Club News
A Message From Our President
On Saturday, April 6th, Family Pasta Bingo was held at the Club. Many thanks to the numerous
volunteers who worked very hard to make the event so enjoyable. I will not dare to try and mention
all of them by name for fear that I might offend someone by forgetting to be mention their name. But
I would like to thank all those who attended the event, who donated prizes for the raffle, those who
set up the hall, who cooked and served the food, who took reservations, sold raffle tickets and pull
tabs, called the Bingo, tended the bar, cleared the hall after the event and to all those who in one
way or another helped in making this event so much fun for all. Thank you..
At the play "Star of Strait Street", which was held at the Mills High School auditorium in Millbrae
on March 29th, The Maltese Heritage Association distributed a flier announcing that they were holding
their 1st Annual Wine Tour on Saturday, September 14, 2019. This day would have clashed with the Malta
Day/90th Anniversary of the Club's Celebration, which was also slated to be held on that day. I would
like to thank Carmen Orton who is the President of the Maltese Heritage Association and the Board of
Directors of the MHA who agreed to move their event to September 21. 2019. I urge everyone to save this
date so that we can all support the MHA on their 1st Annual Wine Tour. More information will be given
out as soon as it becomes available. I also encouraged everyone to join the MHA at the 7th Annual Car
Show which will be held on May 5th at the Elks Lodge in San Mateo.
According to the Center for Disease Control, the measles infection has reached the epidemic stage.
Within the last month, infections have increased from 132 to over 700; this is a 500% jump. In the year
2000, measles was thought to have been eradicated from the U.S.A. There are infections in 22 states,
and yes, California is one of them. I encourage everyone to take precautions to avoid being infected
by getting the vaccination (unless you have already been vaccinated) and to vaccinate their young children.
If you suspect you are having any symptoms, please see your doctor and stay away from the Club until
you're healed.
On Sunday, June 16th, it will be the turn to honor all the fathers. A Father's Day Brunch will be
held at the Club. A flier is attached to this newsletter. Please plan to attend and send your reservation
as early as possible. Please observe the deadline. Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated.
The Club will be celebrating its 90th Anniversary in conjunction with the Malta Day celebration the
same way as we did in 2014 which was the 85th Anniversary. We are in the process of forming a special
committee that will organize this celebration. I encourage the Maltese Community and everyone else to
help and make this celebration a memorable one. If interested, please let any member of the Board know
that you are willing to join. Meetings will be starting soon. Thank you.
Saħħa lil kulħadd
(Good-Bye to all),
Brian
Message from the Honorary Consul General of Malta, Louis Vella
Hon Consul Vella greeted all those in attendance that morning. He started his talk by a little trivia,
letting everyone know that in Qala, Gozo a woman by the name of Karmena Vella was celebrating her 103rd
birthday. Good Gozitan genes, I guess 😊
The main topic of his presentation was of course the recent trip to Malta by a group of 20 people
(including himself) from the Bay Area. The trip to Malta was an initiative of the office of the Hon
Consul of Malta and the Millbrae Sister Cities Commission. The group had a marvelous time. The travelers
brought with them fabulous memories of Malta, Gozo and Sicily. The group was fortunate enough to have
a rare private tour of the US Embassy in Malta, a meeting with the former president of Malta, Her Excellency
Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, a visit to the Mayor and Council of Mosta, a traditional Maltese folklore
night and dinner, a day in Sicily and a lot more. The group assisted to several activities that are
celebrated around Good Friday and Easter in Malta, which as we all know are so unique. Speaking of Good
Friday/Easter in Malta, one of the main attributes why this time of year is so special is because most
activities so different and are held only during this time of year. Even some food/pastry items are
only found during that same period in the year. Please read about these types of food in another section
of this newsletter.
A new book entitled “Musta Rahal Twelidi” or “Mosta My Home Town” has recently been published.
It is a book full of photographs many very rare images of locations and people in and around the town
of Mosta from the time the photographic camera was first introduced in Malta. Many photographs are truly
a treasure. Hon Consul Vella announced he will obtain a copy for the club’s library.A new book entitled
“Musta Rahal Twelidi” or “Mosta My Home Town” has recently been published. It is a book full of photographs
many very rare images of locations and people in and around the town of Mosta from the time the photographic
camera was first introduced in Malta. Many photographs are truly a treasure. Hon Consul Vella announced
he will obtain a copy for the club’s library.
Now that the club has a flag pole and a new Maltese Flag flies proudly on top of the club’s premises,
Consul Vella proposed to the board of directors to consider a protocol for the flags of the club. Additionally,
while in Malta, Mr. Vella discussed the idea that the Nicolo’ Isouard Band Club in Mosta to fly their
flag half-mast whenever our flag is flown half-mast and we will reciprocate. This normally happens whenever
the band participates in funerals of members of the organization. Discussions are preliminary and more
need to be had.
Some members have been inquiring if there is a future group trip to Malta in the works. At the moment
there are no plans for such a trip however those who are interested please let your wishes be known
and your name will be placed on a list.
Grazzi Ħafna
Always remember that, it is not what we take but what we give that make us rich.