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Ariel Winter slices off tip of thumb while making Greek food

The Greek Herald
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Ariel Winter slices off tip of thumb while making Greek food

Modern Family star Ariel Winter took an unplanned trip to the hospital yesterday after slicing the tip of her thumb off while making Greek food during lockdown.

The Greek-American actress went to chop a peeled tomato and unfortunately missed, slicing an artery in her thumb and forcing her to go to the hospital from excessive bleeding.

‘I was trying to make Greek food, ’cause I’m Greek and so I was like: “All right, I’m gonna try all these new things. I wanna try and make this. I wanna try and make this dish I love,” Ariel said in a virtual appearance on Access.

Ariel Winter took an unplanned trip to the hospital yesterday after slicing the tip of her thumb off. Photo: Access

Winter’s day of unfortunate accidents didn’t stop there however, as the actress accidentally threw the piece of severed thumb in the trash, not knowing it was a piece of her own flesh.

“He actually brought the tip of my finger to the hospital,” Ariel added, explaining that the nurse who was attending to her gave the thumb piece back without explaining what it was.

“She actually just gave it to me in a plastic bag and didn’t tell me it was the tip of my thumb too, so I accidentally threw it away and we had to go get it.”

The Mr. Peabody And Sherman actress assured fans that she was perfectly fine.

‘It was more like, you know: “Get a tetanus shot. Make sure you don’t get an infection.”‘

Ariel Winter is the daughter of Chrisoula and Glenn Workman, with her mother being of Greek descent and her of German descent.

Funerals to have up to 30 guests as PM outlines three step framework for reopening Australia

The Greek Herald
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Funerals to have up to 30 guests as PM outlines three step framework for reopening Australia

Scott Morrison and the chief medical officer, Brendan Murphy, have laid out a three-step plan to reopen Australia after the coronavirus crisis.

Each state and territory will move at their own pace throughout the stages, yet the Prime Minister hopes that this will hopefully be completed by July.

An important re-introduction for members of the Australian community, the Prime Minister announced that funerals will now be permitted to hold up to 20 people indoors, and 30 outdoors.

Step 1 restriction relaxations will also allow religious gatherings, including wedding services in the Greek Orthodox Church, to now hold up to 10 guests.

National Cabinet has outlined its three-step plan to ease coronavirus restrictions over the next few months.(ABC News: Luke Stephenson)

National Cabinet will review the progress of each step every three weeks, to see what impact the changes have on coronavirus infection numbers

“Basically, we’ll go round the grounds of the premiers and chief ministers and see how it’s going,” Mr Morrison said.

“They’re not formal reviews, I’d describe it more as stock takes … and how we’re going towards our ultimate aspiration of being there in July.”

Below is a precise layout of the three step framework, provided by the Australian Government, along with details of the restriction relaxation in the words of the Australian Prime Minister.

Step One

Step one will enable greater connection with friends and family, allowing gatherings up to 10 people, and five guests in your own home. Working from home, if it works for you, and your employer. It will see children back in classrooms and in playgrounds in their communities. Golfers back on the green. Lap swimmers back in the pool. Boot camps back in the parks. Retail and small cafes and restaurants reopening. Interstate recreational travel, starting again. It will see easing of restrictions for funerals with up to 30 attendees, outdoors, and 10 at weddings.

Step two

Step two will allow larger size gatherings up to 20 people, including for venues such as cinemas and galleries, more retail openings on sector-based COVID safe plans, organised community sport, and beauty parlours, and you’ll be pleased to know, barre classes open once again.

Step three

Step three, allowing gatherings up to 100 people. This will become clearer as we move through the first two steps. So there will be more work to do on step 3. But most workers, by then, will be back in the workplace. Interstate travel will likely resume. Pubs and clubs with some restrictions will be open. And also possibly gaming venues. As I said, steps three, step three, but also step two, will get greater definition as we move through the success of step one.

Hellenic Initiative Australia provides $30,000 grant for paediatric facilities in Eastern Peloponnese

The Greek Herald
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Hellenic Initiative Australia provides $30,000 grant for paediatric facilities in Eastern Peloponnese

The Hellenic Initiative Australia have approved a AU$30,000 grant to be used to upgrade paediatric facilities in the regional towns of Argos and Galatas.

The grant, given to Pediatric Trauma Care (Pedtrauma), will allow more than 8000 children to benefit from specialised equipment at the General Hospital of Argos and the Paediatric Clinic at the Health Centre of Galatas.

The Hellenic Initiative Australia President, Nicholas Pappas AM, said THI Australia was proud to be supporting five regional public hospitals through its partnership with Pedtrauma.

“These under-resourced hospitals provide critical care to children living in regional areas, including many remote and inaccessible villages,” Mr Pappas said.

“There is an urgent need for improved local health care infrastructure and services to handle accidents and emergency cases involving children.”

The Hellenic Initiative Australia’s support for Argos and Galatas follows an AU$60,000 grant for a major upgrade of paediatric facilities on the island of Kythira in 2019 and the northern towns of Ioannina and Kastoria in 2018.

Pedtrauma works through a growing waitlist of urgent requests from hospitals in dire need of medical equipment for treating children, including specialist trauma care. Since 2010, Pedtrauma has upgraded and equipped 66 paediatric departments at 57 hospitals and health centres throughout Greece, benefitting more than 1 million children.

Pedtrauma also runs trauma prevention programs in schools and provides specialist paediatric trauma training for doctors.

Police officers and SA community bid public farewell to Joanne Shanahan

The Greek Herald
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Police officers and SA community bid public farewell to Joanne Shanahan

Hundreds of people gathered in Adelaide on Friday morning to pay their last respects to Greek-Australian Police Officer Joanne Sanahan, who died in a car accident on April 25 in the suburb of Urrbrae.

SA Police Chief Commissioner Grant Stevens announced last Sunday that the public will have the opportunity to commemorate Shanahan as the hearse travelled from Joanne’s home address along a specified route.

Police flanked the streets of Adelaide’s inner south to say their last goodbyes to their own Joanne.

[Left] Commissioner Grant Stevens in attendance of Joanne Shanahan’s funeral. [Right] A mounted police horse escort. Photos: Argyro Vourdoumpa

“As with every other family who has lost a loved one during this COVID-19 response, the ability to celebrate Joanne’s life is severely restricted,” Commissioner Stevens said.

“The funeral service will be held in a way that enables as many people as possible who knew or cared about Joanne or her family to be involved, and the South Australia Police will be playing its part as well.”

Due to social distancing rules, the funeral service was streamed online. Footage was shown of a traditional Greek blessing that was conducted on Thursday.

Photo: Argyro Vourdoumpa

The cortege travelled up Greenhill Road from Unley Road, and along Fullarton Road, Kensington Road, Osmond Terrace and Magill Road to the Chapel of Berry’s Funeral Home.

Commissioner Stevens was in attendance at the funeral, accompanied by members of the SA Police Force and close friends and family of Ms Shanahan.

[Top Left] Joanne Shanahan’s mother and father attending the funeral of their daughter. [Top Right] Joanne’s coffin is placed into the van by a group of female police officers. [Bottom] Joanne’s coffin is placed with an Australian flag draped over the top. Photos By: Argyro Vourdoumpa

Greek scientist accused of embezzling €190,000 of EU research funds

The Greek Herald
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Greek scientist accused of embezzling €190,000 of EU research funds

OLAF, the EU’s anti-fraud agency, this week confirmed an unnamed Greek scientist defrauded the European Research Council (ERC) of roughly €190,000.

“A complex fraud involving a Greek scientist and her network of international researchers has been uncovered by investigators,” OLAF said.

The case involves a grant of €1.1 million from the ERC to an unnamed Greek university. The money was intended to finance a research project run by a young female scientist, whose father was employed at the university, and was said to involve a network of more than 40 researchers from around the world.

The fraud team became suspicious when it discovered how the international researchers involved in the research project were being paid.

“Cheques were issued in the name of individual researchers but were then deposited into bank accounts with multiple beneficiaries. Suspicions increased when it emerged that the cheques were personally deposited into the bank accounts by the lead scientist,” OLAF’s report says.

European Research Council office. Photo: TheScientist.com

An on-the-spot check at the university followed. Evidence was found to suggest that the lead scientist had set up bank accounts used to pay the international researchers, while making herself a co-beneficiary of the accounts in order to gain access to the money.

The EU fraud team followed the financial trail and was able to prove that large sums were either withdrawn in cash by the scientist or were transferred into her private account.

OLAF contacted a number of the researchers who were said to be involved in the research project. None of them were aware that their name was linked to the project or had any knowledge of the bank accounts opened in their names, or of any payments made into them.

The OLAF headquarters in Brussels, Belgium | EPA/Julien Warnand.

“The sheer size and scope of the network of researchers allegedly involved in this project posed a real challenge to OLAF’s investigators. Their ability to access and verify accounts set up to allegedly pay researchers from across the world was a vital element in getting to the bottom of this attempt to defraud the EU budget,” the office said.

Since 2010, the ERC has referred less than 100 cases of suspected fraud or irregularities to OLAF. This is the first case to be judged as fraud by OLAF, the ERC confirmed.

The ERC’s executive agency is now working to recover an amount of around €190,000. OLAF has also recommended that Greek authorities initiate judicial proceedings against the persons involved.

OLAF has refused to name the scientist, the university involved or the year the grant was issued.

Sourced By: Science Business

Scott Morrison joins Greek PM and other world leaders to discuss global COVID-19 response

The Greek Herald
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Scott Morrison joins Greek PM and other world leaders to discuss global COVID-19 response

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison spoke with leaders from seven ‘first mover’ nations last night to discuss the appropriate courses of action for the next steps in managing COVID-19.

The meeting was hosted by Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz via a video call, which the Australian Chancellor dubbed the “First Movers COVID Group”. Scott Morrison was joined in the meeting by leaders from Austria, Israel, Denmark Singapore, Greece, Czech Republic and Norway.

Leaders of the countries discussed the most effective ways to “reopen our economies” and considered strategies to manage potential localised outbreaks.

“We swapped notes on the need to reopen our economies safely, including schools, how to manage localised outbreaks, the importance of rigorous tracing and testing, and keeping supply chains open,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said in his Instagram post.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison speaks with seven world leaders to discuss global COVID-19 strategy. Photo: Scott Morrison Instagram

The Australian Prime Minister stressed his support for the EU-sponsored resolution at the forthcoming World Health Assembly, encouraged greatly by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis stressed the importance of tourism cooperation between the countries of the group, which record very low cases in the field of tourism.

The Prime Minister proposed a more systematic discussion between them, which will also concern specific protocols. The goal is to create “safe corridors” that will allow people to be transported between specific countries, based on rules.

Of the meeting participants, Greece has recorded the least cases, followed by Australia.

Scott Morrison remains one of the few world leaders to speak out about the need for an independent review of the global response to COVID-19, also raising it for discussion in the leader’s meeting. The Prime Minister wishes to attend the World Health Assembly in mid-May and call for an investigation into COVID-19, to enable a better response to future pandemics.

Acropolis hill to reopen on May 18 as Greece eases coronavirus ban

The Greek Herald
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Acropolis hill to reopen on May 18 as Greece eases coronavirus ban

After standing empty for two months, Greece’s ancient sites, including the Acropolis hill towering over Athens, will reopen to visitors on May 18, authorities said on Thursday.

The ancient monuments were closed along with museums in mid-March in Greece’s lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Restrictions have gradually been eased this week.

Museums will open again in mid-June while open-air performances will resume in mid-July, Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said. Distance and safety rules will apply.

Acropolis hill to reopen on May 18. Photo: Peter Oglos/The Greek Herald

The many historical sites are one of the mainstays of Greece’s vital tourism sector and efforts will now kick in to encourage visitors after travel restrictions and widespread closures caused a collapse in bookings.

Hundreds of musicians, actors and art workers rallied outside parliament to demand more support for their sector.

“We are here,” read a message drawn in chalk on the street. Protesters waved a giant theatre puppet. In the northern city of Thessaloniki, musicians performed tied up in a red and white cordon tape.

Many artists have performed live online for those staying home since Greece reported its first case of the new coronavirus in February.

“We stayed home but we didn’t stay silent,” artists’ unions said in a statement.

Sourced By: Reuters

Residents at Greek nursing home get creative to reassure family they are safe

Andriana Simos
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Residents at Greek nursing home get creative to reassure family they are safe

The COVID-19 pandemic might have restricted visits to aged care facilities in NSW, but this hasn’t dampened the spirits of elderly residents from St Basil’s nursing home in Lakemba.

The elderly spent their free time writing sweet messages on chalkboards to show their love to their families and reassure them they were safe and well.

“I love you. Be careful,” writes 83-year-old Maria in one heartwarming message.

“I’m well and they are looking after me. I want you all to be well and for God to look after you,” 89-year-old Anastasia joined in.

  • Maria wrote a message to her family. Source: St Basils NSW & ACT.
  • Yiayia Toula wrote to her grandchildren. Source: St Basils NSW & ACT.

And that’s not all the elderly residents at St Basils have been up to.

Over the last few weeks, the facility has been ensuring its residents remain safe and comfortable in their homes, giving them a chance to complete jigsaw puzzles and even create “Happy May Day” wreaths.

The smiles on their faces were something to behold.

  • Residents at St Basils were encouraged to make “May Day” wreaths. Source: St Basils NSW & ACT.
  • Jigsaw puzzles are becoming a part of daily life at the nursing home. Source: St Basils NSW & ACT.

Aged care visits restricted during COVID-19 pandemic:

The positive steps taken by St Basils to maintain the happiness of its residents, come in the wake of Prime Minister Scott Morrison announcing in late April that visits to nursing homes were being restricted.

In fact, the following people are currently not allowed to enter an aged care facility:

  • Anyone who has returned from overseas in the past two weeks.
  • Anyone who had been in contact with a confirmed coronavirus case.
  • Anyone with a fever or flu-like symptoms.
  • Anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated against influenza after May 1.

Visits will also be limited in time and a maximum of only two visitors will be permitted into facilities at one time per day.

No word yet on when these restrictions will be eased.

Canberra Greek Community refuses to halt community initiatives amid COVID-19

The Greek Herald
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Canberra Greek Community refuses to halt community initiatives amid COVID-19

The Greek Orthodox Community & Church of Canberra (GOCCC) have not let the coronavirus pandemic hamper their progress in building upon new and existing initiatives for the Canberra Greek Community.

GOCCC have been administering community matters programs and providing regular updates to their parishioners and members via social media during this time.

The Canberra Greek Community President, John Loukadellis, says that the coronavirus restrictions on churches were the perfect chance to work on restorations to the hail damage inflicted upon the St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Canberra.

Additionally, while the churches remaining closed, the GOCCC have provided the ability for parishioners to purchase candles and make donations online.

“As part of this initiative, Father Petros will also be blessing and providing prayers for the families of our parish,” Mr Loukadellis told The Greek Herald.

READ MORE: Greek community in Canberra restores hail-damaged church.

Hands Across Canberra Foundation Grant

The GOCCC was recently awarded a local grant from ‘Hands Across Canberra’ foundation, a foundation which raises funds for community-service organisations working with vulnerable individuals and families.

The grant has allowed the GOCCC to purchase tablets for their vulnerable elderly members, allowing them to stay connected to family and friends during COVID-19 restrictions.

Photo by Sigismund von Dobshutz/Wikimedia)

The Grant also allows the elderly to access livestreams of church services until churches reopen for public worship.

In the last eight years, Hands Across Canberra has donated over $2.5 million to close to 100 community projects aimed at making a difference to some of the ACT’s most vulnerable people.

Online Learning for Greek School and Zoom GOCCC Meetings

The GOCCC have enabled online learning for their Greek School students, allowing them to continue their cultural and language education while under restrictions.

“Our teachers remain very committed to their students and we are grateful for all their efforts in managing this remote teaching environment,” Mr Loukadellis told The Greek Herald.

The GOCCC president also affirmed that the committee continues to remain active and work effortlessly via regular ZOOM meetings.

“….When we come out of COVID-19, we will be ready to go with our events, fundraisers and business matters without any delays and obstacles,” Mr Loukadellis added.

Mr Loukadellis offered his thanks to Father Petros for all his continued support of our community, along with the GOCCC committee.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank our priest Father Petros for all his continued support of our community, our committee who are giving 100% of their volunteer hours to ensure the growth of our Hellenic culture in ACT and to all our members and friends for their continued support, love and generosity during this time.”

Inside a Greek COVID-19 intensive care ward [VIDEO]

Andriana Simos
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Inside a Greek COVID-19 intensive care ward [VIDEO]

During a decade a debt, Greece’s hospitals were crippled by a barrage of funding cuts. But in spite of this, the country’s efforts to contain COVID-19 appear to be paying off, with a far lower death toll than many other European nations.

Greek doctors and nurses have addressed this success in recent interviews with The Guardian.

In fact, Dr Yota Lourida, an Infectious Diseases specialist at Sotiria hospital in Athens, said despite Greece’s healthcare system being ‘old and decimated,’ it still pushed through the crisis.

“Every day we had to come in and see what resources we had available, what more we needed to ask for, if it’s available, if it would get here today, tomorrow and so on,” Dr Lourida told the media outlet.

“But fortunately, the result of the lockdown started showing in the number of daily hospital admissions. The rate of infection dropped to a large degree so we were given the time, with the PPE we already had, to meet the demands.”

But meeting these demands came at a significant mental and physical cost for health workers as they worked day and night to ensure the safety of Greek people, potentially risking their own lives in the process.

“Apart from the physical exhaustion, which was building up, there was tremendous psychological fatigue because no matter what we did, we didn’t stop, we didn’t have time to eat, we didn’t have time to go home,” Dr Lourida explained.

“We felt that what we were doing was for nothing. In Greek, there’s an expression: ‘Trying to make a hole in water’.”

Dr Antonia Koutsoukou who is Head of ICU at the same hospital, concurred with Dr Lourida’s comments and said ‘there were moments of great emotion.’

“Especially when we had to watch patients die, without having their families next to them to say goodbye. This has traumatised me,” Dr Koutsoukou said.

For now though, Greek doctors and nurses continue to push through the mental fatigue as they know there’s still a battle ahead. For many, they’ve been reminded of why they started practicing medicine in the first place.

“I think throughout this, all of us remembered why we started practicing medicine. Both the young doctors and the older ones who are actively involved. We couldn’t be anywhere else.”

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