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Our 55 Plus
Goan Association once more "set the stage" and created a
warm welcome to our members and guests (250 in total) , who
attended our Annual Christmas dance on the l5th December,
which was held at the Oasis Convention Centre, on Lakeshore
in Mississauga. The simple but classic decor and attractive
Christmas centre pieces, which were donated by Rose and Dom
De Souza, together with a complimentary bottle of Red and
White wine at each table, created a warm ambiance all
round!
The formal
part of the evening began with the President's speech
thanking all members and introducing the executive committee
and welcoming everyone for their presence that evening. Then
our Social Secretary, Mrs. Juliet Rebello delivering her
message of thanks, and introducing her sub-committee and
thanking them in turn for their hard work throughout the
year and especially for their ongoing support and
commitment.
The evening
started with the Grace, which was sung to the tune of
"Edelweiss" followed by a scrumptious sit down four-course
dinner, followed by a delectable dessert and coffee.
Music was
provided by D.J. Anthony -who entertained everyone 'ALL NITE
LONG"....to a variety of music!!
We had a
host of activities in store for the evening i.e. door
prizes, &50/50 draw i.e. $$$ were given to the lucky
winners, and if you think that that is all.... wait till you
hear the rest......!!
Our Goans
have an insatiable appetite for ballroom dances; hence, we
had a great demonstration performed by Mr. & Mrs. Bernard
Ribeiro ,who took to the floor and elegantly swayed to the
music with such grace and uncanny ease!! It ended with a
rousing applause from everyone.!!
The Highlight of the evening was the stunning performance by
the Ladies Fashion Show, which was spearheaded by none other
than the indefatigable and stalwart efforts of Mrs. Millie
Correa, with her 13 selected ladies for this event.
This talented lady, who is a member of 55 PGA, encouraged us
in putting up a stunning performance, encompassing long and
arduous hours of hard work, under her direction. Her
inexhaustible efforts have given us a night to remember.!!
She worked patiently at selecting the costumes, gave up her
valuable time during 2 days for practices in the evenings
to ensure the success of the fashion show. She has single
handedly created the festive, yet elegant ambiance we
enjoyed thru the night!! The array of Costumes was a clever
- but subtle blend of EASTERN & WESTERN INFLUENCE!!"
The ladies
showed up for rehearsals from as far as Brampton, on a
weekday. It was remarkable to see such an overwhelming
interest and contribution by our members but most of all to
work with a delightful and dedicated group of committee
members and volunteers. Everyone made each day of the 2 day
duration a pleasurable one and heartwarming to be a part of
a nostalgic setting. As Millie said, " there was NO
GNASHING OF THE TEETH" and "NO SCRATCHING OF THE EYES: -
instead there was laughter galore!! AND, she so politely
dubbed us as being " They were not only the "HOLLYWOOD OR
BOLLYWOOD MODELS"- but, they were the 55+ " JOLLYWOOD
MODELS"!!
We worked together as a unit, not as individuals and
produced a concerted effort as a group.
The
Spotlight was of course, focused on the youngest model in
our midst! - and that is, Mrs. Glynnis Ratos-Correa.
(Millie's daughter) She is a non-member, married with 3
little kiddies.!! She gave up her valuable time to
accommodate the 55+ event, by volunteering her services!
She stole the show as she 'strutted' her stuff to a rousing
applause! For this we commend her highly and her time is
much appreciated.!!
Here is a
description of the Models, which was choreographed by Mrs.
Juliet Rebello - our Social Secretary.
"Get
comfortable and be ready to be transported to the land of
SILKS & SATINS, RAJAHS AND RANIS..imagine that you are
watching a Fashion show on the"runway" in Delhi.
Today's show
is sponsored by PINAFARI BOUTIQUE. , owned by MRS. MAHARUKH
HAKIM.
MODELS ARE
NONE OTHER THAN LADIES FROM THE 55 PGA. You are going to see
a spectacular array of Sarees, Kurta-churidars, Salwar
Kameez, Cholis, Lehengas and Bridal Wear......so on to 'BOLLYWOOD"....
1.
Adorned in a luxurious Phirozi Peacock Blue silk saree,
embellished with gold and draped as an Egyptian wrap,
crossed at the neckline...all the way from the land of the
Pharaohs...is the CHIC, Claire.
2. Enrobed in a gorgeous purple and gold SILK Wedding
Dupka worn over a Shalwar Kameez is Beautiful. Blanche.
3. The
2nd Wedding garment is a vibrant red and cream georgette
saree, worn with sequined bodice and showing it is the
COY BRIDE.....MURIEL.
4. VIVIAN
is wearing Bollywood's hottest item, the Mermaid Lehenga..in
sky blue all a glitter with beads and sequins.
5. Gowned
in an exquisite pink georgette saree converted into a skirt
and elegantly draped over a beaded & sequined bodice is
Vera.
6. Tina is
dolled up in Royal Blue and turquoise mermaid styled Lehenga,
trimmed with shimmering crystal beads and is ready for the
"Party".
7.
Aloha....all the way from the land of sun 'n' Sand is Eliza
draped Hawaiian Style in a Black silk saree - embossed with
a silver border...Aloha Wahine!
8.
Linda..strutting her stuff from the Disco capital London
England, is wearing a stunning black & orange Churidar
embellished with multi-coloured semi precious stones.
9.
Shirley is gorgeous in a 2-piece Black halter neck Lenga
adorned with red & white semi precious stones.
10. For a
formal night on the town- Dolly is wearing a stunning Black
and Gold Mermaid Style Lenga with a Cholee...HELLO
DOLLY!!!!
11. Anne - is in a sensual Black & Silver Shalwar Kurta
in Raw Silk, and a beaded off the shoulder bodice.
12. Maureen
-is elegantly draped in luxurious Black & Copper Saree
encrusted with rhinestones.
13.
Bollywood's hottest item...an Egyptian styled Lenga in
Fuschia worn with a beaded tube bodice is worn by our
youngest model GLYNIS.
Our sincere
thanks go out especially to Mrs. Maharukh Hakim, for loaning
us the beautiful outfits, and entrusting them in our care.
Without her loyal support and kindness, accorded us, the
show would have been impossible!! On behalf of 55+ we take
this opportunity of extending our grateful thanks in
assisting and supporting our event. For those of you who
wish to contact her, please visit her on the website at
pinafaridesigns@hotmail.com
This ended
the formal part of the celebrations and the rest of the
evening was a sea of happy faces & toe-tapping bodies as
folks danced away to the rhythm of "D.J. Anthony" Everyone
had a rollicking good time to the wee hours of the morning.
It was plain to see the camaraderie and the pride of our 55+
Goan association appreciated by all who attended this
event!!
Last but not
least, I am proud to mention that I was fortunate to work
with Mrs. Millie Correa way back in l990 at the G.O.A.
PANJIM PAVILION. Whereby, I was fortunate to work with
her, and have been lucky 2nd time around to be draped with a
SARI to represent the GOA committee!!- The other 2 ladies -
were none other than her daughter Glynnis and Mrs. Vivien
Fernandes, who participated.!!
This
outstanding Lady is noted for her Wit at all the practices
we undertook then, which was a bigger performance than this
and we are proud and fortunate to have her in our midst.
On behalf of
our Executive Committee and our families .May we take this
opportunity of extending to you all our very best wishes for
a joyous Christmas, bountiful good health and a bright
and Prosperous New Year 2007.
We extend
our heartfelt thanks to all our members for their loyal
support given us in the past year and look forward to
working together in the New Year. Let us not forget the
less fortunate people out there and lend a helping hand to
all those that need it this festive season......The true
meaning of Christmas!!
God Bless,
Muriel
Lucas
General Secretary
55 Plus Goan Association. |
