Cedars USA
Newsletter
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Contents Of This Issue:
" He who has learned to disagree without being disagreeable has discovered
the most valuable secret of a diplomat." — Robert Estabrook:
Washington Post editor, correspondent.
July 4, 1776, is the date of our country's birth. On that day we began an
exciting democratic adventure that
promises life, liberty, and the pursuit of
happiness. We are proud to be citizens and part of the fabric
that makes up this great nation. Below please find links and ideas for celebrating our country's birth.
Wishing you and your families a happy 4th of July.
Fourth of July website
Celebrations, History, Recipes, Decorating, History, Traditions..Crafts ...
www.celebrating-fourthjuly.com
Independence Day Internet Resources
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/july/independence_additional.html
Activities for each age group
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/july/independence_activities.html
Amusement parks for each age group
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/july/parks_activities.html
Other USA sites compiled by Cedars USA
http://cedarsusa.com/usa/aindex.htm
Statue of Liberty
http://www.nps.gov/stli
America: Why I love her
http://www.sagebrushpatriot.com/america.htm
Popular Northern California Dentist
Declares Candidacy for State Assembly, District 2
Congressman Darrell Issa to speak at Orange County Reception
Reception June 30th
MOUNT SHASTA – Congressman Darrell Issa (R-Vista) will be the guest speaker at a
reception in Orange County for Dr. Sam Wakim, next Saturday June 30th. Nabhan
and Yola Semaan will host the fundraiser at their Red Rock Chateau in Silverado.
Dr. Wakim has declared his intention to run next year for the open seat being
vacated due to term limits by Assemblyman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale).
Dr. Wakim is currently the Public Member of the North Coast Regional Water
Quality Control Board. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed the Lebanese
American dentist last year to the regulatory agency.
While practicing dentistry for the last 15 years, Dr. Wakim has been active with
Republican Party politics as County Chairman, Area Chairman, and as a Delegate
to the 2004 GOP Convention in New York City. He is also on the State Executive
Committee and is a coauthor of the current Party Platform.
He has been active regionally with Lions Clubs, Knights of Columbus, and
Northern Valley Catholic Social Services as well as nationally and
internationally with the Lebanese American Renaissance Partnership and the
Golden Cedars Foundation, an organization he founded to help young people get
involved in politics.
“His background in health care as a dentist and a chief of medical staff of a
rural hospital as well as his experience as a school board member will serve
Californians well,” says campaign spokesperson Ami Vitori. “He also has the
experience to understand water conveyance and storage issues having been on the
regional water board.”
“I admire Dr. Wakim’s ability to bring diverse groups together to resolve
crucial issues,” remarks campaign manager Sol Cranfill. “He was able to craft a
county ordinance that protects private property owners from eminent domain
abuse, the first of its kind to be enacted in California.”
“My family has been very supportive and I am looking forward to representing the
2nd District. I am also thrilled by the possibility of being the first Lebanese-
or Arab-American ever elected to the California State Legislature,” exclaims Dr.
Wakim.
For more information about Dr. Wakim, you can visit the campaign website:
www.samwakim.com
. For information about tickets to the reception, call (310) 367-8599.
Paid for by Taxpayers for Sam Wakim
Please forward this to your friends especially who can vote in that district.
American Lebanese-Profile: Walid Maalouf
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| Mr. Maalouf received many
distinguished awards. He has been interviewed and written for numerous
magazines and newspapers. He also has been recognized for his dedicated
commitment to public service and community organizations. He is very
active in American-Lebanese affairs.
He is the author of "How Many Times... I told you - Reflections, Memories and Hope for Lebanon" . The book is featured below. To learn more about Mr. Maalouf please visit his website at www.walidmaalouf.com |
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Featured Book:
"How Many Times... I told you - Reflections,
Memories and Hope for Lebanon"
By Mr. Walid Maalouf
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Readers Reaction
"A fascinating book that chronicles significant landmarks in the
successful journey of a Lebanese emigrant to America, from a foreign student
who had escaped the miseries that had befallen his homeland to an able
diplomat representing his adopted country and a warrior for freedom and
democracy. An "Only in America" real-life story and a must-read for every
American of Lebanese descent. " |
"Mr. Maalouf's book is a testimony of how Lebanese Americans who are proud of being American citizens and grateful for the opportunities that the United States offers, still have Lebanon on their minds and in their hearts every moment of their lives. This book is about positive political activism -- an activism that is inclusive, one that rejects an "either/or" approach to national loyalty and embraces a "both/and" outlook. Mr. Maalouf's experience is one of an immigrant who is deeply loyal to America and who champions the values and opportunities that he has found in his new land and who wishes to see these values protected and nurtured in the land of his origin. Mr. Maalouf illustrates how the U.S. empowered him to fight for a noble cause: the sovereignty of Lebanon and the affirmation of its democratic heritage. This book is also about the unique experience of a young Lebanese man, from a small but beautiful mountain village in Lebanon, who rises to become a political player in the political hallways of Washington, DC. "May A. Rihani, Senior Vice-President of the Academy for Educational You can read about this book and the author on www.walidmaalouf.com. You can also order a copy online. This would make a great gift. If your clubs is interested in hosting a book signing event you can contact Mr. Maalouf at his website. |
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House of Lebanon News
 | Picnic Report Last Sunday, June 3rd 2006, Lebanese picnicked together at Eldorado Park in Long Beach. They came from all over Southern California, 1000 strong with their families and friends to socialize and have fun together at the Annual House of Lebanon picnic. People from all walks of life and all ages, many affiliated with local cultural, political, and religious groups. Dabkeh dancing continued till 7pm, one hour past closing time, and ended on the melodies of Rajaa Yitaamar Libnan. Distinguished Artists Carole Choucair Oueijan www.FineArtByCarole.com and Dalah Faytrouni www.DalahFineArt.com of the House of Lebanon Artists Group, painted Lebanese flags on the cheeks of kids and kids at heart. Several vendors displayed their wares, California Garden www.CaliforniaGarden.com invited all for a taste of their canned juice products, On-Line Fitness www.OnLineFittnes.com dazzled the audience with state of the art electronic and mechanical fitness products, the sweets vendor broke every one's diet with fresh (Helou Trabulsi) sweets of Tripoli. The food ( Shawarmeh, Kaftah, Shish Taouk, Falafel, etc.) were prepared by the food vendor on the spot, which caused an irritating long line to form. The ladies of the House of Lebanon stepped right-in, dishing and handing out the food. A lesson is learned for next time. Many thanks to the Chairman of the picnic, LAF Director Hadi Khalil www.TVIPA.com for organizing the picnic, and for making the picnic TV commercial. Hadi also sent a video crew to video-tape the picnic. Several people were interviewed, including members of the House of Lebanon Young Professionals Group Committee. The video will be shown all over the world on ART TV. In the USA it will be shown on ART America TV Channel in the next few weeks (we'll keep you posted of the exact date). Much appreciation to LAF Director Elie Kawkabani www.ReachMediaTV.com for assisting us to air the picnic commercial on LBC and informing our community of the picnic on a grand scale. Also, to the local Arabic newspapers for advertising the picnic for the last 6 weeks continuously. Some photos of the picnic have already appeared in the Arab weekly newspaper. Another picnic was requested by many, we'll work on it, please check our web-site for upcoming events: www.houseoflebanon.com |
| Young Professional Event The House of Lebanon Young Professionals Committee invites you for an exciting evening of dinner, dancing and good times at Byblos Restaurant on Friday July 13, 2007 at 8:00 pm. This will be a great opportunity to make new friends and to network. Event includes mezzah, main dish entrees including a variety of meat dishes, soft drinks, dessert and live entertainment. We will also be holding a raffle with various exciting prizes. Grand prize is a LCD HDTV. Tickets cost $35/person if you prepay by July 10th to Paypal at: http://www.houseoflebanon.com/attendevent.html or $40 at the door. Seats are limited and we highly encourage you to RSVP early by prepaying to guarantee your place until 8:45 PM. We hope to see you there! You can reach us at youngprofessionals@houseoflebanon.com Byblos Restaurant 1964 Santa Monica Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90025 (310) 475-9558 http://www.byblosusa.com/ |
| Dear Friends of SEAL, Many of you have come to us over the past few years with suggestions of projects in need of funding, all across Lebanon . With the fragile social and economic situation prevailing in our country, we have yet again a long list of worthy initiatives in our pipeline. As usual, we reach out to you for additional project recommendations, as your suggestions are always appreciated. As you know, SEAL provides assistance to people, irrespective of their background, religion, political affiliation or geographic location. We look for projects that fit the following general parameters: * The result of the project should help many low-income individuals/families improve their future income * The size of the contribution typically ranges between $5,000 and $20,000 * Implementation and feedback on results being key, we partner with local organizations to ensure that our guidelines are followed and our transparency requirements met Reviewing the initiatives that we have funded in the past, our newly redesigned website www.seal-usa.org will also give you a better sense of the types of projects that we generally look for. Should you have any recommendations, please contact us at projects@seal-usa.org . We look forward to seeing you soon, and thank you for your continued support. Adla Massoud- President Social and Economic Action for Lebanon (SEAL) www.seal-usa.org |
| SEAL Annual Fundraising Dinner Tuesday 25th September 2007 The University Club, New York City Keynote Speaker Senator George J. Mitchell Senator Mitchell served as a United States Senator from 1980 to 1995, and was Senate Majority Leader from 1989 to 1995. He has also served as Chairman of the Peace Negotiations in Northern Ireland and the International Fact-Finding Committee on Violence in the Middle East . 6.30pm Reception 7.30pm Dinner For more information, please visit our website: www.seal-usa.org/events.html |
LA-Beirut Sister City Organization News
The following link
http://www.labeirut.org/events/events.htm has pictures of the
Unveiling Ceremony of the Beirut sign on Main and First across the street from
City Hall.
Councilmember Dennis Zine presented a motion on May 18 to donate Life and Safety
equipment to the Municipality of Beirut , Council President Eric Garcetti and
Councilmember Tom LaBonge seconded the motion. The motion was adopted to ship
the following equipment
· Three (3) complete Hurst Rescue Tools
· 20 Pick head Axes
· 10 Homelite Rotary Saws
· 15 Chain Saws (without the bars)
· 70- 5 gallon Pyrocar Foam Containers
· Fifteen(15) Homelite Portable Generators
· Six (6) Water Vacs
· Purification Tablets
American-Lebanese Musician:
www.bassamsaba.com
One of the premier figures working in classical Arabicmusic today. A
world-renowned instrumentalist, conductor, and composer, he is equally at home
in jazz and European classical music. Originally from Lebanon, Bassam Saba
studied at the Lebanon National Conservatory on the ud (fretless lute), ney
(reed flute), and violin. In 1976, Saba moved to France where he received his BA
in Western Classical music and Flute Performance at the Conservatoire Municipal
des Gobelins in Paris. In 1979, he moved to Moscow where he received an MA in
Western Flute Performance and Music Education (1985) at the Gnessin Musical
Pedagogical Institute. After finishing his studies in Moscow, he moved back to
Beirut, where he served as music director of the Beirut Symphonic Band and
performed with singers such as Fairuz, Majida al-Roumi, and Wadi al-Safi and
composers such as Ziad Rahbani, Marcel Khalife and Toufic Farroukh. He has
performed as a soloist on classical flute in concert settings in Moscow, Kiev,
Leningrad, Paris, Japan, Beirut, and the United States. In 1990,
Bassam Saba moved to New York ...
For calendar and to listen to music samples click here
Bassam Teaches Nay, Oud, Violin and singing in New York City, for further
information:
visit the website at
http://www.bassamsaba.com/
Information and Sites to pass on
to friends
These may be great resources for your cultural events, members or contacts.
| Featured books-
Great gift ideas or fundraisers for your club. | ||
| Lebanese
Language CD- Featured article Jan 2007 Newsletter Created by a family to teach their kids the language of their grandparents Where there is a will, there is a way. Volume two was just recently released. This makes a great gift for 2nd and 3rd generation interested in learning the language. http://learn-media.com/ | ||
| Books
and resources- Buy from this Amazon link to support our site | ||
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Khalil Gibran Stamp- Please support this project this maybe a great activity
for a club. | ||
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www.DTArocks.com Doors To Aspiration Rock Band- Listen to some of
their songs online. | ||
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www.anunreasonableman.com Ralph Nader documentary video: An Unreasonable Man
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Emails From Our Readers- Lebanese Singer for your events
Greetings
My name is Joe Youssef a Lebanese singer from Lebanon and now located in
Colorado. I graduated from
Studio-El-Fan with Simon Asmar (a program on LBCI ) receiving the silver
medal in singing. I can perform
at all your parties and events for a reasonable price. Please
contact me by email at
joeyousef@hotmail.com
or by phone at 832-275-5072. Thank you, your supported is appreciated.
Please share my information with your contacts.
What does love mean? Slow down for three
minutes to read this.
A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8
year-olds,
What does love mean?" The answers they got were broader and deeper
than
anyone could have imagined. See what you think:
| "When my grandmother got arthritis, she
couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love." Rebecca- age 8 |
| "When someone loves you, the way they say your
name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth." -Billy - age 4 |
| "Love is what makes you smile when you're
tired." Terri - age 4 |
| "Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my
daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK." |
| "If you want to learn to love better, you
should start with a friend who you hate," Nikka - age 6 (We need a few million more Nikka's on this planet) |
| "Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece
of chicken." Elaine-age 5 |
| "Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and
sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Brad Pitt." Chris - age 7 |
| "You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless
you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget." Jessica - age 8 |
Bolivian-Lebanese Video Clip
Provided by: Union Cultura Libanesa Bolivia- Instituto Boliviano-Lebanes
LEBANESE WOMAN It is a sincere homage to the beauty, the intelligence
and the image of the woman of the country of the sacred cedars.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGvlYKcoDwI
THE PHOENICIANS IN AMERICA
Ancestral culture the Phoenicians today's Lebanon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pX1IKTqcrYU
Director: Amir Ibn Taufik Realization: Frizzy Ismael
http://bolivian-lebanese-cultural-union.blogspot.com/
Notes and Disclaimer
- Join
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- Help
If you wish to help or if you have
links, resources, news about your community,
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info@cedarsusa.com.
- Disclaimer
This website is not
associated with any gov., political or religious group. The site
focuses on Americans of Lebanese Ancestry. We try to
include only links and events
that is within our vision, but this is not always possible so what
other clubs do
or say is strictly their own responsibility or opinion.
Mr.
Walid Maalouf is the Director of Public Diplomacy for Middle Eastern & MEPI
Affairs at USAID. He is responsible for enhancing communications between the
agency and the broader Middle Eastern community in America and abroad. He
served as the Alternate Representative of the United States of America to
the General Assembly of the United Nations in 2003. While at the US Mission
in New York, he was the first United States representative to deliver a
speech at the United Nations in Arabic.
