Heard in the Hive

This year, the recently-held sailing race Trophée du Bailli de Suffren between Saint Tropez and Valletta Malta had a special meaning for Junior Chamber Malta.

The organising boat Petite Terre carried a coffer containing different products from the gulf of Saint Tropez, tourism information and a declaration of goals for a twinning agreement between the Local Organisation - Malta (LOM) de Saint Tropez and LOM de La Vallette, which forms part of Junior Chamber Malta, during a ceremony on board the Petite Terre at the Royal Malta Yacht Club at Manoel Island.

It was attended by the MTA chairman Dr John C. Grech, MTA's marketing manager in Paris, Thierry Durand, president of the Marenostrum Racing Club, Christian Benoït, Saint Tropez deputy mayor Serge Astezan, MTA senior executive marketing and promotion Carina Dimech, Catherine Mallet who represented LOM de Saint Tropez president Marceau Beretero Niel, members of the LOM de La Vallette and members of the National Board of Junior Chamber Malta.

This kind gesture was reciprocated by the president of LOM de La Vallette, Nathalie Camilleri-Sultana, who presented a handmade traditional cane basket full of local products, various books about Malta, together with Malta's proposal for a twinning agreement.

This agreement will provide for cultural exchange programmes between the two countries, economic exchange in various business ventures and educational exchange programmes.

Preparations for this event started months ago when both organisations decided to take advantage of the historical links between the two cities such as the fact that Saint Tropez's historical hero, Admiral Suffren, was an admiral of the Order of St John.

The mayor of Saint Tropez is also the president of the France-Malta Friendship Committee of the National Assembly in France, as well as president of the annual sailing race Trophée du Bailli de Suffren.

"Twinning agreements are one of the core activities of Junior Chamber and are very important for Junior Chamber members across the world, especially for a small island like Malta. Twinning gives our members the opportunity to work with other members across the world both on a professional and personal level" Ms Camilleri-Sultana said.

Friends of the Little Sisters of the Poor hold annual buffet supper

The annual buffet supper organised by the Friends of the Little Sisters of the Poor took place recently in the impeccably kept gardens of Maurice Mizzi's villa in Bidnija.

Mother Paul, Sr Aimee and Mrs Lilian Miceli Farrugia welcomed the guests together with Christine Debono and other members of the committee. Archers Peach Schnapps was offered to the guests on arrival and as they wandered through the gardens.

True to tradition, there were no waiters and all the guests were looked after by a good team of very hard-working youngsters. The first course was dentici generously provided by the St Peter's Foundation and deliciously cooked by La Salita Restaurant, while the many suckling pigs were cooked by Villa Arrigo Ltd, and prepared by Chef Joseph who worked tirelessly throughout the afternoon to get them ready in time.

As usual, the many salads were prepared by friends and the delicious ice-cream was a gift from another friend - this is what fund-raising is all about.

The wine for the occasion was sponsored by Messrs Marsovin Ltd, and the liqueur served was Baileys - the original Irish Cream Liqueur, which was very well received. Both the aperitif and the liqueur came with the compliments of M. Demajo Ltd.

Many other people helped to make the event a success, particularly Mark Grima, and many others donated things that were very necessary such as the panini which came from Maypole Bakery and the disposables which came from Longbow Ltd.

The raffle helped to boost the income on the night and the prizes were gifts from various benefactors: John Borg Manduca, Hera Cruises, Virtù Ferries, Audio Visual Centre Ltd, Pharma-Cos Ltd, Azzopardi Fisheries, Edwidge Sapienza, Bristow Potteries, and last but definitely not least Consolidated Biscuits, who unfortunately were too late to be included on the menu but who certainly deserve to be thanked.

Echoes 2 provided all the music for dancing and went on till the early hours of the morning, while the youngsters and the helpers remained busy clearing up behind the scenes.

The committee and the community of the Little Sisters would like to thank everyone who helped in any way at all and most especially Maurice Mizzi for making them so welcome year after year. Since the tickets were sold out long beforehand, the committee would also like to apologise to the many people who did not manage to book in time.

Miss Maltese Islands finalists at Delicata Wine Cellars

A total of 31 finalists for the Miss Maltese Islands contest recently enjoyed a special evening when they were hosted to a reception at Delicata Wine Cellars, sponsored by Delicata Winemakers.

The organisers, Sue Rossi and Claudia Calleja, together with local councils' representatives, presented a commemorative plaque to each participant.

This year, 28 finalists representing 17 localities in Malta, and another three representing two localities from Gozo, will be taking part. The purpose of this event was to introduce the contestants to their respective councils before the preparations of the final night which will take place on September 13 at the Mediterranean Conference Centre. Another evening will be organised for all the contestants later on next month where they will be judged for their talent and photogenic looks.

Special thanks go to Corinthia San Gorg, Woltz Make-up together with Diane Nikolic, Foto Classic, Prinz Ltd, Carmelo Abela Ltd, Paolo Bonnici Ltd, Busy Bee Confec-tionery, Directions Travel, KIA Motors, Matrix Hair products, Stylissimo Hairstylists, Lady's Secrets, 6ixty 8ight Lingerie Styling Station, Options, DJ Turbo, Classic Jewellers, Miluna Ray Ashley Fashion Studio, Chantilly, Orangina, Cube, Auto Traders, Dor Boutique, Nemo by Caprio, Brassmonkey, Amazonia, Maltacom plc and The Malta Independent.

Berloni tie up with Miss Italia nel Mondo

Malta's contestant in the Miss Italia nel Mondo contest, Sara Spiteri, graced the Berloni stand within the Italian pavilion at the Malta International Fair.

Berloni showed the very latest models, introduced at the Milan International Furniture Fair last April, on their stand in Malta and Miss Spiteri helped out, distributing posters and brochures.

The entire Berloni Home Concept range of kitchens, bedrooms, spare bedrooms and children's bedrooms, sitting rooms and, for the first time, vanity units from the Berloni Bagno range in a variety of colours and tops were on display.

Berloni's local representatives, Domestica of Valley Road, Birkirkara, also have a range of wall units, occasional furniture, coffee tables, poufs, lights, coffee machines and wine cellars.

The local finals of the Miss Italia nel Mondo concept is organised by Pyramid Productions.

Go mobile new Trade Fair stand, new chairman

This year's Trade Fair was yet another success for Go mobile with the launch of the company's MMS service, Go Live!

This year's stand was located in a new, larger hall. During the fair, the public could experience the various services and products offered by the company such as MMS and Go Online. The animation was once again in the capable hands of popular TV presenters Sander and Toni who led the Go Mobile SMS quiz game.

Go Mobile and Maltacom's new chairman Joseph F.X. Zahra visited the stand and was guided through the various services offered by the company on the stand.

Rotary Club Malta hand-over dinner

Two local associations received prestigious Paul Harris Awards at the Rotary Club Malta's hand-over dinner last month at the Al Fresco Restaurant of InterContinental Malta in St Julian's.

In a departure from the norm when the club president presents the awards to individuals, Dr Josie Muscat and Marcel Pisani received the awards from outgoing president Alfred Mangion on behalf of the Eden Foundation and Dar il-Kaptan respectively.

Mr Mangion also presented special awards for supporting the club to Tonio Ganado and David Degiovanni.

Apart from handing over the chain of office, Mr Mangion also symbolically handed over the Rotary bell, donated to the Maltese club 37 years ago when it was first founded.

In his address, Mr Mangion said more than Lm4,000 had been raised by the club over the year to help, apart from the Eden Foundation and Dar il-Kaptan, Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija, the Millennium Chapel, Nigret Home, and the Mpeketoni Clinic in Kenya.

Incoming president Joe L. Pace recalled the importance of the Rotary motto "Service above self" and its achievements as it approaches its first centenary next year. He went on to affirm: "A major thrust of my year in office will be for us to take a long hard look at all aspects of our club. It was (Rotary's founder) Paul Harris himself who said 'This is a changing world and we must be prepared to change with it'."

Dr Pace wants to see a "marked shift" from those who attend occasional Rotary meetings to those who act like Rotarians and live up to the name. This ties up closely with the motto for the coming Rotary year, Lending a hand, let's get involved.

He outlined the activities planned for the coming "hard year" that lies ahead, but stressed that with continuous involvement from all, the club will have a great year and be ready to meet the new challenges of Rotary's second centenary.

A small supper party was held recently at the Lord Nelson restaurant in Mosta, on the occasion of the presentation of a Heritage Homes scale model of the restaurant to Lord Nelson's proprietor, Jimmy Camilleri.

A model restaurant

The model, which includes details like the small exterior niche and the climbing bougainvillea, was presented by Roger Castillo, a director of Heritage Homes.

This particular building is one of the oldest catering establishments in Mosta. It is thought to be around 200 years old and was, until quite lately, better known as a typical village bar. In recent years the extensively refurbished Lord Nelson has built a reputation as one of the best eating houses in Malta.

Also present for the party were Anna Demajo, who made the first model of the Nelson, Gawain Debono, Heritage Homes master model-maker and his partner Joanna Friesenegger, and Mr Camilleri's business partner John Taylor.

Egypt's National Day

The Egyptian ambassador, Fatma El Zahraa Ibrahim Othman, last Wednesday hosted a reception at Villa Misr, her official residence in Kappara, to celebrate Egypt's National Day - the anniversary of the overthrow of the monarchy on July 23, 1952.

The President and Mrs de Marco, Acting Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, Mr Speaker Anton Tabone, Ministers, MPs, ambassadors and other members of the diplomatic corps, members of the business community, and academics, media personalities and Egyptian nationals were among the guests, who all signed the visitors' book as they went in.

They enjoyed the sultry summer evening by the pool, while being served drinks and delicious Egyptian food and sweets.

For your diary

The summer outing and card party in aid of the Little Sisters of the Poor is being organised at the InterContinental Hotel, St George's Bay, St Julian's, on August 6 at 10 a.m. For bookings phone Blanche Martin on 2133-0381

The Ghaqda tal-Pawlini is organising a trip to Comino with Captain Morgan Cruises, on August 8 at 7.30 p.m. Hector Bruno and John Bundy will be special guests. Tickets, at Lm5.50, include a pre-packed meal and glass of wine. For more information call 2123-6471 or 7942=4055. Tickets can be bought from the Società La Valette band club's lotto booth, Republic Street, Valletta.

Ward u Zghar is organising a pizza and pasta night at Peplows Restaurant, Birkirkara, on Wednesday at 7.45 p.m. For tickets, at Lm2.50 each, phone Doreen and Paul on 2141-8174.

International award for Malta's Argentinian Steakhouse

Outwest Ltd, operators of Malta's Argentinian Steakhouse, scooped a prestigious award during the 28th International Award for the Tourist Hotel and Catering Industry held in Madrid.

The award was presented to the directors of Outwest Ltd. Frank Grima, Jason Pace and manager Joseph Zammit.

Argentinian Steakhouse won the award for quality and service in the catering section. The trophy and certificate were presented to Mr Grima and Mr Zammit by Arsenio Pardo Rodriguez, president of the Editorial Ofice - the organisation responsible for this award.

This event honoured over 80 companies in the tourism and catering industry coming from 40 countries, including Malta. The event is held every year and awards companies for their excellent contribution in their respective fields.

Mr Grima said he was very honoured to have received this international award: "This means a lot to my company. We have worked hard to establish high standards in our steakhouses, and this award recognises these efforts. Our goal is to continue being leaders in this field."

In all, Outwest Ltd operates four steakhouses - Buffalo Bill in Portomaso, and the Argentinian Steakhouses in Paceville, Bay Street and Bugibba. The restaurants are renowned for the standard of beef cooking and for the value for money they offer.

Among the mouthwatering dishes available at the Argentinian Steak-houses are the fillet steak, rib eye steak, New York strip, T-bone, kebabs and even kangaroo meat.

All beef is cut from the finest Red Brand Alberta Canadian beef, aged to perfection and broiled over charcoal. The restaurants are also known for their interiors, as each possess a cosy and warm feel.

Director Jason Pace said this summer Argentinian Steakhouse has launched a new menu: "We're proud to have introduced a new speciality - the AAA Angus Pride New Yorker, a mouthwatering strip loin - especially for this summer."

People

Dr Clive Aquilina Spagnol, BA, NP, LL.D., Dip.Eccl.Trib.Melit, IIAC, has been recently appointed juriste-linguiste at the European Central Bank (ECB), as part of a team from the ten EU accession countries who will be taking up posts at the ECB.

Dr Aquilina Spagnol was chosen after a rigorous selection process, followed by a six-hour interview in Frankfurt. He is the first Maltese to be taking up a permanent post at the ECB.

Born and residing in Marsa and an ex-Liceo Vassalli student, Dr Aquilina Spagnol graduated as a lawyer from the University of Malta in November 2001, and pursued further studies in Finance and Investment Advice with the Securities Institute of London, as a result of which he is a qualified financial investment adviser.

He spent a couple of years practicing Civil Law in the law courts as part fulfilment for the warrant of an advocate. Soon after graduation he joined the Ministry for Economic Services and then the Malta Financial Services Authority, at the time Centre, from where he gained valuable experience in Maltese banking regulation and financial services law.

Antoine Bonello has been awarded an M.Sc. with distinction in Engineering Business Management by the University of Warwick in UK.

Mr Bonello graduated in Mechanical Engineering, B.Eng. (Hons), from the University of Malta in 1997. He attended the full-time programme leading to the Master's degree, terminating last September, with the presentation of his research project entitled "A Manufacturing Strategy and System Design Framework for an SME in the Beverage Industry".

Following the completion of the M.Sc. course, Mr Bonello furthered his studies by specialising in Six Sigma - a set of methodologies, mainly statistical, aimed at improving business performance and increasing bottom-line profits for companies both in the manufacturing and services industries. The American Society for Quality (ASQ) awarded Mr Bonello the certification of Six Sigma Black Belt last month.

In November, Antoine has been recruited by Freudenberg NOK General Partnership (FNGP), and currently occupies the post of process development specialist at their Powertrain Oil Seal Centre in Cleveland, Georgia, USA.

FNGP is a joint American partnership between the German-owned Freudenberg and the Japanese-owned NOK. The company designs and manufactures power-train seals and other rubber components, supplying leading automobile manufacturers such as Toyota, Honda, Daimler Chrysler, Ford and General Motors.

Mr Bonello's role in the company is to utilise Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing techniques to optimise both manufacturing and business processes, reducing costs and 'waste' from all aspects of the organisation. He is also responsible for training and mentoring Six Sigma Green Belts and facilitating Kaizen activities as part of the Lean Manufacturing Deployment strategy of FNGP.

Before leaving for the UK to read for his Master's degree, Mr Bonello was engineering manager at Marsovin Ltd. and prior to that worked as a manufacturing engineer at Methode Electronics Malta Ltd.

Friends and acquaintances can get in touch with him on apb@fngp. com.

Dr Paula Vassallo, B.Ch.D., MSc (London), DDPH (UK), has been awarded the degree of Master in Business Administration (MBA) from Warwick University.

Dr Vassallo is a dental registrar at the Health Division with responsibilities for the Community Dental Services provided by the government. She is also assistant lecturer at the University of Malta.

The President and Mrs de Marco's engagements - July 28-August 3

Tomorrow
10 a.m. The President receives Brigadier General Vincenzo Gargano, Commander MIATM (Italian Military Mission) on a farewell call at the Palace, Valletta.

11 The President receives the Hon. Giuseppe Pisanu, Italian Minister of the Interior, accompanied by Dr Tonio Borg, Minister of Justice and the Interior.

Noon The President receives Mr Yang Guirong, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China, on a farewell call

Tuesday
10 a.m. The President receives participants of the Multi-lateral Youth Exchange programme organised by the OASI Foundation at the Palace, Valletta.

Wednesday
11 a.m. The President receives Mr Hans Eichel, German Federal Minister of Finance, accompanied by German Ambassador Georg Merten, at the Palace, Valletta.

Noon The President is presented with a donation in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund by the chairman and committee members of the MADC.

7.30 p.m. The President and Mrs de Marco attend a performance of La Boheme at Portomaso, St Julian's.

Thursday
11 a.m. The President receives Mgr Philip Calleja, director of the Emigrants Commission, accompanied by emigrants from various countries at the Palace, Valletta.

7 p.m. The President attends the presentation of the Italian military mission by its commanding officer on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the MIATM in Malta at the Italian Cultural Centre, St George's Square, Valletta

8 The President attends a reception hosted by Italian Ambassador Dr Alvise Memmo and the commanding officer of the vessel Vittorio Veneto berthed at Pinto Wharf, Valletta

8.45 The President attends a reception hosted by the president and committee members of the Hamrun section of the Nationalist Party for the feast of St Cajetan at the party club.

Friday
10 a.m. The President receives French Ambassador Patrick Chrismant, at the Palace, Valletta.

1.15 p.m. The President receives Mr David Dreier, chairman of the House Rules Committee of the US House of Representatives, accompanied by two members of Congress, Mr Jim Moran and Ms Graciela Napoletano.

8.30 The President attends a concert organised by Etnika at Fort St Elmo.

9 The President attends a reception hosted by the president and committee members of the Malta Labour Party club on the occasion of the feast of St Cajetan at the Valentine Hall, Hamrun.

Saturday
10 a.m. The President receives the president and committee members of the King's Own Band on the occasion of the feast of St Dominic at the Palace, Valletta.

8 p.m. The President and Mrs de Marco host the August Moon Ball in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund at Verdala Castle.

Sunday
9.15 a.m. The President attends a Pontifical Mass on the occasion of the feast of St Dominic at St Dominic's parish church, Valletta.

8.30 p.m. The President attends a reception hosted by the president and committee members of the St Cajetan Band Club, Hamrun, on the occasion of the feast of St Cajetan.

Missionaries meet Archbishop

Maltese missionaries have met Archbishop Mercieca in an annual meeting which had special significance this year in view of the presence here of the remains of St Therese of the Child Jesus, patron saint of missionaries.

The meeting was organised by the secretariat of Maltese priests living outside the diocese and took place at St John's Co-Cathedral last Thursday.

During the meeting priests and nuns spoke about their experiences in countries including Canada, Brazil, India, Kenya, Bolivia, Mexico, Egypt, Australia, and the United States.

Archbishop Mercieca expressed his appreciation, admiration and encouragement for the generous work carried out by the missionaries in several parts of the world.