I hope you are doing well and have started the New Year on a good note. We have major activates lined up, and we look forward to a productive year.
Our goals for this year are:
1. Membership: Increase our membership to 250, connect with our three constituencies (older Lebanese Americans, professionals, and younger students/graduates).
2. Fundraising: Develop a major effort to raise $75,000 to add to our funds and make possible the purchase of a home for the TLA and LEC in 2013.
3. Outreach: Develop a systematic and regular program to reach schools, community organizations, hospitals and nursing homes, etc. to share and promote Lebanese history and culture.
4. Education: re-start Arabic Language classes, strengthen our relationship with the Khayrallah Program for Lebanese American Studies.
Our annual calendar consists of the following activities:
1. Valentine’s Day Party February 2013
2. Lebanese Festival April 2013
3. Summer picnic(s)
4. Eid El Fitr August 2013
5. International Festival October 2013
6. Eid El Adha October 2013
7. Lebanese Independence November 2013
8. Christmas/New Year December 2013
There are a number of important activities coming up:
1. On February 16 the TLA is planning a Valentine’s Day Party. It will start at 7 pm at BienVenue at 1402 East Williams St in Apex. It will include dinner, entertainment and dancing. David Hakim and his band Tickets are $40 for adults, $35 for students, and children under 7 for $15 (includes dinner and babysitting). For tickets, call Arwa Karame (919 235 2271) or Lina Jaouhari (919 961 5566). Space is limited and we encourage you to reserve early.
2. The major event of the year is the annual Lebanese Festival. This year is our 15th and is planned for early April! We are very excited about several major changes. Firstly, we will have it over one day, instead of two days. Secondly, it will held in downtown Raleigh, at City Plaza. We hope the new venue will attract more people and introduce the dynamic Lebanese culture and cuisine to double the attendance that we had at the NC Fairgrounds. More information will be forthcoming. For now, plan on volunteering. We have a variety of tasks that could use your skills and efforts. Join the Dabkeh group, or have you child join. Help spread the word and post posters and fliers. If you have a business, this is a good opportunity to have a table, or be a sponsor. This is a unique chance to showcase the Lebanese culture and the dynamics of the Lebanese American community.
3. After people see our dance groups we often get requests to perform. We are forming a small group of “dabeekah”, both experienced and new learners, who are available to perform, perhaps once every month or two. You are welcome to join the adult and youth Dabkeh groups. These groups capture the imagination of many at the International and Lebanese Festivals. Come, join and be part of the fun. Practices will be on Sunday afternoons at 701 café (701 Corporate Center Drive Raleigh, NC 27607). Contact Bearta at 919-606-0647 or bearta2@aol.com for more information.
4. Dr. Akram Khater, director of the Khayrallah Program for Lebanese-American Studies at NC State University, just announced the January edition of the Cedars in the Pines newsletter (see attached file). Besides information about our community it announces the upcoming museum exhibit, planned for February 2014, dedicated to the history of the Lebanese American community in North Carolina. This is a great opportunity for us all to contribute material as well as help raise funds for the exhibit.
5. We now have afuncitoning website. Please sign up at tlanc.us. This way you will keep up with the news of the community and with your friends.
6. If you have seen and enjoyed the “spontaneous” singing in malls here is one that will thrill your heart. Given that 3,549,940 viewed the video, you may have come across it. No matter, enjoy it and pass it on: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEp29GS1VXI
7. While the environment in Lebanon is under assault, more people are getting involved to protect it. Here is a sad story about the cedars: http://www.annahar.com/article.php?t=beea&p=2&d=24930&dt=2012-12-05%2000:00:00
ما بين حدث الجبة وقنات مجازر مدمّرة تضرب غابة أرز شاسعة
As we look forward to a full and productive year, it goes without saying that when we all join hands and work together we will surprise ourselves with what we can accomplish. Let us do it. With best wishes,
Bisharah Libbus
For the TLA
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Bisharah Libbus, PhD