SASM 3rd Independence Day dinner

SASM 3rd Independence Day dinner that was held, for the third time, at Ta’ Kenuna Bar and Restaurant in Nadur Gozo. There were many individuals who attended for the first time. This is very encouraging.

 

Committee members John Mizzi, Joe Meilak, Joyce Grech and Alan Bonnici together with Mona Vella-Nicholas arrived at the venue before to decorate the place and turn the restaurant into a little bit of the USA. We will let those looking at the photos judge whether we achieved our goal. As in the past, the proceedings kicked off with the singing of the Maltese and US National Anthems. After that the food started being served. In the background, US songs for the occasion could, at times, be heard over the chatter and laughter of those attending.
 

President Alan Bonnici interrupted dessert. In his short speech he thanked all those who had attended as well as those SASM members who, while not present, take an interest in the organization. He stressed that SASM is by members for members and that the occasional email of encouragement from a member would energise the committee to keep going. He also thanked the committee members who volunteer their time to improve and promote SASM. SASM is a not-for-profit organization that thrives on the input of its members and offers services and support to all those who have at heart the continued good relations between Malta and the USA.

Joyce Grech then became the master of ceremonies for the raffle part of the event. A young attendee was selected from the audience (we have a few shy volunteers who refused to be the centre of attention) to pick out the raffle tickets. Thanks to our sponsors many of those attending walk away with a prize.

At the end, those who live in Gozo drove or walked home while those who came from Malta headed for the ferry. Those attendees living in the USA continued their holiday.

Stars and Stripes Malta would like to thank the following organisations and individuals for helping out:

 

A Little Knight Musik

Screenwriting lectures

 The public is invited to attend 3 free lectures on the art of screen writing addressed by 3 visiting lecturers from the University of Southern California David Howard, Martin Daniel and Mary Kate O’Flanagan. 3rd, 4th and 5th July at 19:00.  Attendance is free: Registration is required on imagine@valletta2018.org.

Ben Hecht, an American screenwriter, director and producer, known as the Shakespeare of Hollywood, once said it would be easier to become famous by riding a tricycle than by writing screenplays. On first glance these might not sound like the most encouraging words for those interested in joining the industry.  The reality is that millions of creators are drawn into this world, lured by the glitz and glamour of the red carpet. However, the problem lies with the fact that many who want to write believe they have nothing to learn, that anyone who can string a sentence can become a writer.

Composers study harmony and theories of musical form. Painters study colours and various techniques. Every art form requires a basic understanding of the craft, so does storytelling.  How does one build exciting stories? How does one create exciting characters? How does one structure and plot a tale? How does one build rich scenes? The Valletta 2018 Foundation, together with three lecturers from the University of Southern California, will be helping local professionals and students to develop and strengthen their insight into story. They will be nurturing their capacity to conceive and express characters, to create parts that will whet anyone’s appetite.

Attendees will also be provided with thorough insight into the business and economics of feature film production so that they fully understand the commercial marketplace. David Howard, Martin Daniel and Mary Kate O’Flanagan will be presenting three public talks about the art of screenwriting and story analysis. On each day, a different film will be shown and dissected in great detail. These lectures are mainly aimed at the local film and TV industry talent. However, the general public is also encouraged to attend. Registration on imagine@valletta2018.org.

Events leading to the 4th of July 1776

“The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

Letter by John Adams to his wife Abigail (1^st July 1776). 

How could one of the founding fathers of the United States get the date wrong? How could a person who lived through the events of the day, a person who was a key player in the events of the day be two days short on what would be the United States’ most important holiday?

The declaration of independence was not an event that took a few hours on July 4. It was a process that had long been on the minds of our founding fathers.

Here is a brief chronology of events:

June 7, 1776: Richard Henry Lee, a delegate from Virginia, read a resolution before the Continental Congress "that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved."

June 11, 1776: Consideration of the Lee Resolution was postponed and the Committee of Five made up of John Adams, Roger Sherman, Benjamin Franklin, Robert Livingston, and Thomas Jefferson was appointed to draft a statement presenting to the world the colonies’ case for independence. Thomas Jefferson drafted it, Adams and Franklin made changes to it.

The Committee of Five

Monday, July 1, 1776: Throughout the day, Congress debated the question of whether or not to declare independence. The debates resulted in a favourable vote 9 to 2 (with 2 abstentions). This majority vote assured that Independence was now an agreed decision.

Tuesday, July 2, 1776: The Lee resolution was adopted by the Second Continental Congress, assembled in Philadelphia. 12 of the 13 colonies (New York abstained) voted in favour. Immediately afterwards, Congress began to consider the Declaration. Congress made some alterations and deletions to it.

Wednesday, July 3, 1776: The Committee of the Whole (an abbreviation of Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union) gave the Declaration a third reading and commenced scrutiny of the precise wording of the proposed text.

Thursday, July 4, 1776: Late in the morning, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, which proclaimed the independence of a new United States of America from Great Britain and its king. The Committee of Five took the final draft of the manuscript to John Dunlap, official printer to the Congress.

Friday, July 5, 1776: In the morning copies printed by John Dunlap were dispatched by members of Congress to various committees, assemblies, and to the commanders of the Continental troops.

Sources: Wikipedia, The Charters of Freedom

Altruism US Style

I would like to share two paragraphs taken from the excellent heart-warming article "Everyday Heroes: They Came Running". The article appeared in the July issue of the US edition of Readers Digest. This article describes a few of the many caring actions by individuals and organisations in the immediate aftermath of the cowardly Boston bombings. I have selected two that struck me:

I'm so proud to be a citizen of such a great nation.

Stars And Stripes Malta Annual Dinner – 2013

Stars And Stripes Malta

Annual Dinner – 2013

Menu

Intro

Garlic Bread

Starters

Cream of chicken soup
or
Penne al salmone
or
Spaghetti Bolognese
or
Lasagna

Main Course

Veal in mushroom or pepper sauce
or
Roasted half chicken
or
Roast loin of pork in gravy
or
Spare ribs in BBQ sauce
or
Grilled sword fish

Vegetables and roast potatoes

Glass of house wine/soft drink/mineral water

Sweets

Lemon merangue

Price is €20 per person (adult). There will be a special menu for children priced at €10.

This fun filled summer evening will give us the opportunity to meet and socialize. There will be raffles, prizes, music and other activities and fun stuff for the young and young at heart.

Driving Directions

Gozo Ferry Terminal Għajnsielem


1. Head toward Triq Martino Garces northwest on Unknown road
2. Continue straight onto Triq ix-Xatt. Pass by Ta'Miema (on the left)
3. Slight right onto Triq Sant' Antnin. Pass by St Anthony of Padova (on the left in 500 m)
4. Turn left onto Triq Borġ Għarib
5. Slight right onto Triq Imgarr
6. Continue onto Triq Xandriku
7. Continue onto Triq It-Tigrija
8. Turn left onto Triq Ir-Rabat
9. Slight left onto Triq l-Arcipriet Saver Cassar
Destination will be on the right

Booking

Contact Joyce Grech on joyce_grech@yahoo.co.uk, Joe Meilak on jmeilak@yahoo.com, Alan Bonnici on info@StarsAndStripesMalta.com or phone on 9943-3315. When booking please indicate how many places you would like to reserve. Also tell us the choice of starter and main course for every person.

Free Dance Workshops