Heard in the hive

The chairman of Bank of Valletta, Joseph F.X. Zahra, and Mrs Zahra, were the guests of the Maltese American Social Club of San Francisco for the club's 75th anniversary celebrations.

Mr Zahra was accompanied by Albert E. Vella, senior vice president of BoV's Canada representative office, and Mrs Vella.

The main attraction at the function was the Nicolò Isouard Band that travelled from Malta. The band, under the direction of Mro Emanuel Spagnol, gave an excellent pre-dinner concert.

The band's visit was arranged on the initiative of Mr Vella, and included performances at the Santa Marija feast in Dearborn, Michigan, and at the annual BoV concert in Toronto.

In his address to the 820-strong audience, Mr Zahra thanked the club's president Joe Tanti for the invitation and extended the bank's congratulations on the club's anniversary.

The bank's chairman also reiterated the bank's commitment and continued support for the Maltese American Social Club of San Francisco, which is at the forefront in fostering activities that continue to promote Maltese cultural activities and traditions in San Francisco.

Mr Zahra presented a silver replica of a Maltese boat and was presented with an etching reproducing the famed cable-car of San Francisco.

The chairman also paid an official visit to the club and presented a book to be added to the club's well organised library.

Aboriginal dreamings collection

Showcasing one of the most authentic collections, the current exhibition by Giuseppe Schembri Bonaci at Cottoner Hall at the Mediterranean Conference Centre is a symbolic intertwining of particular artistic cultures - European and Australian-Aboriginal.

The exhibition, "Aboriginal Art and Dreamings, reveals a culmination of Schembri Bonaci's artistic and scholarly research and research efforts among Aborigines in Australia.

The intertwining is visualised by means of inter-changing of katusi, each one holding a specific story within its material form, continuing with previous stories embodied within other katusi. The stories involved alternate between Christian, Aboriginal and other religions.

The katusi installation at the same time incarnates the Aboriginal dupun hollow-log coffins. This creates an artistic mosaic of a planetary, spiritual existence. This dupun-coffin had a profound influence on the artist and in fact, eight of the ceramic works exhibited show the dupun-being at various time-space dimensions.

Mother Earth is another constant element in the artist's repertoire. Fascinated by the Mediterranean goddess of fertility, he has found an interesting synthesis of this voluptuous milk-goddess with the Aboriginal spidery Mother Earth with its bags of seeds, a seed-goddess.

Portraits of Rover Thomas, one of the most important Aboriginal artists, emerge from the mosaic of other works exhibited, including self-portraits.

A particular work of art is Gabriel, a joint creative work by Schembri Bonaci and Gabriel, an Aboriginal artist friend. The technique used is of over lapping layers created by both artists.

Other contemporary works create a visuality of being, becoming-into-being, of nothingness, of forgetfulness (oublié). It seems that Giuseppe through his Aboriginal experience is trying to state a philosophy of his outstanding works.

The exhibition is organised by the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts, and supported by the Bank of Valletta, PEG Publications and Potterware.

The exhibition runs daily till Sunday, November 7, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Annual reunion for YTC travellers

YTC held its annual reunion on Friday week during a pasta night at the Coastline Hotel, Salina. The event was attended by about 300 persons who have at some time travelled to the Italian skiing resort of Livigno or to La Nuvola farmhouse in Tuscany.

Also present were Narciso Zini, vice-mayor of Livigno, and Mariano Galas, owner of La Nuvola farmhouse and YTC's skiing director in Livigno.

This event, organised by YTC through its Ski and Snowboard Club - Malta, marks the launch of the 2004/2005 skiing season with YTC. It is eagerly looked forward to, as club members have the opportunity to meet and discuss their skiing plans for the coming season.

Throughout the evening, videos were shown of Maltese skiers enjoying themselves on the Livigno slopes, or in the village of Livigno, well known for its duty-free shopping and excellent night-life.

At the end of the evening, YTC's skiing organiser Stellina Galea addressed the gathering, followed by Mr Zini, who emphasised the close relationship between YTC and the Livigno Tourist Board. He commented that while he enjoyed four days of excellent weather in Malta, he was pleased that in Livigno it had snowed 15 cm that week.

Mr Galas referred to his longstanding experience with Malta, seeing that most of those present had at times been instructed by him on the Livigno slopes or been hosted by him at La Nuvola.

As a thank you gesture to all those who have travelled with YTC in the past, YTC, in collaboration with Air-Malta, the Livigno Tourist Board and La Nuvola Farmhouse offered two persons present a free skiing holiday to Livigno and a free holiday to La Nuvola in Tuscany.

For further information about Livigno and La Nuvola Farmhouse, contact Stellina Galea at YTC on 2141-4340, 2141-4811, 2123-3893, 9942-0377 or visit www.ytctravel.org

Final preparations for Miss Malta contest

Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono recently met newly crowned Miss Gozo, Natasha Saliba. Ms Saliba is the second Miss Gozo to have made her locality, Ghajnsielem, proud since 1967.

A total of 13 Gozitan girls competed for the title of Miss Gozo. Christine Schembri, of Munxar, was first runner-up, while Stefanie Cassar, of Ghajnsielem, was second runner-up.

Ms Saliba recently joined the 19 Miss Malta finalists before a panel of foreign judges, at the Fashion Queen Contest held at the Ghajnsielem Football Club Terrace, under the patronage of Ghajnsielem mayor Frans Cauchi.

The mayor expressed his satisfaction at the large crowd of Maltese, Gozitans and tourists who gathered for the event. The finalists were greeted by Ministry representative Joe A. Attard who presented each girl with a token.

Preparations for the annual 41st Miss Malta pageant, organised by George Gatt Mangion for GM Productions, are in full swing.

The finals, in which 20 contestants will take part, will be held at the Sir Temi Zammit Hall of the University of Malta on November 13.

The current Miss Malta, Dana Ben Moussa, will crown her successor.

Ms Moussa recently visited Nexos Lighting and Technology, which will be responsible for the lighting at the final night.

Miss Malta was welcomed by Silvio Scerri, director, who presented her with a cash gift in recognition of her achievements during her past year.

School of Natural Beauty graduation

Students of the School of Natural Beauty, Gzira, recently celebrated their graduation with a dinner at the Tarantella Restaurant, St Julian's.

The school's principal and tutor, Marina Galea, ITEC (Hons), L.T.Bth., together with Joseph Magri, diet and nutrition tutor, awarded the successful students who graduated in the various areas of study.

Gift prizes, supplied by Helia D. International and Dake Ltd, were awarded to students who came first in their courses: André Abela (holistic massage), Doreen Saia and Francine Spiteri (aesthetician), Graziella Saliba and Diane Debono (electro epilation), and Pierre Spiteri (diet and nutrition).

Tonio Schembri, Noel Mercieca, Karen Sammut and Odette Camilleri were awarded Best Overall Effort for the scholastic year 2003/2004.

Breitling watches at Malta International Airshow

Edwards, Lowell Co. Ltd set up a Breitling hospitality tent at the heart of the Malta International Airshow last month.

Breitling watches were originally developed with pilots in mind, being the first brand to incorporate a slide rule for navigational purposes. The latest state-of-the-art selection was displayed in the hospitality tent, which offered a good atmosphere and enjoyed a positive turnout, playing host to pilots, aviation enthusiasts and watch lovers alike over the weekend.

Breitling sponsors the world's most important air shows and the prestigious watch brand was present at the Malta event for the second consecutive year through Edwards, Lowell Co. Ltd in Zachary Street, Valletta.

For your diary

The Mission Fund is organising a garage sale in aid of the poor in Third World Countries, at 21, Triq l-Imhalla, Naxxar, from tomorrow to Wednesday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information or to donate, contact the Mission Fund at 72/2, St Joseph Flats, Triq il-Farinal, Mosta MST 07, or phone 2141-3664.

A coffee morning and tombola, in aid of the Salesians, is being held at the Salesians' Oratory, Sliema, on Wednesday at 9.30 a.m. Tickets are available from Fr Forte or Yvonne Camilleri (tel. 2233-1447, 2133-4253).

The Society for Investigating the Credibility of Extraordinary Claims is holding a talk, led by Rita Formosa, on whether mental health patients can handle their mind, at YTC, 227, Merchants Street, Valletta, on Thursday at 6.30 p.m.

A bazaar, in aid of the Missions, is being held at King's Shop, Tower Road, Sliema, till Saturday, from 9.30 a.m. till 1 p.m. Big bargains on crockery, books, ornaments, clothes, carpets and toys.

The Singles Social Circle is organising a picnic at Dingli Cliffs (near the Radar Dome) on Sunday at 11.30 a.m. For bookings phone 2142-1337 or 9947-7181 by Friday.

Ward u ZagHar is organising a Halloween Party at the Lascaris War Rooms, Valletta, on Sunday at 8 p.m. For bookings phone 9947-2868.

A card party in aid of the Little Sisters of the Poor will be held at the Preluna Hotel Skyroom, Sliema, on November 3 at 10 a.m. For bookings phone Blanche Martin on 2133-0387.

The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements

October 25-31

Tomorrow
10 a.m. The President receives Fabio Granata, Alderman for Tourism of the Sicily Region, accompanied by Dr Ray Bondin, at the Palace, Valletta. 11 The President receives a group of Danish parliamentarians.
11.30 The President is interviewed by Alexandre Prokharov, head of the Italian language service of the world network radio station Voice of Russia.
7.10 The President delivers the closing address at the annual general meeting of the Foundation for Information Technology Accessibility at Gattard House, Blata l-Bajda.

Tuesday
8.45 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami leave Malta International Airport for Lisbon.
12.30 p.m. The President meets Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio.
1.35 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami are hosted to a luncheon by the Portuguese President.
6.30 The President inaugurates the Corinthia Alfa Hotel in Lisbon.

Wednesday
8.10 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami arrive at Malta International Airport.

Thursday
6 p.m. The President presides over a meeting of the Commission for the Administration of Justice at the Palace, Valletta.
8.15 The President inaugurates an exhibition of jewellery and silverware organised by Vascas Enterprises and is presented with a donation in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund (MCCF) at Vascas, Naxxar.

Friday
10.30 The President is presented with a donation in aid of the MCCF from the Mdina Lions at the Palace, Valletta.
11 The President is presented with a copy of the publication entitled Sorijiet Gerosilmitani, il-Knisja u l-Monasteru ta' Sant'Ursula by Fr George Aquilina.
11.15 The President is presented with a copy of the publication entitled Histories of Malta: reflections and rejections, Volume V by Judge Giovanni Bonello accompanied by Maurice Degiorgio, chairman of Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti.
Noon The President presides over a Drug Forum Meeting.
7 p.m. The President presides over the launching of the publication entitled My Century (an adaptation into English of Dr Herbert Ganado's Rajt Malta Tinbidel) by Dr Michael Refalo.

Saturday
7.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a concert organised by the Jesuits Fathers in Malta on the 40th anniversary of Mount St Joseph retreat house in Mosta.
8 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a performance of Puccini's opera Tosca at the Hilton Malta, St Julian's.