Heard in the Hive

The celebration of Czech National Day last Monday was unusual, to say the least. Hosted by the Czech Embassy in Rome and the Maltese-Czech Society, it was held at the Valletta Waterfront, where guests were entertained by the versatile Youth Brass Orchestra and majorettes of the Frederic Chopin School of Music of Marianske Lazne in the Czech Republic.

The band and American-style majorettes (who changed costume three or four times during their performance) were in Malta to take part in the Historic Cities Festival.

The President of the Republic and Mrs Fenech Adami and other distinguished guests were greeted at the reception by Robert Tripes, minister plenipotentiary at the Czech Embassy in Rome, representing the Ambassador, Libor Secka, and by Tonio Casapinta, honorary consul of the Czech Republic in Malta.

Mr Tripes, speaking in Italian, said relations between his country and Malta were excellent, and despite the physical distance between them, contacts were plentiful and ongoing.

"We have a trusted and sincere friend in Malta," Mr Tripes said, adding that since both countries joined the European Union last year, they have become even closer, finding a source of enrichment in the EU.

Mr Tripes said the Czech Republic was sensitive to the immigration problem in Malta, because it realised the problems it caused. This is why it was trying to help Malta in this regard.

But relations between the two countries went much deeper than that. Mr Tripes said that in Mr Casapinta the Czech Republic had "one of its best honorary consuls in the world". He also thanked the Czech-Maltese Society for its sterling work.

Since the celebrations marking the tenth anniversary of the honorary consulate last year, relations between Malta and the Czech Republic continued to grow, Mr Tripes said. This was seen in the state visit paid by President Fenech Adami to Prague early this year, the visit of the famous Black Light Theatre, and collaboration was being promoted between the cities of Prague and Valletta.

In December, Mr Tripes announced, there will be two important events: the Czech Republic is donating a Christmas tree to be mounted on the Palace Square as part of the Malta Community Chest Fund's annual campaign, while the Czech National Theatre will give a ballet performance at the Manoel Theatre.

Also, the Czech foreign minister and a number of Czech MPs will be visiting Malta. All these events will help consolidate relations between the two countries.

Mr Tripes then presented a memento of Malta to the leader of the Czech youth band, and then proposed a toast to President and Mrs Fenech Adami.

In reply, Dr Fenech Adami said that Malta enjoyed very good relations with the Czech Republic. He and Mrs Fenech Adami treasured fond memories of his State visit to Prague last January, when they were received by President Vaclav Klaus.

He also fondly recalled the visit of former President Vaclav Havel to Malta some years ago. The Grand Harbour, which was the magnificent backdrop for that evening's reception, was the "soul of our history", Dr Fenech Adami said, and provided the island with its major source of income throughout the centuries. Both Malta and the Czech Republic had a rich history and culture, and their common membership of the European Union strengthened their relations and enriched cultural life within the Union as a whole.

Dr Fenech Adami touched upon illegal immigration and said he hoped the EU will devote its attention to this problem, which was common to other member states. We have reached a critical situation, he said, and he thanked the Czech government for offering its support to Malta.

He also expressed gratitude for the donation of a Christmas tree for this year's Community Chest Fund campaign.

Dr Fenech Adami then proposed a toast to President and Mrs Vaclav Klaus, after which the two national anthems were played.

Sixth International Orthodontic Congress

Dr Alfred Magri Demajo recently attended the Sixth International Orthodontic Congress held at the Palais de Congres, Paris, France.

A pre-congress master class course was delivered by two world renowned orthodontists, Professor Bjorn Zachrisson of Oslo University, Norway, and Professor Vincent Kokich of Washington University in Seattle. Both professors lectured alternately giving a clear understanding of a multidisciplinary approach to 'Unrivalled Aesthetics'.

Orthodontic practitioners and orthodontic research clinicians from all over the globe gave laudible information about new techniques. During the congress great emphasis was made on Replacement Anchorage and the need of early Orthodontic intervention (early mixed dentition) - especially in Class III cases.

In most instances such early treatment intervention will eliminate the need of orthognathic surgery, always bearing in mind the concept of realism versus idealism. It was clearly manifested that not all orthognathic surgery is without hazards or even without relapse.

The safe use of titanium mini screw implants as a means of replacement anchorage for the non-compliant headgear wearer was profusely considered and manifestly proven with so many clinical presentations and research.

Another interesting item on the agenda was the use of simple distraction osteogenesis to move teeth (especially canines) in the shortest time possible particularly in adult orthodontics.

Delegates from about 100 countries attended this congress which is held every five years, the next one to be held in Sydney, Australia, in 2010. About 100 exhibitors displayed their respective customary and the newest orthodontic materials.

At the end of the congress a certificate of attendance and participation was handed to every delegate as verifiable Continuing Professional Development (Orthodontics).

The Sixth International Orthodontic Congress was sponsored by the World Federation of Orthodontists.

Fr Zerafa's birthday at Villa Tempra

Having arrived four days before his birthday party from the Angelicum University in Rome where he lectures, and flying back the next morning, Fr Marius Zerafa was overwhelmed by the 140 guests (former students, family, fans and diplomats) who attended the celebration in his honour held at Villa Tempra, in Mgarr.

His hostesses, Dame Françoise Tempra and her sister Mina, who had landed the day before from France, were delighted to welcome the curators of the Malta Biennale for Italy - Dr Romeo Galletti and Angela Beninca with supporters Alfio Cappellin, Maria Angela Gasper and Rudi Cappellati, who had come for the birthday party. Fr Zerafa, who is the biennale's vice-president, was inevitably accompanied by his tail-wagging red-collared pet dog, Zerafina.

Among the distinguished and younger artists were sculptor Anton Agius (currently exhibiting at the Valletta Waterfront Vault XVI with Angelo Agius, Margaret Farrugia, Pauleen Micallef and Monica Spiteri), Paul Haber (who has given ceramics a new dimension, as can be seen at his Valletta City Gate outdoor show and his inventive presentation at the National Fine Arts Museum - both until October 31), Joe Genovese, whose raring horse The Giant Pegasus flew without wings from Villa Tempra to one of the entrances of Mgarr, Joseph Barbara, whose giant Nephertiti sculpture at Villa Tempra amazes foreign visitors, Catherine Cavallo and her talented husband Simon Barthet (exhibition at the G Gallery, Lija, until next month, where Madeleine Gera's impressive exhibition fills the first floor), Erica Brincat and Francis Xavier Aloisio (who hold a closing celebration in the Art Together exhibition at the Valletta Waterfront Vault XV on Saturday at 8 p.m.), Nikki Arnett Depasquale, Mary Ann Zammit, Elizabeth Borg and many others.

Many of these artists' works were on display at the 2005 Malta Biennale in Malta but also in its parallel events in France, Germany, Madeira and Italy.

Among these was Gozitan artist Vince Caruana, who is reading for a Master's degree in Art at Florence University and is also a great friend of Fr Zerafa's.

Also present at the party were Sergey Medvedev, director of the Russian Cultural Centre, accompanying Russian Ambassador Valentin Vlasov, Vladimir Panyasuk, whose wife Anna is exhibiting her works at the centre until October 28, Mgarr mayor Paul Vella and his talented children, and numerous others.

The highlight of the party was provided by mezzo-soprano Marie-Therese Vassallo, who with Vanessa Magro sang well known classic songs; they were interrupted by a funny poem to Fr Zerafa written and read by sculptor, painter and photographer Marilyn Hodgson.

Ms Vassallo and Ms Magro were later presented with a bouquet of flowers by Dame Françoise.

People

Dr Tiziana Filletti has recently graduated from the University of Oxford after reading for a Master of Law degree (M.Jur.) in Company Law and Corporate Insolvency, International Dispute Settlement and the Law of the Sea.

Dr Filletti, a Chevening scholar, had earlier obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree with distinction, in Legal and Humanistic Studies, which was followed by a Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) from the University of Malta. She furthered her studies in Public International Law and Shipping Law and Law of the Sea at the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI-IMO) where she was awarded a Master of Laws (LL.M.) with distinction.

The formal ceremony of the conferment of the M.Jur. degree was held at the Sheldonion Theatre, Oxford University. Mr Justice Joseph A. Filletti and Mrs Violet Filletti, B.Sc. (Hons), Dr Filletti's parents, were present at the ceremony.

Dr Filletti is currently engaged as a lawyer in private practice.

Revlon Malta awarded Best PR Campaign

Charles de Giorgio Ltd, exclusive distributors for Revlon in Malta, was the winner of the Revlon PR competition for the first quarter of 2005.

The prize was awarded to Malta for examples of PR excellence for introducing Revlon on the Red Carpet Concept locally, creativity and originality and business results.

Revlon Europe and Middle East created the competition to assist and encourage PR across Europe and as an opportunity to share best practice and ideas.

All markets showcased their PR campaigns including launch packs, press releases and in-store events.

The Revlon PR campaign included having Ira Losco as Face of Revlon Malta, as well the Be a Star Competition in collaboration with the launch of the Mini Convertible.

The local PR agency also promoted Revlon on the Red Carpet Concept with prominent TV personalities and extensive coverage in the media.

UK High Commission closed on Friday

The offices of the British High Commission, including the Visa and Passport Section and the UKTI Trade Section, will be closed to all visitors on Friday because of staff training.

Anti-aging skincare seminar

A seminar is being held tomorrow week on Instrumental Cosmetics, a revolutionary concept in anti-aging skincare by Chanel involving micro-cosmetic procedures that you can perform yourself.

The Micro Solutions Programmes, using three techniques - the Refining Peel Programme, the Wrinkle-Neutralising Treatment and the Wrinkle-Filler Programme - transform the skin micro-relief and correct the different types of wrinkles without the need of needles, lasers, and botulinum toxin.

Directly inspired by cosmetic dermatology procedures, original instruments have been created through technology transfer and tailored to the shape of women's hands, for simple and more effective ease of use.

For more information about the seminar on Chanel's Instrumental Cosmetics, exclusively distributed by Alfred Gera & Sons Ltd, phone 7949-4857.

Military manoeuvres at Valletta Waterfront

Valletta Waterfront is currently co-hosting the International Napoleonic Event of Malta. A reconstruction of a sea and land battle, featuring both French and Anglo-Maltese troops, will provide the main highlight of today's events. The battle will take place at Valletta Waterfront between 4 and 5.30 p.m. and forms part of the activities marking the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, which took place on October 21, 1805.

One hundred participants will take on various roles during the event. Organised by the Historical Re-Enactment Group of Malta, the International Napoleonic Event of Malta annually attracts other re-enactors from various European countries. Entrance is free.

For your diary

The Stray Animal Support Group is organising a bazaar at 39, St Joseph Street, San Gwann, from today to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All proceeds will go towards neutering stray cats. For more information phone 2138-0103.

Tombola and coffee morning in aid of the Salesians is being held at the Salesian Youth Centre on Wednesday at 10 a.m.

A garage sale in aid of the Mission Fund is being held at 1, Paris Street, Birkirkara from tomorrow to Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sideboards, dining tables, flash doors, oil paintings, window frames and other furniture will be on sale.

Learn about an innovative, complementary method of healing and pain management. An introductory talk will be given by Christoph Bangert, the instructor of the Healing and Pain seminar, at 39, Good Shepherd Avenue Balzan, on October 31 at 7 p.m. Admission is free.

The healing and pain seminar is being held on November 1-3 or 4-6. For more information phone 2137-4234 or 9944-2944 or send an e-mail to kayg_mt@yahoo.com.

Ward u Zghar is organising a dinner at Il-Fanal, Marsascala, on Friday at 8 p.m. It is also organising a Halloween Costume Disco Party at Naffi, Lascaris Wharf, Valletta, on October 31 at 8 p.m. For bookings phone 9947-2868 or 2142-3143 by October 26.

A card party in aid of the Little Sisters of the Poor will be held at the Preluna Hotel Sliema, on November 2 at 10 a.m. For bookings phone Blanche Martin on 2133-0387.

Coping with mental illness

The Mental Health Association is holding a course of 13 lectures on mental illness and coping for invites all family members and carers of people suffering from mental health problems.

The sessions are built on Ken Alexander's model, a family member and professional who has worked in support work for families for the last 20 years. This is a model used all over Europe and the aim is to empower and educate families regarding mental illness. Sessions will start on Friday at 6.30 p.m. at Despott Hall, Education Division, Floriana.

Registration will also be on Friday. Family members will pay a minimal fee of Lm5 for the entire course and a fee of Lm10 applies to health professionals and care workers.

Certificates of attendance will be issued after completion of the course.

For more details contact Connie Magro or Kevin on 2330-4012.

The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements October 24-30

Tomorrow
11 a.m. The President receives Russian Ambassador Valentin S. Vlasov at the Palace, Valletta.

Noon The President receives the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed Nawaf bin Al-Sauud, on a farewell call.

7 p.m. The President attends a public lecture entitled "The Biological Statute of the Human Embryo" by Professor Marika Lopez Barahona organised by the Diocesan Commission for the Family at the Sacred Heart Convent in St Julian's.

Tuesday
10 a.m. The President is presented with a copy of the latest volume of the book, Histories of Malta, Ventures and Adventures, by Judge Giovanni Bonello at the Palace, Valletta.

10.30 The President receives vice-president Robert Montague and the delegation of the Commonwealth Local Government Forum.

11.30 The President receives students of St Joseph School, Paola, at San Anton Palace.

Wednesday
9.45 a.m. The President is interviewed by Anne Pinter from Diari Economic de Catalunya, Alex Font Marte of the business newspaper Expansion and D. Federico de Santo Ortiz from Business Excellence Magazine of the Madrid newspaper Cinco Dias, at the Palace, Valletta.

11.30 a.m. The President visit the offices and nurseries of Wied Incita in Attard.

7 p.m. The President presides over the launching of the book Patrijott Liberali Malti - Bijografija ta' Gorg Borg Olivier (1911-1980) by Professor Henry Frendo at the Palace, Valletta.

Thursday
9.30 a.m. The President is presented with credentials by Indonesian Ambassador Susanto Sutoyo at the Palace, Valletta.

10.30 The President is presented with the letters of commission by Lucy Mungoma, High Commissioner of Zambia.

11.30 The President is presented with the letters of commission by Anne Belinda Nyikuli, High Commissioner of Kenya.

1.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami host a luncheon in honour of the newly accredited Indonesian ambassador and the High Commissioners of Zambia and Kenya at Verdala Castle.

Friday
10 a.m. Mrs Fenech Adami presides over a Malta Community Chest Fund working committee meeting at the Palace, Valletta.

7.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend the commemoration evening of the late Dr George Borg Olivier at the Auberge d'Aragon, Valletta.

Saturday
10 a.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami are presented with a cheque in aid of Malta Community Chest Fund from the proceeds of L-Istrina 2004 by PBS chairman Andrew Agius Muscat at the Palace, Valletta.

7.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a performance of Puccini's La Boheme at the Astra Theatre, Gozo.

Al Jolson gathering

The Malta branch of the International Al Jolson Society will be holding its eighth annual meeting known as the Al Jolson Malta Gathering on Sunday at 4.30 p.m.

It will be held at the parish church hall in Church Street, Paola.

Documentaries about Al Jolson and The Black and White Minstrels Show and the film Go into your Dance, starring Al Jolson, will be shown on a big screen.

A donation will be presented to the fund for a bust of the late Maltese actor Joseph Calleia, who died 30 years ago.

Everyone is invited and entrance is free.

For further information call 2189-6936.