LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Dancing with a Greek Star,
Athens Demonstrations, Musical Gift
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This month, correspondent Markos Papadatos’ interviews actor Gilles Marini of Brothers and Sisters and Dancing with the Stars fame, among others. Earlier this year, Gilles was a special guest at New York’s Greek Independence Day parade where he embraced his maternal Greek roots.
With Independence Day also celebrated this month on the fourth of July, his story offers a great reminder of America’s opportunity. “America is a very special place in the world, which we cannot turn our backs on,” says Marini, “since they have accepted us here in a beautiful way.”
For the complete story, please turn to page 4.
This past May HJ columnist Theodora Dracopoulos Argue and her husband Clifford were in Athens when the demonstrations occurred. “The hotel lobby was darkened,” she writes,” all lights turned off, the accordion metal grill gate pulled across the entrance and the manager protectively telling guests that no one could leave because the anarchists had arrived.”
Theo shares her firsthand experience on page 6.
Finally, with the Western Choir Federation Conference taking place in Arizona last month, it is only fitting to remember one of its own, Alexander Nick Nickols, who died unexpectedly in March. Alex was a tenor’s tenor. His inspirational voice lifted those in his presence. Over 60 years of liturgical contributions, choir concerts and special occasions. Even the late great Frank Desby appreciated Alex’s musical gift. The HJ remembers him on page 14.
Have a safe and happy 4th of July.
Frosene Phillips
THIS MONTH’S FEATURE
JUL 2010
By Markos Papadatos
Recently, I was afforded the privileged opportunity to interview a multi-talented actor of Greek heritage and a true gentleman – the incomparable Mr. Gilles Marini. Throughout the past year, Gilles Marini has established himself as a household name. He swept the hearts of America while competing as a star on Season Eight of America's reality dancing competition, Dancing with the Stars. At the season's finale, Marini was declared the runner-up winner of the show, a title which propelled him into world-wide fame.
Earlier this year, Gilles Marini was featured as a special guest at the Greek Independence Day parade that took place on 5th Avenue in Manhattan. On receiving such recognition, Marini remarks that "it's always amazing to be able to be so far away from your country, and it's always great to remind yourself where you are from. I was really honored. It was a really cool feeling."
Marini remarks that "Dancing with the Stars changed his life from A to Z." He adds that "life was really good before. I was really blessed, and then the show came up. I just wanted to make everybody proud, from myself, to my family, and the people that were watching. The next thing you know, it becomes this kind of phenomenon and everybody is loving it, and obviously life has changed quite a bit. Now I have more offers when it comes to movies and television." Previously for Marini, getting an audition was much more of a struggle. Now it is a very different story. "I am very happy now," Marini says.
(Download June paper issue for full article)
From Dancing With The Stars to the Greek Parade, meet Gilles Marini