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2011News
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2011 PUBLISHED ARTICLES Estela Dorn's Address to 2011 Naturalization Ceremony Remembering 9/11: Mobilians share their stories, Press-Register Los
Arcos a fantastic fusion of cultures, Lagniappe Desiree Bishop takes helm at Environmental Studies Center, Press-Register Veteran Recalls Key World War II Battle, Press-Register "India Unveiled" in Mobile, Alabama, Pravasi Herald Semmes woman sends Mobile area's best wishes to Prince William, and gets reply, Press Register Mobile Environmental Studies Center's longtime director retires, Press Register Asian
Art Exhibit at Semmesonian, Press Register Scottish Society of Mobile celebrates poet laureate, Press Register
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2011 PRESS RELEASES SHAOLIN TRAINING CAMP ACCEPTING LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICANTS SEVEN YEAR OLD EXPANDS MUSICAL KNOWLEDGE TO CHINESE INSTRUMENTS MOBILE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL AWARDS ANNELLE JEROME SCHOLARSHIPS |
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Press-Register,
July 31, 2011 Bobbie and David Bayne toured Turkey for 10 days as part of a cultrual exchange program. They are shown at the highest point in Istanbul.
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Zuri
Dancers, Egypt, performing in Children's Area at Bayfest.
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Mobile International Festival members attended the Cambodian New Year celebration at Wat Veluvanna Temple, Irvington, AL, on April 22, 2011
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Ryan Thurston Pettway, a past recipient of MIF's Annelle Jerome Scholarship, will graduate from the University of Oklahoma on June 4, 2011, with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Ryan is the son of MIF's former Treasurer and one of our representatives from Puerto Rico, Minerva Pettway.
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"India
Unveiled" in Mobile, Alabama Well, did the audience enjoy the presentation and was it informative? Did it or did it not increase the awareness about India? Read on to find out. The program was well publicized by Pravasi Herald, University of South Alabama, Mobile Chamber of Commerce, Mobile International Festival, IAGM members and word of mouth. The presentation was being held at USA Humanities building and schedule to begin at 6pm. The author was driving from Columbus and was to arrive at 4pm. We did not hear from him until 4.30pm but he arrived at 5 pm. This was the first sigh of relief. Mobile County Commissioner Mike Dean was one of the first people to arrive and then I saw Estella Dorn and few of the other members from Mobile International Festival. In fact, a student from the USA was there at 5pm itself. There were only a few people from the Indian Community; the time was now 6pm. I took to the microphone and bought some time by joking about how IST (Indian Standard Time) is infamously known as Indian Stretchable Time and the program will in start in a few minutes. Slowly people started showing up and in the next 15 minutes, there were about 75 people. The program started at 6.15 pm and the end of the program there were about 150 people. Was the program successful? Let me tell the audience of Pravasi Herald about the program and you be the judge. The program started with my welcoming of the audience and the author. One of the members of IAGM Mr. Madhu Chillukuri, a close friend of the author as he was also previously from Columbus gave a great introduction of the author. The author had travelled to India extensively multiple times over a period of multiple years. The author travelled the entire length and breadth of the country and stayed at individual houses to learn the most intricate detail of the rich culture and tradition of India. The author’s slides were only pictures and no letters - great pictures with intricate details and clarity and lots of them. It felt as if you have been to those places yourself. A lot of the members could recognize and associate themselves with those places as either they were from that place or that they had visited the place. The presentation was progressing very lively with a lot of interaction from the audience. The author compared Hinduism with Christianity and bought out the similarities between the two religions. This would be a great experience and information database at the back of the brain of our young teenagers, as they interact with the American friends and explain the similarity and commonness between the two cultures and religions. What I took home from the presentation was that striking similarity between “AUM” in Hinduism and “AMEN” in Christianity. IAGM Community had earlier collected funds for the Japan Earthquake Relief fund and a check for $2,500 was presented to the Mobile City at the event. The presentation concluded at about 8pm with a vote of thanks from Mr. .Mahesh Batavia. It was followed by Indian snacks of Hot Chai and Vegetable Pakodas with Indian Cookie. You are now about to read the event from the eyes and mind Ashwin Betala, a 9th Grader from UMS Wright in Mobile. “On April 22, 2011, Mr. Robert Arnett was invited by the Indian Association of Greater Mobile and the Indian Student Association to present his book—India Unveiled. The event was free to the public and was well attended by several members of the Indian community and the faculty and students of the University of South Alabama Professors and City Councilman-Mr. Dean. Mr. Arnett had a slide show of his photographs taken on his numerous trips to India and gave a very enlightening talk about his experiences in India. He travelled extensively in India over a total period of two years during his several trips. He is the author of India Unveiled, and other books as well. Mr. Arnett spoke about how India is a beautiful country, despite its overpopulation and diseases. He spoke about how magnificent the architecture of India is and about the people and the rich culture. He spent a lot of time with several Indian families and closely observed and appreciated the religious beliefs and customs of all the different states of the vast country. He talked about the four major religions of India: Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism, and how deeply devoted people are there. Mr. Arnett also showed how all the different world religions are connected. His visit across India was phenomenal, and I am honored he has presented it to us. During his speech, he presented beautiful pictures from his trips to India. Mr. Arnett showed us places in India where even the poorest of people maintained faith in their religion. He showed us religious ceremonies, such as special bathing in the Ganges River and the Kumbha Mela. Mr. Arnett presented pictures of people from exotic cultures in India. He showed us the major places where people in India worship. This was a very interesting talk and I was amazed by his knowledge of India. I am truly impressed by his journey across India, and his photos from the trip. It was nice to see a westerner who knew so much about India, its culture, and its history. I am looking forward to listening to him again.” If someone is reading this line then he has read the article and has now come to some opinion in his/her mind if the event was a success, at least he/she would understand the anxiety that an amateur organizer has. Sayonara and hope to come in touch with the readers of Pravasi Herald at the next event write up of IAGM . Taking leave from your precious time, this is Pawan Agrawal President of IAGM.
Semmes
woman sends Mobile area's best wishes to Prince William, and gets
reply SEMMES, Alabama -- Hundreds of people in the Mobile area can boast a closer connection to Friday’s British royal wedding, thanks to one local woman. Just a day after Prince William and Kate Middleton announced their engagement in mid-November, Semmes resident and former British citizen Ginny Phillips jumped into action. She took a notebook to the England booth of Mobile’s International Festival, asking attendants to sign their names and well-wishes on the pages. “I saw the engagement announced and just got the idea that people might like to write the couple a message,” said Phillips, who has operated the festival’s England booth for eight years. “People wrote their congratulations and best wishes, and I remember that one woman even wrote that their story was a fairy tale — a girl finding her prince.” By the end of the three-day festival, Phillips had more than 700 messages to mail to the couple. In March, she received a response from The Office of HRH Prince William of Wales. “Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton have asked me to thank you for your very kind letter and for enclosing your book with over 700 signatures,” the letter reads. “The Prince and Miss Middleton were overwhelmed by the kind words that you sent.” Phillips treasures the response, which is now framed, she said. “I was so pleased to get this letter,” she said. “A lot of people will be happy to see it.” Phillips plans to make copies of the letter in time for this year’s International Festival and hand them out. “Even some of my family laughed in the beginning,” she said. “I was told by some of my family members that I would never hear back.” Phillips moved in 1992 to the Mobile area from Newcastle, England. She had first come to visit for a July 4 celebration at the behest of a pen pal, she said. She returned for Thanksgiving and on a third trip, “stayed for good,” she said. Phillips later met her husband, Gerald, who helps her with the booth. Their home in Semmes is decorated with English memorabilia, including a new plate featuring the royal couple’s photos. Mobile
Enrionmental Studies longtime director retires MOBILE, Alabama — On March 31, David “Lloyd” Scott, 67, retired from his position as supervisor of the Mobile County Public School System’s Environmental Studies Center on Girby Road. A biologist from Dickson, Tenn., Scott became the center’s first and only director in the fall of 1974. “We started leading field trips then, serving a couple of thousand (students),” he said. “We now serve 22,000-25,000 each year.” Among his duties and those of the staff at ESC have been maintaining the grounds and exhibits, which house 60-70 animals kept for educational purposes; and caring for injured animals and releasing them to their natural habitat when they are ready. In 2010, 514 birds, 376 mammals and 142 reptiles were treated at the center.
Barbara Shaw, public affairs manager at Mobile Area Water and Sewer System, has worked with Scott for several years on the open house events. “We (at
MAWSS) love the opportunity to take part in this wonderful community
event that he started and nurtured,” she said of the bi-annual
affair that attracts thousands to the center to view the animals
and plants and to take part in fun activities geared to the whole
family. The most challenging parts of his job, Scott said, have been “fundraising in the form of grants and donations” and “bouncing back after hurricanes.” “I’m in awe of his ability to partner with community groups and businesses, (which) has enabled the center to grow and continue to offer new and exciting learning experiences to students, even during years of budget cutbacks,” Shaw said. “This special place will always remind me of him and his tireless efforts to instill respect and appreciation for the environment,” she said. “It is hard to imagine the Environmental Studies Center without him.” Louis Buckalew, a member of the ESC advisory board, described Scott as “an exemplary professional, dedicated, energetic and caring person.” “He has
been a true pillar of both our educational and scientific communities
and of animal rehab and welfare interests,” Buckalew said.
“He leaves behind both fond memories and appreciation for
his tireless and consequential work and shoes that will be hard
to fill. Scott’s first post-retirement activity will be to join his twin brother, also a biologist, on a natural history tour in Utah. Then he expects to travel with his wife, Cindy, and spend time with their two children, Stephanie Alexander and David Scott, and their two grandchildren. (This story was written by Jo Anne McKnight, Press-Register correspondent.)
Scottish
Society of Mobile celebrates poet laureate MOBILE, Ala. — This year marks the Scottish Society of Mobile’s 23rd annual celebration of Scotland’s poet laureate Robert Burns, who was born Jan. 25, 1759. For the late poet’s birthday, the group hosts a dinner, which includes haggis, neeps and tatties and traditional Scottish shortbread, to honor the contributions Burns made to Scotland. “Burns was instrumental in revitalizing Scottish culture after decades of English oppression,” said the society’s president, Randy Seale. “Robert Burns’ works awoke the Scottish idea of being a ‘Scot’ again.” Seale said Burns greatly influenced countryman Walter Scott, whose efforts turned tartans and kilts into “symbols of Scottish national identity, a national identity that still exists today as one of the most recognized in the world.” “Robert Burns is a significant iconic figure in Scottish culture and history and is also known as one of the world’s most famous poets,” said the group’s vice president, Janie Daugherty. “Around the world, tributes to the life and works of Robert Burns are held through the ritual of the Burns Supper. Originally started a few years after his death by a group of his friends and acquaintances, the suppers are now celebrated annually on the anniversary of his birth.” The Mobile gathering will include Celtic music by musicians Tom Morley, Andra Bohnet, Scott Cox, Dennis Dowd, Steve Claus, Fran Morley and the Hadji Highlanders Pipe Band from Pensacola.
The dinner is followed by a cèilidh, pronounced “kay-lee,” a traditional Gaelic social dance event in which all guests are invited to dance while musicians play music from Burns’ era. While the main purpose of the Burns Supper is to celebrate the poet and his homeland, the event also hosts a raffle to raise funds for the William McDonald Scholarship Fund. McDonald and his wife, Mary, initiated the Scottish Society in 1987. It now includes over 60 members. While most members have Scottish ancestry by direct descent or through marriage, Daugherty said all that is required to join the group is “an interest in and love of Scotland.” The Society promotes education about Scottish history and culture by participating in the annual Mobile International Festival, the Pensacola Highland Games and Gulfport’s Highland and Island Games. In April 2008, members participated in a ceremony where Gov. Bob Riley declared April as “Scottish Heritage Month” and named April 6 as Alabama’s annual “Tartan Day.” “Currently the Scottish Society of Mobile is working to establish an official Alabama State Tartan,” said Seale. “It’s sad to say, but Alabama is the only state in the South not to have an official state Tartan. We have the design, but we need funds to make it happen.” The Scottish Society of Mobile meets the third Thursday of each month at Westminster Presbyterian Church at 2921 Airport Blvd. Annual membership fees are $25 per family. For more information, visit scottishsocietyofmobile.org. ROBERT BURNS
SUPPER (This story was written by Christie Lovvorn, Press-Register correspondent.)
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Semmes
resident Ginny Philips collected hundreds of signatures wishing
Prince William and Kate Middleton congratulations on their wedding,
and received a note of thanks from the Prince's office. (Press-Register
Correspondent/Lyle W. Ratliff)
Lloyd
Scott poses at the eagles' cage at the
Lloyd
Scott admires the wild azaleas at the
Mary
McDonald, a founding member of the |
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| 2010 PUBLISHED ARTICLES Estela Dorn Made The Festival Flourish, Press Register Sound Off, Press Register International Adventure, Press Register International Festival: The World On Saturday, Press Register Bay Weekend Mobile International Festival, Alabama Seaport, September 2010 Mobile International Festival's longtime director stepping down, Press Register Mobile religious sister invited to travel to Turkey, The Catholic Week Mobile International Festival Celebrates the "World of Languages", La Costa Latina Mobile International Festival, Family Day, FineLines Turkey Trippers Reunion, The Catholic Week Around the world in one day, BASF Community Elements Learn to relax at Meditation Center, Mobile Press Summer Vacation Photos, Mobile Press Lebanese-American Club celebrates heritage, Mobile Press People & Places, Mobile Press Celebrating New Year, Press-Register |
2010 PRESS RELEASES RETIREMENT FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MOBILE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL INVITED TO PRESS CONFERENCE MIF CHILDREN’S CHORUS SINGS AGAIN A REUNION FOR TRAVELLERS TO TURKEY THREE
GENERATIONS OF HERRING FAMILY MOBILE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL 2010 OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS ALABAMA STATE COUNCIL ON THE ARTS AWARDS GRANT TO MOBILE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL MOBILE
INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL PANDIT VISHWA MOHAN BHATT VEENA CONCERT MOBILE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL NIGHT AT THE BAYBEARS AN INDIAN CLASSICAL DANCE RECITAL BY VIDHYA BHAT A REUNION FOR TRAVELLERS TO TURKEY AUTHENTIC DRESS FROM ARMENIA DONATED TO MUSEUM NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD ISRAEL 62ND INDEPENDENCE DAY OBSERVED MOBILE
INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL AWARDS
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Estela
Dorn made the festival flourish In the mid-1980s, I was able to volunteer for the Mobile International Festival as a food server. I remember the food being nice and tasty, but the food booths were pretty much all there was to the festival. What an amazing journey the festival has taken since then, especially under the leadership of Estela Dorn. She aggressively sought grants and sponsors, which allowed the festival o grow more and more every year. Even after my husband and I moved from Mobile, we tried to find either in the city we were in, or those nearby, an event that would recreate the festivities we had become acustomed o at Mobile's festival. We were always left wanting. Without a doubt, we loved Mobile International Festiva, but the festival was something we missed so much and shared with so many people in Mobile and surrounding cities. Not only can we attest to the outstanding success of the festival, but we can also verify the labor of love which Estela put into the festival year after year. While it is sad to see her retire, Mobile can rest assured that under her fine tutelage, the festival will continue to be a great success. Finally,I don't mind being a bit biased about Estela and her supportive husband, Weems, as they are not only outstanding Mobilians, but also are my folks, whom we love dearly. We are glad that they can take the time to travel again as they begin this new chapter in their lives. Congratulations, Tita and Dad. Well done. Stephanie Atha
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Sound
Off Thanks for attending festival Thank you to everyone who attended the Mobile International Festival. I enjoyed talking to each person about my country. I hope you all come back next year and visit us again. November 18,
2010 Each year at this time, I visit Mobile and always make it a point to attend the Mobile International Festival. It's a great opportunity to learn more about diverse cultures and the history of nations around the world. I encourage all Mobilians to attend Mobile's International Festival.
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International
Adventure
The 27th Annual Mobile International Festival continues today at the Mobile Civic Center. The festival is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for ages, 7-15 and free for children 6 and under.
A Shaolin monk performs martial arts in an exhibition Friday.
Takemasa Ishikura performs with the Matsuriza Traditional Drummers.
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Li Qiang performs martial arts at an exhibition with fellow monks from the Shaolin Temple in China.
Natalia Trejo, 8, performs with Las Ninas Bonitas on Friday.
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International
Festival: The World On Saturday When they settled on "The World of Languages" as the theme for this year's Mobile International Festival, Estela Dorn and Bobbie Bayne knew the reality. Sure, the range of languages in use around the world is a handy, and often beautiful, yardstick for humanity's cultural diversity. And sure, it's an aspect of life where the concept of the United States as a melting pot is put into practice on a daily basis. "Many of these languages are part of our English, here in the United States," said Dorn, the festival's longtime executive director. Yet, as members of an organization that encompasses people from dozens of different cultures, they know as well as anyone that language barriers are real. Even in an organization dedicated to celebrating diversity, the struggle to find a common vocabulary can cause a headache. No matter, they said. Goodwill and persistence are more than a match for such difficulties. The festival's members know that there's another kind of language, and that gestures such as a smile or a show of hospitality often are the most effective way of getting the point across. "In the end, we still understand each other," Dorn said. Here are a few other things that can speak ouder than words: The aromas and tastes of international cuisine, the whirl of dance, the beauty of artwork from far-flung pionts of the globe and the exotic rhythms and melodies of unfamiliar music. All will be abundant Satruday at the Mobile Civic Center, when the festival throws open its doors for family day. The annual event actually opens on Thursday, but its first two days are dedicated to students. Bayne, the Festival's education coordinator, estimated that some 14,000 grade school and middle-school students will attend on Thursday and Friday. Most will do their best to circumnavigate the globe, and if the past is any indication, many will be well on their way to success after an hour or two. "Truly at that point youknow they've been around the world because they have a souvenir from every continent," Bayne said. The vibe is a little different on Saturday, when families, rather than classes, dominate the mix. But it won't necessarily be much calmer: Bayne said she expects 6,000 to 7,000 people to attend. They'll get an impressive sampling of what the world has to offer. The festival fills the Civic Center arena, Expo Hall and front lobbies. At dozens of booths, member organizations represent their ancestral countries and cultures with displays of art, clothing and other exhibits. Music and other entertainment takes place continually on three stages. And in a central food court, patrons have the chance to sample foods ranging from Ukrainian stuffed peppers and Indian curry to Vietnamese noodles and Iranian baklava. The entertainment line-up mixes acts based in the United States with visitors from abroad. highlights of the entertainment schedule include returning favorites such as the Matsuriza Japanese Traditional Taiko Drummers, the Kenya Safari Acrobats, the Shaolin martial arts of the Liu International Institute and Mexican folk music troupe Tuna de Derecho. Saturday's visitors also get the chance to hear a couple of groups that won't play on Thursday and Friday: Popular local acoustic ensemble Roman Street, whose music blens jazz European and Latin influences, and Bordelic Rhythm, a jazz duo consisting of two University of South Alabama mathematics professors with a fondness for jazz of the early 20th century. It's a lot to take in. Dorn and Bayne suggested that patrons wear comforable shoes, "come with the anticipation of clean family fun" and bring a big appetite. Pants with an elastic wastband might not be a bad choice. (Food is not included in the admission price. Most treats are sold in small, inexpensive portions to facilitite sampling. Bayne and Dorn said that in general, $5 to $10 would buy enough food to satisfy the average adult.) This will be the last Mobile International Festival to feature Dorn as executive director. After first attending in 1985, she rapidly got involved and has led the event for a dozen years. During that time it has grown rapidly, thanks in part to corporate sponsors, she said. Its budget is now about $175,000. One measure of the event's success, Dorn said, is that sponsors don't just want to give money - they want to take part. Another is that representatives of other cities have called or visited, seeking advice on how to start or develop their own international events. For next year, Bayne will step into the leadership role. Dorn isn't going away entirely, though her retirement does mean that she'll spend more time traveling - starting with a lengthy stay in her native Philippines. But after 25 years involved with the festival, its community has become kind of a home as well. She hopes visitors pick up on that feeling of unity, she said. "It's not just a family-oriented event," she said. "It's a family within the event."
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International Festival's longtime director stepping down MOBILE, Ala. -- “Guten morgen,” Estela Dorn sang in a voice that retains her native Philippine accent. After offering a warm smile to a German festival member, she focused her attention on a Filipina volunteer and a Japanese intern before tackling a logistics problem with Trinidad and Tobago. This is a routine morning for the executive director for Mobile International Festival. Dorn, who demonstrates the diplomacy of an ambassador and the business acumen of a CEO, has become the face of the Mobile International Festival and a local icon, but after 12 years in her position, she will retire on Dec. 31. “I will miss the people,” said Dorn of the hundreds of MIF members and volunteers. “The members are so comfortable with me that they pick up the phone any time. We talk about anything; we talk about problems or something so simple and we laugh together. I’m a people person and I’m energized by the people around me.” In 1985, Dorn began volunteering with the festival just a year after the late Dr. Annelle Jerome initiated the event. She was quickly ushered into various chair roles and the vice presidency before serving as president from 1993 to 1998. After that, Dorn suggested to MIF’s board that the organization needed an executive director. She was hired for the position. “Estela is a natural leader,” said MIF board member and sponsor Krista Burroughs. “Her dedication to the festival, professionalism and hard work has been an exemplary example to all.” Under Dorn’s leadership, the festival has grown to a three-day event that represents over 70 countries and includes about 1,700 volunteers. “Most people are not aware of the time and devotion that goes into the preparation that begins the day after the festival ends each year. The actual events of the 18th, 19th, and 20th are simply an external manifestation of what 12 months and years of work turn out,” said Jim Ellis, director of University of South Alabama’s office of international education. During her tenure, Dorn implemented a staggered schedule for the two school days, allowing for better management; expanded the venue; and procured numerous grants and sponsorships. The festival now also includes a scholarship program for members or their children and an internship program in cooperation with USA. Through diligent marketing, public relations and advertising campaigns, Dorn has made the festival a highly visible event that attracts visitors from throughout the South. “Estela implemented her immense talent, skills, diplomacy and experience to the festival year-round, resulting in turning the Mobile International Festival into a premier annual event, one that rivals similar international festivals, an event the City of Mobile can take pride in,” said Burroughs. “Her efforts have brought global awareness of Mobile’s diverse and extensive cultural communities.” The secret to the festival’s 27-year run is persistence, said Dorn, but others say MIF owes its success in large part to her. “Estela has a very positive and vibrant personality,” Ellis said. “She knows the world very well as she does the Mobile community. She is also very aware of the cultural diversity that supports the festival and at the same time is able to bring the world together in a wonderful and cohesive way. She is incredibly patient and tolerant, yet firm when needed.” “Estela always puts a smile on my face,” said Brian Thompson, vice president of human resources and public affairs for Mitsubishi Polysilicon, which has sponsored MIF for more than 10 years. “She is always so positive and excited about the Festival.” When Dorn retires, Bobbie Bayne, MIF’s education coordinator, will take over as executive director. “I’ve sat and cried with her so much,” said Bayne about Dorn’s impending retirement. “Stela and I are best friends, but I do respect the fact that she is my boss. “Whenever I have trials and tribulations, I’m not going to have that sounding board. When we’re serious, we’re serious, but we sit and laugh together. That’s our bond. We work hard together and share the laughter and the fun like members coming in and sitting down and saying, ‘Let’s have a cup of tea. You look like you could use one.’” Bayne said Dorn has made MIF so successful that it can be held annually through her “hard work, support, and dedication. With her ideas, she has made it bigger and better every year. I hope I can fill her footsteps.” Dorn offered her friend this advice: “I told her to think fast like me. I also told her to really analyze a lot of things. I have never believed in procrastination. If there is a problem, face it and solve it and it’s done. Also, whenever you can, delegate. You have to.” While Dorn will no longer serve in an official capacity, she has assured Bayne of her continued support. “I said, ‘I will be here for you.’ I’m not going to leave her. The first year is going to be a lot of learning for her.”I’ll call her and remind her. I will help her.” When she retires, Dorn plans to attend her 50th high school reunion in the Philippines in January. She also wants to help those less fortunate in her former homeland. “I plan to do something to start a nonprofit organization to help me work with the poor in the Philippines,” she said.“When I go home, it’s one of the things I am going to look into. There’s so much poverty around the world and I would like it if I can touch the lives of even a few people." 27TH MOBILE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL Where: Mobile Civic Center When: Thursday-Saturday Tickets: $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for ages 7-15; free for ages 6 and under. Information: Visit www.mobileinternationalfestival.org, or call 251-470-7730. (This story was written by Christie Lovvorn, Press-Register correspondent.)
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Christie Lovvorn/Correspondent Estela
Dorn, left, and Bobbie Bayne prepare the education bags for teachers
who bring their students to the Mobile International Festival. Bayne
will take over when Dorn retires as executive director of the festival. |
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Mobile
religious sister invited to travel to Turkey
MOBILE - For five consecutive years the Turkish Community in Mobile in conjunction with Peace Valley Foundation and the Istanbul Center in Atlanta and businessmen in Turkey, have sponsored a ten-day trip to their homeland. I have been a member of the Mobile Christian-Jewish Dialogue for decades now. Two years ago Dr. John Switzer and Perilla Wilson began a Trialogue whee members of the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim faiths meet quarterly at Spring hill College and get to know each other and duscuss various aspects of their faiths and cultures. Because of my involvement in these groups I was invited to go on the trip to Turkey this past year. It was lovely seeing places I'd heard about for years - like the Sophia Haghia, the Blue Mosque, Ephesus, the Eastern Orthodox Patriachate in Istanbul. We also visited the 500 Year Old Jewish Museum, Christian Churches from the fourth century built into the hills of Cappadocia and the Topkapi Palace of the Sultans. We enjoyed a boat ride on the Bosphorus which separates European Turkey from Asian Turkey. The first seven Ecumenical councils of the Catholic Church were held in this area of Turkey. Our itinerary was designed to demonstrate that Turkey is a modern democracy with a long history of tolerance for all faiths. For example, when Spain expelled the Jews in 192, Turkey accepted them and the Jewish people have been welcome there ever since. We visited a TV station, a newspaper, a university, and a grade school. During these visits I was impressed by the strides made by a relatively new democracy. The children we met on field trips, in the schools, and with their families were happy and elightful - wanting to try out their English on us. Children in Turkey are very much cherished by their families. Several Turkish families invited us to dinner and their graciousness and hospitality were everywhere evident - not to mention the wonderful food and delightful gifts we received. Fellow Mobile travelers included Sheriff Sam and Sabrina Cochran and Dr. Lary and Robin DilSaver and several others from Auburn and Montgomery. As one of my fellow travelers remarked, "This trip brought about a change in my perception of an Islamic nation and the Muslim religion, and gave me a greater understanding and acceptance of their religious culture." Most of the people responsible for our trip follow the teachings of the noted Turkish educator and scholar, Fetullah Gulen. His philosophy of dialogue, acceptance, and peace was evident in all those who had a part in our visit. I hope and pray that these values will spread, not only throughout Turkey but among all the peace-loving people of our world.
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EXCHANGE OF GIFTS - Tarik Celik, Executive Director of the Istanbul Center in Atlanta, accepts a print of Bellingtrath Gardens from Estela Dorn, Executive Director of the Mobile International Festival, and Mahin Ghavaniam. Looking on are, left: Abdurrahman Verzigan, and Joe Davis; right: Umit Gunebir and Perilla Wilson; seater: Dr. David Ellis and Dr. Lary DilSaver. |
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Mobile
International Festival Celebrates the "World of Languages" Mobile--Immerse yourself with foreign languages at the 27th annual Mobile International Festival. Prepare to travel the world on Saturday, November 20, at the Mobile Civic Center & Expo Hall from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. The Parade of Flags starts from Expo Hall and ends at the Main Arena. Start your adventure when you visit the continents of Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America. Make new friends. Learn greetings in many languages. Shopping is everywhere. Engage in hands-on-art activities. Listen to tales from storytellers. See an authentic Japanese tea ceremony and Ikebana demonstrations. Visit the David McCann Art Gallery. Meet look-alike Capt. Jack Sparrow in his shipwreck. Let your children dress up as pirates for fun. Be surrounded by music from the world with non-stop entertainment from the Lobby, Main Arena and Expo Hall stages. Matsuriza Japanese Drummers, Kenya Safari Acrobats, Guitarist John de Chiaro, Mithril Celtic Band, Spanish Flamenco Dancer John Jaramillo, Celtic Musician Red McWilliams, McGuire Irish Band, Romanstreet Band, Accordionist Julie Council, Niall O'Leary School of Irish Dance, Mexico's Tuna de Derecho, Chinese Shaolin Martial Artists and Trinidad & Tobago's Brasil Rx4 Steel Orchestra are just a few performers that will entertain you! Head to the Main Arena and Expo Hall where you will find a large selection of food and exotic drinks from 32 countries to choose from. Choose your favorite beer or wine from three concessions. Enjoy the fusion of international food and drinks with non-stop entertainment and you have the incomparable "International Food Fest." Purchase food and drinks with cash. The Mobile International Festival promises a world of many cultures in an unforgettable must-see family experience sure to be remembered for a long time. Visit www.mobileinternationalfestival.org or call (251) 470-7730. La Costa Latina is a proud sponsor of the Mobile International Festival.
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 Leah Bates shows off her "thumb drum" at the 2009 International Festival. |
Mobile
International Festival, Family Day Saturday, November
20 The Outreach Department guided thousands of children, teachers and families to create "thumb drums" in 2009. This year's art activity combines the art of illumination and calligraphy in the creation of decorative and inspiring "ceremonial art scrolls." Museum educators and volunteers will be on hand at the Museum's booth each day of the Festival. Enjoy the celebration of the cultures of the world without ever leaving Mobile.
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PHOTO CAPTION Seated L-R: Dora Finley, Devereaux Bemis, Perilla Wilson and Paul Filben. Standing L-R: David Ellis, Osman Kucuk, Debbie Quinn, Hank Caddell, Umit Gunebir, Joe Davis, Don Berry, Estela Dorn, Sally Berry, Mahin Ghavamian and Gulcan Gunebir. (Anis Shaperov was the photographer.) |
The coined words, “Turkey Trippers”, refer to those who have travelled to Turkey under the auspices of Peace Valley Foundation and Istanbul Center of Atlanta. The first group went to Turkey in May 2006. They visited different historical cities and archeological sites. Since then, an annual group of people from the community have been invited to visit Turkey. The Turkish students from University of South Alabama are actively involved in this project and some act as chaperones to their native country, Turkiye, during these trips. These University of South Alabama students represent Turkey in Mobile International Festival. Many Turkey Trippers are members of the festival. This year’s batch of Turkey Trippers includes Joe Davis, president of Mobile International Festival. |
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| Summer
Vacation Photos
Estela Dorn made some friends at the Japanese Pavilion at Epcot in Walt Disney World when the Matsuriza Drummers performed. From left are Tomoko Yoshikawa, Dorn, Yuko Ishkura and Sachiko Ducetto. |
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Lebanese-American
Club Celebrates Heritage By Jo Anne McKnight The Lebanese-American Club of Mobile is a 62-year-old organization that "combines pure Americanism with the tradition of belief in God, sense of family, love of heritage and willingness to serve each other," according to member Robert E. "Gene" Petro. The federation of such clubs, chartered in 1931, was formed by first-generation Americans of Syrian and Lebanese decent. The club's purpose is to embrace their heritage and to honor the memory of their ancestorswho brought to this country a determination to build a good life for themselves while helping to build a great nation, club members said. And in Mobile, one measure of their success can be seen in the many business and professional endeavors headed by such families and individuals as the Namans, the Kahalleys, the Zoghbys, the Saads, the Salibas and the Sudeihas. Ruby Moore of Spot of Tea restaurant in Mobile cites as evidence the Lebanese-American influence and success the fact that, while the group makes up just 1 percent of the population of the city, businesses owned by Lebanese-Americans racked up 8 percent of the winning spots in the 2009 Readers' Choice Awards, a poll sponsored by the Press-Register. Alex Naman Catering, she said, took first place in catering, Spot of Tea, owned by the Moore family won a couple of prizes. Gordon Oaks Retirement Community (Gina Saad) reached the top, and several other Lebanese-American-owned or operated business placed in the "most popular" in their categories. The Lebanese-American Club of Mobile does more than excel in business, though. Members have played host to and attended conferences and conventions of clubs in the Southern Federation. They also support cultural activities such as the mobile International Festival, often serving as officers in these groups. Charity and philantrhopy are the hallmarks of their community service. Petro said they provide scholarships to graduating seniors and donate thousands of dollars to local charities and others throughout the United States. Through the club's charity arm, some $2 million has been raised and contributed to St. Jude Children's Research hospital in Memphis. The next St. Jude fundraiser will be a golf tournament at the Grand Hotel this fall, Moore said. And locally, the group has provided support to St. Mary's Home and the Bay Area Food Bankd, among others. There are many social events that keep the generations of Lebanese American families together - an Easter egg hunt in the spring, mother's Day and Father's Day celebrations, a summer beach party and various other luncheons and banquets. The mobile club will host the Mid-Winter Conference on Feb. 17-20, 2011. For additional information about the club, visit www.lacmobile.com
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Photo submitted by Ruby Moore |
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| People
& Places
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Mobile Press, Sunday, June 6, 2010
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Event info also available in the Travelers 411 Forum! Click here. |
Alabama Business Today Interview with Estella Dorn! Click here. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2009 PUBLISHED ARTICLES International festival shows kids the world, Letter to Editor, Press-Register International Festival and emotional experience, Letter to Editor, Press-Register Crowds get mix of culture, cuisine downtown, Press-Register The World In Musical Harmony, Steppin' Out Students Learn About The Yoruba Culture, Steppin' Out November in the South, Southern Living Mobile International Festival Celebrates "The World In Musical Harmony", City News Festival brings Harmony to Mobile, Press-Register Ebony Escapes! into November, The New York Amsterdam News (PDF opens new window) Pre-Thanksgiving with the Mobile International Festival - Lagniappe 40 Fun Things To Do This Fall, Folio Mobile International Festival Celebrates "The World In Musical Harmony", Bienville Club A Festive Scene, Press-Register Arts Council Grant, Press-Register Turkey Trippers Farewell To Dr. Ficici, The Catholic Week 26th Annual Mobile International Festival, Mobile Bay Guide to Mobile, Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce Faces of Impact 2009, Mobile Bay Monthly, April 2009 issue Thanks and Kudos To You!, Bienville Club Barrington Irving, Letter to the Editor, Press-Register Young pilot discusses solo globe-circling flight with students at Davidson High, Press-Register Pilot tells students in Mobile, Ala., about becoming first black person to fly solo around the world, Press-Register |
2009 PRESS RELEASES MIF Welcomes The Holiday Season German Students Visiting Mobile Museum of Mobile Celebrates Yoruba Festival Mobile International Festival Announces Its 2009 Officers, Board And Chairpersons Mobile International Festival Receives a Grant from Alabama State Council on the Arts Indonesian Consul Visits Mobile Mobile International Festival Celebrates "The World In Musical Harmony" New Art Installations at Mobile Museum of Art Mobile International Festival Awards Annelle Jerome Scholarships Celebration of the Cambodian New Year in Irvington International Confab in Manila, Philippines |
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International
Festival and emotional experience We are visitors from South Africa on holiday in the United States. It was our good fortune last month to attend the grand Mobile International Festival at the Civic Center. We were truly amazed to see the artists from different countires - the magnificent choir, bagpipes, drummers, dancers, acrobats, etc. The harmony and good will that prevailed, the food stalls, the impressive items for sale - all contributed to this unparalleled event. It was an emotional experience for us to have been selected to participate in the parade carrying the South African flag. It was a great honor to be representing our country. In this regard we pay tribute to the India Association of Greater Mobile community, including Sureh Naiker and his family (Ishara, Priya and Mishka). Dhurgesh Agarwal and others who arranged our participation. The cherry on top was attending the International Festival banquet on Nov. 19 at the Holiday Inn, where we were privileged to meet many of the dignitaries associated with planning and prepartion of the festival. It was a pleasure to met Estela Dorn, executive director. We commend her for being at the forefront of a festival of this magnificence and making things happen. We shall always have pleasant and wonderful memories of this great country, especially the joyous and fun-filled days spent at the Mobile International Festival. Jugdishwar
Poonmassy Click here to view entire letter in PDF format
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International
festival shows kids the world Mobile International Festival was another success. After 26 years, it is now a byword for a total family-oriented event showcasing the many cultures from over 70 nations in Mobile. All these years, we have touched the lives of children who have attended to Student Days and those who enjoyed themselves during the Family Day. By now, there must be about a quarter-million children who have been to the festival. Imagine that these children are now grown up and have families of their own. Consider that many of them have careers that have taken them to other parts of the world. Understand that the festival has been instrumental in opening their eyes to the world. This is a quantitative and positive assessment of the contribution of Mobile International Festival to the children, who are the future of another generation. This is a major achievement that all participants in the festival are very proude of. We had performers travel from China, Trinidad and Tobago and Benin Republic (West Africa) through the efforts of our members. Sponsors are important to us, including the City of Mobile, Mobile County, University of South Alabama, corporations, state arts council and foundations that supported us all these years. Estela
I. Dorn |
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Crowds
get mix of culture, cuisine downtown By DAVID FERRARA The next, only a few paces away, an impromptu Scottish group broke into an accordion version of "When the Saints Go Marching In," proudly clapping, foot stomping and kilt wearing. This weekend, thousands traveled around the globe without leaving the city limits for the 26th annual Mobile International Festival. "They're learning about their genealogy and the world around them," said Walt Lonnborg, a member of the Highlands and Islands Association of Celtic Gatherings in Gulfport. "I see it as being very educational and a lot of fun." More than 70 countries were represented at this year's three-day festival, which wrapped up Saturday. The event drew as many as 13,000 people Thursday and Friday, and Saturday's attendance was expected to reach about 7,000, according to Estela Dorn, the executive director of the festival. As people rushed past carrying trinkets and apparel from around the globe, Sharon Reed, of Mobile, watched her daughter, Joyelle Reed, receive a temporary tattoo along her arm at the India exhibit. Someone asked if the tattoo would wash off before church. "I have met the minimum requirements for the Catholic Church," Joyelle Reed said. "The arms will be covered and the hands are clean." Neither mother nor daughter have ever left the continent, but they have attended the festival for the past 10 years. "It gives you a chance to travel without the expenses and without some of the other problems you have with travel," Sharon Reed said. Jyotsna Varma, a doctor at the University of South Alabama Children's and Women's Hospital, moved to the United States from India in the early 1990s, and soon after joined the festival. "I want to display my culture to the world," Varma said. "This is an excellent platform to promote awareness in the community of Indian culture." Indeed, the inter-continental atmosphere piqued curiosity: dozens lined up to have their names written in Japanese for 50 cents. And it created a bit of peculiarity in which a young man could wear a Vietnamese rice hat over his University of Alabama visor. Certainly, one could not ignore the fact that culture begets cuisine. The event is also known, to some, as Mobile's International Food Festival, Dorn said. It offered perhaps the most diverse menu in Mobile. A glance at just some of the edibles: aush and dolmeh from Iran, empanadas from Argentina, tamales from El Salvador, samosa from India, rum carrot cake and rum raisin pudding from Jamaica, gyros and baklava from Greece, cheese wanton and fried rice from Indonesia, bratwurst and knackwurst from Germany and pollo frito from Puerto Rico. All of it was being cooked and munched on while a Spanish flamenco dancer twirled or Matsuriza taiko drummers from Japan performed on the arena stage. "The pride," Dorn said, "is in everyone."
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| World
Full Of Fun And Food
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Mobile
International Festival Surround yourself with music when you come to the 26th annual Mobile International Festival. Prepare to have fun as you travel the world on Saturday, November 21st, at the Mobile Civic Center & Expo Hall from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. It will bring smiles to children and adlts as they embark on their Passport to Adventure and experience musical harmony among nations! See the Parade of Flags and Children's Chorus during Opening Ceremony. Your adventure starts as you enter our world! Visit the continents of Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America. Make new friends. Shopping for unique souvenirs is more enjoyable. Enjoy musical sounds from instruments and learn how music makes the world sing and dance. have fun at the hands-on-art activities and Annette's Storytelling/Puppet Room. Visit the David McCann Art Gallery. This year, learn about pirates by following a Treasure Map that ends meeting look-alike Capt. Jack Sparrow. Let your children dress up as pirates for fun. It is said that music is the soul of a culture! Non-stop entertainment from the Lobby, Main Arena and Expo Hall stages will prove this. matsuriza Traditional Japanese Drummers, Kenya Safari Acrobats, Guitarist John de Chiaro, Mithril Celtic Band, Get Rhythm with John Scalici, Aztec Indian Dancer John Jaramillo, Alianza Flamenca Dancers, Celtic Musician Red McWilliams, McGuire Irish Band, Didgeridoo Musician Tim Morris, Storyteller Akbar Imhotep, Accordionist Julie Council, Puppet Arts Theatre, and Beninese musicians are just a few of the performers! What is a festival without scrumptious and delicious food, desserts and exotic drinks from 31 countires? Head to the Main Arena and the Expo Hall where you will find a large selection to choose from that is guaranteed to satisfy your taste! Choose your favorite beer or wine from three concessions. Enjoy the fusion of international food and drinks plus non-stop entertainment in what many call as the incomparable "International Food Fest". Purchase food and drinks with cash. Food tokens valued at $0.50 each from previous years are also acceptable. no more lines to purchase food tokens! The bigger,
people-friendly mobile International Festival promises a world
of many cultures in an unforgettable must-see family experience
sure to be remembered for a long time. |
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Mobile
Civic Center Main Arena & Expo Hall will host the world
celebration of musical harmony during the 26th annual
Mobile International Festival on Saturday, November
21st from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The Opening Ceremony
starts with the Parade of Flags from 70 nations and
followed by the Children's Chorus.
Holy
Family Vitale Center was the scene of a grand reunion
of "Turkey-Trippers" to wish Dr. Abdullah
and Emel Ficici a fond farewell as they move with their
children, Kemel and Gulnihar, to Orange County, California.
Pictured with the Ficicis are some of the travelers
from each group and members of the Turkish community
who have served as guides. Front row: Barbara Caddell,
Robin DilSaver, Nancy Johnson, Bea Volkman, Emel Ficici,
Gloria Greenspun, Estela Dorn, Mahin Ghavamian, Paul
and Mary Filben; Back row: Sedat Kacar, Emir Dabak,
Mark Johnson, Osman Kucuk, Dr. Abdullah Ficici, Dr.
Kathleen Orange, Umit Gunebir, hank Caddell, Barbara
Drummond, Meme Finnorn and Perilla Wilson. In honor
of the occasion, Barbara Drummond, spokeswoman for the
City of Mobile, presented Abdullah with a Proclamation
from Mayor Sam Jones pronouncing that day as "Dr.
Abdullah Ficii Day in the City of Mobile." Dr.
Ficici has been instrumental in sending over 50 Mobilians
to his native Turkey over the last three years in five
groups for an enriching cultural and eduational 10-day
tour. many parishes from the area have been represented
including Corpus Christi, Holy Family, Spring Hill College,
St. Ignatius, St. Mary, St. Joan of Arc, the Cathedral,
Christ the King and Most Pure Heart of Mary. He was
also the organizing force behind the successful annual
Dialogue Dinner for Christians, Jews and Muslims for
the past four years. As faculty representative, he promoted
active participation by the Turkish Student Organization
at USA in the Mobile International Festival each year.
Members of this group have also taken part in the clean-up
days sponsored by Friends of Catholic Cemetery and have
annually distibuted noah's Pudding to neighbors and
friends, especially senior citizens in Odyssey at USA
during Ashure. (Photo provided by Perilla A. Wilson)
