The management and staff at Comtec on August 5 celebrated Comtec's 40th anniversary in style with an evening dinner and cruise on board the Hera II.
Chairman Anthony Zahra congratulated all staff for their contributions throughout the past year and for their support. He said that although 40 is a sign of middle age, it is also true that 'life begins at 40'.
He encouraged everyone to use their talents and skills to the best of their abilities such that the company's growth along with their personal professional development remain at the forefront of the organisation's objectives.
Golden wedding
Carmel R. Gafà and Josephine née DeBattista recently celebrated their golden wedding with a thanksgiving Mass, celebrated by Mgr Bernard Gafà at the Good Shepherd Chapel in Balzan, followed by a dinner at Le Meridien St Julian's.
The couple were married on August 11, 1957, at St Joseph parish church, Msida. Fr Anton Pace, then parish priest, had offciated their wedding.
Yesterday week, they were joined by their children George and his wife Connie, Mariella and her husband Oliver, Charles and his wife Roseanne, and their grandchildren David, Paul, Corinne, Martina, Matteo, Andrea and Daniele, who expressed their congratulations, love and gratitude.
The children thanked their parents for the love, support and guidance over the years and hoped they that will never cease to find strength, share happiness and encouragement in each other's love.
YWCA Malta's fun night
YWCA Malta's end-of-season activity was the popular annual fun night, an evening music and dance, held on July 20 at San Pawl Hotel in St Paul's Bay.
The highlight of the evening was the celebration of birthdays and anniversaries of YWCA members and guests who were offered a special treat.
As in previous years, members and guests enjoyed dancing the night away to Sixties favourites played by dynamic entertainer Joe Carr.
The large selection of food, the ambience, and meeting and catching up with old acquaintances made it a perfect evening.
YWCA Malta thank Mediterranean Diamonds Ltd, Vascas Jewellers, Pavilion Jewellers, Radisson SAS Bay Resort, Coastline Hotel, The Flower Shop, Red October Co. Ltd, Ms F.N. Bason, Bianca Rizzo, Francesca Rizzo, Cuts and Tips, Lilian Avellino, Tanya's Hairdresser, Hera Cruises, Hard Rock Café, Chris La Difference, Coastline Hotel, Style Collection, Visco Enterprises, Maria Azzopardi, Int. Beauty Institute, Tony & Guy, Swanlake Restaurant, Coxwain's Cabin, and the management of Le Meridien Phoenicia Hotel for their support.
Malta's ambassador for magic
Maltese magician Vanni Pulè has just been officially elected as one of two new members on the executive board of trustees of the International Brotherhood of Magicians.
This organisation embraces abut 15,000 amateur, semi-professional and professional magicians from all over the world, and is based in the United States. Most of the executive members are American and this is the first time that it has appointed a European member who ais not from the United Kingdom.
Mr Pulè was elected and installed during a convention in Reno, Nevada, where he was also a judge during a high profile international magicians' competition. He was recently also on the adjudicating panel in Miami, Florida, and in Eastbourne, UK, during which he performed some of his original routines in front of 1,400 magicians.
People
Jennifer Jean Williams, B.Sc. (Hons), was recently awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy for research carried out in the Department of Engineering, Maths and Computer Science at the University of Exeter (UK).
Her thesis dealt with the computer modelling, chemical synthesis and mechanical properties of zeolites. She has also had a number of papers about her research published in scientific journals.
Dr Williams received her early education in Llanelli, Wales, and at St Joseph School, Blata l-Bajda, before proceeding to G.F. Abela Junior College for her pre-university studies. She graduated with a first class Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Biology from the University of Malta.
Dr Williams currently occupies a post as research scientist at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.
Michael Pace has just been appointed general manager of W San Francisco, the city's foremost design hotel. Mr Pace replaces Toni Knorr, the longtime W general manager, who recently took over as general manager of the St Regis Hotel, San Francisco.
Mr Pace joins W San Francisco from Kimpton Hotels, where he has successfully led various San Francisco hotels as general manager since 1998. His most recent position was that of general manager for the 236-room Hotel Serrano in San Francisco.
Known for his passionate commitment to guest services, Mr Pace has also established himself as a vocal advocate for environmental issues. While at Kimpton Hotels, he created and launched the company-wide "Earthcare" programme, one of the leading environmental programmes in the hospitality industry. To date, the programme has received 18 environmental awards and certifications nationwide. Mr Pace is frequently invited to speak at national environmental meetings.
Additionally, he is actively involved in the local community, serving as a director on the board for the San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau, chairman of the Hotel and Restaurant Foundation's scholarship committee, as well as developing hotel internships with local universities, and supporting non-profits through leadership in the Hotel Nonprofit Collaborative.
Michael Pace is the son of Uschi and George Pace, of Kappara. St Julian's Choral Group organise summer barbecue
The St Julian's Choral Group held its annual barbecue for choir members and guests on August 4 at the Selmun church hall, kindly made available to the choristers by Fr John Galea.
The evening could not have turned out better, with excellent food and a breathtaking view of Bugibba and St Paul's Bay.
Among the special guests were Fr John Galea, Chev. Patrick Falzon Gough, the choir's organ accompanist, and Pio Dalli, the newly appointed choir master.
The evening was brought to an end by short speech delivered by the choir's president, Ronnie Galea, who besides thanking the choristers for their efforts, also thanked all those who helped him out in the organisation of this event.
Go Mobile employees present donation to SOS Eden
GO Mobile director Peter Gauci recently presented a donation to the Eden Foundation. The donation was offered by Go Mobile employees following a human resources initiative.
Mr Gauci said: "The Eden Foundation is doing sterling work with students who suffer from a form of learning disability. As part of Go's drive towards an ever stronger sense of corporate social responsibility, our employees decided to use the money that was collected to help the Eden Foundation with one of its most important projects, SOS Eden."
The donation was received by Eden Foundation's marketing manager Robert Farrugia.
Thanking Mr Gauci and all Go Mobile employees who contributed to the donation, Mr Farrugia explained how the Eden Foundation, which provides education and support to over 300 students with learning disabilities, is running at a daily loss of Lm500 - a situation that cannot be sustained for much longer.
"In a bid to redress the balance, we launched SOS Eden, a fund-raising appeal to help reduce the deficit between the daily running costs and the funds generated.
"SOS Eden will ensure that the Eden Foundation is kept alive without reducing the number of students that it presently helps. Thanks to the help of companies like Go Mobile and its employees, every day we get closer to achieving this goal," Mr Farrugia said.
Miss Model, Best Male Model pageant
This year's Miss Model and Best Male Model of the World (Malta), organised by Vogue Model Management, is being held at the Nadur Theatre in Gozo on October 20, in collaboration with the Nadur council and mayor Dr Chris Said.
The winners will represent Malta at the international finals of Miss Model of the World and Best Model of the World in China and Turkey.
Contestants will be modelling in swimsuits and evening wear. There will be fashion shows and local entertainment during the final gala night, as well as other prizes to be won. Interested persons aged between 15 and 29 may call on 2738-5667 or 9944-5783, or e-mail vogue@onvol.net for further details.
Last year's winners were Angele Buscemi Le Brun and Leslie Spiteri.
Courses for adults in Maltese and English
Zabbar council will be holding a Basic Literacy Course in Maltese and English. The courses are free of charge and will start in October. Booking is open until the end of August. Further details can be obtained from the council's office from Monday to Friday during office hours, or by phoning on 2166-4466.
First aid for parents
A session on first aid for children will be held by the Malta Red Cross next month. The optional session is part of the basic first aid course that will start on August 28. The child first aid session will be held at Boffa Hospital, Floriana, on September 11. The Malta Red Cross said the session is important for all parents and carers of young children.
A certificate valid for three years will be presented to participants who successfully complete the course. For more information e-mail mrc1courses@gmail.com or contact Lina on 9940-7049.
Graduation dinner for students of Audrey's Health and Beauty Centre
A graduation dinner to commemorate another successful year for students who studied at Audrey's Health and Beauty Centre in Mtarfa was recently held at the Corinthia San Gorg, during which diplomas were awarded by principal and tutor Audrey Falzon to students who sat for both local and ITEC examinations.
Students studied different beauty and holistic therapies, including anatomy, physiology, holistic massages, reflexology, electrology and Indian head massages, and a course leading to the Beauty Specialist Diploma. Most of the students obtained credits and distinctions.
A prize was also awarded to students who achieved the best results: Daniela Ciantar, Anne Catisson, Marcelle Callus Fsadni and Manwel Darmanin. The school reopens next month.
For more information phone 2145-9673 or 9945-3638, or visit www.audrey.rabatmalta.com.
The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements - August 20-26
Wednesday
10.30 a.m. The President receives a group of 61 persons from Tolfa, near Rome, led by mayor Dr Alessandro Barrilocchio, at the Palace, Valletta.
11.30 The President is presented with a copy of the new publication Analysis of Consequences of General Elections 1921-2003, by Mgr Fortunato Mizzi and Albert Giglio.
8 p.m. The President attends a reception organised by the Ghaqda Socjali Tmienja ta' Settembru Mellieha, at the Solana Hotel, Mellieha.
The Archbishop's engagements - August 20-26
Tomorrow
9.30 a.m. The Archbishop presides over a Curia senior staff meeting.
7 p.m. The Archbishop meets children from various parishes, on Marsascala parish church's parvis.
Tuesday
10 a.m. The Archbishop meets a group of children participating in a summer camp organised by St Mary parish of Birkirkara.
7 p.m. The Archbishop has his second meeting with children from various parishes, on Qawra parish church's parvis.
9 The Archbishop meets young people forming part of the Mixja Katekumenali which will take place in Loreto, Italy, on September 1-2, at Qawra parish church.
Wednesday
6 p.m. The Archbishop celebrates Mass for the Sisters of Mother Teresa, Missionaries of Charity, at their convent in Cospicua, on the occasion of the feast of the Sacred Heart of Mary.
8 p.m. The Archbishop attends a reception by the Ghaqda Socjali Tmienja ta' Settembru Mellieha.
Thursday
7 p.m. The Archbishop celebrates Mass at St Julian's parish church on the occasion of a day dedicated to lay persons, in preparation for the feast of St Julian.
Friday
9.30 a.m. The Archbishop presides over a meeting of the Foundation for Church Schools.
6 p.m. The Archbishop celebrates Mass at Senglea parish church on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the reconsecration of the basilica.
Saturday
The Archbishop leaves for a private visit abroad.
For your diary
The Society for Investigating the Credibility of Extraordinary Claims (SICEC) is organising a talk on "Miracle Healing", led by David Pace, at the Youth Travel Circle, 227, Merchants Street, Valletta, on Thursday at 6.45 p.m.
Basic Society is organising a barbecue buffet by the pool, with live entertainment, at Porto Azzurro Aparthotel, Ridott Street, Xemxija, on Friday at 8 p.m. Tickets, at Lm5.75 for adults and Lm3.75 for children, can be obtained from Anton Zammit (tel. 2142-2901/2 or 9946-5465). Entrance ticket participates in a lottery drawn during the activity. All proceeds go towards needy persons and families.
Ward u Zghar is organising a Lejla Maltija at Bob's Caravan in Bahar ic-Caghaq, on Saturday at 7 p.m., and a picnic and kite-flying activity on August 29 at 6.30 p.m.
For more information phone Antoine on 9953-9234, Peter on 7904-8745 or Maris on 9947-9246.
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 St Joseph School Past Pupils Association (Sliema) is holding a dinner themed 'Dine and Relax by the Sea' at the Cavalieri Hotel, St Julian's on August 31 at 7.30 p.m. Proceeds are in aid of charity. Phone Moira Tabone on 2135-3444 or 9940-2223, or Mary Sciortino on 2133-2839 or 7933-2839 by August 28.
The Singles Social Club is organising a get-together at Fra Ben, Qawra, on August 31 at 9 p.m. For more information phone 2142-1337 or 9947-7181.