Club News

A Message From Our President

Dear Members and Friends, at the September 30th General Membership Meeting, fifty-three (53) members were in attendance. One of these was Sal Micallef who is our newest member. Thanks for joining our organization. It was so nice to see some members that we have not seen at the club in a while. Now that Summer vacations are over, we hope to see more members at the meetings.

The Malta Day Celebration was a very successful event, thanks to the "Malta Day Planning Team", namely, Joe DeBattista, Joe Vella, Ninfa Pace, Carmen Micallef, Mary Smith, Betty DeBattista, Jennifer DeBattista, Mary Vella, Rose Borg, Kathy Borg, and Karen Borg. Thanks to the Master of Ceremonies, Michael Pace, who performed a fantastic job. Special thanks goes to all who generously donated money, some of whom could not attend the event. Also, thanks to Karen Borg who donated the paper stock and the envelopes for the invitations, as well as an Mdina Glass tray and a gold chain. These items were raffled at the event. Last but definitely not least, I would like to thank all those who attended, and all those who in one way or another helped to make the celebration a Smash Hit.

At their last visit to our Club, on September 23rd, Zaren Vassallo and Jane Micallef presented to the library two books. The books are "Annwal 2018 Tas Socjeta Filarmonika Santa Marija-Mosta" and "Festa Santa Marija Mosta 2018". These books, which are in Maltese, are available to be checked out at the Club's library.

In compliance with our Bylaws, at the September meeting, the Nominating Committee was formed. I would like to show my appreciation to the following members who were nominated and accepted to be members of the Nomination Committee: Mary Smith, Rose Borg, Charlie Catania, Bart Borg and Carmen Micallef. I asked them to meet so that they can appoint a chairperson from amongst them. The duty of the Nominating Committee is to find at least one member who would like to run for any position on the Board of Directors for 2019. By November 15th. they have to submit, to the Club's Secretary, a list with the names of their nominations.

On Saturday, November 3rd, the Club will be having a Day Trip to Thunder Valley Casino. Make your reservations early because space is limited.

On Sunday, November 11th, at 3:00 p.m., The Maltese Cross Foundation will be holding the annual “Remembering Our Loved Ones" at Saint Dunstan's Church in Millbrae. Information about the event has been mailed out.

Please note that the November General Membership Meeting has been moved to November 18th. This move has been done so that it will not conflict with the Thanksgiving Weekend, since a lot of members will be out of town visiting family members . At this important meeting the floor will be open for further nominations for the Board of Directors of 2019. After the meeting, the Vietnam Veterans Luncheon will be held. More information about the luncheon will be given out later.

The Children's Christmas Party will be held on Saturday, December 15th.

Keep in mind that 2019 is the year that our Club will be celebrating its 90th Anniversary.

Saħħa and see you soon.
Brian

Message from the Honorary Consul General of Malta, Louis Vella

Hon Consul Vella greeted everyone present at the October General Meeting and noted that since it was the last day of September, this meant that Summer 2018 was in the history books. In Malta, the Festa of “Il-Madonna tal-Grazzja” which is celebrated with a lot of fanfare and in a big way in the town of Zabbar, Malta, is widely known as the last Maltese Festa of the year and traditionally closes the Summer Festa Season in Malta.

For us Maltese-Americans living in California, September is also that particular month when we celebrate Malta Day. Malta Day is that special day during the year that brings all people of Maltese descent, their families and friends as well as all Maltese Organizations in this region together to celebrate everything Maltese.

Hon Consul Vella shared with everyone that in September, he hosted a Maltese Government delegation that included the Malta Minister of Sustainable Development, Climateand Environment attending the Global Climate Action Summit, which was held in San Francisco. Mr. Vella shared with us also that His Excellency Mr. Keith Azzopardi is the new Maltese Ambassador in Washington D.C. Ambassador Azzopardi and Hon Consul Vella have had several exchanges already. The communication has been extremely positive and encouraging. The Embassy of Malta in Washington D.C and the Maltese Consulate in San Francisco are looking forward to more cooperation and teamwork that will support Malta/USA relationship in many fields as well as assisting Maltese and Maltese American communities in the US.

With regards to Maltese Passports, Hon Consul Vella said that passport processing is still earmarked for November 2018, when a representative from the Embassy of Malta in Washington DC will visit the office of the Hon Consul in Millbrae. Those who are interested need to have their documents and fees in order no later than October 20th to make sure they can get an appointment. Passports processing is done only by appointment. Those who are interested, please contact the office of the Hon Consul of Malta in San Francisco by calling 650-631-8200 or via email at malteseconsulate@yahoo.com. The dates for this initiative will be Friday November 2nd, Saturday November 3rd and Monday November 5th.

Trip to Malta: The Hon Consul is working with the Millbrae Sister Cities Commission to plan and organize a Trip to Malta during Good Friday and Easter in April 2019. If interested please let the Maltese Consulate know as soon as possible.
Grazzi Ħafna

Always remember that, it is not what we take but what we give that make us rich.