Heard in the hive

A multiple birthday was noting new for Dame Françoise Tempra: both in London and in Malta. Joining her at her villa in Mgarr for her birthday on January 1, as they have in previous years, were friends who flew in from Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Israel, Libya, Poland, Spain,UK and USA, who naturally joined her Maltese friends.

This year Dame Françoise's sister Mina has prolonged her Christmas stay to join in the birthday party and also to inaugurate Joe Genovese's breathtaking exhibition of sculpture, paintings and drawings at the Corinthia Palace Hotel, Attard, on January 15 (which has now been extended by public demand until February 5) and the exhibition of paintings and sculptures by the Italian artists Vincenzo Napolitano and Giovanni Turtola opening on February 7 at the Corinthia Palace Hotel.

Joining Mina Tempra in opening this exhibition will be Dr Paola Burrafato, who organised a concert by violinist James Grech in Italy and who will organise another one by the Euro Academy of Music and the Arts, also in Italy, during this year's Malta Biennale.

A number of artists who participated in the Tempra Academy and the Malta International Art Biennale had some pleasant surprises in store for Dame Françoise for her birthday.

For instance, American artist Michael Korber created a large sculpture, two metres high, at Paul Haber's atelier; it was inaugurated in the gardens of Villa Tempra, for its guest participation at the 2005 Biennale. It was the 2001 Malta Biennale and the 2002 Grolla d'Oro in Italy which brought Korber and Haber together.

Subsequently, one of the Habers' sons stayed with friends at Korber's studio in Prague. When Korber came to Malta for the show organised by Dame Françoise, Paul and Joan Haber gave every possible help to Korber to create this impressive sculpture.

Another surprise-birthday gesture was the presentation at Villa Tempra of the ever-inventive Joseph Barbara's Nefertiti which, with the monumental (four-metre high) Past, Present and Future sculpture in Zejtun, will be part of the 2005 Malta Biennale.

Of course, the greatest birthday surprise proved to be Joe Genovese's latest amazing works. This month, an exhibition of his works was inaugurated at San Parisio, a 14th century convent, now one of the most elegant restaurants in Treviso, near Venice. It was opened by two Grolla d'Oro colleagues of Dame Françoise - Luciano Gasper and Dr Andrea Vendramin - and will be on show until June 15.

However the New Year's Day birthday party came alive with the singing and Flamenco dancing of Maria Moro Laure, Pilar Moro and Pilar Garcia Doncel, who had just arrived from Spain with Ezequiel Moro Cardenas, a retired Spanish general who recalled his Military Academy days with Juan Carlos, now King of Spain.

And another distinguished military man, Italian Rear-Admiral Roberto Patruno, now director of the United Nations REMPEC centre at Manoel Island, which guards against marine pollution in the Mediterranean, while enjoying the birthday party stated he will gladly open the first 2005 Malta Biennale event, in May, with a selection of works of art from the 21 countries of the Mediterranean at Manoel Island.

An old friend of Dame Françoise, the German novelist and poet Renate Bernbach (whose nom d'art is Rena Bach), gave a reading of her poetry in English, Italian, French and German to a delighted audience followed by a celebratory dinner.

Other birthday "presents" much appreciated by Dame Françoise are that Dr Peter Muscat will repeat his lecture (first presented at the Tempra-Papanicolaou Symposium in Greece in 2002), Charles Azzopardi his talk on Dali for the forthcoming Malta Biennale, and Alan Chircop will simply go international with his Euro Academy of Music and the Arts in association with the Tempra Academy.

Winners of the first Golden Cross International Singing Festival

The first Golden Cross International Children and Youth Singing Festival, held towards the end of last year at the Sir Temi Zammit Hall, University of Malta, gave Maltese and foreign singers the opportunity to exhibit their talents.

The Golden Cross Festival, which has responded to the range of diversity as a continuing aspiration of peace through art forms, and uncovered the potential of artistic collaboration and took its cue from a declared serious commitment and creative action, received an enormous response from eight countries. The 12 foreign singers hailed from Italy, Macedonia, Bosnia, Poland, Russia, Bulgaria and Moldova, while a total of 35 Maltese singers took part.

Maltese singers performed both original and cover versions of songs composed by local composers and lyric writers, who had the opportunity to compete with international singers.

The contest was divided into three categories - category A for singers aged six to nine, category B for singers aged ten to 12, and category C for singers aged 13 to 15.

Annabelle Debono was awarded the Grand Prix; Klinsman Coleiro received the Fidof Award; Cherise Grixti won the Best New Song Award and Deborah Cassar won the Best Public Opinion Award.

The winners of the categories were:

Category A - Danika Muscat (first), Tatiana Zhelyazkova from Bulgaria (second), Salaia Gerada (third), Daniela Chiorescu from Moldova (fourth), Nicole Azzopardi (fifth).

Category B - Simeon Zhelyazkov from Bulgaria (first), Raisa Piscopo (second), Dimitriy Kolesnikov from Russia (third), Ishmael Grech (fourth), Brooke Borg (fifth).

Category C - Magdalena Zimny from Poland (first), Weronika Zielinska from Poland (second), Dario Bezzina (third), Jessica Muscat (fourth), Jessica Magro (fifth).

Dancing groups from Analise Dancing Studio also took part. The compères were Romina Mamo, Neville Refalo, Amanda Mamo, Ivan Gaffiero and Gabriella Grech. The opening song was performed by Gabriella, Christian and Alexia Grech who were also guest singers.

The event was produced by a team directed by Anthony Grech, member of the International Federation of Festival Organisers (FIDOF).

The main sponsors were the Ministry of Education and Youth, V&F Portelli & Sons Ltd agents for JOVI art products, HSBC Bank (Malta), Malta Tourism Authority and La Grotta, Gozo.

Order of St Lazarus presents donation to Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija

The Commandery of the Castello of the Military and Hospitaller Order of St Lazarus of Jerusalem recently presented a donation to the Lm150,000 Multi-Sensory Project at Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija in Marsascala.

The donation will cover the expenses of special equipment called the Bubble Tube, a perspex water-filled tube that creates bubbles as water passes through it. This particular machine serves as a stimulus through vibration, colour changing and visual co-ordination. It is also a relaxation tool through the warmth of the water and the vibrations it creates.

The president of the Board of Governors of ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija, Dame Janatha Stubbs, said: "The Multi-Sensory Project is an investment for an advanced form of therapy, a tool for stimulation and cognitive development.

"The highly sophisticated equipment is used by our therapist to create stimuli to encourage communication, awareness of environment and mental development. The 400 square metres of therapy rooms will make this one of the largest Multi-Sensory Projects in Europe."

Deputy Commander Chevalier Geoff Fosberry said: "On a regular basis, we hold events at the Commandery's quarters at Torri Lanzun in San Gwann to raise funds for the charitable work of the Order. These events are attended by the members of the Commandery and the funds raised are distributed to charities in Malta and abroad."

Based in Malta, the Military and Hospitaller Order of St Lazarus of Jerusalem dates from the 11th century and has a long and chequered history. The Order is both international and ecumenical in character and gives humanitarian aid to many countries in the Third World, particularly to leprosy clinics. Members are committed to work for Christian unity.

Nathan Farrugia, CEO at Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija, described the institution as a non-profit organisation that provides therapeutic, leisure and educational services to persons with disabilities. It offers its services free of charge to over 1,000 people and 15 organisations, including the Eden Foundation, Id-Dar tal-Providenza, the Hospice Movement and the Multiple Sclerosis Association.

Situated in Marsacala, Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija is self-funded and depends on public and corporate sponsors, besides the regular fund-raising activities. Some business activities that Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija creates, such as rental of its hall for conferences and parties, generates the necessary funds for it to break even since it has no significant government funds to rely upon.

Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija's mission is to continue to develop specialised programmes that enable persons with disabilities to become more active in society, and to educate and develop physically and mentally through the use of fun activities.

Gukulari Ensemble supports Malta Cancer Foundation

Proceeds from sales of the CD Malta's Musical Legacy, recorded by the Gukulari Ensemble, were recently donated to the Malta Cancer Foundation.

Malta's Musical Legacy, released in 2003, includes the music of a cross-section of Malta's society, ranging from 16th century dances of the Knights of St John to 19th century Maltese folk dances.

The collection is taken from Anna Borg Cardona's book A Musical Legacy: Malta-related music found in foreign libraries.

The CD was sponsored by the Culture 2000 programme of the EU, Malta Council for Culture and the Arts, Air Malta, Island Beverages H2Only, Piano Museum, Austria, Zammit Maempel Orthodontics - Canada, the French Embassy, Alliance Francaise, Malta Tourism Authority and Lions Club Sliema.

The Malta Cancer Foundation has been a major source of funding for ongoing projects at Sir Paul Boffa Hospital, including the refurbishment of oncology wards and chemotherapy units, the obtaining of high quality CT scans and a CT simulator, as well as promoting cancer research programmes.

People

Dr Christopher Bezzina, Ph.D., of the Department of Education Studies, Faculty of Education, at the University of Malta, a few months ago returned from a three-month Fulbright fellowship in the Unites States.

He was nominated Fulbright Scholar to undertake research in nurturing schools into professional learning communities. He spent three months at the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy, in the State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo.

During his stay at SUNY, Dr Bezzina conducted research to identify the principles and components behind learning communities. Various visits to schools were conducted during which he interviewed principals and teachers about matters dealing with site-based management and school culture. He was also invited to teach on their nationally acclaimed Leadership Initiative for Tomorrow's Schools (LIFTS) programme which selects and prepares top educators to become educational leaders at various levels.

The scholarship offered Dr Bezzina a unique experience to explore various aspects of education, especially issues dealing with leadership and professional development. He said that the opportunities to meet and be with varied educators provided him with a humbling and exhilarating experience.

The high level of respect and admiration shown was an experience in its own right and the engagements with such people helped to reinforce Dr Bezzina's belief that development has to be spearheaded by a deep commitment to others, an authentic and passionate commitment to do one's utmost for others.

While in the States, Dr Bezzina was awarded a scholarship by the prestigious Educational Testing Services in Princeton to undergo a two-day professional development programme in School Leadership.

As a result of his studies he is working on a number of research papers that will be submitted to various refereed education journals. Among others, the SUNY and the International Institute of Educational Planning within UNESCO, Paris, have expressed an interest in the work that Dr Bezzina is carrying out.

Dr Bezzina received his Ph.D. in educational leadership from Brunel University, UK. Over the past few years he has been appointed executive board member in leading European bodies, including the Association of Teacher Educators in Europe (ATEE), and the European Network of Teacher Education Policy (ENTEP).

Recently he was appointed as executive board member of the Commonwealth Council for Educational Administration and Management. He has also served on various ministerial bodies over the years and last year was involved in research work on school improvement, decentralisation and deregulation of authority to the school site.

Dr Bezzina has lectured in Cyprus, France, Italy, Lithuania, New Zealand, Poland, Spain, Sweden, the Seychelles, UK, and USA at Master's and doctoral level. His current research interests include site-based management, distributed leadership and the professional development of teachers and school leaders.

He has published numerous articles in refereed and professional journals that include the Journal of In-Service Education, Journal of Maltese Education Research, The International Journal of Educational Management, The Mediterranean Journal of Educational Studies, The Journal of Educational Management and Administration, International Studies in Educational Administration, Managing Schools Today, and The European Journal of Teacher Education. He has also published various books and monographs.

Dr Bezzina is currently working on a publication that presents various research studies carried out in Malta in the field of educational management. Another study that explores the motivation and job satisfaction of teachers, which is part of an international study, is also nearing completion.

Lara Lanfranco has been awarded the International Summer School Bursary 2005 by the Spanish Dance Society.

She was nominated by a member of the board of examiners of the Spanish Dance Society, who was in Malta last July purposely for the Spanish Dance examinations.

The exams are held annually throughout the world, making this award even more prestigious. The award consists of a one-week course in Flamenco given by guest professional Flamenco dancers/ teachers/ choreographers and will be held in July at the Dance Attic in London.

Ms Lanfranco joined the College of Jazz Dance in 1994 as a Jazz Dance student from which she graduated in 2001. In 2001, she took up Spanish Dance under the tuition of Caroline Abela.

She is currently furthering her studies in Spanish dance under Nina Winter at the college.

Piju Spiteri was recently created Knight of the Order of St John of Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller (OSJ) by Bailiff V.M. Xuereb, Grand Commander of the Order, during an induction ceremony at the Order's headquarters in St Paul Street, Valletta.

Mr Spiteri distinguished himself in various fields, including in the media and with various voluntary organisations.

He is married to Josephine née Micallef and has three children - Jacqueline, Ruben and Renzo.

The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements January 24-30

Tuesday
9.15 a.m. The President receives the Prime Minister at the Palace, Valletta.
10.30 The President is presented with a copy of the publication entitled Global Diplomacy reflected in Malta by Dr Francis Cachia.
11 The President receives members of the Cottonera, Valletta and Mdina Rehabilitation Committees.
6.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami preside over a Malta Community Chest Fund board meeting at San Anton Palace.

Wednesday
10 a.m. The President is presented with a copy of the publication entitled St John the Baptist De La Salle by students from St Benild's School and Stella Maris College, at the Palace, Valletta.
10.30 The President is presented with a donation in aid of Malta Community Chest Fund by Thos Smith from proceeds collected during a charity swimming activity.
7.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a reception hosted by the Australian High Commissioner and Mrs Palk on the occasion of the National Day of Australia at their residence in San Pawl tat-Targa.

Thursday
10 a.m. The President is presented with credentials by North Korean Ambassador Ri Byong Ho, at the Palace, Valletta.
10.30 Mrs Fenech Adami visits the Msida Home for the Elderly.
11 The President is presented with credentials by Swiss Ambassador Dr Bruno Spinner at the Palace, Valletta.
1.15 for 1.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami host an official luncheon in honour of the newly accredited Ambassadors of North Korea and Switzerland at San Anton Palace.

Friday
10 a.m. Mrs Fenech Adami attends the Malta Community Chest Fund committee at the Palace, Valletta.
7.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami host a vocal concert by Sophia Grech at San Anton Palace.

Saturday
7.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a concert by the National Orchestra conducted by Charles Olivieri Munroe and with the participation of Carmine Lauri, at the Mediterranean Conference Centre.

St Julian's Choral Group annual gathering

The St Julian's Choral Group organised their annual Christmas season dinner party for members and their guests on January 8 at the St Julian's parish hall kindly made available for the occasion by parish priest Fr Ray Toledo. The event was well attended and the members and guests were treated to a sumptuous three-course meal with open bar throughout the evening.

Adhering to tradition, a small group of choir members provided entertainment for the evening and presented short comical sketches.

Special guests for the evening were Fr Toledo, choir director Mro J. Gatt, and Chev. Patrick Falzon Gough, who is the choir's accompanying pianist and organist.

In a short speech, president Ronnie C. Galea thanked all the members for their co-operation and support throughout the year and presented each of them with a gift as a token of appreciation.

Skål donation to Dar Sagra Familja

Skål International Malta recently organised its annual Christmas fund-raising activity for charity. At a Christmas dinner held at the Suncrest Hotel, members raised Lm500 which were earmarked for Dar Sagra Familja in Zabbar. The money was raised through a raffle for various prizes donated by members and other organisations.

Skål president Frans Camilleri and honorary secretary George Schembri presented the proceeds to Sr Rose Xuereb of Dar Sagra Familja, in the presence of Peter Wirth of Alf. Mizzi & Sons who kindly accepted to use the proceeds for foodstuffs and other goods to be delivered to the children's home at favourable prices.

Carnival activities in Paola and Ghaxaq

Carnival festivities in Paola, organised by the Paola feast committee in collaboration with the local council, will kick off with a coffee morning at Christ the King parish hall on February 4 at 9 a.m. A wine and pizza party with tombola will be held on February 5 at 7 p.m.

Three Paola bands will perform on Paola Square and a competition for best costume is being held on February 6 at 10 a.m. Application forms can be collected from the parish hall up to February 2.

Activities end on Monday, February 7, with a Carnival evening at the parish hall with the final of the best costume competition. There will also be a three-course dinner, accompanied by songs and dancing. Tickets are available from the parish hall.

In Ghaxaq, the St Joseph Band Club is organising a Carnival evening at the club's hall on February 4 at 7.30 p.m. A best costume competition, in five categories - two open for foreign competitors and three for local - will be judged by a panel of professional judges. Every competitor will be given a participation award. Admission tickets for the competition cost Lm2.50 for one competitors, Lm4 for two and Lm5 for families.

For your diary

A coffee morning and tombola is being organised in aid of the Salesians at the Salesian Oratory, Sliema, on Wednesday at 9.30 a.m.

Tickets available from Fr Forte or Yvonne Camilleri on 2133-1447 or 2133-4253.

The Self Help Group, supporting family members of people suffering from mental illness and informing them about the illness and strategies others use to cope, will be holding the next meeting at the Richmond Foundation of 433 St Joseph High Road, St Venera (tel. 2148-2336, 2122-4580) on Wednesday from 5 to 6.30 pm.

The Singles Social Circle is meeting at the Wild Thyme Restaurant at Mistra on Friday at 9 p.m. Bookings by Wednesday.

For more information phone 2142-1337 or 9947-7181.

The Malta Historical Society

The Malta Historical Societyis organising another lecture entitled "The Cartography of Valletta: Facts and Fiction" by Dr Albert Ganado, as part of the "Rediscovering Valletta" series of lectures, at the Auberge de Castille on Monday, January 31, at 6 p.m.

A card party in aid of the Little Sisters of the Poor is being held at the Skyroom of the Preluna Hotel, Sliema, on February 2 at 10 a.m.

For bookings phone Blanche Martin on 2133-0387.

A sale of old and antique furniture in aid of various philanthropic and religious activities is being held at St Helen's Basilica, Birkirkara, on February 3 and 4 from 5 to 7.30 p.m., February 5 from 9 a.m. to noon and 4.30 to 7.30 p.m., and February 6 from 9 a.m. to noon.