at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remain dormant resulting in citizens without valid passports having to wait until the end of the crisis before being able to travel.

All restaurants and retail have been locked down in Ontario and Quebec, Canada's most populous provinces. Only grocery stores, pharmacies and banks remain open. Indoor gatherings are strictly forbidden with only one visitor allowed in houses with only one resident.

At the same time, huge queues form outside the government-run monopolies that sell alcohol and cannabis. Citizens are outraged that retail shops suffer while young people are permitted to buy booze and hash that are consumed in secret parties that are major sources of transmission of the virus.

The chaos is worsening with Justin Trudeau now threatening to ban all flights leaving Canada. The country’s main carriers, Air Canada and WestJet, continue to protest, pointing out that the government’s policies are “incoherent and inconsistent” to no avail. Left with little choice, they continue to lay off thousands. 

Restaurants, a large majority of which are Greek-owned, are dying with modelling showing that 30% may never re-open once public money stops flowing.

And all this chaotic, untenable dependence on public money has created an environment that has Justin Trudeau smiling smugly, anxiously waiting for the earliest opportunity to call a snap election and improve his government’s standing to a majority.

A Sexist Slap in the Face to Canadian MP, Emmanuella Lambropoulos

 

By Justine Frangouli-Argyris

I followed the conversation with Ville Saint-Laurent MP, Emmanuella Lambropoulos, and Commissioner of the Official Languages, Raymond Théberge, which took place virtually a few days ago.

 Emmanuella Lambropoulos, a Greek-origin MP in her early 30’s currently serving her second term in Parliament as a member of the ruling Liberal Party, is there defending the rights of the English-speaking minority of Quebec. In this capacity, she conveyed certain questions to Théberge, noting that unilingual anglophones in Quebec are experiencing difficulties in the workplace due to a lack of knowledge of French where it is very difficult for all non-French speakers to secure employment.

Emmanuella Lambropoulos did not make any statement, but, rather, asked the following question to the Commissioner for Official Languages: 

"I have another question along the same lines. We hear that the French language is declining in Quebec. I don't want to call it a myth; I'll give it the benefit of the doubt. I've heard that on several occasions. I have to see proof in order to believe that."

 It is at this point that Conservative MP, Alain Rayes, and Bloc Québécois MP, Stéphane Bergeron, stood up and demanded her expulsion from the Commission. In fact, similar remarks were made in Parliament by other MPs from the New Democratic Party and the Conservative Party. How could Emmanuela Lambropoulos dare challenge the concept of the use of the French language in Quebec, they intended?

 Of course, without any valid reason, the knives were out for the ethnic MP Lambropoulos in the French media. The result being that some MPs from the Liberal Party attacked Lambropoulos (Propos d’Emmanuella Lambropoulos sur le français | « J’étais vraiment abasourdie » (lapresse.ca)

 It should be noted that the attack on Emmanuella Lambropoulos culminated in an ugly sketch published in the vaunted Montreal French-language newspaper, “La Presse,” where she appears to be slapped by a Liberal colleague while others await their turn in line to do likewise.

Needless to say, the sketch had Canada’s Greek community up in arms. The Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal, the Hellenic Congress of Quebec and the Lyceum of Greek Women of Montreal addressed statements to the Prime Minister's Office, the Inter-Party Committee for Official Languages ​​and to “La Presse” condemning the sexist and misogynistic depiction of the young Lambropoulos being subjected to violence by men in a country of democracy and equality such as Canada.

The falsification of Emmanuela Lambropoulos' question by opposition MPs, but also by those of her own party, clearly shows that it is fodder for any politician of any faction to try and take advantage of the sensitive issue of the French language in Quebec. It can offer political benefits and all sides are eyeing the many seats in Canada’s French-speaking province, knowing full well that an election could be around the corner.

Quebec’s anglophones often do not dare ask the obvious questions about the use of the English language and the difficult realities of their monolingualism. Those belonging to ethnic communities, even though often trilingual, continue to be bullied and made to feel like second class citizens by those allegedly cut from the French-speaking cloth of Quebec society.

The Greek community of Quebec and Canada  is fully supportive of Ms. Lambropoulos and may end up being indifferent for the Liberals in the next federal election, especially in Justin Trudeau's Greek-heavy riding of Papineau. 

 It is noteworthy that, although this shameful sketch should have been a rallying point for an “egalitarian” party like the Liberals, neither the Prime Minister nor anyone in his parliamentary caucus has come out with an official condemnation!

 

Rich Benefits, Poor Leadership in Canada!

Justine Frangouli-Argyris



Three months after the enforcement of the “lockdown” in Canada (which began March 15), the country continues to count cases and casualties at a steady rate with their numbers reaching 90,947 and 7,295, respectively. The province of Quebec has been hit the hardest, with 51,059 cases and 4,641 deaths from COVID-19.



The weak links in this pandemic, especially in the populous provinces of Quebec and Ontario, have been nursing homes, where the elderly and the weak were left abandoned by fleeing employees and left to suffer a tragic fate. As much as provincial governments have tried to alleviate the problem by recruiting, among others, Canadian army personnel, nursing homes continue to account for two-thirds of deaths across the country.



Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, with the support of all the opposition parties, has launched massive, large-scale aid packages for those financially affected, which, along with with announced tax breaks and deferrals, amount to some $300 billion or 15% of GDP.



The government has been generous from the start, offering $2,000 monthly emergency wage replacement for workers, $40,000 loans to small and medium-sized businesses as well as rent relief and increased pension and child care benefits.



Everything was done quickly and hurriedly so that those in need would be able to cope. An emphasis was placed on strengthening small and medium-sized businesses that were shuttered as a result of the abrupt cessation of the flow of the economy. The country was bleeding and the government rushed to provide first aid and build a protective shield.



However, three months after the shutdown, Justin Trudeau's federal government and Canada’s provincial governments are still doling out public money on a daily basis (which will be added to the Canada's deficit tomorrow) with minimal control over where and how the funds are distributed.



Workers, including many who have the opportunity to return to work, continue to stay home as they have become accustomed to their government benefits. Still others, such as the country’s teachers, for example, have fiercely resisted returning to school, feigning the health risks involved while continuing to draw their normal salary.



The vast majority of airline flights have been suspended indefinitely with no planned restart given the worldwide situation. The border with the United States has been closed for months with the governments of Quebec and Ontario continuing to request it remain sealed.



From the outset, the restaurant sector has borne the brunt of this policy of inaction. The summer terraces that could offer Montreal and Toronto the beginnings of a restart of everyday life remain closed without any plan or perspective for reopening.



Restaurant owners in Montreal staged a demonstration last week demanding the opening of their eateries so they do not completely lose the summer season but to no avail. It should be noted that the vast majority are owned by Greek-Canadians with many facing dire consequences.



In general, the federal and local governments are taking a phobic stance when it comes to a resumption of the economy even though they are well aware that 2/3 of the victims were confined to nursing homes.



This stance is highly disappointing and, unfortunately, demonstrates that Canada, a great and prosperous country, has found itself:



1) completely “naked” in terms of its health system;

2) incapable of handling matters of nursing home operation;

3) led by officials with no strategy as how to reopen its economy. 



Unfortunately, this crisis has proven and continues to prove that a lack of leadership exists at all levels. The country, which has been generous to its citizens but lacks any vision for a return to normalcy, will pay dearly, and very soon.

Bach's requiems with Thirteen Strings and the Bass-Baritone Joel Allison

It only takes one to love the melancholy of Holy Week  to enjoy the requiems of Johann Sebastian Bach and his son Wilhelm Friedemann Bach performed by the Canadian bass‐baritone Joel Allison in a  concert organized by the Thirteen Strings chamber orchestra of Ottawa.

The concert will take place April 10 at Carleton Dominion Chalmers Centre (355 Cooper St., Ottawa) at 7:30 pm.

Good Friday with Thirteen Strings

BACH FOR EASTER

Featuring Rising Star Bass-Baritone Joel Allison

Ottawa, Ontario, March 4, 2020: Ottawa’s premier chamber orchestra, Thirteen Strings is delighted to present rising star Joel Allison bass and Choeur De la Salle at its Good Friday concert featuring the works of Johann Sebastian and his son Wilhelm Friedemann Bach on April 10 at Carleton Dominion Chalmers Centre (355 Cooper St., Ottawa) at 7:30 pm.

Canadian bass‐baritone Joel Allison has earned praised for his “rich, ringing tone” (Ludwig Van Toronto). Currently a member of the elite Canadian Opera Company Ensemble Studio, Joel was awarded Second Place in the Christina and Louis Quilico Competition in 2019 as well as Second Prize at the 2018 Metropolitan National Council Auditions in the Great Lakes Region. A committed soloist since childhood, Joel’s solo debut was at the age of twelve as the treble soloist in Howard Shore’s “Lord of the Rings Symphony” with the National Arts Centre Orchestra. He performs Cantata: Ich habe genug at the Good Friday concert.

Choeur De la Salle (whose usual director is Robert Fillion) will join Thirteen Strings for Jesu Joy of Man’s Desire, and O Jesu Christ meins Lebens Licht BWV 118. The Orchestral Suite no 1 BWV166 and Overture BWV 1070 will complete the concert’s repertoire.

(Interesting fact: Bach Senior had two wives and 20 children. Though son Wilhelm was considered a genius organist, improviser and composer, he never gained the stature of his father due in part to his difficult personality.)

Tickets at $10-$45, are available at The Leading Note, Compact Music and Books on Beechwood and by contacting info@thirteenstrings.ca or calling 613-738-7888. Visit: www.thirteenstrings.ca

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Media: Kita Szpak, KS Communications, kita@sympatico.ca , #613-725-3063