Fall affairs

September is on the way out, fall is setting in, and the weather in NYC turns to gorgeous - just the way I like it: mostly sunny, and dry, and refreshingly cool (in the 60's and 70's F)!!

Yearly activities of all sorts are getting back in full gear, after the summer lull. Among these there is the usual N.A.A.C. annual dinner, when about 500 Albanian get together to celebrate accomplishments, and honor people that have played major roles in the lives of Albania, Kosova, and the entire Albanian Diaspora.

Albanians sharing my same table

The Bitici's family, owners of 'Macelleria' restaurant in the downtown trendy new area of Manhattan
This was the 13th annual awards gala, and the honorees were:
- Mr. Martti Ahtisaari, former President of Finland,2008 Nobel Peace Prize winner and Special Envoy of the UN Secretary General for the Kosova Status Talk, who was presented with the ‘Hands of Hope Award,’ for his historic contribution leading to Kosova’s Independence; and
- Mr. Fadil Berisha, world renowned Albanian photographer, and a delightful personality, who was presented with the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ for his superb artistic and philanthropic work to promote Albanian culture.

Honoring Mr. Anthiisari
This dinner was attended also, as usual, by various ambassadors, representatives of the Albanian and Kosova governments, artists, media and other personalities of the Albanian American community, who are present in NY this week for the annual U.N. General Aseembly. Among these it was a pleasure to greet and speak again with Pres. Sejdiu of Kosova, P.M. Berisha and new Min. of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Meta, Kosova and Albanian ambassadors to the U.N. and in Washington, and some of their spouses.

Unfortunately I cannot get good pictures inside this Cipriani restaurant, which serves great food, but is a cavernous huge hall, kept quite dark overall. It is located in an Italian Renaissance old building, dating back to 1921, which used to be the home of an old bank on 42nd Street many years ago. Its interior is a national and New York City landmark, with 65 foot ceiling, inlaid floors, glorious chandeliers and very ornate old teller windows, that can accommodate and serve very large gatherings.

Prime Minister Dr. Sali Berisha

(left to right)Mr. Bitici, Film producer Stan Dragoti, Mr. Neritani (recent ex Albanian ambassador at the U.N.)

Mr. Dragoti with Mrs. Bitici and her daughter Violeta
The entertainment portion of the program included musicians and singers from Albania, as well as this year's Miss Albania and Miss Kosova, on their way back home from the Miss Universe Pageant in the Bahamas.

Albanian musical entertainment with terrific bi-lingual singers

Another lovely couple at our table: the Gjelajs