NEW YORK – The Youth Holiday Mixer hosted by the “Geros tou Morea – the Elder of Morea” chapter held under the auspices of the Pan Arcadian Federation of America (PFA) has become a nice way in New York to celebrate Christmas after recovery from the rush up to December 25.

The Arcadian Hall of the chapter, which is named in honor of Greek revolutionary hero Theodoros Kolokotronis, was filled with young adults enjoying food, fellowship and chill out and dance music of DJ Arcas – AKA Vassilios Valkanas, assisted by his brother Demetris, who is the chapter’s 2^nd vice president. Board member

Gloria Kapsinalis – assisted by her daughters Eleni and Ioannna –  was among the veterans who helped prepare and hold the affair along with Chapter president Apostolos Lagos, past PFA national president Demetris Filios, and Eastern District Governor Nicholas Kontoleon, who is also vice president of the Eparchia Kynouria on Long Island.

Kontoleon said the event, inaugurated for Christmas 2012, is an expression PFA’s recent commitment to a more youth-oriented philosophy. “We will focus on young adults and professionals through events where they can meet and network,” locally, but also nationally, “ he said.

Kontoleon looks forward to the arrival next Spring of young leaders from across the country for Greek Parade weekend. “There will be a social events and meetings that will facilitate the exchange of ideas and friendships…they will also experience our successful parade events and transmit what they learn back home.”

New York area leaders are preparing a 2016 schedule that will include networking mixers and cultural events. They hope to bring an exhibit, “Arkadia, the Untold Tale” from its current venue at the Greek Embassy in Washington, DC.

It consists of 64 photographs by acclaimed photographer Nikos Mourkogiannis. He is not Arcadian, but he fell in love with the region and the exhibit highlights its coastal areas.

A fundraising event for the Agios Savvas Regional Cancer Hospital is being planned in cooperation with the Athenian’s Society and the Hellenic Medical Society.

PFA recently donated $125,000 of medical machines and urgently needed supplies to the Pan Arcadian Hospital in Tripolis.