Saturday, December 16, 2006 - A group of over 30 Ahepans from Districts 5 (NJ,DE) & 6 (NY), Daughters of Penelope, Sons and Maids visited St. Basil's Academy in Garrison, NY to attend the annual Christmas party and pageant. Included in the contingent was Supreme President Gus James and National Executive Director Basil Mossaides. The Ahepans joined with other Greek American organizations to enjoy the performances of the children and present them with Christmas gifts.

After the performance, which featured a sketch and beautiful vocal performances by two of the children, the audience joined in Christmas caroling. There were upwards of 200 voices in singing together in the packed gymnasium. Closing out the pageant were remarks by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in the USA and Supreme President Gus James.

Many on hand continued into the Rupert mansion to join in the presentation of gifts to the children. There District 5 Governors Ted Vittas and Antoinette Marousis presented each of the children with $60 gift cards. Governor Vittas also presented Fr. Constantine Sitaras, Director of St. Basil's with a check in the amount of $1,250 to help repair the leaking roof in the AHEPA Boy's Dormitory. The gift cards and roor-repair money was donated by many of the chapters of the Fifth District, both Ahepans and Daughters.

Finally, a group of Ahepans were given a tour of the AHEPA Boy's dormitory buildings. One of the 3 AHEPA buildings is currently occupied with male students. The girls are housed in a separate dormitory. Currently 25 children are housed at St. Basil's. Recently they courts of NY granted St. Basil's a license to operate a 30 bed boarding home. The Academy is now reviewing applications to expand its occupancy.