36 THE QUEENS COURIER •JANUARY 24, 2013 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com Win front of the line Crisis at home leads to passes for “America’s new wave of immigrants Got Talent” auditions BY SOPHIA ROSENBAUM Dimitris Velitsianos couldn’t find work in his native Greece, so he left to seek a better life in Queens. “I don’t think things are going to get better in Greece soon,” said Velitsianos, 20, a full-time student at John Jay College and a part-time waiter at the Astoria res- taurant Agnanti. “I don’t see any future in Greece.” Four decades ago, a political coup brought thou- sands of Greeks to Astoria. Now, a failing economy that’s more than $400 billion in debt is fueling a new wave of immigration. Numbers are hard to come by, but the signs of a Greek surge in Astoria are everywhere. Enrollment is up at the local Greek-American elementary school. Greek restaurants are flooded with job applications. A Photo Courtesy of Sophia Rosenbaum The financial crisis at home has led to a new wave of local non-profit immigration center has seen a 25 to 50 percent increase in recently arrived Greeks. young, educated Greek immigrants. Ready for your shot at $1 million? NBC’s top-rated summer able,” said Antonio Meloni, the executive director but discontinued that program this year.funded teachers for three-year assignments in Astoria,-“People tend to gravitate where they feel comfort series, “America’s Got Talent,” is heading to New York City to of immigration advocacy services at the Immigration “The loss of the Greek government’s assistance continue the nationwide search for season eight contestants Outreach Center on Steinway Street. added $250,000 to our budget to pay teachers’ sala- with auditions on February 1 and 2 at St. John’s Center Studios Astoria’s Greek population peaked in the 1970s – ries,” Sideris said. in Manhattan. It’s the only talent competition show that is with about 250,000 Greeks arriving between 1965 and The people feeling the biggest squeeze by the current open to any age and any talent. The auditions are a once-in-a- cultures, said Nicholas Alexiou, a sociologist and pro- and new opportunities dwindle, said Anthanasioscrisis are the old and young, as programs get slashed1980. But the area has since turned into a mosaic of lifetime opportunity for performers to showcase their talents fessor at Queens College who studies Greek culture Aronis, the president of the culture committee at the in 90 seconds to the series’ producers in the hopes of being and Greek-American life. Federation of Hellenic Societies. able to take the stage in front of the judges. For many Greeks, smells of pungent olives, sharp Like Sideris, Aronis gets calls from young pro- Three lucky winners from Queens can enter for a chance feta and savory lamb at authentic restaurants in fessionals desperate to leave Greece and come to to receive “front of the line” passes, allowing them to skip Astoria are reminders of home. educated workers wind up getting jobs as waiters andAmerica. But, Aronis said, the reality is that theseBetsy Sideris, assistant principal of St. Demetrios the long audition lines. Elementary in Astoria, said there has been a spike in cashiers. Visit www.queenscourier.com/agtcontest to enter. enrollment of new students from Greece from three to “These people that are hurting right now are college Entries will be accepted until 9 a.m. January 29. 15 this school year. graduates and it’s very difficult for them to come here Sideris said in the past, the Greek government and be a waiter,” he said. Winter Savings AT OF BAYSIDE •Accepting Most Insurance Plans •Full Service Lab • On-The Spot Eyeglass Repair MONTHLY DRAWING! •Glasses & Contact Lenses Expertly Fitted New Prizes Each Month to • Largest Selection Of Children’s Eyewear In The Area Se Habla Español Local Merchants •Optometrist & Ophthalmologist On Premises WE ARE A GVS PROVIDER $99not incl’d $99 not incl’d $ w/Metal Frames a Spare Pair for FREE Includes: EYE EXAM • 2 Boxes of Lenses99Must present prior to purchase.CONTACTS99Clear Comfortable brand clear spherical lenses. Valid in NY.$Not valid with any other offers, sales vision plans or packages.OFFDISPOSABLEOf Glasses &A Complete Pair100$examnot incl’d99(No-Line Bifocals)VARILUXProgressive Lenses169exam99w/Metal FramesProgressive LensesNO-LINE BIFOCALSexam99GLASSES2 PAIRS OF with coupon*. expires 1/31/13. with coupon*. expires 1/31/13. with coupon*. expires 1/31/13. with coupon*. expires 1/31/13. with coupon*. expires 1/31/13. *Some Restrictions Apply. May not be combined with any other Offers, Promotions, Specials, Union or Insurance Plans. Coupon must be presented at time of sale. Thanks. Doctor In: Mon., Wed., Fri., 10-5:30, 39-25 Bell Blvd., Bayside • 718.279.2020 Tues. & Thurs. 11-7:30, Sat 10-4:30
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