Sculptor Joseph Casha inaugurated his new art studio at 7, Sacred Heart, Triq L-Aruka, Attard, on July 20. It will be open to all art lovers, individually and in small groups, any day from Monday to Saturday, preferably by appointment.
The studio and works of art were blessed by Mgr Sylvester Magro, OFM, Bishop of Benghazi.
In October, an exhibition by about 25 Maltese artists is being held at Messina Palace, the German-Maltese Circle's premises in St Christopher Street, Valletta. The exhibition will be entitled Filfla and Toteninsel.
A good number of the artists who will be participating in the exhibition turned up for the inauguration of Mr Casha's studio, bringing with them the works they created for the exhibition.
After Bishop Magro's blessing, Mr Casha and Mr Sammut made short speeches giving details regarding the October exhibition.
Other artists and guests present included Charlò Bonnici, deputy mayor of Attard, Paul and Joan Haber and their daughter Nadia, Ray Axiaq, Carmelo Vella, Alfred Caruana Ruggier, Mr and Mrs Tony Mamo, André Said, Tony Ellul, Joseph Bugeja, Guzeppi Theuma, Neil Osborne, Joseph Soler, Mario Zarb, Leonard Agius, Michael Muscat, Emanuel Cardona, Ray Spiteri, Joseph Vancell, Paul Grech, Bernard Scicluna, Louis Saliba and Dr Hugh Peralta.
The artist's daughters Eleanor and her husband David, Isabel and her husband Noel and Alison, and granddaughters Chiara, Francesca and Martina were also present.
Details about this exhibition will soon be seen on the artist's Website: www.josephcasha.com
Accessibility features at Marks and Spencer
In line with recent regulations, Marks and Spencer has reviewed its accessibility so that customers with disabilities can now gain access to all sections within the stores without any aid.
One such customer, Amy Zahra, was all smiles when she was greeted by Richard Scerri, retail operations manager. Ms Zahra toured the Valletta store which spans a large area of retail space. The more recent section of the outlet in Strait Street includes five floors, which due to purposely-built ramps and lifts has been carefully designed to allow accessibility to all floors and sections.
Ms Zahra was pleasantly surprised when she could visit the stores by herself. She said this was one step in the right direction, and would like to see other establishments follow sought.
She was then presented with vouchers and a token gift from the staff.
Dancers in Nottingham
A troupe of dancers from the Paul Curmi Dance Company recently travelled to Nottingham, UK, to participate in the One World Festival, an event which also saw participants from Scotland, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Ukraine, Hungary, Greece, Mexico, Ireland, West Indies, Malaysia, Colombia, and the UK.
Eldridge Saliba Curmi, who led the troupe, said the Paul Curmi Dancers were invited by Bernard Barbara on behalf of the Maltese Culture Movement in the UK.
This is not the first time that the Paul Curmi Dance Company was invited to represent Malta abroad. Between January and July, the dancers took part in events in Germany, Venice, Liverpool and Nottingham.
Tunisian presentation for BoV Phoenician Experience
El Kantaoui Marina in Tunisia provided the exclusive setting for the grand finale of the 2007 BoV Phoenician Experience, the popular 300 km Malta-Lampedusa-Tunisia yacht rally.
This sixth edition in the series, won by the yacht Fekruna, skippered by Dr Kevin Dingli, was of particular significance as it formed part of a programme of activities held to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Tunisia and Malta.
In fact, apart from Bank of Valletta, which was the title sponsor, the event was also sponsored by the Tunisian National Tourist Office and the Tunisian airline Sevenair.
50th anniversary reunion
A group of 26 former students of St Joseph High School, Valletta, recently met to celebrate 50 years since they left school in 1957.
The reunion started with Mass, celebrated by Fr Robert Soler, SJ, at St Joseph School, Blata l-Bajda, during which prayers were said for departed teachers and classmates.
During the offertory each section made a symbolic presentation: religious, married, single and widows. Also present were two former teachers, Sr Gemma Farrugia and Sr Margaret Scerri.
The group then proceeded to De Robertis Restaurant at the Castille Hotel in Valletta, where past experiences were shared over a pleasant dinner. The party ended with a superb anniversary cake and champagne.
The group promised one another to keep in touch and get together again in less than 50 years' time.
Presentation of prizes after Dawra Durella
Equal Partners Foundation, in collaboration with Vivian Corporation Ltd, distributors of Chicco, Plasmon and SMA Nutrition, recently presented awards to the schools and students who participated in the fund-raising and awareness activity Dawra Durella Madwar L-Imdina. The presentation took place at Vivian Corporation Ltd's premises in Msida.
Presenting the prizes, Vivian Corporation director Joanna Cremona reiterated the company's social commitment and said she was pleased the company was instrumental to the success of the event.
During the presentation, representatives praised the organisers for the well-organised event, and referred to the Dawra Durella scrolls, which contained information about Mdina and which were handed out to the children after the event for them to take home.
They also mentioned the PowerPoint presentations about Mdina, delivered in class by the teachers, and asked if a similar activity could be organised during the next scholastic year.
This event brought a revival of Maltese traditional songs that used to be popular with children in former days. One teacher happily pointed out that after the event the children in her class started rehearsing these songs.
Over 1,000 young children attending kindergarten and Years I and 2 from 21 different schools took part in Dawra Durella Madwar L-Imdina, a short walkabout around Mdina in solidarity with children with disabilities. During the walk the children stopped to take part in the organised activities and for their lunch break.
Before the event, the children were given a sponsoring sheet to collect money from their relatives and friends to sponsor their walk. In appreciation for the effort put in by the schools and the children, the school that collected the highest amount of money, San Anton School, received a Chicco slide and seesaw, while the runner-up school, San Andrea School, received a Chicco gym.
The children who collected the highest amount of money - Noah Cutajar, Sasha Mamo, and Rebecca and Francesca Caruana - received a Chicco table and two chairs, as well as a hamper with Chicco toiletries.
Sisters elect Superior General
For the third consecutive time, the congregation of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Apparition has elected a Maltese Superior General.
Sr Dorothy Vella-Zarb was elected Superior General during the 21st General Chapter which took place in the congregation's Casa per Ferie in Rome. She succeeded Sr Bernadette Galea.
Sr Dorothy Vella-Zarb was born in Sliema, studied at St Joseph's Convent School, Sliema and joined the Sisters of St Joseph in 1963. She received her religious formation in Marseille and Liverpool. Sr Dorothy then trained as a nurse and worked at the Red Cross Hospital in France.
In the late Seventies, Sr Dorothy followed a two-year course in preparation for the opening of the Central Novitiate in Rome, for novices coming from Europe and the Middle East. She was novice mistress and mistress of juniors until she was nominated provincial of Israel. After completing nine years as provincial, she returned to Rome as superior of the community and director of the Casa per Ferie.
During the General Chapter, which lasted a month, the 49 delegates and a few invited members, coming from 12 countries in five continents, gave importance to formation of the Sisters at all levels, as well as that of their associate members, the mission of the congregation and the revival of its missionary élan, the new social challenges and the structures of the congregation.
Vella - Micallef
The marriage took place recently at St Sebastian's parish church, Qormi, between Antonella Vella, B.Ed. (Hons), daughter of Mr and Mrs Sebastian Vella of Qormi, and Elton Micallef, B.Ed. (Hons), son of Mr and Mrs Alfred Micallef of Fgura.
Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Fr Hermann Duncan, O.Carm. The ceremony was witnessed by Johann Sebastian Vella, the bride's brother, and Oswald Micallef, the groom's brother, while Edward Gatt carried out the duties of best man.
The bride, who wore a corset of beaded French lace and an ivory organza skirt with scattered flower details, was her brother's fiancée, Analise Harrison, as maid of honour. Eleonor Borg was flower-girl.
A reception was then held at the Corinthia Palace Pool and Gardens at Balzan. The couple spent their honeymoon on an Eastern Caribbean cruise and in Orlando, Florida.
Naudi - Fardell
Married at the parish church of St Mary in Birkirkara on June 29 were Simone Naudi, daughter of Tony and Grace Naudi of Birkirkara, and Ivan Fardell, son of Charles and Nina Fardell of Sta Lucija.
The bride, who was given away by her father, looked radiant in an ivory gown with pearl-embroidered French lace appliqué. For ornament she wore a pearl and diamond necklace, a gift from her parents.
Making up the bridal retinue were the bride's sisters Martine and Gabrielle as bridesmaids, and the groom's nephew, Andrea Gerada, who was pageboy. Joe Grech, the groom's uncle, was best man.
Officiating at the ceremony, which was witnessed by the bride's brother Andrew Naudi and by the groom's sister Joanne Gerada Fardell, was Fr Claudio Borg, OP, who concelebrated Nuptial Mass with Fr José Debono, OCD.
A reception was later held at Villa Arrigo, San Pawl tat-Targa.
The couple spent their honeymoon in Jamaica.
Mamo - Chircop Bray
Qrendi parish church was recently the wedding venue for Janet Mamo, Dip. Mgt. Std., daughter of Joseph and Marianne Mamo of Qrendi, and Trevor Giles Chricop Bray, son of Paul and Diane Chircop of Qawra.
Fr Mario Mifsud and Rev. Professor Emanuel Agius concelebrated the nuptial Mass. Alexandra Bray, the groom's aunt, and Christian Mamo, the bride's brother, witnessed the ceremony. Saviour Mallia carried out the duties of best man.
The bride, who wore a beaded and hand-embroidered satin wedding gown, and a necklace of freshwater pearls, was attended by her sister Charmaine Mamo as maid of honour. Hayley Fae Chircop Bray, the groom's sister, was bridesmaid, while Christina Mallia, the bride's cousin, was flower-girl. Ayrton Caruana, the groom's cousin, was pageboy.
A reception was later held at Villa Maria, Rabat. The couple spent four nights at the Radisson Golden Sands Resort, and a fortnight's cruise visiting northern Italy, Croatia, Greece and the Greek Islands.
Golden Cross International Singing Festival winners
The fourth edition of the Golden Cross International Singing Festival, whose motto is "peace and friendship through music and art", was held on July 27 at Xlendi Bay. The festival was an attraction for hundreds of Maltese and tourists who visit this picturesque bay at this time of the year.
The festival featured 19 songs grouped in three categories. The winning song of the Grand Prix was Jien Illum, interpreted by Talitha Dimech, composed by Ivan Debattista with lyrics by Natasha Turner.
Category A was won by Talenti Mzewqin, interpreted by Matteo Curmi, lyrics by Keith Zammit and composed by Ian Mallia. Bandiera Maltija, interpreted by Antoine Farrugia, lyrics by Josephine Ebejer Grech and composed by Priscilla Psaila, placed second. Share with You interpreted by Diana Micaela Formosa, written and composed by Miriam Christine Warner, placed third.
In Category B, first place was won by Mis-Skiet Tieghek sung by Domenique Azzopardi, written by Chris Azzopardi and composed by Priscilla Psaila. Second place went to Karbet l-Innocenti, interpreted by Albertine Abela, written by Sunny Aquilina and composed by Domnic Cini. Third place went to Gmiel il-Holqien sung by Jodie Farrugia, written by J. M. Attard and composed by Spiro Sillato.
Dinja ohra flimkien, interpreted by Jorje Bosios, written by Aimie Fenech and composed by Frederick Scerri, placed first in Category C. Ilhna, interpreted by Carlos Vella u Marie Claire Gatt, written by Rita Pace and composed by Elton Zarb, placed second, followed by Nghixu fil-paci, sung by Yanica Formosa, written by J.M. Attard and composed by Teddie Zammit.
Daphne Xuereb, who sang Dawl li Jnemnem, written and composed by Augusto Cardinale, won the Best Interpretation Award.
Shannon Muscat, winner of the Grand Prix 2006, was guest singer during the show. Gabriella, Christian and Alexia Grech compered the festival. The judging panel was composed of music teacher Amy Talbot, Quinton Scerri, chief editor of ESCmalta.com, and soprano Rosabelle Pavia.
The Golden Cross International Singing Festival will be broadcast on Education 22 in the coming days. For more information visit www.festivalgoldencross.com.
Ability Challenge under way
A fund-raising dinner was in aid of Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija was organised on Thursday week at the Flavours Restaurant of the Radisson SAS Golden Sands Resort and Spa.
The event was organised by Roberta Bonavia, one of this year's Ability Challenge participants. Eighty diners attended the sumptuous meal, and all proceeds were donated to Ir-Razzett's Ability Challenge. Raffle prizes were also donated by Island Hotels Group, Go Mobile, Mdina Glass, Alf. Mizzi Marketing Ltd, and Artitude Gallery.
Although Ir-Razzett's operational costs amount to over Lm400,000 a year, the primary aim of this year's Ability Challenge is not just to raise funds.
Each Ability Challenge team is composed of participants with mixed abilities. It is currently taking place in the mountain village of Mayrhofen in Austria until next Tuesday. The activities include rafting, a glacier tour, canyoning, mountain biking, a high ropes course and paragliding.
These activities are co-ordinated by professional guides to ensure that safety measures are taken when carrying out the activities. Since the challenge requires a certain degree of physical fitness, a spirit of adventure and can-do attitude is required.
Apart from attending training events on a regular basis, each participant is required to raise funds to create more awareness of the abilities, rather than the disabilities, of a person, and to purchase the necessary equipment that will be used by prospective participants aiming to participate in the 2012 Paralympics in London.
For further information, visit www.razzett.org. Donations may be made to Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija by calling 2163-6533.
Mission Fund grand lottery
The Mission Fund would like to remind everyone to return the lottery tickets by August 23. The lottery will be drawn on August 26.
The first prize is two Air Malta tickets (excluding taxes) to any destination in Europe; the second prize is a weekend break for two on a bed and breakfast basis at the Radisson SAS Golden Sands Resort and Spa; the third prize is a photo session by Andrew Gauci Attard of Imagine Photography, and a silver frame; the fourth prize is a ceramic tea set.
People
DR MARK J. MICALLEF has recently been appointed research and development manager for Biologicals at Intervet KK, the Japanese subsidiary of the multinational animal health company Intervet International, part of the Akzo Nobel Group of Companies.
Dr Micallef graduated with honours from the School of Pharmacy at the University of Malta in 1986 and obtained a doctorate (Ph.D.) in Medical Science from the School of Medicine of the University of Hokkaido, Japan, in 1993 after winning a scholarship from the Japanese Ministry of Education in 1987.
Dr Micallef then specialised in cancer immunology and drug delivery systems during 14 years of research for top Japanese biotechnology companies as senior researcher, and published more than 50 scientific articles in international journals and books. Dr Micallef is also a holder of several patents, a member of both the American Association for Cancer Research and the New York Academy of Science, a visiting lecturer at the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics at the University of Malta, and a guest lecturer at the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology.
Dr Micallef has also acted as grant reviewer for the World Health Organisation, a reviewer for several scientific journals, and is a candidate reviewer for the EU Directorate for Research.
He now resides in Tsuchiura, Japan, with his wife Naomi and their three children.
RONALD BALZAN has recently been awarded the Pentax Award for the Best Work with a local theme. His three monochrome and three colour prints were also accepted in the society's 42nd Open Annual Exhibition.
At club level, he also recently won first prize in the Monochrome prints category of the Dr Edward Sammut Memorial Competition for Cultural Heritage of the Maltese Islands.
Mr Balzan, who has been working as a graphic designer for the past 12 years, has been practising photography for five years and a member of the Malta Photographic Society for the past 18 months. Last year, he won first prize in the Malta Tourism Authority's Heritage Competition in the monochrome category, and also won the Hasselblad Special Award for the best experimental photo in the Open Annual Exhibition, and two mentions. He also had two monochrome and two colour prints accepted.
Together with a friend, Mr Balzan has recently set up his photographic studio.
DR ANGELE FARRUGIA, MD, DIS (Dermatovenereologie) Paris, DU (Derm.Surgery) Paris, A.Et (Paris V), FAAD, has participated at the Summer Academy Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology held in New York from August 1-5.
Focus sessions of particular interest included those on emerging concepts in melanomas, controversial melanocytic proliferations, the latest advances in fillers, new technologies for minimally invasive skin rejuvenation, and management of difficult wounds and ulcers.
TATJANA CHIRCOP was recently conferred with a Master of Arts degree in Youth and Community Studies from Brunel University, West London, during a graduation ceremony held at Brunel University.
The Master's degree involved the successful outcome of written assignments covering the fields of psychological development, sociology of youth and youth work, social policy, quality in partnerships, management in youth work, staff development and training, contemporary issues in youth work and research methods, as well as a dissertation.
Her research work and dissertation, entitled "Life's Soundtracks" focused on factors which influenced young musicians' musical preferences, within the classical music field and the rock scene in Malta. Behaviours and perceptions of performers and musicians in these two musical genres were explored and compared within the concept of Bourdieu's "cultural capital".
Ms Chircop was educated at St Joseph School in Blata l-Bajda. She graduated BA (Hons) in English from the University of London, and BA (Hons) Youth and Community Studies from the University of Malta.
As a violinist, pianist and music teacher, she is very active on the local music scene. She is a Fellow of Trinity College of London and holds the Diplome Fin D'Etudes from the Conservatoire National de Region, Lyon, France. She is currently a learning assistant at St Albert the Great College, teaches violin at the Johann Strauss School of Music, and works as a community worker in Valletta in collaboration with the local council and the Foundation for Social Welfare Services.
For your diary
The Carmelite and Discalced Carmelite Friars will celebrate the seventh centenary of the death of St Albert of Trapani with Mass at Fgura parish church today at 6.30 p.m. The members of the Carmelite family are especially invited to attend.
A fund-raising event for Bolivia missions is being held on Thursday by the pool at Hotel Cavalieri, St Julian's. Mass will be said by Fr Garvin Grech, O.Carm, at 7 p.m. Transport will be provided. A choice of pasta and salads is being provided for Lm5.50 per person. Call Mrs A. Wirth on 2133-8079 by Saturday.
Ward u Zghar is meeting for a picnic near Bob's Caravan on Wednesday at 4 p.m. The group will be meeting again on Friday at 8 p.m. for a walk and dinner in Bugibba. For more information, phone Antoine on 9953-9234, Peter on 7904-8745 or Maris on 9947-9246.
The Singles Social Circle is meeting for a night picnic in Golden Bay on Friday at 9 p.m. For more information phone 2142-1337 or 9947-7181.
A barbecue is being organised by the Annunciation Band Club of Tarxien at the Swimming Pool Complex in Marsascala on Saturday. Tickets, including transport, cost Lm4.50 for adults and Lm2.50 for children. Transport will leave the band club at 5.30 p.m.
Roast Suckling pig is back again on Saturday at 8.15 p.m. at L'Isle Adam Band Club, Rabat. Entertainment will be provided by the Drop Out Band. Spot prizes will be awarded.
Tickets cost Lm6 (€13.98) for adults and Lm3 (€6.99) for children. Bookings can be made from the Lotto booth or from the club's bar. Early booking will be appreciated. Funds will go towards the feast of St Joseph in Rabat.
A day's outing in aid of the Little Sisters of the Poor will be held at the Cavalieri Hotel on Wednesday August 29 from 10 a.m. For bookings, and more information, phone Blanche Martin on 2133-0387.
The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements: August 13-19
Wednesday
9 a.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a concelebrated pontifical high Mass on the occasion of the feast of the Assumption at the Cathedral in Victoria, Gozo.
11 The President reviews exhibits and presides over the prize-giving ceremony at the traditional agricultural and crafts exhibition at Villa Rundle, Victoria.
Friday
8 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami preside over a concert by the Band of the Armed Forces of Malta and the Nafra Folkloristic Ensemble, in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund, at Verdala Palace.
Saturday
9 a.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend Mass on the occasion of the feast of St Helen, at St Helen's Basilica, Birkirkara.
Archbishop's engagements: August 13-19
Tomorrow
9 a.m. The Archbishop receives Mgr Lawrence Gatt, director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza.
9.30 The Archbishop presides over a Curia senior staff meeting.
Tuesday
11 a.m. The Archbishop visits the Meridiana Complex at Ta' Qali.
5.45 p.m. The Archbishop presides over the translation of the relic of Our Lady at the Mdina Cathedral, on the occasion of the eve of the feast of the Assumption. There will be Mass and pontifical vespers at 6 p.m.
Wednesday
9.30 a.m. The Archbishop presides over a pontifical concelebrated Mass at the Mdina Cathedral, on the occasion of the feast of the Assumption.
7 p.m. The Archbishop leads the blessing ceremony of the Mater Dei Hospital.
Thursday
5 p.m. The Archbishop participates in a live programme on Radju Marija.
6.30 The Archbishop celebrates Mass at the Our Lady of Lourdes parish church, Paola, on the occasion of the parish feast.
Friday
9 a.m. The Archbishop receives a delegation from the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
11.30 The Archbishop leads a meeting regarding the situation of separated persons.
6 p.m. The Archbishop celebrates Mass at St Catherine Home, Attard, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the death of their founder, Carolina Cauchi.
8 p.m. The Archbishop visits and blesses a group of persons who are about to leave Malta for a missionary experience, at the Carmelite Hall, Birkirkara.
Saturday
6.15 p.m. The Archbishop celebrates Mass at St Dominic's church, Vittoriosa, on the occasion of the day dedicated to religious movements. in preparation for the feast of St Dominic.
Sunday
9.30 a.m. The Archbishop visits the Drydocks, in Cospicua, on the occasion of the inauguration of the ship Fairmount Fjord.
6.30 p.m. The Archbishop concelebrates a thanksgiving Mass with the Apostolic Nuncio at St John's Co-Cathedral, to mark the end of Archbishop Felix del Blanco Prieto's term in Malta.