Club News

A Message From Our President

Dear Members and Friends, at the August General Membership meeting, sixty-seven (67) members were present. We welcomed our newest member Jessica Danelon from Castro Valley, Ca. as well as John and Cynthia Wheeler, their daughter Tatum and son Brandon. The Wheeler family showed great interest in joining as members of our Club.

The August 12th Santa Maria dinner was very well attended. The food was delicious and a good time was had by all. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers who worked hard to make this event so special. A big thank you to the children that took part in the procession ahead of the statue of the Assumption of Santa Maria.

On Saturday, August 26th, a day trip to Cache Creek Casino was organized by none other than Ninfa and Nick Pace. Thanks a lot Ninfa and Nick. Thanks also to all those who brought goodies for all of us to share on the bus. Please note that there might be another Casino Day Trip sometime in November.

Since the new roof has been installed, we have been able to start the needed inside repairs. The door that leads from the Library onto the roof was rotted and has been replaced by Manuel Micallef. Next, we will be replacing all the water stained ceiling tiles, replace and paint the damaged sheet rock, refurbish the dance floor, install a hand rail, fix the light in the president's office and clean the carpet. After all this work is done, the Club will look as good as new.

Members should have received the invitation for the Malta Day Celebration. Please return your reservation as soon as possible. Do not leave it for the last minute. In case you have not received the invitation, or you know of someone who did not receive it and would like to attend, please let one of the Board of Directors know so that we will make sure that an invitation is sent to them immediately. Please remember that the reservations must be received by September 16th. Seating arrangements will be made as soon as the reservations are received.

On Saturday, October 7th, the club is organizing another very popular Family Pasta Bingo night. Bring your family and friends and have fun testing your luck while enjoying a nice and tasty pasta dinner. The flier for this event is attached. Please send your reservations early. Donations for the raffle prizes are now being accepted.

On Sunday, October 8th, be sure to join the Maltese Heritage Association and the Maltese Club at the Italian Pride Parade in San Francisco. Bring your family and let us all show off our Maltese Pride to the thousands of people that flock the streets of San Francisco to watch the parade. See the "Calendar of Events" webpage for more information on the event.

On Saturday, October 21st, St. Paul of the Shipwreck Church in San Francisco will be holding a Crab Feed. The flier for this event is also included in "Calendar of Events" webpage. I hope that a lot of members will support this worthy fund-raising event.

Included in "Calendar of Events" webpage, you will find the flier for the Club's Family Halloween Party which will be held on Saturday, October 21st. This event is not only for the kids but also for all those who are still kids at heart. Put on your costume and come and have fun at the Club.

On Sunday, November 12th. another Family Bowling afternoon will be held. Please save the date for this fun filled afternoon. The flier with all the information will be included in next month’s newsletter and "Calendar of Events" webpage.

Saħħa

Message from the Honorary Consul General of Malta, Louis Vella

Hon Consul General (HCG) Louis J. Vella extended his heartfelt greetings to all gathered at the meeting on Sunday morning August 27th. He extended special welcome back to those who had just returned with a beautiful tan from their wonderful Summer vacation in Malta. He reminded everyone to be kind to each other particularly since that Sunday was known as “Global Forgiveness Day”. Not that many people knew that such a celebration existed but indeed it does.

HCG Vella then introduced his two special guests from Malta who were visiting the San Francisco Bay Area and who were present at the meeting. Mr. Francis Deguara and his wife Mary were asked to stand and be acknowledged with a nice, warm and welcoming round of applause. Mr. Deguara is a member of the City Council of Mosta in Malta. He is also the editor of the annual magazine that is produced by the Nicolo’ Isouard Band Club in Mosta on the occasion of the festa of Santa Maria. He has been doing this for years and is still at it. Besides the Maltese Club, Mr. & Mrs. Deguara will also have a courtesy call on the Mayor of Millbrae, and will be meeting with the Mosta-Millbrae Sister Cities Commission to share issues of common interests.

MALTA DAY 2017: HCG Vella shared that although there was still more work to be done, preparations for this year’s Malta Day event are well under way. Saturday, September 23rd is going to be another beautiful occasion for all Maltese Americans and their friends to commemorate our rich history and proud heritage. Invitations will be going out in a few days. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend and bring family and friends along. This year for Malta Day we will have a TV Crew from Malta. They will record short interviews with different people and they will also capture the beautiful atmosphere at the venue. The recorded material will then become part of the Valletta 2018 celebrations in Malta. As most of you know Valletta, the capital city of Malta has received the distinct honor of being voted as the European Capital City for Culture. Great festivities, and numerous cultural events to celebrate and commemorate this occasion will be taking place throughout the year.

MALTESE PASSPORTS: HCG Vella reminded everyone that on November 18th and 20th, a representative from the Embassy of Malta in Washington DC will be at his office located at 50, Victoria Avenue Suite 103, Millbrae, to assist with the issuance of new or renewed Maltese Passport. All documents and fees will have to be approved by the Embassy prior to an appointment. If interested or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the office of the Hon Consul of Malta at malteseconsulate@yahoo.com or 650-631-8200.

In October, HCG Vella will be attending the annual meeting of the Council of Maltese Living Abroad (CMLA). At these meetings, many topics that involve or affect the lives of Maltese people living abroad will be discussed and presented to the concerned authorities in Malta. If anyone has any ideas, issues or suggestions, please feel free to contact the Maltese Consulate office by calling 650-631-8200 or email at malteseconsulate@yahoo.com.

Please remember that the Maltese Heritage Association and the office of the Hon Consul General of Malta will be participating in the annual Italian Heritage Parade along the streets of North Beach in San Francisco on Sunday, October 8th. All Maltese-Americans and all Maltese organizations are welcome to join in. Supporting and participating in activities organized by the Maltese Club and by the various Maltese organizations is crucial to the preservation of our Maltese Culture and Identity.

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