Cedar News USA February 2004

Contents Of This Issue:

Quote

"A journey is always better when it is shared.  Growth is never an individualistic pursuit, it is produced through relationships and community." - From Rick Warren's book "The Purpose Driven Life" 

Website Update

Books

         
"The Weeping Candle" by Lebanese-American poet, theatrical producer, director and actor Waleed Issa of North Hollywood, CA will enrich your library of philosophical thought and poetry as well as keep Lebanese culture and literature alive in your family.  Consider giving the book as a Mother's Day, Father's Day or graduation gift.  See
www.cedarpoetry.com  for purchasing information. To read more about Mr. Issa please see the January 2004 Cedars Newsletter.

Events Page-  Updated with new events.

Language Page- New resources added.
 

New Articles

The U.S. debut of American-Lebanese violinist and composer Joseph Chamaa's orchestral work in a Turkish musical genre will be showcased during the March 20th concert of the Multi-Ethnic Star Orchestra (MESTO) in Los Angeles county.  Both appealing Middle Eastern and Western musical instruments and music will be featured in the concert.  To read the full article, "Professional Musicians from Many Cultures" Click here: New Articles.

American Lebanese Profiles

We are proud to share the two nominations added to the Prominent American-Lebanese List.
 

Ms. Amira Matar:
Vice President of Mellon Private Wealth Management in Century City, California (www.mellon.com).  Ms. Matar is the first woman to be added to the Business and Finance list.  She is an active member of the Los Angeles area Lebanese-American Community and a board member involved in the leadership of:
1-The House of Lebanon, a Cultural Center. (www.houseoflebanon.com).
2-The Lebanese Ladies Cultural Society, committed to supporting the  education of 455 orphans and needy students throughout Lebanon.
3-The Maronite church in Beverly Hills.
4- A transitional board of another association in the process of forming for the benefit of American Lebanese. 

She is also a supportive patron of American-Lebanese theatrical, musical and artistic events.


Joseph Hassab, PhD  

Born in Jounieh and presently in New Jersey, USA. Internationally recognized speaker and author of two books published by CRC Press and author of more than one hundred professional journal publications. President of S&T, Past President of Sensytech, past Director of Lockheed Martin and a Past General Electric Executive. He is recognized as an expert in the fields of electronic warfare, communication and imaging as well as systems management, underwater signals and data processing.
 

Featured Club -
Ehden American Lebanese Club of Connecticut

A social, cultural, and charitable organization whose purpose is to support the Constitution of the United States of America and create a stronger bond of friendship between the peoples of the United States and Lebanon. 

This may possibly be the oldest documented American-Lebanese club, starting in 1915 when a group of immigrants from Ehden, Lebanon decided to form a club where they could retain their heritage and teach their children the traditions of their homeland. The group began regular meetings in what would become the nucleus of the Ehden Lebanese American Club.  Donations were given at each meeting to send to the less fortunate in Lebanon. 

After the Second World War, the young men of the community and newly arrived immigrants had bright, new ideas, and hoped to register the club with the State of Connecticut. Six men first registered the Ehden Lebanese American Club on December 5, 1948.  With the continuing infusion of new immigrants and the descendants of those original immigrants, the club continued to do its charitable work and hold its social gatherings in a rented hall.  The club later endeavored to duplicate the Mahrajan Ehden to honor the August 15th Feast known as Eid As-Sayda. Beginning in 1959, the Ehden Lebanese American Club launched its first Mahrajan in August that year at the Naugatuck Fish & Game campgrounds.

In 1964, the club purchased eight acres of land near the Waterbury-Wolcott border, and continued its tradition of Mahrajan for years to come. With history coming full circle, the club extended its hand to the Maronite Community in 1975 to house Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Mission in the Club building. As early as 1971, priests would come from nearby Torrington to bring the Maronite Liturgy to the community in Waterbury. In 1982, construction of a church was completed for the community and the club offered its facilities for church social functions.

The club has involved itself in raising money for many charitable organizations, especially St.Jude's Children's Research Hospital, Special Olympics, and numerous others. Starting in 1995, the E.L.A.C. began its Winter Hafli as an annual tradition for the club in February and to help defray costs and enhance its charity work.

The Ehden Lebanese American Club is incorporated with the State of Connecticut as a non-profit organization with 501(c-3) status. Most recently, the club received a grant from the Connecticut Commission on the Arts for its cultural endeavors.

We wish the Ehden club continued success.  We are glad to share its story with you. For more information  visit the club's website at www.ehdend.org.

 

Special Thanks- To Ms. Jacki Skeels

  

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