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That Sounds Like Greek to Me
Personal History Greeks of Washington Personal History Greeks of Washington

That Sounds Like Greek to Me

“THAT SOUNDS LIKE GREEK TO ME”

On his first day of school when Lazarus Stylianos Politakis was hit in the head with a baseball bat he cried out for help in his native tongue.  Someone said, “That sounds like Greek to me.”

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Conscience of Education
Personal History Greeks of Washington Personal History Greeks of Washington

Conscience of Education

When Nick Nickolas was told by the superintendent that the guidance program was the conscience of the Kent School District, he knew he had found the right place to serve in his profession. He has had a very full and successful 35-year career as a teacher, guidance counselor, school psychologist and administrator.

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Boats, Cars, And Family Dinners
Personal History Greeks of Washington Personal History Greeks of Washington

Boats, Cars, And Family Dinners

Would you really want to buy insurance from a man who fell out of a second story window or had a tree fall on him while driving his convertible? Many satisfied clients have! With a life-long interest in cars, boating and his Greek community, Dean (Demetrios) Athos (Athanasios) Lentgis’ (Sepentzis or Sentgis) experiences make him a well-known Greek-American in the Seattle area.

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All You Need is Love
Personal History Greeks of Washington Personal History Greeks of Washington

All You Need is Love

When Aphrodite (Ethel) Turlis Tschida’s first child was born, her love for the baby was overwhelming and she feared that she would not have enough love for future children.  Now, with four children, 17 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and four more great grandchildren due before the end of 2011, she knows that love only increases with more.

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AHEPA’s Unsung Hero
Personal History Greeks of Washington Personal History Greeks of Washington

AHEPA’s Unsung Hero

Combine a 50-year career in oceanography, over 70 years as a photographer, over 50 years using computers and over 40 years studying his Greek heritage and one begins to appreciate the fruitful life of Eugene (Efthemios) Evans (Evangelos) Collias.

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The Big Greek
Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup

The Big Greek

George Peter Prekeges has earned this title not only through his physical presence, but by his contributions to Spokane’s community. At the age of 20, George’s father Panagioti (Peter) George Prekeges came to Warden, Washington, from Arakova, (now Karia) Greece, a town near Sparta and Tripoli in the Peloponnese.

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All Her Greek Somedays
Exhibit, Personal History Greeks of Washington Exhibit, Personal History Greeks of Washington

All Her Greek Somedays

 “Yesterdays are history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is God’s gift of love, that is why it is called the present.” Katheren (Aikatereni) Armatas (nee Sarantinos) used this quote at the end of a video she prepared.  However, it is fitting to place the quote at the beginning of this exhibit as it so aptly describes the inspiration for her work.  That work includes several contributions to two volumes about Tacoma, Washington, a book about her family’s journey and experiences titled “A Lingering Breeze from Marmara Sea,” a video of early Greek immigrants in Tacoma, and a video of her own poetry, writings and reminiscences. 

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Spiro’s Finest Hours
Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup

Spiro’s Finest Hours

From 1972 to 1984 the Greek Radio Hour, with disco cavalaris (disc jockey) Spyridon “Spiro” Demetrios Savvides, served to entertain and inform with music and news from the homeland. This was only one of the many endeavors Spiro developed in his varied career.

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A Man of the Sea
Personal History Greeks of Washington Personal History Greeks of Washington

A Man of the Sea

What more appropriate title could have been given to this man, Plato Dionysios Kourkoumelis (Mellis)? Throughout his life as an accountant and businessman, his love of the sea has played a major role.

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The Grilling of Pericles
Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup

The Grilling of Pericles

On the way to his interview Pericles “Perry” Homer Scarlatos, while clutching several manila folders full of family history and photos, said “I’m ready for my grilling.” This comment truly represents this man who has always been thoroughl

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Stitching Through Time
Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup

Stitching Through Time

She is a devoted Seattle Mariners baseball fan. She is an accomplished seamstress. She never wears black. She enjoys a glass of wine or a vodka tonic before dinner. She never has a bad word for anyone. Clara wants to be remembered as enjoying life to the point of sharing what she has in talents, money and love with those with whom she comes in contact.

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The Bellingham Beat
Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup

The Bellingham Beat

Spiro “Spedo” Southas spent a lot of time as a cop in Bellingham, Washington, but he probably spent as much time visiting fellow Greeks throughout the state.How did Spiro become “Spedo”? He believed his name to be “sissified” so he claimed the nickname himself and has kept it ever since.

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Everett Remembered
Personal History Greeks of Washington Personal History Greeks of Washington

Everett Remembered

Agriculturist, author, cook, community leader all describe this man who began his life in Everett’s tough Riverside district and rose to prominence. Panos (Panagiotis) “Pete” Koutlas tells his story as a lifelong Everett resident.

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