XMAS SWIM 2013

Seven intrepid swimmers took the plunge into Vassiliki waters on Christmas Day.  Judging by the shrieks and groans it wasn't overly warm.  However, Debbie & Liz managed to last the full 30mins that they had pledged for their fund raising effort.  Having raised in excess of €780 for the Centre for Young People with Disabilities in Lefkas, they would both like to thank everyone for their support and wish you all a happy and peaceful 2014

DID YOU MISS OUT ON 'POPPY DAY'?..... DON'T DESPAIR

Jackie Dallos has Poppies, car poppies, wristbands, wooden crosses with poppies on, lapel pin poppies and one or two other bits and pieces. There is a collection box in Williams/Smithells in the Marina  and another in the Irish Rover in Lefkas town square.   All the supplies are also available directly from Jackie. No need for anyone to miss out  Call her on 6936 647160

JD's Bistro Winter Schedule

Forms for 2014 road tax available from Taxisnet from November 11

Motorists will be able to obtain the document they need to pay their road tax for 2014 via the Taxisnet online system from Monday, November 11, Finance Ministry official said.

The general secretary for revenues, Haris Theoharis, said that motorists will be able to take the forms to any bank to pay their road tax, as happened last year.

Roads tax for 2014 will remain unchanged from this year, ranging from 22 euros for vehicles with an engine capacity for under 300 cc to 1,320 for those with engines that are 4 liters or larger.

The only difference is that for 2014, owners of cars whose engines are 1,929 cc or more, will also have to pay a luxury tax next year.

click on this link to take you to the very simple application to print out your road tax form
The pages are in Greek only.  If you can't translate it, then this is what you do.
On the page that comes up from the link, press the button (which is 'enter').  The next page that comes up is the application
In the left-hand box enter your AFM (tax number).  In the right-hand box enter your Vehicle licence plate number.
Press the left-hand button (Search)....after a moment’s thought some red writing comes up.... which says the search has been successful and instructing   you to press 'Print', which is the middle of the three buttons. Do this, and either print immediately or save to file on your computer for printing later.
Take the printed document to the bank and pay, anytime up to Dec 31st.  They will stamp and sign one of the discs for you to keep and retain the other for their records. (take your passport just in case you need it for identity purposes) Job complete.
The right hand button of the three, by the way, is to reset the form if you made a mistake or want to apply for another vehicle after you've done the first one.

INDIAN DISHES

'FESTINO' in Lefkas Town.... on the mini roundabout.... is trying out some Indian dishes on it's menu on Tues 5th, Weds 6th & Thurs 7th Nov.
If they prove to be popular they will add them to their regular menu.
No doubt, those hooked on the hot & spicy 'drug' will give them a try.... and report back as to quality!
Nice to see a Greek owned business trying something new in these difficult times.

OXI DAY PARADE IN LEFKAS TOWN

On October 28th, Greece, Cyprus and other Greek communities worldwide will be celebrating what is known as Greek OXI day. Every year  Greeks have celebrated this event since 1940 when the day was founded. OXI day is a Greek national holiday in Greece.  
You may have noticed groups of school children marching around their playgrounds lately..... they've been practising for the parade which takes place in Lefkas Town
The national holiday was established in 1940 when the Italian Ambassador asked the Greek Prime Minister to have Italian soldiers based in Greece. Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas said NO (OXI) to the Italian’s request. The Italians invaded and this marked Greece's entry into the 2nd World War. The Greek army went on to fight the Italians out of Greece  until Hitler sent German troops to help the Italians.

WINTER OPENING HOURS AT 'THE KATOGHI'

Open Wednesday's through to Sunday's
10.30am to Late
Because of our limited table space inside we are recommending everyone to telephone in advance!
Hope to see you soon
Kind regardsAlison & Peter
The Katoghi
Cafe Bar & Restaurant
+ 30 26450 41733http://letseat.at/thekatoghi

TAX EVASION IN GREECE BY FOREIGNERS

SDOE links 500 luxury island homes to high-level tax evasion The Financial Crimes Squad (SDOE) has identified at least 500  luxury homes being leased via the Internet for up to 10,000 euros a day, income that has been concealed from tax authorities, according to a report in the daily Ethnos. The majority of the villas that are being rented online are «invisible,» according to the report which said their owners, chiefly foreigners, are believed to be responsible for high-level tax evasion. The majority of the properties are located on cosmopolitan Aegean islands such as Myconos and Paros, the report said.

ekathimerini.com , Friday September 6, 2013 (13:48)

34th AMERICA'S CUP COMPETITION BEGINS TODAY (SAT 7th SEPT)

The USA defending (skipper Jimmy Spithill) against the New Zealand challenger (skipper Dean Barker).  It promises to be a spectacular event as the boats are 72ft, wing sailed, foiling catamarans reaching speeds of 45kts.  The venue is San Franciso Bay and the course runs between Alcatraz Island and the seafront.
It's the best of 17 races, ie, the first to win nine races will take the trophy.
There will be two matches per day
Race 1 starts at 23:15 (Lefkas time), Race 2 an hour later.
You can watch live on http://www.youtube.com/user/AmericasCup or catch up at a more civilised time the following day. 
For a full rundown go to the official website http://www.americascup.com/

After a spectacular series the USA won and retained the Cup.  Sir Ben Ainslie, as tactitian, played a major role.  He is now trying to secure sponsorship to mount a British challenge..... already has JP Morgan on board.  What a day it would be if the cup, after 168yrs returned to Britain!

NEW ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

With the look and feel of the now defunct Athens News, The 'ATHENS VIEWS' weekly newspaper is available in some kiosks or on-line by subscription.
www.athensviews.gr

PREFECTURE OF LEFKADA

The official website of the Prefecture of Lefkada is full of great information on all aspects of the island.  Included on the site is a comprehensive programme of summer events in Lefkas Town and many of the island's villages.  A good browse through the whole site will reveal lots of useful stuff.
The link below is for the English language version.  Many other languages are supported on the site
http://www.lefkada.gr/default.asp?langid=2

GENERAL STRIKE SET FOR TUESDAY 16th JULY 2013

A general strike has been called by the big public unions for Tuesday 16th July.  This coincides with parliament debating the latest multi bill to cover more austerity measures imposed by the Troika, which has to be passed for the govt to receive it's next tranche of bailout money.  On the list of measures is the long awaited reduction of Public Sector Workers.... and so, a General Strike.
Follow this link for a full list of services likely to be affected: http://livingingreece.gr/strikes/

KTEL long distance buses will still be operating and so far, the Air Traffic Controllers have not said they will be participating.  All municipal services are likely to be suspended until the Multi-Bill has been passed by Parliament.

24hr opening kiosk

CHINESE RESTAURANT IN VASILIKI

A Greek owned chinese taverna called Theo's has opened in Vasiliki. The chef is from Hong Kong. Location - find the cash machines by the harbour front, take the road to the right of the machines and walk away from the harbour The taverna is on the left hand side. Chinese lanterns give a bit of  clue! Good feedback received so far. Currently only open in the evening.

HYPNOTHERAPIST IS COMING TO TOWN

RECENTLY FORMED CHOIR IN LEFKAS

Allow Lefkas Singers to challenge your perception of a choir. This modern new choir has an enthusiastic passion and belief that singing is fun and singing is good for you. All ages and abilities are welcome. Unlock your voice to discover not only the joy of singing, but the beauty and thrill of singing together in a group.
If you have a voice, you can sing! Lefkas Singers invites everyone in the community to come together as one voice. Come and learn how to use your voice properly through practising and performing a collection of feel-good music as well as upbeat songs from around the world. Join us in this relaxed and friendly environment for a weekly dose of singing-based pleasure! We meet every Monday, 6-7:30pm at ARTiria in the marina. For more info call 6978227326, email lefkassingers@live.co.uk and like us on facebook: 'Lefkas Singers'. 

GREEK NEWS IN ENGLISH

As most people know the English language newspaper 'Athens News' has ceased to function.  For another source of daily Greek news try this online paper   http://www.enetenglish.gr/ .  I especially like the  video cartoon of a young girl's take on the changing times here.

I HAVE BEEN REMINDED.....

....That it's Shrove Tuesday on the 12th Feb.  PANCAKE DAY! One of my favourite little treats and the second good reason for growing a lemon tree.  The first?..... G&T, of course.

RESIDENCY PERMIT

Residency permits for EU citizens, which are required for various things such as purchasing a Greek car, are now issued with no expiry date. If you already hold a five year permit which needs to be renewed or you are applying for the first time, this is the procedure:

Use the police station nearest to your address ie in Lefkas town or surrounding area use the one in Lefkas.......in Vassiliki or surrounding area use the one in Vassiliki

Find out when the police station processes residency requests. The one in Lefkas is Fridays and Mondays (8.30 until 2.00).

Each person will need to produce:

1)  Four photographs (passport size)

2)  Passport and two photocopies

3)  EU health card (or equivalent) and two photcopies

4)  Greek bank book showing minimum balance of 3,500 euro and two photocopies of the relevant page (balance of 5,000 euro for joint use - four photocopies of relevant page required and bank account must be in joint names). A credit card with available credit of 3,500 or 5,000 may be acceptable. Check with local police station.

Please note, the police officer must see original documents plus photocopies. He/she will not photocopy for you.

Once submitted, the processing took a further week. When we returned to pick up the paperwork, we were each given an a5 sized blue paper card which included our photograph and that was it...job done.

Information supplied by Debbie & Jeremy White

TRAVEL SHARING

Another new heading on the drop-down list under 'ODDS & B0BS' is Travel Sharing.
Those travelling to Athens, for example, can post on the site if they have spare seats on the journey and can therefore ease their costs. Conversely, if you need a lift, it's worth letting others know the dates...you may be lucky.
Email lefkaslife@gmail.com with your requirements

Epiphany in Lefkada

Jan 6th is Epiphany and is celebrated in Lefkada Town with a marching band, throwing of cross into the sea and the dunking of oranges. For a full explanation CLICK HERE
A very approximate time of 'kick off' for the celebration is 11am in the area of the bridge