Upcoming & Ongoing Community Events

ONGOING MEETINGS

ACTIVATING SPIRITUALITY

An informal group meets on Mondays at 8 pm in downtown Athens to explore everyday life from a spiritual perspective in an open accepting atmosphere. Contact Jo 6987321861

AGHIA PARASKEVI PLAYGROUP

First of all, we are a group of mothers from many places (including Greece!) who have chosen to let our children play in and around a house with a kitchen, clean bathroom, two inside playrooms and a small garden. In the house, there is a bin of play clothes with costumes, dress-up, long scarves, and make-believe type items, a few selection of wooden puzzles, a wooden kitchen set with some pretend food items, and a selection of books as well. In another room we have a table for a craft area and some crayons, paints, paper and other such items in the closet. However, by far the area most used in our wonderfully temperate Greece is the garden.

THE GARDEN

Sandbox, play toy house, two small slides and small swing shaded by olive and orange (neragia) trees. A small section for small tricycles and an outside terrace with a see-saw and a small child’s table and… Chairs and benches for the moms!

A TYPICAL MORNING/AFTERNOON

The majority of our days children run outside in a free-play style creating their own games with the few items at hand- while mothers look on and chat about different things going on. What is most amazing to me how the children play so well together and it is so enjoyable to watch their games of fantasy and imagination – and to see how little parents really need to be involved! In most cases, parental “involvement” is usually reserved for someone who has fallen and scraped a leg or hurt him/herself in a minor way. There are occasional skirmishes and disagreements about sharing of toys, etc. when we need to intervene but overall, due to the large age range, some children take on the ‘teacher’ role and help the younger ones stay in line.

AGE RANGE

The age range is constantly fluctuating, even as I write this we have two expectant mothers in the group – and I would have to write an update every month to ‘change’ the age range category! Essentially we have a group of mothers from newborns to age 7. Whatever age your child is, there will be something for him/her to enjoy at our group. The older children love ‘being the boss’ and the newborns love to just look around and salivate!

SCHEDULE

As with the age range, the schedule is sometimes flexible too. If the hours we currently have do not suit you, let us know what time IS best, and we’ll see if other mothers have that time free too. Currently we meet on Wednesdays and Fridays from 230- sunset. While we don’t expect you to stay this entire time, you may just do that once you get chatting with us! But seriously, the time schedule is ‘open’ as some mothers come earlier, leave earlier and others come later.

FEES

For information on fees please contact Amy 210 8083182

LOCATION

Limnou 6, Agia Paraskevi

CONTACT

Ruth, 697 27 37 155.

AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS

Hold meetings in English every Monday at 7:00 p.m. at 19 Kasomoulis Stret, Neos Kosmos, near tram and Metro stop, offering support to anyone troubled by someone else's drinking.

ART GROUP IN DOWNTOWN ATHENS

Meets on Fridays between 11am and 2pm. For more info ring Alex on 6974966211

ATHENIANS HOCKEY CLUB

Field hockey on Tuesday and Thursday evenings (northern suburbs). contact Antonis Mavridis on 6942-404-066 or 210-617-8030 or email amavridis@vodafone.net.gr

ATHENS SPARTANS RUBGY CLUB

Train every Saturday. for more info contact Ted on 210 8951484

AWOG MEETINGS

American women based in the Athens area interested in networking with other ladies from the USA and fundraising for charity are invited to attend one of the monthly luncheons or an area meeting of the American Women’s Organization of Greece (AWOG). At least once a month members are offered a cultural excursion to a museum or artistic exhibition. Area meetings are held mornings on weekdays usually in members homes and the monthly luncheon is held mornings on weekdays usually at a hotel. There are meetings in the evenings for working women. The main fundraiser is the Christmas Bazaar held in November. Proceeds go to charities in Greece. To attend a meeting, please call 210-362-4115, 6942 940 720, e-mail awoggives@yahoo.com or visit the AWOG website: http://www.awog.gr. 

ATHENS HASH HOUSE HARRIERS

A running group that organizes run & walk every week in and around Athens. Meet every Monday evening at 7 pm (summer time). A trail is laid that allows mixed ability runners and walkers to exercise in different areas around Athens. Duration: 1-2 hours.  Then meet back and enjoy some fun social interaction and then optionally join up for a meal in a local taverna. For more info, call Sam Biggs at mobile 6932096555, email info@athenshash.com or visit www.athenshash.com
 

BASEBALL OR SOFTBALL, ANYONE?

Calling all players, fans, umpires and scorekeepers, cricket & rounders players included! For more info contact Mark at 210 962 7923

BIKING IN THESSALONIKI TWICE A WEEK

Bikerespect.gr organizes bike rides twice a week at 6 pm. On Monday the ride starts from Aristotelous Square and Wednesday from the White Tower. For more info contact Gareth at 6977656850.

Would you like to be part of a Bluegrass Circle/ Blues and Rock Jam Session that meets a few times a month? It's free (of course) and open to all talent levels. I play guitar and harmonica. These are not lessons but intended for musicians who want to have fun and grow with other musicians. Email me (elipupovac@yahoo.com) and we can all agree on when and where. Let the good times roll!

Phone: 210-683-8507

COMMUNITY CONNECTION COFFEE MORNINGS

These coffee mornings run on the third Wednesday of each month, including July and August, always at the Nafsika Hotel which provides a comfortable, easily accessible venue where English speaking (mostly) people can chat with old friends or meet new ones. There is no membership involved, no-strings attached and the events are open to anyone who would like to spend a morning in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere with pleasant surroundings . Second-hand English books are available, at low cost, each month and various other items are sold either regularly or from time to time. This is an independently organised venture which has the support of the Anglican Church in Greece.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION COFFEE MORNINGS #2

Hello,I just want to inform you of two coffee mornings that takes place,and where I sell handmade cards for all occassions,money made goes towards the church I attend St.Pauls here in Athens.The coffee mornings are: {The first is the one mentioned right above.}

The second is on the 2nd Tuesday of every month,and it is held at the Swedish Centre,Daidalou 18, Plaka, starts at 10:45 tilL 12:30am. We invite all you out there to come along for a coffee and a chat! Anne

DELI BAR QUIZ NIGHTS

For your information, the Deli Bar has a Quiz Night every Wednesday beginning @ 8:30 PM.

For any additional information please call Eva @ 210-9689350. Vasileos Pavlou 94, Voula

DUENDE

With the Power of Natural Sound

Unplugged performance featuring Panagiotis Margaris on guitar and Eleni Peta singing songs of various countries that share the theme of passion. Spoken texts are read in Greek, but non-grecophones need not be shy.

Fridays and Saturdays at 22:00

Theatro Argo, Elefsinion 15

100m from Metaxourgeio metro stop off Diligianni Ave.

Reservations/information on 210 5201 684 (Box office staff all speak English.)

ENGLISH-LANGUAGE PHOTOGRAPHY COURSES

Each course will consist of four, three-hour lessons. They will include practical sessions with the teacher and critiques. Practical sessions will provide participants with the opportunity to improve their understanding of photographic technique, camera functions and software relevant to photography. Lessons will be held either evening hours and/or at weekends (again subject to demand) at The Athens House of Photography, an exclusive photography space in central Athens (a 3-minute walk from Metaxourgeio Metro station). Lessons are expected to commence mid-February and will be offered by experienced photography teachers who are professional photographers/exhibitors. Each course (4 x 3-hour lessons) will cost €120.

Please indicate your interest here or by sending a email message to hkaretas@yahoo.com
www.phototheatron.com/ourspace

INTERNATIONAL CHOIR

For those who enjoy singing, reading music, and who like meeting nice people with an international background. They usually give 3 concerts a season. Rehearsal every Wednesday at 8pm at the American Community Schools (129 Aghias Paraskevis and Karantzaki, Halandri). Call 210 653-8021 or 210 610 0375 for more details.

MYTILINI PLAY GROUP

Mytilene Playgroup - casual play time for English speakers and their toddlers - every Monday 6 -8 pm Sept - June. For more info call

Hannah Gaganis at 22510 31867

FAMILIES ANONYMOUS

English-speaking support group for those concerned about a relative or friend's drug use, meets every Friday between 10:30a.m. and 12 noon in Glyfada. For more info ring 210 8942919 or 6972398509.

FIVE-A-SIDE FOOTBALL

On Saturday afternoons: We are looking for more players for our group, which is made up of guys of varoius nationalities including Greek, British, Australian and Dutch, in their late 20s and early 30s. the standard of performance is average and the atmosphere is non-competitive. we usually play in Halandri or Holargos between 6 and 7 pm. If you are interested email nick@sportingreece.com

FREE SCOTTISH DANCING SESSIONS

First Wednesday of Every Month(unless otherwise advised), at 20:30, usually - but not always - at the St. Catherine's British Embassy School in Lycovrissi. EVERYBODY welcome... members and non-members. St. Catherine's British Embassy School Sofokli Venizelou 73 Lykovrissi, Athens. Please E-mail at info@standrewssociety.gr

FRIENDS CORNER KID'S CLUB

Do you want a fun place for your little one to learn, play and meet friends in which parents are welcome and can guide their child through their special early years? Come to Friends Corner for a visit and enjoy a day at a parent-run, non-profit playgroup/family club.Your little one will love the daily programme of puzzles, outside play, toys, homemade playdough, art project time, story time and sing-along. The language spoken is English. If you are a non-native English speaker then it is a perfect opportunity for you to practise and for your child to have his first taste of English.

Friends' corner is open daily from 9:30-12:30 and a visit costs only 8E (maximum of 2 visits a month.) Monthly membership costs 80E and entitles you to daily visits and keys to the premises for private use :-) We also have numerous parties throughout the year for traditional celebrations such as Halloween, Christmas, Carnival, Easter and of course many birthday parties!

FOR MORE INFORMATION http://xpatathens.com/directory/friends-corner-kids-club-in-glyfada-41.html

ATHENS HAU TOASTMASTERS

Speak better, Sound better, Lead better! Communication and leadership skills go hand in hand. Members of the HAU Athens Toastmasters club meet every 2nd and 4th Wednesday each month at 6.45 in Kolonaki. In each meeting our members practice impromptu speaking followed by prepared speeches and feedback. Our mission is to help each other grow as speakers as well as leaders. Guests are always welcome and membership is open throughout the year. For further details contact info@toastmasters.gr or call 6932181626. www.toastmasters.gr

KLIMAKA & ORGANIZATION FOR THE HOMELESS

Help those less fortunate than ourselves, by making the effort to sort through our belongings and giving what we don't need to those who do need it desperately. It is also an opportunity for companies to put their Social Responsibility into practice. The Organisation for the Homeless (Idrima Astegon), Peiraeos 35, Athens (opposite the Ministry of Employment) tel 2105246515, urgently needs blankets and warm winter clothing. The non-profit organisation KLIMAKA, Constandinoupoleos 30, Athens Tel: 2103410462, works on the streets, looking after the homeless and is urgently in need of blankets, food, water, and thick coats. Especially needed is men's clothing, so please clean out the clothes your husbands and son's aren't wearing anymore.

PLAYGROUP FOR BABIES

For the expat mothers out there, Amy Roberts would like to start a regular playgroup for babies up to 12 months old. The playgroup will be completely free of charge and would be held once a week at a house that has a large play area and is babyproofed and is in the northern suburbs. As the weather warms up we can also go for coffees or walks and to the beach in the summer. 

For any mothers that are interested to join and for any questions please email me on the address: mumsinathens@yahoo.com.

PIRAEUS KIDS PLAYGROUP

Multinational English-speaking playgroup for families who live in Piraeus. Moms and kids meet on Mondays at 11am. For more details ring Sarah on 210 9606926 or 6970273668 or visit groups.yahoo.com/group/PiraeusKids

SEMINARS ON GREEK TRAGEDY

After the successful run of the Off-Broadway show, “Iphigenia and Tauris”, Producer-Director Leonidas Loizidis along with Assistant Director-Tragedian, Eftychia Papadopoulou, will begin giving seminars on Greek Tragedy starting in January. Every Monday, for four hours, students and anyone interested in learning Greek Classical acting training, will work intensely close with Eftychia and Leonidas.

All students will have the opportunity in being cast in their upcoming production of “Helen of Troy” next fall Off-Broadway. The course will be seven weeks long and the price for this package is $400. Anyone interested please submit headshot and resume to Loizides@hotmail.gr. For more information please visit www.loizidis.com.

SING ALONG WITH 'THE RAINBOW CHOIR' IN CRETE

The Rainbow choir is an International Choir SATB, with ca 25 members, mainly foreign residents living in Lassithi East Crete. The choir was founded 7 years ago and given the name Rainbow to represent the different nationalities in the choir and the wide range of repertoire sung in different languages.

The choir has 2 -3 concerts a year and has performed together with a number of visiting choirs from Crete as well as abroad. We have rehearsals once a week every Wednesday, though when we are preparing for a concert we meet up more frequently and have sectionals for the different voices.

The focus is mainly on the social function of the choir and the positive effect on body and spirit of singing together in a group.

New members are always welcome - no previous experience is necessary. Contact Inga at ingapediaditi@hotmail.com

SOUTH ATHENS ALCOHOLIC ANONYMOUS

Meetings take place Monday and Thursday at Kastalia Clinic Glyfada Athens. Time 6-30-7-30. Please contact Christine at 6947941459

Phone: christine 6947941459

SOUTH COAST DARTS LEAGUE LOOKING FOR MEN AND WOMEN TO PLAY

If you are interested in playing darts, the league meets at the Blue Parrot in Voula, in a friendly and social context. Looking for interested men or women, any age, ring 210- 895 6744.

TOASTMASTER INTERNATIONAL - GAIN EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Want to be a better communicator at dinner parties or interviews?

Join us over a glass of wine at Toastmasters in Glyfada to learn the skills and confidence to express yourself effectively in any situation. Whether a professional, student, stay-at-home parent or retiree, Toastmasters is the most efficient, enjoyable and affordable way of gaining great communication skills.

Email Charles Atherton on charles@atherton.com for details

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organisation that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. There are currently more than 260,000 members in over 12,500 clubs in 113 countries.

WAVES BUSINESS NETWORK

Waves Business Network hosts January networking meeting. Introduce yourself and your business/practice to other professionals. Make friends and enjoy your time with us. We are English - speaking business women, artists, therapists, lawyers, dentists, scientists and housewives and we meet regularly in a business and social networking and supporting context.

We meet every 2nd Friday, monthly, at 19:00 in the area VOULA and every 3rd Wednesday, monthly, at 10:00 am in the area of LAGONISSI.

The venue of our networking is published on our Website and in our monthly newsletter. FREE - No Membership fee required. Don't forget - bring your business cards, brochures and friends along!

For more information visit www.waves.gr

WEE FRIENDS PLAYGROUP IN HAIDARI

Wee friend is a Greek-English playgroup for mums and children up to age five that meets on Monday evenings in a non-smoking indoor play area in Haidari. For more details ring Sarah on 210 9606926 or 6970273668 or visit groups.yahoo.com/group/weefriends

*These community events are not organized by XpatAthens.co