Rhode Island State Senator Lou Raptakis, alone with Nicole Malliotakis (of Staten Island) and Wyoming State Senator Stephen Pappas formed a bipartisan delegation of Greek-American legislators who made an official visit to Greece. This delegation attended the Thessaloniki International Fair at which USA was this year’s honored country. Read more Staten Island Entertainment.

"Senator Raptakis and St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Hellenic community host the celebration of 197th anniversary of Greek Independence Day and the Feast of the Annunciation at RI State House
Greek Consul General Efthymiou joins local Greek leaders, elected officials in celebration of Greek heritage
 
STATE HOUSE – State Senator Leonidas P. Raptakis (D-Dist. 33, Coventry, East Greenwich, West Greenwich) and the Newport Hellenic community hosted a celebration of Greek Independence Day at the Rhode Island State House, bringing together state leaders and members of the Hellenic community to recognize the 197th  anniversary of Greece’s independence.  This is the twenty-sixth consecutive celebration of the event, which included the Consul General of the Hellenic Republic Stratos Efthymiou meeting with Rhode Island Senate President Domenic Ruggerio.