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A weeklong tribute to Greek heritage ended in a grand Greek fest complete with a feast of Grecian food favorites, authentic displays of Greek wares, Greek and Roman warrior reenactments, a skit spotlighting Greek philosophers, music and dancers.
“I really learned a lot about Greece this week — it’s been great fun,” according to new residents Marie and Walter Richters.
Another resident, Bette Kocian, enjoys Greek culture especially the history. She has also traveled to Greece and was amazed at the beauty of the islands. “I’m having such a great time at the Greek Fest,” she said. “I feel like I’m back there. When I go out these doors, I expect to be in Greece.”
During the week, residents attended Greek-themed movies, an authentic Greek folk dance performed by the Agape dancers ages 9 – 12 wearing various costumes of the different regions of Greece and a special presentation about Greek mythology. Mike McCann, director of Friendship Village’s Lifestyle department, brushed up on the great Greek gods and in his animated, entertaining style, delivered tales and truths about Zeus, Aphrodite, Apollo and other gods, explaining their roles and relationships to each other.
Residents and guests enjoyed a generous lunch of Greek salad, saginaki (Saganaki), shish kabobs, roasted Greek potatoes, Spanakopita (spinach pie), Baklava, Greek custard and lemonade. Actors donned heavy chain and metal amour, authentic steel and brass greaves and helmets used to protect both Greek and Roman warriors in battle. They traversed the dining crowd answering questions and explaining the strategies of battles, usually between the Greeks and Romans until Greece finally came into the Roman Empire in 146 BC.
Following lunch, a skit written and performed by the lifestyle department included a stellar original score sung by Reverend Richard Oas as Socrates and foiled by Jeff Rose as Plato and Mike McCann as Aristotle. Marci Perez as Methusela, (Medusa) Jillian Patti as Aphrodite and Kyle Zelazny as Hercules made cameo appearances.
Dancing began with the footwork of residents led by Katherine Dagres,
a Friendship Village resident from Greece. Mrs. Dagres’ family joined the dancers as did other members of the audience. The Dagres family stole the show with authentic line dancing and a solo dance by John Gianos, Katherine Dagres granddaughter’s boyfriend, who combined graceful jumps, turns and steps with a pathos that mirrored the oddly lonely but pleasant music.
The beautifully costumed and talented dancers from the Namaste Dance Troupe treated the audience to authentic belly dancing fit for the gods and Friendship Village guests as they moved to the music selections of Dean Parashos. The colorful, graceful and elaborate costumes included scarves, swords and fans, and skirts swirled as the dancers dazzled the crowd.
Inspired by the jeweled garb, residents gathered to purchase handmade beaded jewelry, view the antique Greek artifacts and prolong the excitement of the day with their own critiques of their favorite tributes.
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