Following the success of the concert version of Puccini's La Bohème, performed at the Palace last month in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund, preparations are now well under way for this year's President's Ball.

This event, which will be held under the distinguished patronage of the President of Malta and Mrs de Marco, forms part of the Malta Community Chest Fund's annual calendar of events, with the aim of raising money for various individuals and philanthropic institutions in need.

The President's Ball will be held at the Palace, Valletta, on Saturday, March 22, at 8 p.m.

Tickets are now available for sale from the Malta Community Chest Fund's office at the Palace, or may be booked on 2124-0568.

A lesson to remember

It was indeed a memorable experience for five De La Salle Third Form students to meet President Guido de Marco at the Palace, Valletta, earlier last month.

The students wished to interview Professor de Marco as part of their Maltese project. The President showed great interest in the students' work. He asked them about their research on local customs and folklore. Soon, the students were listening to the President teaching them about the importance of the Maltese language and culture. It was obvious that Professor de Marco enjoyed the opportunity to impart his love for Maltese to the young students.

When asked about the future of the Maltese language, Professor de Marco replied that although as a small nation we needed to be well acquainted with foreign languages, it was our duty to promote and preserve our language which was our national heritage.

At the end of the interview, the students were amazed at how quickly it had ended: "I didn't realise we spent three quarters of an hour there!" one student exclaimed - a well-merited compliment to a wonderful teacher. This was one Maltese lesson the students will surely remember all their lives.

Scholarships for Central Academy of Ballet students

Once again the Central Acade-my of Ballet presented scholarships to those students who worked extremely hard, showed dedication and the necessary skills to develop their own talent.

Three classical ballet scholarships were presented, along with a modern dance scholarship and a Spanish dance scholarship. This year, the academy introduced a further four small cups, which were presented to students who maintained the highest and most recognisable qualities in respective areas.

The classical junior scholarship went to Kristina Camilleri Burlò. Christina Debattista was awarded the Middle School Award and Nicola Mattocks was awarded the senior scholarship. The Spanish dance award went to Krista Guccione. Sarah Tabone was awarded the modern dance scholarship.

The other four cups, awarded for dedication, talent, performance and improvement, were won by Cristina Tolu, Roxanne M. Scicluna, Miranda Farrugia and Lisa Bonnici respectively.

The academy also concluded its winter term with its seventh choreographic competition held at its studios in Birkirkara. Each year, the students, either as a group or solo, choreograph their own dance enabling them to move away from the syllabus and let their creativity and expression surface.

Joanna Vella, ARAD, this year's adjudictor, praised the students for their hard work and talent in the choreographic field. Ms Vella went on to explain that each choreography had its own interpretation and understanding of the music and movement which truly shows how important it is to let dance students explore their own ground.

The winning numbers showed clearly what Ms Vella talked about and one could see the effort and commitment the students took towards building their own choreographies.

The junior category was won by Cara Bezzina and Kristina Camilleri Burlò with their interpretation of Can't you feel the love tonight, a delightful piece.

These 10-year-olds expressed themselves in an extremely harmonious way alongside the music. One could also note the costumes they wore which helped portray more their ideas and creativity.

Insight, the winner of the senior category, showed a high standard of technique and versatility. The choreography, by Marisha Bonnici, Francesca Vassallo and Anthea Zammit, reflected the mature standard, which in turn showed the creativity of movement and understanding of music, expressed in different forms of dance and feeling.

At the end of the competition, certificates were presented to all the girls and an end-of-term party was held in the school's foyer.

The President and Mrs de Marco's engagements: March 3-9

Tomorrow
10 a.m. The President receives Mr Reginald Fava, president of the Malta Chamber of Commerce, at the Palace, Valletta.
11 a.m. The President receives the president and members of the Japan-Malta Friendship Association.

Tuesday
10 a.m. The President receives Brigadier Rupert C. Montanaro, Commander of the Armed Forces of Malta, at the Palace, Valletta.
11 The President receives the president and committee members of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Malta.
5.30 p.m. The President receives the president and committee members of the National Council of Women.

Wednesday
10 a.m. The President receives a group of students and teachers from Bavaria accompanied by students of St Dorothy's Convent School participating in a Comenius Project at the Palace, Valletta.
11 The President receives the newly elected executive committee of the Youth Section of the General Workers Union at the Palace, Valletta.
Noon The President receives the Prime Minister.

Thursday
10 a.m. The President receives Mr Vincent Fean, the British High Commissioner, at the Palace, Valletta.
11 The President receives Mr Michael Bartolo, Ambassador of Malta to the UN's European Office in Geneva.

Friday
10 a.m. The President receives Mr Anthony Pace, superintendent of the Cultural Heritage, at the Palace, Valletta.
11 The President receives the board of directors of the Foundation for International Technology Accessibility (FITA).
Noon The President receives Mr Louis Grech, chairman of Air Malta.

Appreciation: Chevalier Vincent Apap, MOM, OBE

by Mr Gabriel A. Pellegrini of Sliema, former curator of the retrospective exhibition by Vincent Apap at BoV Sliema

Although I knew that during the last few days Vincent Apap's health was gradually failing him, it is always a very bitter pill when you get to know that the person you very highly respected, loved and admired is now dead.

Whenever I wrote about Apap, I always referred to him as a "gentleman of the old guard" and he truly was so. He was an honest man, sincere, kind, gentle, and loving.

He always had a good word for everybody and to his students he gave them all he knew. He was a deeply religious man and a very good husband and father. He loved his wife Maria with all his heart and when she passed away it was a very big blow for him.

He did not despair, however; his Christian fortitude kept him looking ahead. He continued taking care of his children and grandchildren and most important of all he continued to cultivate his love of art.

Malta has lost one of its greatest sculptors who carried the Maltese nation to the highest pinnacles with his commissions from members of the British Royal Family. His monument to Lord Beaverbrook in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, was a great success. He also executed the monument to Lord Mountbatten on the Isle of Wight.

Apap also distinguished himself with his work locally. Take a short walk through the Mall in Floriana and Valletta and you see a number of his works. To mention a few, the Tritons Fountain, the Dante monument in Floriana, those to former Prime Ministers Enrico Mizzi, Paul Boffa and George Borg Olivier, all in Valletta. The bust of Winston Churchill and the monument to Giuseppe Calì at the Upper Barracca gardens are just a few of his works.

During his lifetime Apap received many honours. In 1956 Queen Elizabeth II made him an Officer of the Order of the British Empire.

I am certain that one of his last works, the Risen Christ in the Franciscan church in Qawra, is to be considered a masterpiece. His interpretation of this work shows us with what energy and love he created this Christ. As you enter the Franciscan church you are spellbound and your eyes go straight to the loving Christ, who welcomes you to speak and confide in him.

I am certain that Vincent Apap has already found this welcome of love, peace and tranquillity from the Risen Christ he loved so much.

To his family I give my deepest condolences.

Appreciation: Sonny Monte

by SheiLa Jin Dimech

The sudden and cruel way that Sonny was taken away from us was too shocking.

No words can express my sense of great loss and deep, tremendous sadness.

Sonny was one of a kind, an extraordinary gentleman, a man who had always kept his promises. He loved life so much, no matter what life would bring him. His love was unconditional, just like the love he had for his family and friends, with all his heart and soul. His soul was as generous as it could be.

His heart was made of gold. He would put to shame those who think nothing of hurting others, out of spite or even in the name of love.

Sonny was happy while his loved ones were happy. He felt pain when his loved ones were in pain.

I could not believe that Sonny has left us. I still expect his regular phone calls. I am waiting for him to ring my door bell and come to tell me that it was only a nightmare. I keep dialling his number... I want to hear his infectious laughter and see his big smile again.

Sonny was my best friend. I shall miss you, dear Sonny, so much, more than you would have ever known.

For your diary

The International Wives Association is holding its monthly swap shop on Wednesday from 9.30 to 11.30 a.m. at Dar l-Emigrant, Valletta. All are welcome.

A Mission Bazaar at Kings Shop, Tower Road (opposite Wanderers Club), Sliema, will be held between Thursday and April 6 between 9.30 a.m. and 1.30 p.m. There will be big bargains.

A card party in aid of the Little Sisters of the Poor will be held at the Preluna Hotel, Sliema, on Wednesday, March 12, from 10 a.m. For booking please phone Blanche Martin on 2133-0387.

Social and Personal

Births

ATTARD. On February 26, at St Philip's Hospital, to Elizabeth and Alexander, God's precious gift of a first-born daughter. Thanks to the obstetrician and all the staff at the maternity unit. Special thanks to midwife Mrs Carmen Cannataci.

BONELLO. On February 18, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Katai and Hadrian, God's precious gift of a first-born daughter - ISABELLA PIYADA "ICE". Special thanks to midwife Ms Anabelle Brincat, doctors and all the maternity staff.

CUTAJAR. On February 21, at St Philip's Hospital, to Caroline née Debattista and Pierre, God's precious gift of a daughter. Thanks to the obstetrician and staff. Special thanks to midwife Mrs Carmen Cannataci.

DE BARRO. On February 19, at St Philip's Hospital, to Vincenza née Colasuona and Giovanni, God's precious gift of a son. Thanks to the obstetrician and all the maternity staff.

DEGABRIELE. On February 22, at St Philip's Hospital, to Geraldine née Pace and Godwin, God's precious gift of a daughter - LOUISA. Thanks to the doctor, midwives Ms C. Scerri and Ms R. Attard and all the maternity staff.

DIACONO. On February 16, to Janine née Galea and Michael, a second-born son - DAVID. Deo gratias et Mariae.

DIMECH DEBONO. On February 24, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Gabriella née Callus and Roy, God's precious gift of a daughter - AMBER CHARLOTTE, a welcome sister to Nicole. Thanks be to God and Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

FORMOSA BARTOLO. On February 21, to Fiona Noeline née Bartolo and Noel, God's precious gift of a daughter - ELEANOR CLAIRE, a most welcome sister to Elyse Danielle. Thanks be to God. Special thanks to the doctor and staff at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing.

GRECH. On February 25, at St Philip's Hospital, to Caroline née Buhagiar and Matthew, God's precious gift of a son - MARK, a most welcome brother to Karl. Thanks to all the staff at the maternity ward, especially Nathalie Mifsud.

NAPIER. Twin sisters Jessica and Nicole happily announce the birth of their sister KATHLEEN on February 27. The proud parents are Odilia and Ian.

NAUDI. On February 19, at Nottingham City Hospital, to Marcella née Woodruff and James, God's precious gift of a first-born son - BENJAMIN. Deo gratias et Mariae.

PACE-BONELLO. On February 20, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Amanda née Formosa and Stephen, a bundle of joy - NIKKI, a most welcome brother to Jamie. Special thanks to all the staff at the ante-natal, labour and post-natal wards.

PERESSO. On February 21, at St James Hospital, to Isabella née Fiorentino and Gorg, God's precious gift of a most precious son - GEORGE. Thanks be to Our Lady of Ta' Pinu, St Joseph and the Venerable Zelie Martin. Special thanks to the obstetrician, midwife Ms Anna Croucher and childbirth educator M'Ann Theuma for a most wonderful experience.

PORTELLI. On February 21, at St Philip's Hospital, to Connie and Disma, God's precious gift of a first-born daughter - ZOIA. Thanks to Kate and all the staff at St Philip's Hospital.

SALERNO. On February 23, at St Philip's Hospital, to Carmeline née Vassallo and Mario, God's precious gift of a son - KRIS. Thanks to both families, Mrs Carmen Scerri and all the staff at St Philip's Hospital.

SANT. On February 9, at St James Hospital, to Monica née Gatt and Joe, God's precious gift of a daughter - RACHEL, a welcome sister to Christian and Cheryl. Thanks be to God and Our Lady. Special thanks to midwives Anna Calleja and Mariella and the doctor.

SPAGNOL. On February 20, at St Philip's Hospital, to Michelle and Mark, God's precious gift of a first-born daughter - MARTHA. Thanks to God, all the staff and all the theatre staff, especially Carmen Scerri and the doctor.

VUKOVIC. On February 21, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Corinne née Portelli and Bane, God's precious gift of a first-born daughter - HANNAH KATE. Deo gratias et Mariae. Many thanks to all the staff.

Engagements

Dr MARTIN FORSTER, MRCP, and Miss BEATRIX YOUNG, MA, Dip.Arch, RIBA
The engagement is announced between MARTIN, son of Mr D.M.C and Dr G. Forster of Sheffield, UK, and BEATRIX, daughter of Major M.D.P Young, RE (Rtd), and Mrs Patricia Young, née Naudi, of Hale, Cheshire, UK.

Obituary

BUHAGIAR. On February 28, at St James Capua Hospital, MARY, née Busuttil, widow of Paul, of Sliema, passed peacefully away, comforted by the rites of Holy Church. She leaves to mourn her loss her cousins Lillian Borg Barthet and Carmen Micallef and their respective husbands, in-laws, other cousins and friends.
The funeral leaves St James Capua Hospital tomorrow at 2 p.m. for Balluta parish church, where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 2.30 p.m., followed by interment at Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery. Donations to the Eden Foundation. Lord, grant her eternal rest.

MARKS. On February 28, RITA, née Delia, widow of Louis, aged 87, passed peacefully away, comforted by the rites of Holy Church. She leaves to mourn her loss her children Danny, Edward and his wife Annette and Louis and his wife Marcelle, all residing in Australia, her brother Spedito and his wife Stella of the US, her grandchildren, nephews and nieces, relatives and friends.
The funeral leaves St Luke's Hospital tomorrow at 2.45 p.m. for Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery chapel where Mass praesente cadavere will be celebrated at 3.15 p.m., followed by interment. No flowers by request but donations to charitable institutions will be appreciated. Lord, grant her eternal rest.

SOLER. On February 28, JOE, of Vittoriosa, residing at Sta Lucija (ex-member of the Catholic Action Movement), aged 94, passed away under tragic circumstances. He leaves to mourn his loss his children Joseph and his wife Nancy and Frank and his wife Frances, his grandchildren Mariella and her husband Albert Galdies, Sandro and his wife Miriam, Simon and his wife Marika and Isabelle, his seven great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends. - R.I.P.
The funeral leaves St Luke's Hospital tomorrow at 2 p.m. for Sta Lucija parish church, where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 2.30 p.m. followed by interment at Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery. No flowers by request but donations to Dar tal-Providenza, Siggiewi, will be greatly appreciated.

Requiem Masses

Tomorrow being the second anniversary of the death of JOSEPH EDWARD AGIUS, Masses said at Stella Maris parish church, Sliema, will be offered for the repose of his soul.

In Memoriam

AGIUS. In fond remembrance of a much loved father, ARCANGELO, on his 37th anniversary. Ever in our thoughts and prayers. His children Gemma Thompson, John, May and Tony. May the Lord grant him eternal rest.

BRIFFA. In loving memory of our beloved BERNADETTE, today the fourth anniversary of her passing away to eternal life. Greatly loved and missed by her parents, relatives and friends. A Mass for the repose of her soul will be said today at 9 a.m. at St Julian's parish church.

BUTTIGIEG - MARY. Fondly remembered on the eighth anniversary of her demise. Her family.

CURMI DIMECH. On the second anniversary of the death of LAURA, 23.2.01, wife of John and mother of Ruth, wife of Mario, Nadine, Sarah and Simon, grandmother of Kurt.

DELIA - MARIA CLEOFE. On the second anniversary of her death. Sadly missed by her husband Saviour, her children Raymond and his wife Isabelle, Miriam and her husband Alfred Briffa, Carmen and her husband Timothy Valletta, Grace and her husband George Cassar, Antida and her husband Stephen Grech and all her beloved grandchildren. Dear Lord, grant her eternal rest.

FENECH - ALFRED of Rabat. Today the first anniversary of his death. Never forgotten by his wife Carmen, daughter Theresa and her husband Victor Bonello and their son Kluivert, his brothers, sisters and in-laws, other relatives and friends.

LIA - Fr CARMELO LIA, parish priest of Safi. On the 24th anniversary of his death, 3.3.79. Masses at Safi parish church and St Rita chapel, St Julian's, will be offered for the repose of his soul.

MICALLEF. In ever loving memory of ANTHONY J. on the 19th anniversary of his demise. Lovingly remembered by his wife Joyce and his children Gladys and Gloria.

SCOTT. In unfading memory of my beloved father CHARLES on the 31st anniversary of his death. Remembered with much love today and always. Jean.

VELLA - TONY. In loving memory of a dear husband, father and brother on the fifth anniversary of his demise. Greatly missed by his wife Josephine, his son John, his daughter Sarah and her husband Michael Curmi, his brother Joe and sister Doris. The 7 p.m. Mass said on Tuesday, March 4 at San Pawl tat-Targa chapel will be offered for the repose of his soul. The attendance of relatives and friends will be appreciated.

ZAMMIT. In loving memory of MARY, today the fifth anniversary of her demise. Fondly remembered by her sister Guza, her brother Sonny, nephew and nieces.

Personal

With infinite thanks to Christ the Redeemer and Our Lady. Helen Sceberras.

St Therese Of The Child Jesus (preparation for the arrival of her relics)

Theme: Turn towards the True God. "Today I recollect my past life, the act which I performed at that Christmas was so courageous! Many people will say to themselves 'I don't have the strength to accomplish this sacrifice'. I hope that, like me, they will pluck up their greatest courage. The Good Lord never refuses such efforts. He has given everyone the first grace, enabling one to have the strength to act; when one's heart has strengthened, one advances from victory to victory. (DE 1897-8-8).

Pharmacies Open Today

Malta 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Gozo 7.30 to 11 a.m.
St Publius Pharmacy, 48, Triq il-Miratur, Floriana;
Lister Pharmacy, 209, St Joseph High Street, Hamrun;
St George's Pharmacy, 21, Main Street, Qormi;
Holy Cross Pharmacy, 37, Main Street, Birkirkara;
Regional Pharmacy, E.H. Furse Street, Msida;
Potter Chemists Ltd, Wilga Street, Paceville, St Julians;
Chemimart Ltd Pharmacy, 4, 5, 6, Il-Piazzetta, Tower Street, Sliema;
St Michael Pharmacy, Misrah it-Transfigurazzjoni, Lija;
Pillbox Pharmacy, 2, Triq il-Bjad, Naxxar;
Mellieha Pharmacy, 107, George Borg Olivier Street, Mellieha;
Fleming Pharmacy, 65, Zabbar Road, Paola;
Victory Pharmacy, 32, Victory Street, Senglea;
Cilia's Pharmacy, 303, Zabbar Road, Fgura;
Blossoms Pharmacy, N.B. Triq Gurgier, Birzebbuga;
Zurrieq Dispensary, 146, Main Street, Zurrieq;
De Rohan Pharmacy, 24, Triq Sant'Antnin, Zebbug;
Nova Pharmacy, 142, College Street, Rabat;
Abela's Pharmacy, 42, G.P.F. Agius De Soldanis Street, Victoria, GOZO;
Tony's Pharmacy, Triq il-Qbajjar, Marsalforn.