Dear friends: First of all, I would like to acknowledge and thank all those who have sent me emails expressing their concern about my family back in Cebu, Philippines. I just want you all to know that my immediate family - brother and 3 sisters and their corresponding families are fine, thank God. But the unspeakable and horrible devastation that super-typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) left behind is not so far from them. Bear in mind that the first landfall of the typhoon, with all its ferocious might and full strength, was in the northern tip of Cebu. It wiped out houses and structures but luckily not so many casualties. But Cebus neighboring island of Leyte (where Gen. MacArthur landed in WWII) was not so lucky - its capital city, Tacloban, was literally swallowed by giant storm surges that killed more than 2000 at the latest count; it could be a lot more than that since many rural areas have not been accounted for. To make matters worst, the local govt. of Tacloban could not function well anymore as most of them had become victims themselves. The national govt on the other hand was a little sluggish in taking over the void immediately, thus there was a breakdown in the coordination of the relief effort. Thankfully, the US Marines arrived, and in cooperation with the Philippine Armed Forces, despite a painfully slow and sluggish start, the relief effort is now getting better and more organized. The US Marines helped immensely in getting the Tacloban airport operational 24/7. Anyway, there is now an outpouring of support from many countries, many of them pledging millions of dollars in aid. For our part, although tiny, we will still extend a helping hand to the victims in our own small way as we have done many times in the past. Every TGIF is now a fundraiser for the victims of Yolanda. I have already forwarded in advance $1,000 for food packs that my own family will distribute to the victims in northern Cebu. Yes, our charitable spirits have been called upon once again to extend a helping hand to the victims of another catastrophe! The onslaught of super-typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) left untold miseries and horror in many areas in the Philippines. Hence, for the rest of the season, we will dedicate the net proceeds from our dance socials towards the ongoing relief efforts. If you can not come to our dance social, you may contribute also online by visiting this link: tgif.cyber-cupid.net/social and then click on the donate button. In addition, you may bring to our TGIF dance social canned food and other non-perishable dry goodies, especially ready to eat packs; collected items will be shipped to the Philippines. ============ TGIF@Brookhaven, Friday, 11/15/13: Hustle Lesson .... Donna Marie Portelli will be teaching a 1-hr. dance lesson in Hustle starting at 7:30 pm, and then, after the lessons, I will be DJing the general social dancing up to 11:30 pm - ballroom, latin, swing, hustle, tango, etc.. Cost: $10/person (half-price for students with valid school IDs, and also for employees of Brookhaven National Lab). For the early birds, Richard Filiberto will continue conducting free beginners lessons from 6 to 7 pm. (Next week: Stephanie Falciano & Vincent Antonelli - Swing/Jive lesson and a short dance demo). -------- Our weekly TGIFs @ Brookhaven, sponsored by the BNL Social & Cultural Club of the Brookhaven Employees Recreation Association (BERA), is held weekly at the Brookhaven Center, Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL). It is open to the general public. Visitors to the Lab 16 years old and older must bring a photo ID (drivers license is ok). Important reminder: Please be careful in driving within the Lab; speed limit is 30 mph!! Safety is everybodys responsibility. ****** TGIF @ Brookhaven: Date: Friday, Nov.15, 2013; Place: North Ballroom, Brookhaven Center, Brookhaven National Laboratory. (Note: This event is open to the general public). Schedule: 6:00 to 7:00 pm, Beginners Class (East Coast Swing with Richard Filiberto). 7:00 - 7:30, Directed practice and general warm-up dancing; ======= 7:30 - 8:30, Dance lesson: Hustle with Donna Marie; 8:30 - 11:30, Open social dancing; Dance Mix by Rudy - Ballroom, Latin, Swing, Hustle, Tango, etc; Admission: $10 per person (half-price for students with valid school IDs, and also for employees of Brookhaven National Lab). (Note: If you wish, you may attend the beginners classes at 6:00 pm, no extra charge). ** Cost covers all. Note: Liquor and other drinks are available at the Brookhaven Center Bar - last call at 9:00 pm, please buy your drinks ahead of time. See you, Friday! Happy dancing, - Rudy Alforque
Posted on: Thu, 14 Nov 2013 04:02:14 +0000
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